Holidays are Coming - Gift Giving Needs Planning

It just amazes me with the figures of what people spend on Halloween for costumes, candy, decorations. In an economy that has many people so desperate to meet their bills it just seems that such spending is a waste. I guess that goes along with my dislike for the holiday in general.

Looking toward Christmas - the time of giving. I have heard much talk from families about how they are downscaling their spending and making this holiday more of a family activity focus on giving to others, doing things in the community for those less fortunate. I think this is great! Why haven't we been doing that for years? That is the spirit of the holiday.

I say this but at the same time I have an eBay store and am trying to sell! I do think some spending will still go on but it might be simpler items, creative items, useful items. Check out my eBay store at Comfy Cottage Conservation I have craft kits for the kids, art supply boxes, an easel with storage, marble runs and pinball marble runs for the kids. The ecology side has bat houses - looking toward mosquito control next year. Also, I'm carrying the Worm Factory a very clean way to let red wigglers do your composting for you in a self contained unit that can sit right in your kitchen or utility room with no odor. Back to the basics I'm soon to list some rag rugs - sometimes called Swedish woven rugs. Those rugs that last for ever and have used previously used fabric for the materials.

Looking ahead - I'll be looking at giving ideas that don't cost but are from the heart.

It's a Contest - Burda Sewing Machines

I came across this fun contest for October through November. Great creative minds will all take part to Pimp Out their Sewing Machines.

The prize isn't high but bragging rights would be lots of fun!

Burda is trying to see how their Sewers are dreaming and want you to take part. The link to the Burda website with all the how-to directions is: http://www.burdastyle.com/blog/show/689

You can see other fun sewing stuff on my Squidoo lens http://www.burdastyle.com/blog/show/689

Excitement! Challenges! Goals! Dreams!

This is an exciting day for me but really should be a no-brainer. I'm headed to the classroom to teach - something I am excited about but nervous in doing. It has been many years since I stood in front of a classroom - and it has changed. Why am I nervous? Technology.

I'll be using a powerpoint presentation, on a projected screen and have students on computers that are live on the internet! The last class I taught on computers was simple applications on Apple IIe's that we had to tear down every night and store in a locked cabinet! Times have changed. My children then in 1st and 2nd grade were in those classes. Now they are my support system for the computer at 25 and 26! They love telling people I was their first computer teacher. Even then it was a stretch - I'm a trained secondary teacher in Home and Consumer Science I believe they now call it - Home Economics when I was in school. In many ways this is still in my field.

Consumers need to be observant, evaluate, and analyze before they purchase or use something. I am still passionate about being good consumers but more so now in "Going Green" we should evaluate if we need to use it, have something we can re-use to keep out of the landfill, share by giving an item to someone who needs it, or recycle it.

Back to my day! Wish me luck - this eBaygrandma is going to TEACH! "The Basics of Selling on eBay!"

I'm a Giant Squid!!

What an accomplishment! I worked hard, tried to do my best, and I made it.

Now you may ask, what is a Giant Squid?

Squidoo is a platform that lets anyone be a writer and webdesigner - in a little way. It is way to get your message to the people - about you loves, hates, business, products, hobbies, families, favorite recipes and the list goes on. Fun to read - you may even learn something on the way.

A select group of lensmasters are selected for the quality of their lenses and for having at least 50 great lenses! That is the goal I achieved.

I think the best part about Squidoo is their generousity. Did I mention it is all Free to you? Income can be made on Squidoo and it is shared. Each lensmaster gets a bit from the ads on the pages, Squidoo takes thier cut to run the site, and they give to Charity right off the top. This past month saw them give $80,000 to various approved charities. I'll talk about that in an upcoming post.

Check out my lenses on my Me, My Lensography

Can't Control Time - Better Document.

The last two weeks have been pretty much wiped from my planner - one case of bronchitis and I was out! Well - there might have been some other radiation treatments mixed in to add variety. I can't believe it has been over 2 weeks since I had visited the blog.

Many years ago I was introduced to the "Franklin Covey" system by a very well organized Real Estate Broker. That has meant a world to me in the years since. Even though I am not in a day to day job schedule, I have things to do, to get done on a schedule and that are important. The Franklin system gets you organized with important information at your fingertips (sure you have to update once in a while) and has it together for you.

Part of this is keeping a record of what you have done on that day - not just what you plan to do. You keep notes of what happened in a meeting, how you will follow through on the project or conversation and the next step. This can, as in my case lately, translate into medical information and doctor instructions. If I had used my Planner more completely two weeks ago I would have had a better understanding of some medicine I am on that I really hadn't paid much attention too at instruction - found out yesterday.

The powerful point is record keeping - I came to the point I needed to apply to SS Disability this past spring. My off work time was in and although I kept hoping the cancer was gone it isn't and I'm still fighting. When I applied I was told it would be up to 5 months until I received an answer. To fill out the papers I had gone through my past planner pages for 2 1/2 years to document my appointments, tests, time at work, trips to doctors and all. I was approved for disability within 3 weeks and money in the bank. Record keeping - it's worth it.

Memories - Photographes - What are they for?

The idea behind a camera is to record memories, facts, information. When they were first used only by professionals a picture was a big deal. Well thought out and usually if it was of people they looked like mug shots! As we finally got cameras down so that the general public could afford them we have actually come a long way quickly.

This all came about because I was asked about the first item I bought or sold on eBay. I finally realized the first memory I had of an eBay purchase was my 1999 F350 dually! Not a small purchase by any means. You know I can't locate a picture of it. I drove that truck over 150,000 miles delivering recreational vehicles. I have a few pictures of damaged trailers and this strange sign in Wisconsin that I took while waiting for them to "check in" the camper. The business had misspelled their sign!

Do we really remember to take pictures of the things that mean the most to us? Now that cameras are so inexpensive to have, so easy to use, are we careful to record what we should. When traveling I have trained myself to take a photo when you first see an item or you will forget that it is really different. That is training from years ago - nearly 40 when I went on an exchange program and I had very good training. That was a camera - a single lens reflex camera with external flash and I learned to use a light meter. I do have a great record of that trip on slides and in my journal.

Last Christmas my Grandson got his first camera - at the age of 4. He had always been fascinated with cameras so Mom got him a child friendly digital that puts out quite a good picture. We do talk about composition a bit but he usually does his own thing. The fantastic thing is that I have pictures or myself, my daughter has some of herself on different site online that he has taken. I have a great portrait of his little sister, Mom and Me. Professional quality. Hope he doesn't loose the interest.

How Old is Too Old?

In this day and age of always wanting new things there is a group of collectors out there who are really beating the bushes to find OLD Engines.

What is the value? They bring old engines to life that have been sitting in the weeds, the back of a barn, or in a ditch for maybe decades or even a century. There probably is a machine that can do the same job a bit more efficiently but not with the direct function and to the point of operation. These old engines were usually made with one thing in mind and brought much modernization to this world - yes world. We often think in terms of the United States but many of the best engines were crafted in Canada, Germany, Australia, and other countries.

Collectors appreciate the craftmanship and ingenuity of these old timers. Parts were often handmade. But the amazing thing to me - each engine is identified with a serial number. It can be traced to no the origin and time that the engine was built. Do you think in 100 years anyone will care about the mass produced replacable 'stuff' we put out now?

Grandparents Day!

Do we all remember the special days throught the year? Some are very prominent - others were maybe designed for the card and flower companies. September 7 this year is Grandparents day. In the light of how many Grandparents are raising children it might be a very important day.

Most Grandparents think much more of a phone call or a pretty picture drawn for them than another vase with flowers to sit around. The important thing is that the children remember them - if they are young maybe Mom or Dad will have to help them remember. At any rate, HAPPY GRANDPARENTS DAY all.

Contests! Contests!

Everyone likes contests - especially when there are prizes.
The Group of Squidoo lensmasters that write "What's for Squidinner" have started a contest to find some really good lenses that feature recipes. Skip on over to "What's For Squidinner? to check in on the fun. At the least you will get some great recipes and at the outside you might win a prize.

It is always good to vary the food you feed the family. Variety adds spice to life and to the dinner table. Those times when they don't want to try something new, just bargaining for one taste - next time go for two bites and after that you probably won't have to bargain anymore. Many times little taste buds need to learn new flavors.

It's the weekend - try something new in the kitchen. You might plan the menu for the week ahead and make you week a little easier.

Sewing Month - September!

The year passes so quickly. I used to always think of July as sewing month. That is the month I had to sew like mad to get the 4-H projects done. Back then we had fair the first week of August and it encompassed the style show. Oh I must be showing my age. That was my start of love for sewing.

I was in a county program where the competition was tough. You had to strive for perfection - something no child should have to do if they want to enjoy that activity. None the less, it was a time when the clothes on the rack didn't come in tall sizes, the only way to get jeans long enough was to buy boys and if you found something on the rack long enough it was just plain ugly. I liked to sew because I could make my own clothes that fit.

Through high school and college I continued to sew. The priority for my dorm room was where could the sewing machine go. One activity we had in the college housing my dorm decided on a red, white, and blue theme before they looked for the dresses. I sewed about 50 of the dresses - thank goodness a few mothers helped make their own daughters dresses!

As I had children and now grandchildren, the one thing I learned is that you can easily get much more wrapped up in pattern and fabric that the same garment costs at Wal-Mart. The sewing now is kept for special occasions. Like the Big Bird Costume for the kindergarten graduation- found it in the attic the other day - 20 years old this year!

Have fun with your sewing. With the new fabrics, assessories, and equipment it can be a fun hobby. Great way to have clothes with a custom fit for an adult. The items you can make for around the house are amazing. Celebrate September! Sew something.

Celebrate sewing and save at the CreateForLess National Sewing Month Sale.

September is here - Whirlwind of Summer is gone

Or is it? Tradition says that Labor Day is the start of fall, end of summer. Now that schools are starting in August and the summer weather continues into fall/autumn it is hard to tell. It is the last long weekend for us in the United States for some time so most of us try to relish it. The barbeque is used, the lake is chaos, all things are summer fun and good food.

Does that mean in our business life it is time to settle down and get to business? I'm not so sure but truly ambitious folks even slowed down for summer. We all wondered where the buyers went - unless we were selling summer toys for young or old. The wardrobe is replenished for each season. It is just that sometimes it is a little more formal than others. I truly believe that this year some people started evaluating just how much they spend on their toys, clothes, and wants. The budget this year might be geared a bit more for needs. The clothes and toys may have to be a bit more practical, dual purpose, yes I think practical covers it. Should we blame the oil companies, government, or can we just think that maybe it is our idea? I think more of us have been forced by the oil companies to start thinking about how our money is spent. Maybe this is a wake up call we should have had years ago.

September is here. That is a fact. Are we going to get down to a more practical lifestyle? That is a choice that each of us will make. We will look for reasons for our choices, maybe try to place blame. When we get down to it - we make choices in what we do, what attitude we have, and how we face each day.

End of Summer

Labor Day weekend is the official end of summer. In actual fact it is the best summer weekend we have had all year. The air temperature and the water temperature were close, low winds, sunny, no rain (although we really need it). It makes for great activity on the lake, with the grandkids, at your barbeque and just to sit under a shade tree.

If you are in the Gulf Coast region it isn't quite so good. Our thoughts and prayers are with those folks. Sometimes the anticipation can be the hardest on the nerves. Just waiting with only so much you can do.

If you have a chance to check out a new and exciting blog this weekend make it "What's for Squidinner" for lots of good recipes and contests. A good way to start the autumn season - eating good food.

Enjoy the rest of the long weekend. School and work come soon enough.

Create Your Way to Sanity and beyond.

Nature is around us everytime we head out the door. How often do you stop and look? Do you really see what is there? When you don't see the beauty of the earth as it was given to us it is very difficult to see what damage we have done to our world.

I feel strongly in the theory that we first must identify what we need. Not want. Then we must use those things we need wisely. We can use something until it has found the end of its life - not until we're tired of the color. If we just can't stand the color anymore then pass it on so someone else can get the good use out of it. Try Freecycle. This network is in most communities nationwide. Pass it on, don't feel you need paid for everything. If you need something, see if someone else has that item in good usable condition but doesn't need it anymore. This all goes along with the topic of Re-use. This is much more important than recycle. Recycle also takes resources.

Summer Produce Is Abundent

Don’t you love the summer trip from the garden. The vine ripe tomatoes, fresh crisp green peppers, the cucumbers just big enough to add to that salad, and a few carrots and green onions on the side? The time to steal those new potatoes out from the edges of the hill before they come to full size because they are so delicious - especially mixed with a few fresh green peas and some cream sauce?
When we look back at the life when every family had a garden, worked it together all summer and “put up” the vegetables and fruit for winter we ate much more holsum food. You did not hear so much about cancer, hyperactive children, asthma, and all the other diseases that have become so common recently. Was it the fact we got in the outdoors and worked or played while Mom and Dad worked? Was it because we didn’t have additives put in all our food? Maybe it was because we got out and moved, ate heathy food and breathed fresh air. Even people who lived in town had their own little garden.
Sterile cubes that we call homes, food that comes in sealed packages, jars and frozen with extra preservatives really must be better for us. Why else would we live this life? Exercise in an enclosed gym with recirculated air that runs through filters must be better.
Nope! Just sit on my deck for an hour after a fresh garden salad and vegetables that come fresh from the garden. Watch the neighborhood children running up and down the channel to see what water creatures they can catch their last day before school starts. Can you really tell me being a executive workiing and living in a highrise is the better life?

The Lazy Days of Summer are Good for Relaxed Reading

I came across a great find earlier this week in my attic. A collection of Zane Grey books. The was my husbands favorite author as a kid. He read every Zane Grey book he could get his hands on. They are an easy read, about the west, and pretty much historically accurate. When he became an adult this author had such good memories for him he bought a set of the books to put on a shelf. We moved and forgot about them when we build the addition with all the nice bookshelves. It was a pleasant surprise to find these books in excellent condition - they had never been read!
Zane Grey was a very prolific writer with a rough background. He was born in Zaneville, Ohio but was not named after the town. It was named after one of his maternal ancestors. He was part of a large family but liked to escape to be by himself in books. As an adult he stayed with his love by writing. Most of his books are based on real people and places. He interviewed some of the most notorious people of the west, including outlaws. This is what we tell children yet today - Write about what you know. He is a prime example of this.

Evaluating Time Usage

Why is it so hard to have enough hours in a day? We inevetably have a list of things to do that far surpasses our time or energy to complete the list. Does everyone have that problem? I don’t think so.
I know people who go to a job, work 8 hours (or whatever they can get away with so it might be less), come home, have supper when they feel like it and sit in front of the TV or video game because they would have nothing else to do. Boy! My mind is always going 100 miles an hour coming up with things I should be, want be, or could be doing. I have so many ideas, want to be in so much social networking, accomplish so many projects I some times get bogged down and spin in circles.
Organization is key. To cover even 1/2 of the things that current projects need done you must be organized. I am now using a timer. I great site came into my life last summer, FlyLady, and helped me to view things a bit at a time. You can do just anything for only 15 minutes. That works for the projects you don’t like to do but that timer also works for keeping me on track. I start reading blog posts, sourcing product, or just shopping on the web and it is so easy to loose track of time. Some projects get the 15 minutes, some are set for 20 or 30 and I even set myself 60 minute blogs of time for work projects. The key is - when the timer goes off you move on. You know that timer is going to ring so you might be pushed to work just a bit faster, too.
I challenge you to try it. It doesn’t take a fancy timer. Just one that was used in the kitchen or a simple alarm on your phone might work to try out the theory. Get moving and get things done. Use that timer.

Squidoo For Charity!

I have started in the most active, energetic group to raise funds for charity. The Squidoo Activists write lenses (web pages) to share information about a topic of interest - or a charity of interest. At times they may build the lens around information on a person. One that is really special at this time is on Dr. Randy Pausch. He was a very giving, brave man who showed others how to live. Another is a Lemonade Stand that can be an inspiration for youth in the community. Children can learn the giving spirit at a young age. There are even free lemonade stands available if you follow the links.
Squidoo raises money by the ads placed on the pages with the information and from a commission when people reading the lens follow the links and purchase an item - from eBay, Amazon or CafePress as examples. Each little bit helps. When the little bits get added together they make a big bit for Charity.
Try it yourself or just support the causes of other lensmasters. Many charieties are represented from a wide range of interests. Your creativity might be a great contribution.

Recycling! What can you recycle for the good of all?

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Change - Peace - Decisions

Peace comes when all is settled and decisions have been made. Anytime we decide there should be change our stomach knots into a little tight ball. Why does this happen? Obviously it is the unknown, the change that we aren’t sure of that brings us opportunity. Even once you have intellectually made that decision to change things the personal emotions tag along and cause havoc.
It is a time of change. Politicians campaign on this promise. The economy demands it for most of us. Just our health and age cause change for many of us. That still doesn’t say we are ready for that ‘opportunity’. If we can look at each challenge - time of change - as an opportunity we have a much better chance of being at peace.