Merchant’s Log February 24 http://www.thetreasuremerchants.com
4th entry
Evening,
There is something to be said for Market Day……..
Spending the day at the Bazaar was both exhausting and exhilarating. The sights, sounds and intoxicating aromas have so filled my senses that I know tonight, my dreams shall transport me once again to all the events and happenings of the day.
After making my purchases for the shop this morning, I rushed back to my tent to see a line of customers waiting to be let in. Sean had seen that they all had refreshments, and I shot him a grateful grin as I shuffled passed and into the back, with my arms loaded with treasures.
The day saw a myriad of cultures, some showing the very best of their wares, and others seeking to acquire them. Woven turbans and brightly colored robes flowed past me in shimmering elegance as dignitaries from some far off lands perused my offerings.
Small animals chirped from shoulders of others, pockets and pouches of spices were slung over arms or swinging from belts in a fragrant tour of the great tent. The sound of tinkling anklets and headdresses lent their musical embellishments to the atmosphere
I met many a kind person who lingered long over certain of my treasures, and soon the treasures were wrapped and packaged in tidy bundles for them to carry.
A lovely lady that had come to my shop for Moroccan tea glasses came by, and purchased several of my nutritious green tea mints and green tea bars. It was nice seeing her again. I gave her a sample of some tea for her to take home and enjoy with them.
An Indian Handmade Treasure Box went to it’s new owner, an Aladdin’s lamp Incense Burner, a Handmade Coin Purse from Peru, and a Baby Sweet Potato Ocarina all went to new homes rather early in the day.
Just as I was laying out more refreshments, a kind lady asked about the preserves. They are from “Armenia and considered the best”, I told her. She took the last of the Young Walnut and also some Blackberry. “How well they go with tea and toast”, I thought as my stomach rumbled in anticipation. I really do need to eat before these events. I reached for a green tea bar for sustenance.
I saw Ms. Van Buren again, For some reason I always feel so comforted when she is near. She spied the Shepherd Bells I had acquired and asked me about them. I excitedly related to her my personal history regarding the bells, and my discovery of this lot only today.
She asked to hear them, and I obliged. After one clear tone that rang through the noise of the marketplace, she knew why I loved them and had to have them as well. She purchased three of them in different sizes to hang together from her porch.
A merchant carrying a chest of jeweled and beaded garments approached to show me his wares. Indeed I have never seen such handiwork, utilizing beads, metal, bells and other fittings to dazzle the eye. And the colors!
I admit, I was smitten by their beauty and purchased almost all he carried, along with hand symbols and jewels for the body. I learned that all these were used in the art of Belly Dance, and was intrigued at the stories he told of the prowess of these elegant, nubile dancers.
I met a few of the fair traders I had been hearing so much about. It seems that they really do not use women and children as slaves in manufacturing their wares, and even give the poor souls a fair wage and healthier work conditions.
I shook hands with them and purchased many types of beautiful, handcrafted bags of all shapes and sizes. There were also Woven Scarves from the Island of Cristabel, Silver Jewelry from the Surin Mountains of Thailand, and Hand-woven Baskets from Kenya.
It felt good to support their mission, and I couldn’t help but think that father would be proud. His trade routes had been taking him farther and farther out in search of new and undiscovered treasures.
After being gone for months at a time, he would return with stories of the conditions of some of the villages he’d visited. He was outraged at the treatment of the workers, and often would stay longer just to help build better shelters and work to improve their environment before leaving.
I’m sure his presence alone must have brought them hope and dreams of future commerce and prosperity for their villages.
Yes, he would be proud to know there was a change coming, and we could really be a part of it.
I found myself closing my eyes to breathe a silent prayer, “God, please keep my father safe until he is found”.
I opened my eyes and into another pair. “Hello”………
Buzz: where can you find the products featured in the Bazaar?
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www.thetreasuremerchants.com
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