Meet Heidi – Trinket Collection
It was Thursday, November 29th and 45 high school students were running around Columbus trying to interview different vendors. There were so many different types of people, selling so many interesting things. It was very awkward to start conversations with the vendors but they were very patient with us. A few vendors were not interested in talking to us or getting their pictures taken. While walking outside I came across a table with a little, old woman bundled up in a black leather jacket, and black leather gloves, and a tan hat, “Who are you,” I thought?
Her table had all sorts of trinkets and other fun things. She had things like Christmas ornaments, stuffed animals, and even things I did not know the names of. There was one object that looked like a scale and a lamp all in one. When I asked, Heidi agreed to be interviewed and have her picture taken. She explained to me that she had a hearing aid so it was a little hard for her to hear my questions. When we got to talking she revealed a lot about herself.
Heidi comes to Columbus Flea Market every Thursday and has been for twenty years. She does not just sell one type of thing. She likes to sell all sorts of things she can find and things that she thinks other people would buy. She told me that she only sells quality things.
When I asked her about her accent, she explained that she was born in Germany, 84 years ago. She came to the United States when she was in her twenties with her husband, George. They have been together for 63 years. She likes living in the United States better than Germany because “there are more reasonable prices here and there’s more to choose from.”
Heidi is currently retired. She comes to the flea market to keep herself busy. She likes having different people to talk to. She thinks staying at home will make her “stiff”. Coming to the flea market keeps her active and away from the TV.
Heidi’s story goes to show that everyone has a story and sometimes you have to go the extra mile to find it.