The cowards way!

Today has been overshadowed by everything that has happened in New York State. The horrendous deaths of at least 14 people and no one has any idea why.

I don't understand why killing others is the solution. You are hurting so you are going to make others hurt. Then to top it all off -- you kill yourself. Such a cowardly way to die.

Life takes twists and turns and unfortunately bad things do happen to good people. Words are easy to come by but actions or trying to dig yourself out of a situation can seem hopeless. But to walk into a place and kill people! Unconscienable.

I don't understand. My heart goes out to those affected by this very tragic event.

A Kick in the Pants!

Recently a couple of CCCOE team members were posting about the number of items in shops, featured sellers, etc. They were mentioning how important it is to have your shop(s) fully stocked with as many items as possible. That seems basic enough. Discussion included having about 100 items. WOW! That's a lot and I don't know if I could ever do that.

The more I thought about it, I realized it was very important. With 3 shops, it will be difficult for me to have 100 items each. Within that context, my current goal is 35 in each and then 50 each. After that point, we shall see. Craft shows are upcoming so I will definitely need inventory. Lord knows I certainly have enough fabric and supplies.

I also need to stay focused. I keep saying I am going to do this and do that. Well I better get to it.

So I am on a mission to get my shops there and the sooner the better. So thanks for the kick in the pants. Who knows, maybe I will have an item in a gift guide and even be a featured seller. One can always dream.

What is your biggest fear?

I have often thought that my biggest fear would be to die alone, without the love of that special someone. This stemmed from the death of my first husband and the fact that I felt very, very alone for a long time. While I am still hunting for that special someone, I have friends and family so I will never be truly alone. Of course I have Cody and Copper too!

Recently there was a tragedy where an Etsy member's son died due to the result of a car accident. This little boy, Zachary, was 5 years old. Zachary's aunt is a team member of mine on both the Beagles and CCCOE teams. I do not personally know PineBlossoms.

As word spread through Etsy, many sellers decided to offer the proceeds from sales of their items to help defray the funeral expenses. A website was also established for monetary donations through paypal. Etsy has shut down the thread where items were posted but they are on the Beagle team blog and here is the link: http://etsybeagles.blogspot.com/2009/03/for-zachary.html If you are interested in making a donation directly through paypal, here is the link: http://www.zacharymichaelcruz.com/ I encourage you to look at the pictures of what a cute boy! The picture of him playing baseball is simply adorable!

I cannot imagine what or how the family is feeling; how they are coping. Many comments in the various threads mentioned that a parents biggest fear would be to lose a child. If I could waive a magic wand, no parent would EVER have to face this again. I wish it were that easy.

It made me think again of what is my biggest fear?

A labor of love!

I really enjoy working on the gift guide. The real work is done by Wrenay of shopwhimsy.etsy.com as she puts together all the web stuff that I really don't understand. She also reconfigured the design from the holiday guide to give more exposure with 6 items instead of 2 or 3. Wendy of buttercupbloom.etsy.com trades with Wren on curating the gorgeous front pages. Susan of redbessbonney.etsy.com is running the giveaway. Robyn of handcranked.etsy.com writes the press releases. May of ohmay.etsy.com deals with the chatterbox details and the spotlight segments. Marie of designsbymariejulie.etsy.com helps me with the press releases by researching advertising venues. There are a hundred things I left out of the above too.

All ideas are tossed around and around in weekly meetings. Numerous emails are also sent throughtout the wees. In writing this, it sounds very easy. I can assure you it takes an enormous commitment from everyone and it is a team that pulls it all together.

Please continue to promote http://www.handmadeincalifornia.net/ and don't forget to
sign up for the free giveaway. A new item is given away each week so don't forget to come back each week.

http://www.handmadeincalifornia.net/giveaway.html

Is It All Worth It?

Lately I have been doing lots of thinking - trying to decide if my Etsy businesses are really worth it. Most of my money is made during the winter holidays through the marketing of Christmas tree skirts. I could still do that and having an Etsy presence would not make a difference. I think having a website somewhere does make the difference.

I have three stores, AnnieKDesigns - home decor; CodysCloset - dog items and AnnieKClothing - fashions - mostly accessories. I am happy with the stores and having one store with all these items would be very disjointed. I am trying to expand my line by having lower priced items as well. Maybe I need to realize that I cannot be everything to everyone.

I belong to three teams on Etsy as well and am an active member in each. These teams assist my marketing, sales, etc. The time is well spent. I am significantly scaling back the time I spend on the forums though.

I find that in order to keep my shops full, I pretty much have to sew 4-5 weeknights, 3-4 hours per night and at least one full weekend day. I work a full time job and have two dogs and all the normal household chores. This leaves very little time for anything personal. Last year I had to decide if I wanted to sew or if I wanted to have fun. Therein lies the issue. I haven't found the right balance.

I am cutting back my sewing and trying to go out more and do things. The dogs take an enormous amount of time as they require lots of play time. Copper is still very much a puppy and has to be watched constantly. He still loves to toilet paper the house. Can't wait until that phase is overwith. Studying for my real estate license is also taking lots of time. I also find that the more I study, the more questions I have for my bosses.

As January folds into February, I have decided that yes, Etsy is worth it. Maybe not financially but through the friendship, business advice and fun. I would be lost without the friends I have made.

I Love Christmas!

I have always loved the holidays - all of them! Okay sometimes Valentine's is not my favorite since I don't always have a Valentine.

From Thanksgiving on is a very special time of year for me. I love making dinner, all the preparations, cooking and baking and seeing the joy of family and friends. Decorating the house! It sets a nice precedent for the rest of the year with all the hustle and bustle. I always wanted to the see the sites of NYC during the holidays and it is so much fun and so many people!

Normally I shop and shop and shop. This year has been much different due to a knee injury as it is difficult to shop and also economically. I don't have the same amount of disposable income. I have had to come up with creative ideas and have done so.

What's magical about this time of year is also my childhood. I have wonderful parents. My father has been deceased for over 25 years. For some reason, I really miss him this year and am a little emotional about it too. My dad was a great guy who never really had a childhood. He wanted his children to have a good upbringing and to have great Christmases.

Being the youngest he always tried to trick me to tell what he was getting for Christmas. Of course he always succeeded much to the dismay of my mother and siblings. The last year that all of us were home, Dad was very excited. The tree was beautiful and I knew I found him the perfect gift. He couldn't figure what it was by looking at the package!

After dinner, his words were, "Feed the dogs, do the dishes, it will get dark quicker." Those words are immortalized to me. It was a wonderful Christmas. He died about two weeks later; the day after a North Dakota blizzard. But the memories of family, friends and holidays will be with me forever and make me smile.

Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night!

Respect - What happened to it?

A group I belong to has recently had several skirmishes within itself. It has not been pretty and sometimes things said or rather written were mean spirited and nasty in my opinion. While I am guilty of some of the complaints, none of it was directed at me.

It has nonetheless had a profound effect on me. I look at members differently and I question if I want to remain a part of the group, distance myself or become an inactive member. A week after the latest skirmish and I am still at this point.

I guess what I don't understand is why everyone cannot get along? This is a question that arises more and more these days in all facets and walks of life. No one can let a differing opinion, point of view or a general comment pass. To the other person they are wrong and have to be corrected. There is a lack of respect for the differing issues. They are simply wrong.

They are many different points of view with personal experience and envionmental issues as well as your DNA influencing your beliefs. Personally I love talking politics with people. I enjoy the different views, how they look at the world, etc. Probably completely different from mine and that is how you grow and expand your views of life. There's no need to change your point of view, just respect others.

With the holiday season in full swing, I wish peace, love, joy and prosperity to all. Most of all I wish happiness. It cannot be bought and can only be found within.

Merry Christmas!