…that my new ceramic giftware collection “Home Tweet Home” will be debuting in Atlanta in the Westland Giftware showroom ( Building 2; 15th floor) later this week.    Well, of course, I just have to fly up and check it out.  I am very excited about this collection as I have seen the samples and they look fantastic ~ I will share pics after the show ~ I promise!

Now, the hope is that it sells well in this tough retail economy and that enough stores stay in business long enough to actually sell it!  It has been a scary time for those of us who rely on sales & royalties to pay our bills (not that it hasn’t been scary for everyone).

I am interested in how the Atlanta show will be.  I think it pays to be in the game even in ~ or maybe especially in ~ times like these and that in the end the expense might just be worth it.  In the past, I have had interesting opportunities arise from serendipitous meetings that wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t been there.  I have landed work from someone who saw my portfolio over somebody else’s shoulder.  I have been introduced to wonderful contacts that I’d not met had I not been in the right place at the right time.

I also love the opportunity to catch up and network with friends from all over the country that I only ever get to see at a show. Then there is the buzz to hear, and just the vibe of the show itself.  Seeing what is being offered, what is trending up, what is waning and reading just how cautious or optimistic manufacturers are actually being by seeing for yourself what is in their showrooms.

Here’s hoping for the best ~ no matter what this year!  Anybody else out there going?

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