Richard started The Craft Guild in Manitou Springs in the early ‘70s– at the tail end of the hippie days. There were several varieties of craftspeople who worked at the store; many of them were very talented people. The shop sold hand-made leather goods, brass goods, bead-work, real hand-thrown pottery, outstanding custom made gold and silver jewelry, and even clothing. The street-side display window also showed off a 12” tall carved wood peace sign—the peace sign salute with the raised two fingers, not the circle with the jet inside. It was the only item in The Craft Guild that was not for sale.

The rent was due and Richard and I were trying to figure out how to resolve that crisis. It was evening and the shop was supposed to be closed. But a very pretty blonde woman came in the store and asked, “How much for the wood carving? It’s my husband’s birthday and he would love it!”

Richard said, “It’s not for sale. A friend made that for me.”

That did not slow her down. She said, “I want it. How much?”

Practical necessity soon overcame prior friendship.  Richard said, “Let’s barter. You start at a ridiculously low price and I’ll start at a ridiculously high price and we’ll meet in the middle.”

“OK,” she said. “$25.00.”

“Sold!”