Supporting Those Who Matter

 With all that is happening in our world,

it has perhaps escaped your attention,

but there are only 45 days left until Christmas!

I am actually looking forward to the holidays this year.

I'm not entirely sure why,

but some years are just different than others.

(Source)

We don't go over the top with decorations,

and we don't spend a lot on gifts.

It's more about the feeling~

the merriness and closeness of family

and kindness of community.

That's where I'm really going with this.

(It really isn't to freak you out about shopping days left.) 😊

Regardless of your opinion on the larger situations,

we've been pushed to do more shopping online.

There are a couple of very important things that happen

when this sort of purchase occurs.

The first is easily seen, and you may or may not care,

but everything you purchase is tracked.

There is a part of me that really doesn't care 

if the big-wigs know that I bought a package of quilting needles,

but there is a morsel within me that is rather creeped-out by it.

Thing two is that the communal connection that typically happens

between a merchant and customer is severed.

It's not impossible,

but how many times have you avoided a shop 

because "they are rude in there" 

or you purposely try a store first because they are so nice and helpful?

This year more then ever,

small businesses and independent craftsmen & women

need your support.

As I stated above, we don't do a lot of shopping,

but I have made a special effort this year

even with my online purchases to support "little folks."

Most of the events that usually take place before Christmas

have been canceled this year.

I know from years past that many of those vendors

rely on that "extra" income.

If you already know area craftsmen that you like to support,

you might reach out and ask if they have any inventory on hand.

My guess is they do.

If you are on social media and can ask for area vendors

to post a couple pictures of their wares,

even if you don't purchase the items,

others will see and possibly lead to a sale.  

This exhibits a kindness and caring on your part

and gratitude on their part

which strengthens your community.

Community is so important!

It's something that has taken a huge hit this year.

Neighbors are being pitted against one another,

and barriers raised both internally and externally.

If we each do our part,

even from a distance, 

our neighbors and community will know we care.

And that we care

is what is most important.

Especially as we near Christmas~

the day we celebrate because He cared enough to send His son.

Merry blessings to you all.

PS~ If you are an independent craftsperson,

I'd like to invite you to leave a way to reach you

in the comments.

For security sake, please leave a search name

so people can find you rather than a link.

 

 

Bartering vs. Paying it Forward

Just curious as to how many of you have been asked

if you barter for goods or services.

It's not a common question for me,

but I have been asked.

I'm never really quite sure how to respond.

Recently, we've had a couple occurrences that got me to thinking.

I was/am so completely thankful,

I wasn't entirely sure what to think.

In one incident, Mr. LB and I did something for a neighbor 

expecting nothing in return and were "repaid" kindly.

The other is actually the story I would like to share with you.

Mr. LB has a friend who raises bees - lots of bees.

We asked if we could purchase some beeswax from him when it was harvested.
(See about dipping beeswax candles on this link.)

We (Mr. LB) told him about how much $ worth we would like.

It was some time before he said he had some for us.

This is what he had for us when

Mr. LB stopped by after work.

When asked how much we owed him,

his response was, "Awe, don't worry about it.  

I'll be needing some metal work."

He indeed needed some metal work a few weeks later.

Mr. LB was only too glad to deliver.

Maybe some folks would call that bartering,

but I kinda think of it as paying it forward.

We could have easily said that we would prefer to pay him,

but there is a friendship and sense of community when

trading for the unknown.

Maybe it's about trust.

We don't go into things with the mentality of 

I'll offer 18 eggs for a 2"X4", or

I'll work 3 hours for the use of XYZ item.

It seems so much easier to just offer help when needed -

of either goods or labor.

Isn't there an old saying - something to the effect of

it's better to be owed than to owe?

I don't think that means only money.

The other great part of it is the not keeping track.

If you happen to help someone out and don't expect anything in return,

it's very freeing not to have to remember.

The friend above is one who might have gone a year or two before needing

anything done.  Then when it was done would ask how much he owed.

We could then have responded, "Awe, don't worry about it.  

We'll need some beeswax sometime."

See how easy forgetting is:)

This block of beeswax should last me some time.
I am still in complete awe.

Thank you Jeff.

And thank you Love (Mr. LB:).