Thursday, June 28, 2012

It's a Small World - continued

I received a nice response from Ted from Long Meadow and the story continues:

Ted wrote,

"Enjoyed your "blog" and passed it on to some of my family. I hope it gives some of your customers and prospects some ideas. It simplifies buying Christmas presents for me. My wife died 3 years ago and she used to take care of buying the presents ........ Regards, Ted"

Pura Vida, Don Federico

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

It's a small world

I always thought the concept of "six degrees of separation" (http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_degrees_of_separation) was a little farfetched but sometimes connections and coincidences make me wonder.

We have been selling at the May festival, Long Meadowe Days for three years. Unbeknownst to us one man, Ted, made a large purchase and gave our products to his many children and grandchildren that Christmas. He then returned last year and ordered 17 coaster sets in custom Cocobolo boxes for his family.


This year my partners Pat and George worked Long Meadowe Days alone but Ted made a point to stop by to say hi and update us on how well they were received. We alway appreciate the feedback.


A couple of weeks later Ted contacted me directly to discuss possible gifts for this year. The following Saturday Elaine, Rocco and I were working on the State Street corner of the Rose Kennedy Greenway in Boston and a lady, Jessica, commented that she had received a coaster set for Christmas last year. She said "my grandfather knows someone in Long Meadow, Massachusetts who makes these same items". I asked if his name is Ted and when she said yes I laughed and said I wasn't going to tell her what her gift was this year.

This "It's a small world" experience put a smile on our faces. The spirit of the Ticos and Tico Art continues to spread.

Pura Vida, Don Federico

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Greenway Open Market

What an exciting beginning to our 2012 season.

In addition to Wednesdays being added to the Downtown Crossing Market, we are privileged to display on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. The event can be found at GreenwayOpenMarket.com.

For those of you that are not familiar with Boston, after our decade struggle with what was called the Big Dig, the major elevated highway that went through the city is now underground. What was the dirty underside of a highway with pavement and parking lots is now a necklace of beautiful parks, fountains and people.

Yesterday we (my new business partner Pat and I) set up in the light rain but by the 11:00 AM opening, the sun and people were both out. Many memorable customers from Indiana, Minnesota (mailing your bowl tomorrow), Scotland and a one couple that are bringing our products back to Israel.

Our stand yesterday:



The people and weather held until about a half hour before closing when the event organizers passed word down the line to break down a bit early as there were thunderstorms coming. In addition to being there to assist with the logistics, they always watch out for weather fronts and warn the venders.

We were lucky to get our products packed and everything tightly under the tent before the rain and wind hit us. After 20 minutes of torrential rain there enough of a break in the rain so i covered my head with our tablecloths and ran to get the van.

Pat called me Casper:


We "almost" got it packed in a light rain but he heavens opened up for my last three trips to get the tent and weights.

All good, as I rested today and will be on the Greenway next Saturday to meet new people.

Thanks all,

Pura Vida, Don Federico



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Location:Rose Kennedy Greenway