Looking at this old photo from 20 years ago brings back so many memories. A market in Okanagan Falls, the fee was $25 for the day and you’d get a fold up table as well to display your goods! Score!

In the photo, I’m standing in front of an old car, trunk down, with a spread of jewelry from Bali laid out in front of me. I used to export jewelry from Bali and alpaca sweaters from Peru—whatever I could find on my travels that I thought people back home would enjoy!  It was all about the excitement of travelling and the joy of sharing these finds with everyone back home.

I wish I had more photos, but those days we were on film and there wasn’t a lot of picture taking! I had to scan this picture to use it for this post!

Those market days were simple. No fancy setups, no packaging – just the goods and the good vibes. People would wander over, drawn by the exotic items, and we’d end up chatting and laughing. Slow and easy. It was cash only, adding to the old-school feel of it all. I miss those good old days!

Next to me in the photo is a very interesting man who sold nothing but fire opals. His stand was always crowded. I remember how he’d slip me a few opals during slow moments, telling me stories about his travels around the world and some of the crazy things people did to buy his opals—like selling off cows or trading family heirlooms. I still have those opals today, little reminders of those good times.

The market wasn’t just about selling stuff; it was a place where lives intersected, and stories were shared. Every time I came back to the Okanagan, it felt like coming home, reliving the adventures of my travels and bringing a piece of the world back to share with this small part of Canada.

Now I am proud to be a part of the local, handmade culture. It feels good to be able to produce my own products that are authentically me, and represent my own part of the world, British Columbia and the beautiful Okanagan!

With Bliss xo