“How many of those tree bowls did you make?” she asks me.
“Well, about 10 or so,” I say, “why?”
“Just wondering.”
A few days later we are talking again,
“Do you sign all your work?”
“Yes, inside the base.”
“How much do you usually charge for one of those tree bowls?”
“Oh around $120 if it’s flawless. Why? What’s this all about? Did you want to buy one for your mom?”
“Well…. my mom says I shouldn’t tell you but my husband says I should…”
“Oh my gosh, just tell me. What?”
“I ….. found one.”
“What? one of my tree bowls?”
“Yes. ”
I rapidly run through the various bowls and where they went to- one was donated for something…”Found it? where? Salvation Army? Discount Village?”
“No….”
“Well where then?”
“Marshalls. ”
“WHAT? Really? Marshalls??”
“Yup, Marshalls. I wouldn’t even let them wrap it up, I carried it home in my arms.”
“How much was it?”
“I don’t want to tell you.”
“Come on!”
14.99.
So then I sent her the following email including a photo of a tree bowl I had sold the year before to someone who was going to give it as a wedding gift:
Dear Tree Bowl Owner,
Welcome! You are one of a very very elite few to own a limited edition (only 10 made!) custom made Tree Bowl.
Your Tree Bowl is priceless. Each one is individually hand made and carved by acclaimed artist, Glynnis Lessing.
Your Tree Bowl has a life-time warranty available only from Glynnis Lessing. This entitles you to free replacement or repair should any flaws appear in your Tree Bowl.
Note: this warranty only available to original owner who has purchased directly from Glynnis Lessing .
Your Tree Bowl is dishwasher, microwave and oven safe. Please use with care and you will be able to enjoy your Tree Bowl for your entire life.
and she sends me back a photo of the one she bought.
Here is that photo.
Same bowl.
We will never ever know the exact story of how that piece, individually carved and signed, ended up in Marshall’s for $14.99
But it keeps me humble.
