Rumba Rue

As a long time vendor at pirate and nautical events, first and foremost be sure you have something that no one else has or even has a similar facsimile. You'd be surprised how many people selling jewelry and costumes look a lot like everybody else's out there. I make sure my jewelry doesn't look like anyone else's either at an event or even on line. Be sure and check very carefully. Costumes sell only if very reasonably low price. Most people who visit are not going to shell out even a couple hundred bucks to look the part. Another thing about costumes - capes and bodices need a lining and true metal boning for quality! Booth prices vary depending on what event you are doing, here in Calif. you can expect to pay $150.00 to 3 to 400.00 for weekends for local events. Forget the big Renaissance Pleasure Faire in San Bernadino, CA. you will be paying into the thousands and will never make your money back! And the most important thing, don't try to make a living out of selling, you'll be highly disappointed, keep your day job. Yes I do belong to Pirates of Treasure Cove and even though I may be vice-president, I'm hardly playing with them as I am in my booth. I do 'boothing' because right now it's difficult for me to participate fully with them due to medical problems. I think if I could I wouldn't be selling as much as I'd rather be playing. Rumba Rue

Though I did not know him, tis a sad loss for sure.

Ah friend, don't worry, I haven't dropped off the planet (though I'm sure some would like it). Thank you so much for the birthday wishes. **Update on hip surgery: Got a surgery date of Sept.22 - thanks to a cancellation.

Thank you Silent....course it's hard to be silent when speaking. LOL!

Thank you Bess, you look so authentic in your garb!

A little birdie told me to come here, so I have. First thank you all for the birthday wishes. It's nice to know who my friends are, bless you. Second, let me tell you what has happened to me: I fell badly back on June 3, and tore a muscle in my right knee. On top of that, I now have bone on bone hip situation that needs surgery. My wonderful surgeon can't get me for surgery for hip replacement (the right side) until the end of October because she's so booked up on surgeries! As it is now, I have a tremendously hard time trying to walk due to extreme pain and kinking up in my hips. Sadly I will be missing out on pirate events until after I have surgery. So no Ojai for me and no Escondido faire, bummer. But next year I hope to be doing the happy dance! Bless you, Rumba Rue

WOW! The faire was PACKED today. Vendors doing well, and I most certainly did! Last day tomorrow and the weather has been absolutely gorgeous and warm.

That's too bad Bo. I do have your address, so I'll try and keep in touch with you that way, though not much of a letter writer. Just remember, we're the best port in the storm, so if you ever get back on line, come back for a good tot of rum and fun. Rumba Rue

I found a couple of awesome ship plates from Franklin Mint, limited editions at a thrift store for two dollars each. I have four ship plates from the Danbury Mint, rare finds, got the four for twenty-one dollars from a thrift store a few years back. I LOVE THRIFT STORES! You find the best stuff in them!!!

Amazing what you can do with those nifty embroidery machines. I want one! I want one!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!