How Was Your Block Party?

I had one sale before and two afterwards.  I have no idea how many visitors because I fell asleep.  Please don't take this the wrong way - I am a bit under the weather.

My doctor thinks there is a chance I have cancer.  I have to see a specialist on Tuesday.  I had hoped to stay open while all this was happening, but I just don't have the energy.  I'm also taking classes for my tax prep license and packing to move (getting divorced, thank God.  Something had to give, and right now this is what is giving.

I'm closing down, at least temporarily within the next three weeks, perhaps sooner.  Everything has to go.  Those of you who read this blog, use coupon code Blog to save 50% on any item in the booth.  This special is for my readers only - but you can tell your friends about this blog so they can read and reap the rewards too.

I'll try to keep on writing at least twice a week.  For now, off to bed as I had a very long and tiring day.

Until Next Time,

Liz

Getting to Be The Season

It sure has been one crazy weather season and sales season here.  This has to be the strangest summer I've seen since I moved to Montana.  It rained.  Then it rained some more.  And when you thought you'd seen all the rain you ever wanted to see, it rained again.  I still wonder where all that water went.  I know it did not go into my well since I just had water hauled up here for the 5th time since April.

In between the rain storms it got good and hot.  Some of my garden is very appreciative.  Like the pumpkins and cukes.  The tomatoes and corn are still a good three weeks behind and I may not get any of them.  The entire season has been hot and cold, just like the sales season.

I'm hopeful that change is around the corner.  Yes, it is raining here again, but staying warm.  But on the other side of Montana, up in Glacier Park, Logan Pass got 8 inches of snow today.  So maybe, just maybe, the seasons will be turning more the way we vendors want to see them go.  Let's all keep our fingers crossed on this one.

I'm hoping for a super turnout for the block party on Saturday.  Most of my inventory is here; lots remains to be posted.  Got lots to do tomorrow; make that today.  I have some gorgeous earrings in stock now and some metallic beads that are just super.  I also got in some awesome gemstone beads that I know you'll all love.  I mean, have you ever seen green moonstone?  Well I have some and it will be listed tomorrow; oops, make that today again.  This is natural green too - none of that dyed stuff for you all.

On a serious note, I'm having a bit of a health scare at the moment.  I have to see an oncologist on Tuesday - my primary care provider does think there's a good chance I have cancer.  I've seen the tumor on ultrasound and I have to say it is the funniest looking thing I've ever seen.  Sort of like a combination of the Michelin Man and a worm.  It does seem confined - so I'll think good thoughts. 

Besides the pain the biggest problem has been the utter exhaustion and total lack of energy.  I perk up a bit at night - around the time the rest of the world, at least this part of it, wants to sleep.  I hope to remain open during the holiday season but that is not certain.  I have lots on my plate - something may have to give.

Time to call it a night.  The dog and quite a few of the cats are waiting for me to come snuggle with them. So until later, take care and happy sales.

Liz

New Arrivals Are Here

Well, they've made it as far as my house.  The next step is to get them photographed and posted.  I hope to get some done tonight and more by tomorrow.

I'm having a bit of a health issue at the moment so I'm moving much more slowly than usual.  I think I could sleep for days with out taking a break.  Anyway I see the specialist next week and I'll have a better idea of what is going on then.  I am going to try to stay open - that is the plan as of now.  Shipping speeds will be slower so be sure to let you know if you're in a hurry for something.

I doubt there will be any more new items before Xmas so if you see something you like, grab it.  Make sure you look thru the entire blog for more goodies too.

This has nothing to do with this blog, but I saw this guy last night and had to stop and get his photo.  Isn't he something?

Karma is for Real - A Real Life Example

I know some people who would scoff at this, but it is true.  Last night on Facebook I came across the name of a former school mate whom I had treated very badly back in the day.  I thought she was nice; she was different and had problems - who didn't - but my group of friends pressured me to dump her.  I wasn't strong enough to stand up to them for whatever reason, and I did what they wanted.

I emailed her last night and apologized - because I wanted to.  I do feel horrid about what I did - I was a real witch to her.  She's had some problems since and I'm sure a fair portion of those issues are due to what I did to her 30 odd years ago. 

I've also had my share of issues and I don't think of them as payback for what I did.  I see them as a reminder of how cruelty hurts everyone involved.  This is sort of a divine message that illustrated how actions do effect others, etc.  I think once you are really able to see how your actions hurt and/or helped another it really opens your eyes and you are able to learn from it and hopefully become a better person for it.

New Items Posted

I just got one of my last shipments for awhile in and it sure had some super items!  Many are posted and the rest will be in the next few days if all goes according to plan.  I will also have some new beads arriving in the next day or so.  Other than those, the only new items will be ones I make myself.  Since it's obvious I'm going to have to move I'm really trying to cut down on inventory.  I mean, who wants to pack it all up again and move it - then have to unpack and figure out where it will all fit again.  I guess that's part of the deal when you run one of these booths.

I do want to remind everyone of my September shipping special of $1 per item.  Most items do have this rate.  Highly collectible and expensive items do not - they have my normal rates posted since they will require special packing, etc.  On Oct 1 my shipping rates will revert to the regular ones and they'll stay that way.  Currently I drive 30 miles to ship so I really feel my rates are quite fair.

Not much else going on at the moment.  It's late here and time for me to turn in.  I'm hoping to hear about a job tomorrow and I don't want to sound half-dead when I answer the phone.  Until next time,

Liz

Fall in Montana

Well  it had to happen sooner or later.  Fall had to arrive.  It's cool, murky, and rainy today.  Not cold, just cool.  We usually get this sort of weather in mid to late August for a few days.  Then it blows over and we get 6 weeks worth of great growing weather before fall really arrives.

Since today is one of those "let's stay inside and shop" days, why not stop by and take advantage of my special for the day:  BOGO.  For every item you pay full price for you receive one of equal or lesser value free.  Regular shipping charges apply but this is still a real bargain.

No coupon needed.  Just get all your goodies in the basket and send an offer.  A couple of items in there are not OBO - if you happen on one of those let me know so I can help.

Happy Shopping!

And remember, stay in touch with friends.

Friendship

Today the subject is a bit different.  I found out that a friend is seriously ill and it made me realize that my problems were nothing in comparison.

In today's electronic world many of us make friends online.  We most likely will never meet most of these friends face-to-face, yet they are still friends that we value.  I guess because there is physical distance between us it is easier to forget the value of the relationship.  It's also very possible that you may not know all that is going on in that other person's life for whatever reason.

I have such a friend who lives in Texas.  She's listened to me spout off about all my problems and she's never asked much in return.  I know she has given me far more than I've been able to give her.  Now that I know just how seriously ill she is I have a lot of regrets.  Why didn't I make more of an effort to keep in touch?

I've been given a chance to say what I should have said a long time ago and I intend to do just that.

I guess my point here is to never take another person for granted.  If someone is important to you make sure they know this, every day.  Check up on them.  Offer to listen to them if they need to chat.  Don't assume everything is fine just because you don't hear from them for awhile.

A good friend is a gift to be cherished.  Cherish all of yours, please.