I Have a Lot on My Mind...

...and on my worktable!

The photo above is the mess I made of my workspace, just to trim out a couple of little Dotee dolls for a swap I'm hosting on the CPS yahoo group. But, that seems to be the way I work. Amazingly, you can't see all of the mess - there's a box of sequins on the floor next to where my left foot can easily reach it and give it a tumble.

Now, I know you all remember those fabulous earrings I got from Xen Gifts in Little Italy. I love them so much, I bought a whole outfit to go with them, and then I emailed the owner, and asked if it would be possible to get a necklace to go with them. When I went to the shop last Friday, I had a couple to choose from, but this one was the winner.

And then, I found a few pairs of earrings in copper, and you KNOW I just made myself that necklace with the picture jasper and copper dangles, so why not get a pair of copper earrings at the same time?

Now, just to refresh your memories, I'm going to share photos of the boxes these pieces came in - even though I was standing right there, and she could have just put it in some tissue and a plastic bag. Nope, this is quality and pride of workmanship, and I'd really kind of like to just move in there. Here are the beautiful boxes, just for me:

Look at this attention to detail. Look at those sweet little bits tied with silver thread into the ribbon.

Since I was in Little Italy anyway, no sense in making the trip and not visiting other places, so I made a quick stop at Corbo's bakery - pepperoni bread, tiramisu, lemon bars. No wonder I didn't lose weight before this upcoming class reunion.

Saturday I shopped at a little family-owned market for some fresh meats and veggies, and even though I paid a little more than at my big chain grocery, I got personal service and some great atmosphere. (And when I shopped there on Tuesday, I got a senior citizen discount! Over age 55, get a discount. When I told the cashier I was over 55, I practically begged her to ask me to prove it, but...she believed me.)

I bet you're thinking I'm telling you all this just so I can brag about getting new stuff and spending money, right? Wrong. Today I read a blog post on Curious Sofa, about the 5/30 Program. Rather than tell you all about it, let me just tell you it's about shopping locally, in small independently owned retailers, and it just makes so darn much sense... I just want you to read about it. Click for Curious Sofa Diaries... and then, if that's not enough information, there's a link within the text for the 3/50 Project. I can't help but read it and think what a huge difference this would have made in my former retail business - and I want to call all those that are still in that area and tell them they have to promote the 3/50 Project!

So now you know - I'm doing my part. I still buy some stuff online - I've only been in Cleveland four years, and I don't know where everything is yet! But I am proud to frequent Xen Gifts and the bakery and the family owned grocer and yes, even the little local ice cream shop where a quart of homemade ice cream is over $9! Well, that's one way to stay on a diet, right?

In case you think you don't have a lot of small independent businesses near you, think of things other than gift stores and antique shops; think of buying your garden plants from the local nursery instead of Home Depot; seed for your bird feeders from the small shops that sell it (and you'll get better answers there than from the check-out girl at Walmarket); and don't forget the people who cut your hair!

Oh, that mess I made? It's to make these two little bitty dolls - and I have one more to go. I might need some yellow beads, though....



Remember - visit 3 locally owned stores you'd miss if they went out of business, spend $50 a month at locally owned independent businesses, and think of how you are benefitting the local economy! (And make something fun - a Dotee doll, a tote bag for your fabulous purchases, anything that makes you smile. )