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Opening Day: Treasure Hunting in Texas
This week’s email is for those who love a good visual. Lots of pieces in each photo, bringing you back for a second or even a third look. As usual, more is more and I brought even more. Layering those layers for you, inviting the peeling back as you immerse yourself in HKFA. Shop with me in Round Top, Texas at Marburger Farm.

This one is the fifth. The traditional view is one of strength and stability thanks to deep roots. And I have to say, that I’m definitely feeling grounded here. The Marburger Farm team has grown into an extended family. One supporting the next as we all grow together. Knowing that I have the support of so many allows me to branch out even further. Taking risks, climbing higher. I do hope to see you today and throughout the week. Here are some pics of my set up. ❤️ hkv

It may be the thirty years of waitressing experience. Or it might be just as many years going to those very same clubs where I worked. Either way, being ‘on the list’ was definitely the thing. Those sub zero Philly and New York City winter evenings, a line of eager and potential club goers cued up along the sidewalk. Each trying to out posture the next. Freezing, but looking oh so hot. Through chattering teeth, each manages the same line as they plead with the doorman… ‘but I’m on the list’. Those club days may be over for this 52 year old single mom entrepreneur, but there will always be a list. Except this time around, I’m the one making the list.

As you read this, right now I’m deep in the throes of opening day at Marburger Farm in Round Top, Texas. As usual I brought way too much stuff yet still managed to squeeze it all in my thirty foot booth. From over the top and oversized art to the smallest tabletop tchotchkes, there’s not a square inch that’s not covered. Even with a myriad of choices, there are stand out pieces that draw the attention. I knew going into the show that these objects would attract, but I wasn’t prepared for the extent of the attraction. Desire, Imagination and Feeling are just some of the foundational elements of these laws. While I can’t say that I wrote any of them, I am somewhat beholden to them. Or should I say that the objects in my booth are under their spell. Each sending out their own intrinsic energy. Ready to be received by those would be customers. And clearly these specific pieces are vibrating at a high level.

This is where the list comes in. And now I understand a little of how those doormen felt. They stood at the entrance, flanked by huge bouncers, a sheet of paper in their hand. The potential party goers would approach, plead their case and either be granted entry or dismissed to the sidewalk. The doorman held the responsibility of the vibe of the evening, creating a positive mix inside the club. He wanted to ensure a smooth night, with plenty of high energy. This all came down to the list. Now my list is a bit different. Because I am writing the list as the potential buyers approach. Each asking for a price (and most times my best price) on my best pieces. Remember, that even though the show has opened as you’re reading this, I’m writing this before opening day. With all of this, a mantra on which I’ve built my business bounces around inside my head. Your first offer is your best offer. I’ve subscribed to this for well over twenty years. And yes, I did learn the hard way. Greed is not your friend. As I remind myself to let go (thanks to a long talk about the business with my boyfriend), I also remind myself that not one of these potential cherry pickers has made me an offer. They are simply asking for my lowest price. And that’s when they go on the list.

Imagine a sheet of lined paper. Pencil drawn columns segmenting the sheet. There’s a nickname for those high vibrating pieces of art at the top of each column. And on those printed lines go the names of the potential buyers. Whomever asked first, is granted that oh so coveted option of first refusal - but this is only after opening day. Because I must maintain my integrity to those customers who travel far and wide, wait in line and pay the advance ticket price for entry. This show marks my fifth here at Marburger Farm. The traditional view is of strength and stability thanks to deep roots. And yes, I do feel grounded here. Supported by many, I am able to branch out further and climb higher. So I owe that very first line. That top spot on the list to the folks who hustle to my booth just after the opening bell rings. ❤️ hkv