06/21/2026
What You See vs. What You Don’t
The Art of the Journey with Robin D., Cookies, Art & Heart
When you see me at a market or event, you see the part that looks put‑together.
You see me methodically setting up my tent, tables, displays, and products — everything in its place, everything done in a certain order. I’ve got a routine that works for me, and I often turn down help because, truthfully, if I have to explain how to help… it slows me down. And lately, I’m already moving slower than I was even a year ago.
What you don’t see is the part I don’t talk about much.
I mask my physical pain as best as I can. When people ask, “How are you?” I know they’re usually looking for the polite version — and honestly, giving a full list of ailments only makes me feel them more. So I smile, I set up, I sell, I chat, I laugh, and I keep on keepin’ on.
But after an event?
That’s the part no one sees.
When I get home, I do only what absolutely must be done. Then I take some acetaminophen, crawl into bed, and I’m down for the count. I sleep most of the rest of the day… and often right through the night, waking only to take more medicine or shuffle to the bathroom. Recovery isn’t optional — it’s forced. And the pain is tremendous.
The weekly farmers market has become very difficult for me physically. I love the people, the energy, the conversations, the joy of sharing what I create — but the setup, the sitting all day, the teardown… it takes more out of me than most folks realize.
So, here’s where I’m heading:
* I’d like to eventually shift to doing markets and events only twice a month.
*I want most of my baking to be per‑order, where I can work at my own pace without the physical toll of full setups.
*I’ll still do pop‑ups in my yard or at local businesses when my body allows.
*And I’ll keep creating — cookies, art, heart, all of it — because that’s who I am.
Word of mouth is the BEST advertisement, and if you’ve enjoyed my baked goods or my art, I would be so grateful if you shared your experience. Your voice helps me grow in a way my body can still keep up with.
As for the dream of a brick‑and‑mortar… I’ve had to accept that my body has limitations now. Aging and pain have a way of making decisions for you. But I can still build something meaningful — something sustainable — something that honors my body, mind, soul, and spirit.
And of course, I have to keep my inner child occupied as much as possible…
because that little rascal will bite if she gets bored 😄
Thank you for supporting me, for cheering me on, for showing up, for sharing my work, and for understanding that there is always more to someone’s story than what you see on the surface.
I'll be at the Pride Picnic on June 28 with art only as I cannot sell baked goods at this venue. I am taking June 27 off of the Downtown Fond du Lac Farmers Market as it is a shortened event due to the parade happening afterwards and I know my limitations on set up and tear down... and I AM SLOW! :D
I WILL BE BACK ON July 4, however and I will have all kinds of holiday related decorated cookies for this! It is our countries 250-year celebration! I am slightly befuzzled as to why the parade is not on this date and it is the week beforehand, but ... :/ who knows, eh!
Also, just so you know what kind of $ to bring to my tent... If it's marked at $3, then you can mix and match that and get it 2 for $5. :D Because I like to keep it simple, easy and affordable! :D
My kitchen is FULL of gluten... that flour is in the air so I cannot even pretend to be gluten friendly, let alone gluten free. There IS a vendor at the farmer's market who does do these amazing gluten free treats though. I wish I could remember her name, but she is cool and you should check her out if this is what you need to stay healthy. (The pettiness and cattiness amongst like-minded creators need to stop. Let's support and lift each other up rather than trying to tear each other down. There's enough room for all of us!)
As always, I'm shootin' LOVE from my heart to yours! I hope it hits ya right smack dab where you need it today and every day! Do ALL YA GOTTA DO to keep on keepin' on. Do that morally, (mostly) legally, and ethically. If you do it any other way, if you're like me, you'll feel gross inside.
And... just to clarify for what I mean by (mostly) legal... jeeze, I'm not speakin' of anything blatantly illegal. You all know as well as I do that many of you go WAY MORE than that 4 miles over the speed limit than the police ignore... and many of you do that "Chicago Roll" at the stop signs if you don't see other traffic (or an officer) around. Now, I don't. I'm that extremely annoying driver that plenty of others honk a horn at. (In which I will respond with a honk back... maybe a one fingered wave!) ... seriously, you lying on the horn is not going to change anything other than you having a day that is annoying to only you... doesn't change mine in the least bit :D :D :D :D
With cookies, art, and heart,
Robin
The Art of the Journey with Robin D.
