Hey Gang,
Well celebration time, my 99th and 100th copy of Hey Gang! Ready to Go-Go? were sold today.
OK maybe not record setting but it does make me feel good. Remember there is no big PR or advertising going on. It's mostly me smiling and shaking hands.
The 99th book went to waitress Andrea of Harvard Inn restaurant on 71st St. in Cleveland.
I started joking with her and she said people come for the food but get abused here.
I said what is the connection with this other restaurant being advertised on your paper place mats? Then I added OH I get it, your slogan is if your think our food is bad you should try this other restaurant.
Andrea laughed and asked where I was from. One topic led to another led to her buying my book.
She then told a story of when she moved to California back in the 80's. The garage thought she was nuts when she wanted a hitch installed. Why did they think that? Her car was a Pontiac Fiero. Andrea told them do it or she would go somewhere else.
It took her 9 days to get to California pulling a U-Haul with her little Fiero as she would only drive from 6am to 2pm not to overwork the car.
She encountered dust storms and blistering heat but the scariest was when she came across a cattle stampede. Andrea buried her face in her hands and prayed. She thought for sure they would destroy her car.
But her biggest frustration occurred at her new apartment in California. One of the reasons she needed a bigger U-Haul was to transport the waterbed she just bought in Cleveland. The apartment she signed a lease with had a no water bed policy.
So she hauled that BIG waterbed all the way out there for nothing.
Andrea said she hopes we would be back. I said I will, you can read about my stories and I can hear about your stories.
Oh, how was the food. I ordered the fish fry. Chris the cook told me he hand breads it every morning. It was delicious and inexpensive but you have to get there early.
The Harvard Inn closes at 4pm.
Book 100 was sold to Cameron.
I was walking towards one of my janitorial accounts when I saw one of their employees Cameron walk in right before me.
He said he was in the neighborhood so decided to stop in.
Since I haven't seen him in sometime I told him about my book. Cameron immediately wanted one.
When we were done talking and the transaction for the book was completed he left.
I guess another perfect timing story.
Now my next milestone number is.....
Gotta Go-Go!!
Carey
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Perfect Timing
Painesville Co-Op – story one
I had just come out of the mens room at Painesville Co-Op. Right outside of it is a bulletin board where ads are posted for either wanting to buy or selling your collectible. I was looking over the ads when my phone rang. I answered it. The call was from the Antique Co-Op. I was a bit confused as I have spaces at both the Wickliffe and Painesville Co-Op.
The lady calling wanted to know the price of an item I had. It was obviously mislabeled. When she described what it was I immediately realized this was Painesville calling. Without letting on I was there I slowly walked up to the desk while talking to her still on my phone. Finally I got so close she got startled. She laughed and hung up.
The item was a card holder, sort of like a recipe box but instead this was filled with cards describing house plants and how to care for them. Somehow we mislabeled it as Arnold Schwarzenegger. I said well obviously Arnold must be labeled as the card holder.
I told her the price was ten dollars. Perfect that was what the customer was willing to pay. She hollered the price to the customer who was just checking out. The customer yelled back I'll take it.
Perfect timing!
Painesville Co-Op – story two
This past Thursday was my last day at the Painesville Co-Op. I was busy wrapping up my stuff. Each customer I greeted with - This is my last day, if you see anything you like make an offer. I had only a few more items left to wrap when a gentleman walked by.
I said there is not much left unpacked but if you want to make an offer please do so. He was not looking to buy anything he was just browsing the store. He asked what will I be doing now. I replied this is only for extra money but I am going to another store. I handed him my janitorial flier and the postcard advertising my book. He was curious about the book but before he said anything more about it he said if ever in Salamanca, NY check out their antique mall.
I replied I know all about that mall and went on to tell him the story of my fathers connection to Salamanca. He was impressed and said sounds like the start of another book or at least write 100 words, people would find it fascinating.
We then made formal introductions and went back to talking more about my book. Tom is close to retiring and is starting a new business.
What is Tom's new business? It is a website devoted to books called http://books2hear.com/goog_1741685038">. We shook hands and both of us were on our way.
Perfect timing!
Wickliffe Co-Op - story three
Saturday I briefly stopped in the Wickliffe Co-Op. I wanted to drop off a few items to be placed in my booth. I walked in and headed directly towards my space when a saleswoman passed me with a salt n pepper shaker. I recognized it immediately as the set I was selling and that she didn't have the complete set.
I said Ma'am excuse me but there is another piece to those. The customer was still standing besides my display. He thanked me because he would have left with out both pieces.
Perfect timing!
Grafton - story four
Saturday was a memorial for a friends son in Avon Lake which is almost 40 miles from my house. A day before the memorial I was informed there was a landscape/garden center accepting barter in Grafton which is closer to Avon Lake than my house. I first went to the garden center. Afterwards instead of heading immediately to the memorial I told Ruth its been years since I was in the little downtown, if you could call it that, of Grafton so lets go there next.
I parked on Main Street and took a walk looking through windows of closed and open businesses and those vacant. Sitting on a bench was an elderly woman. She asked what are you looking for? I said what ever I can see, like you. Actually I haven't been here in years and was reminiscing of the stores I remember. I also thought of walking the railroad tracks to find the board with my DNA on it.
One time I was walking the tracks looking for old bottles I slipped and when I stood up I had a board with a nail on it stuck to my ass. She laughed and said well one time I was sitting on the couch at home. Besides me was a plate of food. I stood up and felt something. My sister said Hey you have a pork chop bone sticking in your butt. We laughed and proceeded to reminisce about the stores that were on Main Street.
Some I remembered like Durkees which was a fabulous place with all kinds of knickknacks and gadgets. Other stores the lady remembered I had no recollection. The original mill that was right on the edge of the rail road tracks and Main Street was demolished. What remained of the old grain silo was moved about 50 yards and I believe is just there as a historic marker.
Outside of town corporations have invaded which is draining Main Street even more, I guess like in Everywhere USA.
The ladies name was Verline. She is a widow and sits on the bench on Main Street just about every day witnessing to people about Christ. She told me how she tries her best to lead the young to God. Everyone has a purpose and no one is useless not matter how old or what condition you're in. Verline found hers. I told her about my book and she immediately wanted one. We needed change so I went and bought her a pop. I signed the book this way... Only in America can you talk to strangers about things that got stuck in your butt. God Bless.
If ever passing through Grafton look for Verline on Main Street, stop and say hi. If you don't your visit will be incomplete.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsxAUxkARiM
I had just come out of the mens room at Painesville Co-Op. Right outside of it is a bulletin board where ads are posted for either wanting to buy or selling your collectible. I was looking over the ads when my phone rang. I answered it. The call was from the Antique Co-Op. I was a bit confused as I have spaces at both the Wickliffe and Painesville Co-Op.
The lady calling wanted to know the price of an item I had. It was obviously mislabeled. When she described what it was I immediately realized this was Painesville calling. Without letting on I was there I slowly walked up to the desk while talking to her still on my phone. Finally I got so close she got startled. She laughed and hung up.
The item was a card holder, sort of like a recipe box but instead this was filled with cards describing house plants and how to care for them. Somehow we mislabeled it as Arnold Schwarzenegger. I said well obviously Arnold must be labeled as the card holder.
I told her the price was ten dollars. Perfect that was what the customer was willing to pay. She hollered the price to the customer who was just checking out. The customer yelled back I'll take it.
Perfect timing!
Painesville Co-Op – story two
This past Thursday was my last day at the Painesville Co-Op. I was busy wrapping up my stuff. Each customer I greeted with - This is my last day, if you see anything you like make an offer. I had only a few more items left to wrap when a gentleman walked by.
I said there is not much left unpacked but if you want to make an offer please do so. He was not looking to buy anything he was just browsing the store. He asked what will I be doing now. I replied this is only for extra money but I am going to another store. I handed him my janitorial flier and the postcard advertising my book. He was curious about the book but before he said anything more about it he said if ever in Salamanca, NY check out their antique mall.
I replied I know all about that mall and went on to tell him the story of my fathers connection to Salamanca. He was impressed and said sounds like the start of another book or at least write 100 words, people would find it fascinating.
We then made formal introductions and went back to talking more about my book. Tom is close to retiring and is starting a new business.
What is Tom's new business? It is a website devoted to books called http://books2hear.com/goog_1741685038">. We shook hands and both of us were on our way.
Perfect timing!
Wickliffe Co-Op - story three
Saturday I briefly stopped in the Wickliffe Co-Op. I wanted to drop off a few items to be placed in my booth. I walked in and headed directly towards my space when a saleswoman passed me with a salt n pepper shaker. I recognized it immediately as the set I was selling and that she didn't have the complete set.
I said Ma'am excuse me but there is another piece to those. The customer was still standing besides my display. He thanked me because he would have left with out both pieces.
Perfect timing!
Grafton - story four
Saturday was a memorial for a friends son in Avon Lake which is almost 40 miles from my house. A day before the memorial I was informed there was a landscape/garden center accepting barter in Grafton which is closer to Avon Lake than my house. I first went to the garden center. Afterwards instead of heading immediately to the memorial I told Ruth its been years since I was in the little downtown, if you could call it that, of Grafton so lets go there next.
I parked on Main Street and took a walk looking through windows of closed and open businesses and those vacant. Sitting on a bench was an elderly woman. She asked what are you looking for? I said what ever I can see, like you. Actually I haven't been here in years and was reminiscing of the stores I remember. I also thought of walking the railroad tracks to find the board with my DNA on it.
One time I was walking the tracks looking for old bottles I slipped and when I stood up I had a board with a nail on it stuck to my ass. She laughed and said well one time I was sitting on the couch at home. Besides me was a plate of food. I stood up and felt something. My sister said Hey you have a pork chop bone sticking in your butt. We laughed and proceeded to reminisce about the stores that were on Main Street.
Some I remembered like Durkees which was a fabulous place with all kinds of knickknacks and gadgets. Other stores the lady remembered I had no recollection. The original mill that was right on the edge of the rail road tracks and Main Street was demolished. What remained of the old grain silo was moved about 50 yards and I believe is just there as a historic marker.
Outside of town corporations have invaded which is draining Main Street even more, I guess like in Everywhere USA.
The ladies name was Verline. She is a widow and sits on the bench on Main Street just about every day witnessing to people about Christ. She told me how she tries her best to lead the young to God. Everyone has a purpose and no one is useless not matter how old or what condition you're in. Verline found hers. I told her about my book and she immediately wanted one. We needed change so I went and bought her a pop. I signed the book this way... Only in America can you talk to strangers about things that got stuck in your butt. God Bless.
If ever passing through Grafton look for Verline on Main Street, stop and say hi. If you don't your visit will be incomplete.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsxAUxkARiM
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Have you ever had one of those day?
Hey Gang
Have you ever had one of those day? I did last night.
The day started fine working the Wickliffe antique co-op until 6:30. The plans afterwards was supper then head to Cleveland for work. The first thing to go wrong was I came down with a headache so a nap was in order that made us late, then I forgot the phone number to a van I am interested in buying which was followed by us forgetting the front door code of the building we were scheduled to clean. Good thing someone was entering the underground garage so I was able to zoom ahead of him to get in.
The jobs scheduled were a condo and the main office. The condo had a leak from the ceiling obviously coming from the condo above it. Then the patio door that I had unlocked broke, no matter how I tried it would not lock back up. We completed the condo cleaning and proceeded to load the elevator with our equipment.
I went up first to the 9th floor to unlock the office door when I realized I forgot the key. Back down to my van to search for the key. It was futile, I remember leaving it in my car at home. I go back to the 5th floor to inform Ruth – whoops I forgot the key.
I lock up the condo while Ruth finished loading the elevator. I grab the remaining bucket, and join Ruth in waiting for the elevator to open. It didn't. Tried again and again nothing.
So I go down to the second floor and knock on the landlords door. Good thing he was awake. I explain the elevator isn't working. He tried the buttons and nothing for him either. He said follow me we will walk the steps and see if the elevator is stopped on a floor. Nope, floor after floor no luck, the elevator broke. All our equipment and Ruth's wallet were stuck in the elevator. but there was nothing he could do at 1 am.
I get home, get undressed, turn on the TV and let out a big OH NO, I forgot the food. My sister called twice while in the condo to remind me don't forget to stop by, I have pie and a few other things for you that I will leave on the porch. Oh well, I hope the cats don't get it.
So have you ever had one of those days? Or nights?
Gotta Go-Go! Carey
Have you ever had one of those day? I did last night.
The day started fine working the Wickliffe antique co-op until 6:30. The plans afterwards was supper then head to Cleveland for work. The first thing to go wrong was I came down with a headache so a nap was in order that made us late, then I forgot the phone number to a van I am interested in buying which was followed by us forgetting the front door code of the building we were scheduled to clean. Good thing someone was entering the underground garage so I was able to zoom ahead of him to get in.
The jobs scheduled were a condo and the main office. The condo had a leak from the ceiling obviously coming from the condo above it. Then the patio door that I had unlocked broke, no matter how I tried it would not lock back up. We completed the condo cleaning and proceeded to load the elevator with our equipment.
I went up first to the 9th floor to unlock the office door when I realized I forgot the key. Back down to my van to search for the key. It was futile, I remember leaving it in my car at home. I go back to the 5th floor to inform Ruth – whoops I forgot the key.
I lock up the condo while Ruth finished loading the elevator. I grab the remaining bucket, and join Ruth in waiting for the elevator to open. It didn't. Tried again and again nothing.
So I go down to the second floor and knock on the landlords door. Good thing he was awake. I explain the elevator isn't working. He tried the buttons and nothing for him either. He said follow me we will walk the steps and see if the elevator is stopped on a floor. Nope, floor after floor no luck, the elevator broke. All our equipment and Ruth's wallet were stuck in the elevator. but there was nothing he could do at 1 am.
I get home, get undressed, turn on the TV and let out a big OH NO, I forgot the food. My sister called twice while in the condo to remind me don't forget to stop by, I have pie and a few other things for you that I will leave on the porch. Oh well, I hope the cats don't get it.
So have you ever had one of those days? Or nights?
Gotta Go-Go! Carey
Friday, April 10, 2015
Sands RV is now a carrier
Hey Gang,
My book Hey Gang is now available at Sands RV in Madison.
I stopped by on Thursday and Bob the owner of Sands bought a batch. It was one of the easiest sales ever. His store has all kinds of doodads and gadgets for trailers, vans, and motor homes.
So far Hey Gang is now at the Wickliffe Flower Barn, Mac's Backs in Coventry, Fireside Books in Chagrin Falls, Painesville Antique Co-op booth 152.
I have a book signing this Saturday the 11th at Painesville Antique Co-op, tentative date April 25th in Wickliffe at Antiques and Uniques and May 16th in Mayfield at Half Price books.
The book is really starting to Go-Go!!
Carey
My book Hey Gang is now available at Sands RV in Madison.
I stopped by on Thursday and Bob the owner of Sands bought a batch. It was one of the easiest sales ever. His store has all kinds of doodads and gadgets for trailers, vans, and motor homes.
So far Hey Gang is now at the Wickliffe Flower Barn, Mac's Backs in Coventry, Fireside Books in Chagrin Falls, Painesville Antique Co-op booth 152.
I have a book signing this Saturday the 11th at Painesville Antique Co-op, tentative date April 25th in Wickliffe at Antiques and Uniques and May 16th in Mayfield at Half Price books.
The book is really starting to Go-Go!!
Carey
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Been busy the last few days
Hey Gang,
Been busy the last few days cleaning
up the old Big Lots in Wickliffe getting it ready for the
antique/crafts and collectible co-op called Antiques & Uniques.
Tom and Barb the owners are setting up a top notch operation. When I
was contracted to do the floor I thought OK clean up, set up booths
and be done. Nope, they have gutted the place and are rebuilding it.
Wow. Stop out if you want to take a peak before the opening. They
still have some spaces available for vendors. I think this is going
to be a success for Wickliffe.
These are the notes I posted on Facebook.
Haunted tonight. As I told the actor who played Otto, Tonight was a very unsatisfying/satisfying night. You did a great job but you moved me almost to the point of tears. Well done. He replied yes I understand what you mean, mixed emotions.
I recommend it, especially for my socialist liberal friends.
It was very well acted. There has to be
a special place in hell for those Nazi's.
Sunday – friends were curious
how my book signing went at the craft show in Streetsboro. I made
PEANUTS and I learned a lot. This was the first show I set up at and
learned the lesson of asking about advertising, how many vendors will
be there, what will they sell but the most important question where
did you advertise. I asked one vendor didn't they advertise? Her
reply was they put it on Facebook. WHAT! I am not kidding when I say
10 people came in. 10!
All the vendors sat in their booth or
walked around visiting other vendors. Some had a lot of effort in
setting up their booth. It was so dead the last half hour I went to
my car and slept. What did I miss when I went back in – nothing,
the vendors were packing.
So I made peanuts, literally. I swapped
one book for two bags of peanuts from another vendor. At least I made
peanuts.
Gotta Go-Go!
Carey
Monday, March 9, 2015
That should teach him, or will it?
Hey Gang,
That should teach him, or will it?
I am not a fan at all of cigarettes,
I tolerate them some but I do what I can to keep my distance. At my
backyard parties though or outdoor outings I am more laid back. If
someone's got to smoke go ahead and do it just not near me.
Well my last backyard party was in
July. A friend who will remain anonymous attended. He is a chain
smoker. If that's not bad enough his habit of flicking his cigarette
butts to all parts of the yard really annoyed me. So the following
day I decided to accumulate the strewn butts, tape them to a piece of
paper and mail them back to this human smoke house.
Well one week led to a month led to
months when I remembered I never mailed the butts. So last week I
wrote a simple note that said:
“Hello, during my backyard party
last summer you left these in my yard, I wasn't sure if they were
important or not so I mailed them to you.”
I put the note in an envelope along
with the butts. That took care of that.
I didn't hear anything back from Mr.
Smoke until while at work a few days ago.
Hello – Very funny, what's wrong with
you ^%$+** I received your #@!%%^ letter, what compassion you show
for others – YOU blankity blank I just got out of the hospital and
had to return home to that!
Well I am sorry, I didn't know you were
in the hospital so sorry. What were you in for.
I couldn't breathe!
OH well listen I am at work, I need to
go. I hung up before I let out a loud BAH HA HA!
What timing aye! I mean he gets out of
the hospital because he couldn't breathe only to be greeted by his
spent cigarettes. Honestly I didn't plan it, just call it perfect
timing.
Hmmm, but do you think he got the
message?
Gotta Go-Go!
Carey
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Third Day at the Akron Civic Theater
Hey Gang,
I want to say thanks to Walt and Jamie
for a wonderful outing on Saturday night.
They invited Ruth and I to see the
Christian music group “Third Day” at the Akron Civic theater.
Upon entering the theater my mouth
dropped open, we were all in awe. The place is simply beautiful. I
wanted to travel light so I didn't bring my cam and I am sorry I
didn't. The colors, the artwork, the high ceilings, the turrets and
statues, the domed ceiling with stars and moving clouds YES moving
clouds is spectacular.
I took this description from Wikipedia
which is accurate. An atmospheric theatre is
a type of movie palace that was popular in the 1920s in America. "Rather
than seating the theatre patrons in a boxlike, formal setting as
passive observers of stage entertainment, the atmospheric design
transported them to an exotic European courtyard or garden. A plain
cerulean sky replaced the ornate dome of traditional theatre design.
Wispy floating clouds produced by a projector replaced crystal
chandeliers and gilt.
The theater was built in the
1920's and believe it or not almost torn down in the 80's. It has undergone almost 20 million dollars worth of improvements and restoration so I can imagine what it would cost to build from scratch today.
The band “Third Day” were terrific.
Their sound and words to their songs are excellent, very uplifting.
So thanks again Walt and Jamie for a wonderful night.
So thanks again Walt and Jamie for a wonderful night.
Gotta Go-Go!
Carey
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)