At the Market

Jason and I went on a breakfast date yesterday. We ate at this cute diner called Zak's in the Market, downtown Ottawa. After, we walked around hand-in-hand, just chatting, enjoying the sunshine, and looking at the various crafts in the different stalls.

We stopped at one booth of a man who made beautiful jewelery. Much of it looked just like what I used to make! I picked up a ring that looked identical to one I've made, and was looking at it. He began to explain the process, and the materials...and I replied "Yes...I also make jewelery just like this!" He got a big smile and said "OH!!! You should be here, with us, selling it then!!"

I explained that while I loved doing it for a season, the joy was gone when I had to mass produce it! I loved doing it to be creative, but not when I "had" to fill a quota.

He looked at me and said "Oh...so, then you have a job?"

I was silent.

I didn't know what to say. I stood there looking at him. Was this fellow artist accusing me of having a JOB? Well I never!! I was stunned...I stammered "Pftt...No....well...err...kinda...I'm self employed...so it's maybe, kinda a job...but not really...I dont' know...."

We walked away and Jason rolled his eyes. "Why didn't you just say 'Yes, I have a job'!"

"Because..." I squalked "I didn't like him accusing me of having a job!!"
"Huh???" Jason said
"*sigh* See....it's like he was secretly saying I was a sell-out of an artist, instead of the free-spirit I want to be!!"
"uh-huh....."

Looking back, I think the vendor-guy was just concerned, and if I didn't have another source of income, he was going to encourage me to come sell my wares with him.

I laughed for a few minutes at how defensive I became...as Jason, as always, just rolled his eyes at my sillyness.

After that, we stopped into a bookstore and looked around. I noticed that at one book display, Jason was re-positioning books that had become askew. You know...when the top book on a pile isn't in line with the others. He wasn't really thinking...just naturally fixing them.
When we walked away...I said "Oh...one sec", and ran back and messed up all the books again.

I laughed; Jason rolled his eyes.

It was a fun date!