I may have the opportunity to me the artist(s).  They are building another Thomas for our stores grand opening.  I don't know if they will build it on site or deliver it.  I will have to wait and see.

This was made for the London (Ontario) opening of a Toy store.  There is no information on the Artist/Artists, any ideas?

I was finally able to find some more daytime work.  A new Toy store is opening!  I am going to be a PT Sale associate.  I know it doesn't seem terribly exciting, but it's better then me working in a cubicle and going postal, lol!

http://www.i-am-bored.com/bored_link.cfm?link_id=64429

It's nice when people are recognized

I would love to have the money to do something like this.

I don't have any, because then I would need my pump and my sharpie and my bow-tie and then if I'm bringing all that I'm going to work, not the grocery store.

Now that I have my computer up and running again, I thought I would post this.

It happened when I was at Ribfest and believe me when I say it's a true story.

It was a sunny afternoon.
I am sitting at my booth and I see a well dressed man making his way through the crowd.  He was wearing a camel coloured suit and moving with determination.
He walks right up to my booth and announces that he has a "Balloon Emergency!"
He was at the neighbouring hotel attending an outdoor wedding.  They had been in town a few days and his granddaughter had gotten a purple poodle balloon at the ribfest the day before and as she was getting dressed for the wedding, it POPPED!  Of course, she was the flower girl and she was holding up the wedding.  She would not get dress and would not stop crying until she got her purple poodle back!
He then asked me if I could make a purple poodle, to which I responded "yes".  He looked so relieved!
I promptly made a purple poodle and he handed me $20 and said I was a lifesaver!
That is the most I have even made for a single balloon ever!  I would have given him the poodle free, just to have this story to tell 
I only wish I new if she liked the poodle! 

I personally don't care if it's a "new product".  I have modified a bicycle pump to inflate my balloons, I would not stick a sticker over the name and sell it to you as a "new Product".
What FUNDAMENTAL change was made to it?  It was not posted in the section as a tool someone here was already using.  I know I am splitting hair, but this really ticks me off.

I don't know if it is possible, but maybe add a 160 to make the collar Kermit has?  The eyes are great!

I had one of those misters for my lizard tank.  Plus, Spam spam spam...

Liquid band-aid for the cuticles (be careful, it stings), ibprophin for the pain, warm water baths for you hands when you get home (not hot, that hurts).  Finger stretches help, there are good ones on YouTube, used by drummers.  Cuticle cream and hand lotion help to heal things quicker and I always have peroxide on hand for infections along the side of the nail.  Also, burp the balloon generously and tie it backwards (wrap it the opposite direction, hard to explain).  You fingers do toughen up.  I did 20 hours over 3 days, labour day week-end and have this week-end booked (both days).  It takes it's toll, but every gig gets easier.  My first 2 hour gig left me with bleeding cuticles and claw hands, lol.

Yesterday, I got a request for a cow, so I did a pig (using white) with with a longer snout and put black spots on it.  The woman was thrilled.
Sometimes you just need to have the person see what they want to see

I am currently doing a large 3 day event. Constant work throughout the day and I only bought 700 balloons and with the 300 I had, it's only 1000.  I have plenty left, I have used about 1/3 with one day to go, I may run out of a colour, but not run out of balloons.  If there is 500 people, you might not have time for 3 balloon creations, people are always super excited just to get a doggy if they have had to wait in line.

Turns out there is no point being mobile.  The setup had a tent that blocked access from two sides with great line of sight.  Brought a set $ float to make change.  Kept the big bills out of sight.  2 days and no problems.

Today was better.  Got some good signs and the crowd was in a better mood.  Made way more money then last time.  Worked 2 hours longer too.  Have to go back for 8 hours tomorrow, hope I make as much as I did today.

Index fingers are bleeding still, liquid band-aid is a life saver even if it stings enough to bring tears to your eyes.  My hands and feet are swollen and I have a head-ache from the bass music that was pounding all day.  Word of mouth is AWESOME!  Had lots of repeat customers.  Hope I still have fingers at the end of this.

Have funny stories too, but have to wait till it doesn't hurt to type

I was "Invited" in there opinion and and "working for them" to raise money for their charity.  The sad thing, is I am NOT making money. The company I get my balloons from has a minimum $50 order (before taxes) + shipping.  Since I only found out about the event on the Monday and had to be there for the Friday, I had to get them to send the balloons express, which of course added to the cost.  I also had to buy a new pump, but being the kind soul that I am, I did NOT include that in the expenses that I mentioned to the charity...  I was told that my expenses are not going to be covered and that they want 1/3 of the total, not deducting expenses first.  I am pretty ticked about the whole situation.