Hazards of the Trade Memoir

Happy International Women's Day! A celebration of all that we are and all that we dream to be. I dedicate this to the women who inspired me - patrons and colleagues alike - to achieve my dream.

Love the imagery from this reader: "...I enjoyed the anecdotes as they skipped across the page and found myself following you and your clients between racks of robes and apparel as you tried to meet their needs and give personal exemplary service..."

A happy reader from the States made my day awhile back when they posted a pic on fb of Old Broad Road and I'm delighted to see that they now have Hazards of the Trade, too. Gotta love that! And I love this too: "Look what came in the mail today! Phyllis Humby Mr G says the Old Broad Road is a great read!"

Wow! I came upon this 1987picture of our local train station on fb (Team Sarnia). I might have actually been boarding the train that morning. Surreal. Excerpt f...rom Purveyor of Fashion chapter "Though decades have passed, two things instantly transport me back to those hectic and exciting trade days - the whistle of a distant train and..." "I recall waiting on the train platform in the early dawn chill..." See more

During my years in retail, November and December went by in a blur. The store's anniversary was November 18th and, oh, the work involved. What I wouldn't have given for Facebook back then! Coloured picture postcards of the shop's interior in full decoration had to be hand addressed and mailed to the entire customer list announcing our celebration. The store - display window, mirrors, and even fitting rooms - was decorated to dazzle. You'll find this hard to believe (even I do..., now) but we actually cut curling ribbon and covered the entire ceiling with long pink, blue, and silver curlicues for the anniversary/xmas season. And that was the fun part. The hard part was working long days in high heels and earrings that pinched. Of course, I never noticed the pain until I unclipped the earrings and took off my shoes. Oh dear! hahaha If I didn't mention that in Hazards of the Trade, I should have. Oh, the memories. See more

I was pleased to hear that some of my granddaughter's friends are reading Hazards of the Trade...and enjoying it.

Support your local indie bookstore. In the Sarnia area, visit The Book Keeper.

Hazards of the Trade, Crossfield Publishing, is available from a bookstore near you.