The daily grind

Part of my job involves hauling participants around to places that help them get back on their feet or aid in meeting their basic needs. Today it was taking a woman to the local thrift stores - of which we have 3. We made it to 2 before she had my car at capacity. We started out at the largest, thinking we'd find LOTS of items but hit the jackpot at the 2nd. While she hunted up necessities, I dug through the fabric and craft areas again. You know - just to keep myself entertained. The big shop had lots of bins but mostly polyester and decorator fabrics. I did find a jar full of neat buttons and a small bag of embellishments. I have this idea to make up bags and pincushions. I'm not particularly good at doing either but in my head they are going to be SPECTACULAR! At the 2nd shop I think I won prize of the day. I found 2 BOLTS of fabric tucked away on a corner shelf. I only had a little pocket money and was sweating it as I wasn't sure of pricing at this shop but I REFUSED to lay those bolts down. I barely even looked at anything else. And even though it was just myself and my client in the shop I had almost this panicky feeling that someone would steal the bolts or I'd be told they weren't for sale. When I finally checked out - I'd picked up a remnant as well still with the walmart wrapper and price. The clerk said "50 cents is too much for that, how about a quarter." well okay - kinda steep for a thrift store but it's charity. Now I'm really sweating the cost of the bolts. I'm chanting to myself to stay calm. I've got $6 on me. I'll just send Greg back later - no big deal. just breathe. Clerk says - "how about $1 a piece on the fabric rolls" OMG! I nearly fainted. As I was carrying my prize to the car I noticed the kids toy bin. ON TOP, were two of the little pillows I'd made for my clients last Christmas. I'd attempted to make hot pads with Sunbonnet sue on them. I'd NO idea what I was doing and when my co-worker helped sew - she got frustrated and started gluing the pieces on with an office glue stick. Then I didn't have any batting so used the innards of an old pillow and the result were these odd little pillows. I'd made 15 of them. I figure most went in the trash so I was tickled to see these propped up in the toy bin, marked 50 cents each.