---Shop News---Plaid Friday & Small Business Saturday

Today is Plaid Friday!

 "The name Plaid Friday was conceived from the idea of weaving the individual threads of small businesses together to create a strong fabric that celebrates the diversity and creativity of independent businesses. Plaid Friday is the relaxing and enjoyable alternative to the big box store “Black Friday,” and is designed promote both local and independently owned businesses during the holidays" 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Plaid-Friday-Shop-Local-and-Independent/147245538642349

You won't find me at the mall of the big box store today!  I pledge to make all my holiday purchases from small businesses ONLY!  It is so easy too!  You can shop online and support small as well as local businesses.  If you want to get out of the house, head to your local small town or the local Main Street and have an enjoyable experience with plenty of savings and holiday atmosphere.  

Here is a "breaking" the rules Etsy Treasury (one is not supposed to do a treasury with anything from your own shop or more than one shop...it is all about spreading the love on Etsy!)  But I say break the rules TODAY and skip Black Friday and shop small...and plaid!  So plaid stuff from all my shops!(mostly...plaid)

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MjYwNzk4NjF8MjcyMjc4MDkzMw/in-joy-plaid


Here is a "legal" Treasury I made earlier this week to celebrate the small online MaineTeam businesses!  Make Holiday Shopping Happy and Relaxing for all!  Happy Happiness!

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MjYwNzk4NjF8MjcyNTMyNjU1Mg/maineteam-mad-about-plaid?ref=pr_treasury

The Zen of Sea Glass or How I spent Black Friday

Catch of the Day!

I love to collect, which makes me think I might be part squirrel or magpie. Although, I   have the very best intentions of using all my trinkets in projects, this is not possible.   Recently, I have taken stock of my many treasures.  I have more than I can possibly use in a normal lifetime.  Yet I still collect.  I have tried to stop.  So, I ask myself why?  

On Black Friday, I had an opportunity to look at one obsession more closely, the collecting of sea glass.  I took my son and his girlfriend to Belfast, Maine so they could shop and take in a movie.   Belfast is a perfect place to leave a couple of teens.  They can walk everywhere and it is a safe, peaceful place.  I am a collector,  but not much of a shopper.  So, I headed to the local beach because it was a glorious day in Maine, especially for November.  The sun was shining and it was pretty comfortable, despite the stiff breeze.  I   was ready with a turkey sandwich, a bottle of water, and a canvas bag for collecting. 

Collecting sea glass requires a certain sort of walk and focus.  Your eyes are down, you can't wear sun glasses, and you must walk slowly.  It is like a Zen walk.  The objective is to cover as much beach as possible.  So, you need to walk in a zigzag pattern along the shore.  You are watching with awareness for that variation in the sand and pebbles that means TREASURE!  

It is this process that I love so much.  It is peaceful.  I am surrounded by the sound of the waves which lull my mind to quiet.  Every now and then I  stand and stretch to take in the sights around me...beauty!  The sea glass search slows me down, which is something I need in life.  Also, there is something in me that makes being productive necessary.  Collecting fulfills this need, and gives me an excuse to go to the beach. 

I have recently realized that I love the hunt more than the "having".  I have started a second Etsy Shop: www.injoytreasures.etsy.com to release my collections and create more space in my life.  Thank goodness for Etsy...or the contents of my attic may have caved in the house!  Etsy helps with my obsessive need to be productive...but that sounds like another blog!

Process Enraptures my Soul!

Here are a few of those enrapturing moments....

Sea Glass in its Natural Habitat

Ahhhh...Stretch....See...Sea

My favorite photo....this is how I found a little green piece of sea glass...it was nearly washed out to sea before I  nabbed it....the word "no" is on it...I took it anyways!

Me Having Fun in the November Sun!