Monday, September 27, 2010

What is too much?

When my son was little he adored munching on carrots. When I took him to the doctor I asked about this yellowish tint that I saw at the end of his nose. "Does he like carrots?" asked the pediatrician...uhhh,yup! Whatever wasn't used or processed by his little body was deposited at the tip of his nose...TRUE! So in essence, this was too much of a good thing despite being way better than munching on lollipops or jawbreakers which fortunately he didn't like.
It was brought to mind regarding the inventory you keep in your shop....what is too much? What is too big? It's not like walking into a craft store and avoiding the materials you don't need. Do online shoppers mind a big shop? I try to keep my sections clean, organized and clear but do shoppers go much past the 2nd or third page? If you have 10 pages do you rotate so some things move to the fore front? I am closing in on 200 items in one of my shops and I fret and worry if it's too much.
I'm curious to hear any thoughts about this and what,as a shopper, you think may be too much. Is it wise to keep out-of-season things in the shop for that occasional buyer who might buy a Christmas ornament in March? I know temperature driven things should stay to attract the side of the world opposite from you but is it disconcerting to see it all?
And as I question this point I add almost daily! Like this will be tomorrow 's new listing:

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Awe.....

I am in awe of bloggers who can post articulate, relevant pieces almost daily. I receive 4 newsletters every day and some have 3-4 articles within each, written by one person. How do they do it?
Sometimes I just have nothing to say that I think others would like to hear.

So here are some short, random thoughts that really wouldn't make it as a real, full length post!

#1-went to a juried craft show Saturday that I was rejected by. Hmmm....my stuff is just as good!
#2-going to a "picnic" tonite that I was just told is indoors. What's up with that? The weather couldn't be better, comfy temperatures and no humidity....I'm hanging outside!
#3-sold 9 washcloths to one customer (YAY!) and now must restock...hand hurts!
#4-wish I could use this piece here but it's NEVER cold enough. I'll list it next week.



Now that I re-read what I just wrote, I've not only written a post but sparked some ideas for later. Writer's block, be gone!

Monday, September 6, 2010

Mixed Thoughts on Labor Day

Labor Day brings up all kinds of feelings and thoughts for me. When I was teaching, we always started school the day after Labor Day. That's when my official 'labors' began. UGH! It marked the end of vacation and that freedom and began the rigors of the job and the loss of a certain freedom (using the bathroom whenever you wanted-teachers can relate!). Now,Labor Day is a different holiday to me so I must remember NOT to put the garbage out, not to look for mail, cancel a trip to the bank and read a noticeably thicker newspaper filled with another excuse for a sale. I know now my labors are my love.Then questions of whether or not to post something online comes up. Is anyone online to notice? Is a b&m open for me to visit? Are the store hours the usual?
Notice, all my teaching and post teaching issues with the holiday have NOTHING to do with the holiday's intent.
What is Labor Day? What is the meaning? I questioned an 8 year old yesterday and other than a day off from school (they start way before the holiday) he had not a clue.Did you know initially it was to quell concerns after a labor strike that resulted in the death of some workers? Wikipedia says "The form for the celebration of Labor Day was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday: A street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations".
The US Department of Labor says "Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country."
With either definition Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer, a day to relax, remember the summer and gather for the autumn BUT it is also a day for all the workers-firemen, police, retail clerks, store attendents,doctors, nurses, etc. who are laboring today. And today especially, THANK YOU!