Only a hot-air balloon ride could’ve made turning forty better. Well, an acceptance letter from an agent would’ve been nice, but at least today’s rejection didn’t sting. 
So for this post I will go no further back in time than yesterday. Hanging art in a coffee shop and having to work around the people with their laptops and lattes was scary. Putting prices on things was stomach dropping. Sounds like I should add that something was priceless…
Writing friends came, mom friends came, work friends, students, neighbors, couple friends… some people even bought art. Some amazing souls actually put money down on something I made. Whoever heard of such a thing?
Money makes me go from Wow!-Really?-That’s great! joy to Oh-no-I couldn’t guilt.
Update–It’s hard to believe that one of the larger pieces sold last night to a complete stranger. That’s just insane.
Marta Pelrine-Bacon 
Success.
Many, many heartfelt congratulations to you! I’m very proud!!
That one little “Sold” note affixed to the shelf — well, that says it all, doesn’t it? Congratulations — what a great way to celebrate, what a great way to start a year!
Yay! Congrats.
Wow, that’s amazing. I had two shows in two cafe/restaurants back in my pre-teacher days. And one person offered to buy a self portrait of me, but I refused him, because he was a freak who was obsessed with me and thought he was my soulmate. There was a little stalking involved. Yikes.
But aside from that, no sales. I do know how it feels to have your art up in such a public venue and it is….just wow.
Congratulations many times over.
That’s wonderful, marta! And I think I already happy birthdayed you on Facebook, but in case (or in addition?) Happy Birthday (again)!
This is SO fabulous!! I’m so happy for you…I’m not surprised. You put yourself into all that you do and people feel that and see it in your work. They can connect with it and that makes them want to have it in their homes where they can look at it and connect again and again.
This is just the beginning…keep putting your work out there…the world needs it. Congrats! Celebrate you!! I am 🙂
Thank you everyone. Your support has meant a great deal.
Marta,
Just wanted to let you know another complete stranger bought some of your work today. I was in Joe’s and just had to take it home with me. I really like the pieces you’ve done with trees but all of those were sold. Let me know how I can buy some more. Thanks for putting your work out there!
I’m a little late, but happy 40th! I’m glad your art show was a success (as I knew it would be). It’s an auspicious entrance to a new decade. You deserve all the income your art generates. Keep it up!