Hello niterdr (and list). Did a google search for "Mom's homemade happiness and banana brothers" to see if I could find any old pictures of our Gastown shop in Vancouver. Never found the picture, but, your posting made us immortal, we're talking over 40 years ago. I wasn't one of the originals, but, was invited into the clan in '71. Original "mom's homemade happiness" was a group of leather smiths comprised of Roger (the artful dodger), Stan (Kuba), Ricky (Ranger). The banana brothers were Marshall and Russell. The had a jewelry section in the front of the store.
The folks found me doing travelling fairs as a leather smith. They invited me into the clan and it was a few great years of learning and sharing. I was known as black rick, as Ranger Rick was already there, blond headed, so my black hair and beard differentiated me.
Have had a few other vocations since then, from tree planter, to carpenter, to systems programmer/tech support for IBM. But, leather is forever part of my life and in my heart. Keep thinking I'll play a bit again during retirement, but, keepin too busy. I was best known for my braiding, some intricate patterns in my day.
Thanks again for making us immortal
