No good deed goes unpunished. I am upset today. No, that’s not strong enough. I am fit to be tied. That doesn’t really work either. I am mad. There! That’s it.
The whole plan was never really my idea to start with, but somehow I got talked into being in charge of a Christmas Bazaar for The Home. I wasn’t in on the planning but when permission from the big house came though, it was turned over to me. One of the original participants is participating and the other began and has continually repeated that she is having nothing to do with the event. Maybe being in charge was pride (I hope not), but I looked around and said I could take the pressure better than anyone else. Realistically, that was true and still is. Doesn’t me I should have taken the job, but I wanted to help.
We are less than two months from the start of the program. My jewelry maker told me once already that she was dropping out because she didn’t like the person I set at the next table over. I changed her table. No, she didn’t want to do it anyway. We had been recruiting at a sister facility and finally two ladies sent notice they wanted to participate. Good. I had been holding two tables for that place. Once I looked at what people were making I saw that I had three women crocheting, knitting and/or sewing. I wanted to spread them out as much as possible. So I moved the jewelry maker to as close to isolation as possible, put a knitter in her original place, switched a knitter with someone making fire starters. On paper it all looked better. The only way to explain it was, all hell broke lose. I didn’t know that the moved of one person over one table (to a better position. More clearly seen position) could cause so much trouble and make my life so miserable. Boy did it.
Before Mrs. Pain-in-the-neck called me, she contacted several other people to find out why I destroyed her life. So besides her, I have others trying to reach me to appease the situation. I am in the middle of a hornet’s nest and getting bit from several different angles. I feel like I’m back working in the church.
I offered to move her back. That did not satisfy. So in my own, more than sarcastic way, I said, so your real reason for complaining was just to make my life miserable. No, I’m just bitchy (is that really a word?). And you decided to share that with me. You hurt me. Just cross me off your list. I do not want to participate.
OK, so I’m somewhat relieved. I expected problems from that source, but not until the set up and actual day of the event. Admittedly that is one source of trouble that is gone. A small soft yeah to rejoice.
Back to the jeweler! She liked her new place well enough, and is comfortable with both neighbors, but can no longer take the pressure. If she thinks she’s under pressure, she should be in my shoes. On second thought, I need these shoes.
I’ll get over this. It’s a political thing. Add to that these people are mostly bitter and unhappy and need to take their frustration out on someone. Why not me? My biggest problem is that there were only 10 participants in the first place. We are in a small space and 12 make the room look full. I finally got the 12 and am back to 10 and nearly half are doing the same thing. Our diversity is going, going and nearly gone. I am considering bringing in some professionals with different items for sale. That would probably break some house rule. I am setting my art up as well. Of all participants, mine will likely sell the least. It is a special niche crowd. Maybe some Christmas Cards will go. I would love to pick up a portrait commission. But I am doing this to help pull the group together and provide a fun and maybe profitable way to use some gifts. All I have to do now is survive the vendors.
I don’t know. In the mean time, I think I’ll hide out a few days, then put signs up pointing out my problem children, maybe find a horse head for someone’s bed. You know, something creative and fun like that.
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