Tarot Cards and the Evil Eye

In the past four months, I’ve worked most weekends at holistic expos and book fairs. My intuition soared, and my muscles strengthened as I carried signs, tablecloths, and books. I made friends, welcomed old clients and greeted new ones. What surprised me were the differences between holistic expos and book fairs.

At holistic expos, I’m thrown into the 60s hippie era. Vendors often arrive late and slowly set up colorful displays, with handmade signs and draped scarves. Patchouli and aromatic oils fill the air. Vendors wear loose shirts or long skirts, and talk about the paranormal, reiki, and healing. With ease, I lure people into my booth for readings, but it’s more difficult to sell my book. In that venue, I’m conservative.

Book fairs are different. Everyone enjoys words and loves to read. Vendors have plain booth displays, with little color and easy lettering, and it smells like a bookstore. When I arrive early to set up my booth, other vendors stand ready. Some look askance at my “buy a book, get a free psychic reading”, although most try to accept it. Instead of the paranormal, we discuss plot lines, sales, and our next work. In that venue, I’m one of the least conservative.

In November, I had a booth at a library book expo. Well organized, it featured genteel volunteers, many authors, and a mishmash of lovely things for sale. People stopped to talk about my book, and I sold a good amount. The only downside was a woman close to my age, who stared at me every half hour from her booth.

As she prepared to leave, she gave me the evil eye. When I was younger, I used to talk music in bars with band members, as their girlfriends perfected their dirty looks. But this was way worse, and if looks could kill, I’d be dead. I assume the book expo woman didn’t like the invasion of my psychic readings. In retrospect, I should have been intuitive enough to approach her, instead of minding my own business. It’s hard to know what to do, when my venue changes every weekend.

I like being a rover, so it’s been a wonderful autumn. Thank you to all who attended the holistic expos and book fairs.