Call me a downer, but I'd rather do anything else than paying twenty bucks to miss three shots at a rigged basketball hoop for a two-cent prize. Seems like a scam the whole town just collectively agreed to pretend is fun. Who else avoided the carnival?

You do realize that you don't have to play the games at the carnival, right? I mean, I also did not attend this year, but that was mostly due to still being socially exhausted from the events for the 4th and keeping busy at my store. Figured it would be best to save up my energy for when my favorite season gets here, especially since that's also my busiest time of year.

That is true, you were very talented even then. I never said it, but your costumes were always great! I understand and if you can't I'd love a seamstress that would be able to do it with store bought materials. I don't care if she wears it for Halloween, but I just think getting her one would be super cute! It's just a silly idea anyway, so lets focus on a simple outfit.

Of course, I'll get a couple of names and numbers to you when you stop in. Oh, I didn't mean I'd only be making it for her for Halloween I mean it's your outfit for anyway I just meant that's like the main type of special requests I get are when it's Halloween for costumes. But yeah, we'll come up with either a fun boho chic, whimsy goth, or grunge baby outfit and start her on her style journey soon!

Wait really? I never knew that! That's really cool. Man you should've let me know, I would've totally dragged you to a thrift store so you could find me some new clothes, especially during my senior year. I just thought of something I kinda would love to pay you to make. Would you be able to make Beth a cheer uniform that matches the one I wore in high school?

Yeah, totally! I mean, I helped with the drama club's costumes and even some of our glee club outfits a couple of times, too. Oh that might be a bit more difficult, because it would depend on what I could find from thrifting and if I can find the right material to turn it into that outfit. Otherwise, I could point you in the direction of some some seamstresses that do more with commission work and using store-bought materials? That's why I don't do commissions too much really and mostly for Halloween, since depending on the costume it doesn't really have to be made from scratch.

Upcycling is so awesome! I wish I had the talent to do something like that. I constantly watch videos online of moms turning vintage tshirts and clothing into baby stuff and I'm obsessed! Honestly, I liked all your styles in school so if all your clothing is similar styles I'm into that. I also like to try and dress Beth in a variety of different styles because I want to keep her options open. As she gets older she'll definitely have opinions over what she wants to wear and I want to give her all the different choices.

It is, and it's great for the environment! You know, instead of a bunch of stuff going to the landfills and all that. A lot of my wardrobe in school was also upcycled, so that actually means a lot that you liked it! My mom started helping me freshman year and then once I got my own sewing machine, I was unstoppable, haha. And that's a good idea, I never would have thought of doing that, but honestly more parents should try to do that!

Yea it was bad, but it was for the best. I would've liked other people to know, but I needed to do what was best for me at the time. Oh I would never expect a whole wardrobe! I figured a few outfits here and there, not all at once. It's smart that you keep yourself to a limit, I had to do the same thing at one point with book appearances and signings at one point because I was getting so overwhelmed. Yea It feels right raising her here. Being here helped me become who I am, and I want her to have the same experiance.

Okay, so also I just want to preface though I think it's kind of implied with how I work with my store, but I would also be making the outfit from thrifted materials/clothing. It's kind of why I don't primarily do children's clothes, since everything I have in my shop is thrifted and then either sold as-is (after washing, of course!) or upcycled into something new to match the themes and vibe of the shop. Think similar to my style going from vampire goth to whimsy goth to boho chic in school, it's like a mix of all that in my store. Mostly the alternative and whimsy than boho chic, but I toss that in from time to time, usually combining it with the whimsy.

Oh you have no idea. Last time I told my mother something life changing she told me to leave and not come back, so I wasn't going to risk a similar reaction when it came to an unplanned pregnancy. That sounds perfect Tina! Beth is growing so much recently, I've been needing some new clothes for her. Nick is amazing. We've been friends since high school, even dated for a bit back then. No chance of that ever happening again though. But he is already proving to be an amazing dad to Beth.

Wow, I'm sorry to hear that Quinn, that must have been awful. Yeah, I definitely don't blame you for not wanting word to get around, then. Oh of course, I don't have the time to do like a whole wardrobe, but definitely one, maybe two outfits for sure. Like I said, commissions are usually a once in awhile kind of thing. Though, I do generally set more time aside closer to Halloween to help people with costumes. But even those I have a sign-up list and cut-off so that I don't get too overwhelmed. That sounds so sweet, though, I'm glad that you seem to be happy and it's nice that you did come back to raise your daughter here.

Yea, we've been really close since high school. Yea, he had moved back to Ashford by then and I didn't want the wrong people to hear the news, namely my mother. I will definitely take you up on the custom clothing for sure and hey if you ever want a little model for clothing or jewelry Beth is a pro in front of a camera! Maybe, her dad is Nick Duval. He's been amazing with her, best co-parent I could ask for honestly.

Yeah, me too and 'Cedes. I get that, though, not wanting anyone to know unless you were the one to say something. We all know how the rumor mill could be in high school, it's likely just as much of a headache as an adult. Okay, you can always just stop in whenever and I can give you a form I have for custom requests and I can get measurements. I don't really need a model, though. It's mostly just a thrift shop and I upcycle some of the pieces to make them a little more alternative or whimsical. Oh, Nick, I don't know him super well, but I've spoken to him a couple times. He seems like a nice guy.

I wish I hadn’t been so insanely busy these last two weeks because I am majorly kicking myself for missing the early preview. But seriously, congratulations on getting all of that done so fast! Since tomorrow is the big day, you better believe I am going to be one of the first people at your booth for the sidewalk sale. Are you all set up and ready for that? If not, I can swing by and help out. Also, please tell me you at least saved a couple of your favorite pieces for your bestest friend ever 🥰

But hey, you were totally killing it with the Pride events that you did! You think you could do a drag night like once a month, maybe? Or at least themed to each holiday, because that was a lot of fun. And no worries! You know I always save some of my best pieces for you to cal dibs on first. Just remind me to get them out next time you stop in or I can bring them with me whenever we hang out.

Yea, also I wouldn't be opposed to jewelry a child can wear. She's still a little young but I think she'd love it! Yea Beth is my daughter, she's 15 months old. Considering I haven't been back since graduation I'm not surprised you didn't know. The only person in Ashford who knew Beth existed was Kurt. I moved back a like 2 months ago. Raising a baby by myself while traveling was fun but hard and I want Beth to have stability growing up, so we moved back here. It worked out for the best because I was able to reconnect with Beths dad and introduce him to her. It's nice to have a coparent.

Oh well, congrats, then! Kurt knew? I'm surprised he never said anything... unless you had him keep it a secret, then of course I understand! I mean, how would it even come up, really, I'm not sure. But, still, that's so great for you! And of course, I can totally make you both jewelry or you can pick anything already made and like I said, I can totally make an outfit, also. I rarely make kids stuff for the store, but I do love making custom outfits when people commission them. And I totally get that, stability is super important, especially at a young age. Oh, so her dad is from here, would I know him? If you don't mind me asking, that is.

Welcome Tina, I always like to try and support my community and friends. Ok good, I want to make sure I can snag myself some new pieces. Good, Beth as made a habit of playing and eating my jewelry whenever I'm holding her, so I want to try and get some pieces that are more toddler friendly. Oh really? I might take you up on that, I would love some custom outfits for Beth!

Oh, you mean like child-friendly as in for you to wear around a child, gotcha! I thought you meant for a child to wear, but either way, the only thing I'd maybe worry about is the dangle-y earrings. Also, wait, who is Beth, is that your daughter, you have a kid? Oh my gosh, I can't believe I hadn't heard, how old is she? I'd love to make her an outfit! Also, wow, totally clocked out for a second, when did you move back to town?

Oh that's awesome! I will definitely make sure to check out your booth. I could definitely use some new jewelry and outfits. Don't sell too much before for the sale though or you'll run out of stuff to sell! By the way, is it only real jewelry or do you make kid friendly jewelry too?

Awesome, thanks, Quinn! And don't worry about that, I don't think I'll run out beforehand. Even if I do, I've always got stuff on hand to make more. And of course! I always try to make sure I have options for all ages, at least with the jewelry, I don't do much with kids clothing, but I'm always open to taking commissions for a customized piece or a whole outfit, even.

Confidence is rarely a problem, for better or worse -- I like to think it's not entirely unfounded, though. I guess this is just always something I had in the back of my mind, it was just a matter of when. Magisterial district court seats are open to ages 21 to 75 and don't require a law license, but I still think I needed the experience before getting brave enough to take steps toward the other side of the courtroom, I suppose.

That makes sense. It sounds like you've put a lot of thought into it over the years, so it's not like you just woke up one morning and decided to run on a whim. Hopefully all that experience pays off for you. I'll be interested to see how things turn out come November.

Liv kind of said something similar actually, so thank you, Tina. I really do appreciate that. And it definitely does make me feel better about it. I couldn't ever see myself getting irritated, exactly, but I do worry I'd be a dad that essentially spoils my child too much because I just want them to be happy and feel loved. Which... I don't think is a terrible thing, to be fair, but I know it's pretty important to be more balanced. Which my childhood definitely wasn't, so... yeah, this worry probably stems from that.

I mean, honestly, the fact that you're already aware of that probably puts you ahead of a lot of people. I think there's a pretty big difference between wanting your kid to feel loved and never telling them no. And from what I've seen of you, you seem way too thoughtful to not at least try to find that balance. Besides, I feel like most people end up taking some things from their childhood and intentionally doing the opposite. That's kind of how we learn what works for us, right?

Gotta say, I really don't get more frequent reminders that I'm probably not ready to have kids than I do when I go to the grocery. I was there today just grabbing a few things and I see this kid just bawling their eyes out and, even though I know it's probably just a tantrum because they're not getting their way, my heart starts hurting and it genuinely upsets me. And if that's how a child crying makes me feel when it's not even mine then, phew... yeah, definitely not ready. Not that I'm in a rush or anything, for the record, but still. The curse of being a softie, I guess.

I don't know, I don't think I totally agree with that logic. I feel like there's a pretty big difference between feeling bad because a kid is upset and automatically caving and giving them whatever they want to make them stop crying. Also, kids cry for literally all kinds of reasons. Sure, sometimes it's because they didn't get the toy or candy they wanted, but sometimes they're tired, hungry, or overwhelmed, or just having a really rough day and don't have the words for it yet. So honestly, the fact that your reaction is concern instead of irritation feels less like a sign you're not ready and more like a sign you'd actually care.