I was fortunate to meet Danielle, whose soul-warming laughter makes my work worth doing. Danielle graciously agreed to pose for this photo with me. Thank you Danielle!

What an interesting day at the Gladstone Hotel in Toronto yesterday! It was nice to see so many folks duck inside the air-conditioned hotel to check out the Small Press & Literary Festival on such a warm and beautiful day.

I had a wonderful time chatting with my neighbours Dwayne and Sarabeth. Both have huge hearts and a deep passion for their respective art forms. It was just an absolute joy getting to know them. You can see some of Sarabeth’s funny greeting cards here and Dwayne’s inspirational Stress Prevention Kit here.

The other vendors were an eclectic and occasionally eccentric bunch. The ballroom that we were exhibiting in had an alcove situated behind me and just out of view from my table. There, I met a sweet old woman exhibiting her beautiful hand-bound hardcover miniature books. Some had digitally reproduced public domain stories, and others were blank notebooks. Throughout the day I met and spoke with other friendly and talented vendors. Into the afternoon, and out of the blue, the ballroom was filled with erratic harmonica music. I poked my head around the corner and into the alcove to see that sweet old woman rocking feverishly in her chair playing a tiny harmonica that couldn’t have been much more than two inches wide. Her elderly husband sat next to her, seemingly oblivious, with his head deep in a novel. That was a brilliant sight that I won’t soon forget.

The visitors were fantastic. The reception to my new prints was great. There was one amazing person who really made my day. Her name is Danielle. That’s her in the photo with me at the top. She spent a considerable amount of time carefully reading through everything I had on display. Every time she looked at a print or poster, she laughed. A deep, hearty laugh that warmed my soul. She bought a book and it was a pleasure to dedicate it to her. I know it will be loved.

Thank you Danielle, and thank you Sheryl at Toronto Indie Arts Market for organizing another great event.