Emporium

Emporium - such a delicious word. It's a medieval latin word that comes from the Greek word 'emporos' meaning a merchant selling a wide variety of goods. But it has the ability to conjure up a mental image of shelves, stalls and nooks and crannies crammed with rich colour and shiny, sparkly things. The scent of vanilla, cinnamon, lavender and sandalwood permeating the air. A feast for the senses.

It perfectly sums up the Saturday market I attend each month. Today, an ambrosial smell of cinnamon and lavender wafted over from the next stall. Across the way the sweet smell of wood. Stalls crammed with colourful jewellery, cards, paintings, toys, books, delightful knicknacks and vintage clothes.

This is why I want to hang up my Marigolds. This market, these people, fill me with enthusiasm and zeal. And oh, how I do wish for that day when I can cheerfully tell my customers that this Mrs Mop is no more and oh, how I will have to refrain from telling my most trying of customers that I know a perfect place where they can place their mops!

Suddenly today, with new friends and new ideas - anything seems possible.