The "Secret Spot" Story

It was an ordinary day. Very interesting ordinary day. Today Carol and I visited the Marigot market in St Martin. Marigot is the capital of the French side of the island of St. Martin and they have a market which is open most every day, but is officially open on Wednesday and Saturday. On those days the produce and fish vendors have their stands open as well as the numerous tent vendors which sell just about everything, but mostly junk or tourist items. T-shirts are 3 for $10, hats are $5, and the list goes on and on. One of those tent stands is our favorite in the market. Called "Secret Spot" and is run by Claudine and her husband, although we have never met her husband. They produce artistic T-shirts of the finest quality. All original designs and are hand-printed by silk-screening. Ah, that's why I'm interested. I taught Graphic Arts and Photography in high school for 35 years and we did quite a bit of silk screen printing. Had a great conversation with her about the equipment that they have. They have a four-unit revolving station so they can keep perfect register when printing shirts with up to four colors on them. And they also have a dryer to help cure the ink after it is applied. Pretty much the same set-up that I had in my classroom. Well, I just love the designs and the quality of the shirts. And they last, and last. Carol got me started on their shirts a few years ago when she bought one and after we got home, I wished I had purchased one also. We have been making stops at Secret Spot since then and add to our collection every year. Shirts are even certified by the "local product" label. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - photos from the otp are: open air tent market in Marigot, Carol talking with Claudine in her stand "Secret Spot", samples of long sleeve and short sleeve shirts she has to offer, and my collection of "Secret Spot" shirts.