I Am Woman Hear Me Roar
Early on Monday morning of last week, my friend Janis and I set out for quilt market. We decided to drive this time because my booth had so much stuff and "what was 11 or so hours in the car?". Nothing. Not after the 18 hour trip we braved to Farm Chicks a couple years ago. And that time we were in separate cars. Nevermind I had it in my head that Spokane was just a bit up and to the right from San Francisco. As it turned out it was up, to the right, and almost to Canada.
This time we had Big Alice, our rented 12 foot trailer. She was Big Alice because apparently it's not nice to say Big Ass Trailer over and over again on Twitter. Whatever. Big Ass Trailer. Big Ass Trailer. My blog. I get to say it. And for whatever reason, I love saying it. Big. Ass. Trailer. I drove a Big. Ass. Trailer.
That explains the title of this post... I am woman hear me roar! Because now that I drove a Big. Ass. Trailer. I am INVINCIBLE. But don't anyone tell Super Husband because I don't want to end up taking out the trash or anything. I've been pretending that I can't do that for about 18 years.
Driving a Big Ass Trailer made me feel like a goddess. Lord knows if you can back up a Big Ass Trailer, you can do anything. And I did. I backed up Big Alice on several occasions. Never mind the Utah men that came to my rescue on those several occasions. I was the driver. So I backed up the big ass trailer. And in the process I amazed (read: amused) everyone around me.
Note: if you are parking a Big Ass Trailer there are a couple thing to be aware of. A: Don't park going straight into a parking spot because you will have to back up the Big Ass Trailer to get out of the parking spot. And B: When parking in an empty parking lot at night be sure that said EMPTY parking lot will not be a FULL parking lot when you go back in the morning to move your Big Ass Trailer. I'm just saying. (Ummmm... thank you to Derreck, branch manager of Zion Bank who has backed up many Big Ass Trailers in his day and was able to direct me away from the BMW 7 series that sat right in my path and who paid for my parking because Utah men apparently rock... more on the awesome men of Utah later.)
I am also invincible for another reason... Although there *might* have been a few tears shed and a couple screams of horror heard throughout the Salt Lake City Convention center during setup when the workers knocked over and broke one of my shelving unit towers (they fixed it... another reason Utah men rock), everything turned out absolutely as I envisioned it. Absolutely perfectly as I envisioned it.
And then when all the work was done, the car and the trailer were packed and we got back in to go home yesterday morning, we found waiting for us 2 bottles of juice, a bag of Chex Mix and a note from Robby who saved me and valeted the Big Ass Trailer right in front of the Marriott all week, that said, "have a safe trip home". He'd spent part of the tip I'd given him the night before on us. Amazing. Yes, Utah men rock. All is well with the world and I had a fabulous quilt market experience.
I am woman hear me roar!
I am such a softie! How sweet is he!!! And yes, Utah men are awesome. =) Im glad you had fun. And yes, YOU ARE WOMAN and ROAR DAMNIT!
Posted by: Jacqueline | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 08:29 PM
Yeah, I hear you!
Posted by: Mary on Lake Pulaski | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 08:31 PM
I love this post! I feel like this every time I do 'boy' things... I tell my daughter that there is really nothing we can't do.. as opposed to what we want to do!!
Love to go to Utah one day....
Posted by: rosie | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 08:35 PM
You'll have to teach me how to drive a Big Ass Trailer! It sounds like you had a great time. Your booth looks AMAZING!
Posted by: jennifer | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 08:37 PM
Now we need a picture of you driving the Big Ass Trailer! : )
Posted by: Kim | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 08:40 PM
Utah men are terrific! I'm married to one and mother to two!
Glad your Market went well. Next time you come to Utah in a Big Ass Trailer, you'll have to call me. I'll lend you one of my men.
Posted by: Kim | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 09:00 PM
Awesome story! You rock and your booth looked amazing. I'm so happy to see you have your spot firmly in place at quilt market. I've enjoyed reading about your journey to get there in the past few years!
Posted by: Jodi Weir | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 09:23 PM
Okay I was only able to read part way through before telling you about the Big Ass Fan Company. My husband found them some years ago as an alternative energy option. Anyway, they have funny pictures on theor website. Including a time that the sponsored a hole at a golf tournament. The Big Ass Hole!
Posted by: Anne - Tesla's Mom | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 09:34 PM
Hahaha! Your wonderful post makes me less scared of driving a big ass trailer one day. You rocked your way to market! I have very good experience of being a woman with car problems, even here in Finland where people tend to lean towards "mind your own business"-mentality. You just stand by your car and look helpless and they come running. Pretty awesome. But I never got any food or drink so Utah men are the winners, I'm convinced!
Posted by: Kajsa | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 09:41 PM
You are all sorts of awesome!!
Posted by: Tabitha O. | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 09:56 PM
I enjoyed reading your post. It gave me a chuckle! You're very brave to drive a big ass trailer!
Posted by: Christine M | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 10:28 PM
Very brave to drive a trailer. Across America! Woman, you rock as well as roar.
And your booth was simply beautiful.
Posted by: wendy | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 01:35 AM
You and Janis can roar all you like! That is quite a feat, driving the trailer all the way up there, maintaining your sense of humor, and being fearless in your quests for assistance!
I swear, the nicest people in the world live in Utah. Can't wait to get my motorcycle out there! (RAWR!)
Posted by: Karen LePage | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 04:28 AM
Hello Bari,
I am a new follower to your blog and I love your creative work. Your booth looks amazing, such a beautiful display. I have to say way to go on the Big Ass trailer driving.
Smiles, Paula
Posted by: Paula Parrish | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 04:50 AM
Big ass trailor - how funny.
Posted by: Mary Fioretti | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 05:09 AM
Wahoo for you!
Posted by: badlands quilts | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 05:22 AM
FUN!!! SO glad you had a great trip. Your booth is magnificent.
Posted by: Melany | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 06:23 AM
Your post made me laugh out loud!! Thanks for that and congrats on the success of driving your Big Ass Trailer.
Posted by: Janet | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 06:40 AM
Way to go Bari! And your booth is absolutely gorgeous. Beautiful vision made real! I am very impressed with the Utah men. I didn't think they made 'em like that anymore.
Big Ass Trailer! ;)
Posted by: Jansie | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 07:06 AM
Bari, you are absolutely hilarious!!!!!!! I loved this post and agree w/Kim, who said, "Now we need a picture of you driving the Big Ass Trailer! : )" Congratulations on your gorgeous set~what a simply charming lil' oasis...love every detail from the silouhettes on your perfectly pink walls to the delicious macaroons print + to the cozy lil' nook you created! You are AMAZING!!! Thanks for the sunshine... xo jo;)
Posted by: labour of love | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 07:13 AM
That is so hilarious, Bari! Good for you!
Your booth looks amazing. I want to come in and curl up in the chair with my cup of coffee. Absolutely beautiful!
Posted by: Kelsey Golden | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 07:35 AM
Wow, Bari! As I told you on twitter, your booth was gorgeous, and you rock! Love your new line, and you definitely ARE invincible for driving a big ass trailer around! I had that feeling when I had to drive through downtown Dallas during rush hour to get to a meeting for work (way back in the day). It's a great feeling, although I think you one-up'ed me with the big ass trailer!! I think you may need to make yourself a cape, you know, of the superhero variety!!
Posted by: Lori Porten | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 07:50 AM
Love the post. When you can drive with a big ass trailer you can do anything!!!!! Within reason...... Thanks for sharing the story.
Posted by: Ann | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 07:56 AM
Your booth at Quilt Market was really delicious. Loved learning about how you managed to get everything there and look so pulled together.
Posted by: Patricia Belyea | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 08:16 AM
I would have paid to see all of that! I can appreciate it since I'm the one that amuses everyone with my lack of parking skills. I can't go to the library when it's busy, because parking my mini van in a tight parking lot is beyond my skill level. I'm an embarrassment to my kids.
Your booth is so stinking amazing! I saw a lot of pics from QM & I think yours was the best!
Posted by: Laura Zarrin | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 08:23 AM
Ha! Love it! Go Bari, Go!
Posted by: Susanne | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 08:26 AM
That is an awesome story! I am so proud of you!!! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Posted by: Cindy Farmer | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 08:31 AM
You are very brave, I know that it is not easy to back up a trailer let alone a big ass trailer. Congrats!
Posted by: Anita | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 08:48 AM
You are such a hoot Bari!! I laughed so hard at the thought of this, but I would be terrified to even try it. I can barely parallel park my van! YIKES!
But I nearly cried with awe at how beautiful your booth is. Oh my! I LOVE IT ALL!!! Just gorgeous!
Posted by: Sivje | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 09:11 AM
I LOVED reading this! I grew up in rural America where women do almost or everything men do and I feel your victory! But, to be honest, I have been patiently awaiting a post market show post to hear if you had any of your pins left! Yes, it was me that had WISHED I could have been there personally and been one of the first 100! I am sure you gave them all away, but a girl can hope, right. And what was the non-fabric item you revealed? Waiting for that too you Big Ass Trailer pulling lady! Can you tell I enjoy your work and your blog! ;-D
Posted by: Beth J Beal | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 09:55 AM
Oh Bari - this is a trip to remember, huh? Congratulations on a beautiful booth AND a safe trip. Sounds like the adventure of a lifetime!
Posted by: Kelly | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 09:58 AM
That's the best Big. Ass. Story. Adda girl! I mean Roaring Woman! : )
Posted by: modernjune | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 10:21 AM
How funny, I'm so glad you had such a great time and did so well driving that big ass trailer. LOL
Posted by: VickiT | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 12:04 PM
You cracked me up with this one! I love it! Glad the show went well and I love the book!
Posted by: Jamie | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 12:40 PM
That is so hilarious! I would have loved to hear you tell that story live. I can just see your little self behind the wheel of that thing! Bari, it was so nice to see you again at Market. Hope it was a great trip for you.
See ya 'round, Sweetie.
Posted by: Kristyne | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 03:19 PM
I love it.....you go girl with that big ass trailer !!!!!!!! I agree if you can back up the big ass trailer you can do anything. I solemnly swear I will learn to drive [pull and back up ]my big ass trailer this summer. Thanks for the encouragement.
Posted by: Eileen | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 04:09 PM
Wish I could have seen your big ass booth in person! It looks awesome!
Posted by: Beth | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 04:44 PM
YOU.SERIOUSLY.ROCK! I had not doubt. And the booth looks gorgeous Bari, Gorgeous!! Congrats on a big.ass.trailer.and a fab.u.lass.booth!
Posted by: Simone Howell | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 08:45 PM
Bari! Your booth looks fantabulous! You rock! I loved reading this post.....you totally did it, girl!!!! Bet it feels so good to have accomplished such a feat!
Posted by: Laurie | Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 09:37 AM
Cute story! Big Alice - LOL!! I saw your lovely booth at market... it was worth the drive for sure.
Posted by: [email protected] | Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 12:00 PM
It was great to finally 'officially' meet you in person!
sounds like you made a lot of NEW friends... yeah!
Posted by: pat sloan | Friday, May 20, 2011 at 10:41 AM
You rock! Congrats on the beautiful booth and driving Big Alice. Accomplishments worthy of Goddess-status for sure!
Posted by: Shannon Arsenault | Sunday, May 22, 2011 at 12:56 AM
Great story Bari! I love that we woman become fearless (sometimes). Congratulations on mastering the art of parking BAT's. Fun isn't it???
Posted by: Jean Carpenter | Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 04:07 PM
What a fun story! Your booth is beautiful. I've been know to pile my kids in the car and drive "DBEAST" all the way to the top of Canada and back for weeks at a time. No one gets in a woman's way!
Posted by: Wendy from Wendys Hat | Friday, May 27, 2011 at 12:54 AM
that was sooo much fun!!! and you left out the snow/sleet on the way home!!! you do rock and know how to roll...happy to be a part of your adventures - happy to join in whatever you come up with next!!! looking forward to having some of the Paris Apartment in the store so we can see what the gals create with it! Happy Holiday Weekend!
Posted by: janis stob | Friday, May 27, 2011 at 08:29 AM
You are absolutely hilarious!!! As I read on about the TIPS (not parking frontwards, and parking in an empty parking lot) ... guess that happens to all of us! It happened to me when I drove a HUGE (big ass UHAUL TRUCK) from New Jersey to West Palm Beach... I felt your POWER!!! GOOOOO GIRL!!! By the way, great booth and great work! PCC - from Portugal
Posted by: Paula Coelho | Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 01:14 PM