Cupcakes & Thank Yous

Well, this certainly did NOT load in the order I wanted, but here is how my package arrived! You see, there was a question in her blog about if you knew you had one week to live, how would you spend it. Sure, the most popular answer was and IS ALWAYS..with my family, my friends. And it's not that I disagree, but if I knew I had a week, I would want to go out making a difference, that's just who I am. I also have battled depression and I have been at the bottom of the pit wanting to write it all off and leave this world behind. But it's the faces at the bus stops, the men holding a HOMELESS Sign begging for money, it's the kids that have nothing in this world but violence and poverty, it's the smile on my family face, my friends kind words that refused to let me go in the darkest of hours. I would share my entry, but I think you can and should drop over at her blogspot and find it..it was labeled "1st giveaway" or such and it's in the comment section.

I want to say thank you for my cupcakes, they were delicious, and filled with a cherry surprise, each one wrapped like it's own present.

http://thefancyladygourmet.blogspot.com/

Enjoy!

Morning Coffee Chatter

I have a story to share. My friend was happily involved with what seems to be a very nice guy. They got in a "tiff" due to TEXTING/communication, and I also say, that the world of technologoy is great, but when it comes to communication I call it a "Sissy Window", I am about being "Face to Face". Not hiding behind the world of technology. Anyway, they get in this "tiff" and for just over a week, he does not contact her and in fact is avoiding speaking to her, although random texting continues. Yesterday "OUT OF THE BLUE" , he responds to her text saying he has a "Spot on his lungs", "Cancer", "going to the Cleveland Clinic"...all of this, and so much more does not "FIT", things are not adding up. My dear friend is devestated and sad, many of us are confused. It's hard to say, I want this to be a lie *Like I believe* because I don't want to see anyone suffer from Cancer, the other side doesn't want someone to be "This CRUEL" and play a huge lie. But let's face it..Olivia Newton Johns "old fiance" after 1995, has admitted he "faked" his death and wants to be left alone. My business partners Nephew told everyone he had liver cancer and played up some pretty detailed information, tests he was going through. He was busted "AFTER" he OD'd and was in the hospital. My business partner is a doctor and he even was played a fool. It happens folks, and there are some seriously sick people out there. I will keep you updated for sure.

Well, I am still bothered that SELLERS..WAIT till I leave feedback until they leave feedback. I'm sorry, that is not right. As a seller, you should leave feedback after prompt payment. Not wait till you see the buyers feedback.

I'm not having much luck on etsy, and I know we all have been there. I can't figure out "WHY" I am not more sucessful. My prices are ROCK BOTTOM, I cannot go any lower. I look at so much OVERPRICED Jewerly with TONS of sales. I see seriously FuGly items with lot's of sales. Now, I am not trying to be a witch, and I realize we ALL have the good and bad of our personal opinions. I am well aware that the market in jewelry on etsy is OVERFLOODED, it's just hard not to get down. I LOVE what I do, and I can't keep making and making and not selling. What if I never sell any? Of course this boils down to one good thing..I made myself promise not to make anything I won't WEAR myself or give as a gift with pride.

Did you know I love to make cards and stamp? I Have HUNDREDS of stamps. I use to have a huge shelf that held all my stamps and I got rid of it on Freecycle YEARS ago when I know longer had time or space in our old house. Well, it's time to get them back out, it's a HUGE money saver and with this lovely (sarcastic) economic time, it's time to do what we can, and honestly paying at LEAST 2.00 per card at the store is CRAZY.

Have a wonderful day!

So many ideas...and FEEDBACK

I've been on a "clear kick" and I made a OUTSTANDING necklace. I want to do 3 versions of clear stones at 3 prices, one LOW,,glass beading.... MEDIUM $..Swarovski Crystal...and HIGH...a perfect Clear Quartz....It's certainly not just for brides, but it is something I would be happy wearing as a neautral item. So here is my first picture... This one is in the Glass...$29.00

Okay, now onto my rant, which should be safe to say seeing how I have not a single follower! On Etsy, there is feedback, and to me, if an item is paid quickly with a smooth transaction (which is more then simple) the SELLER should leave postive feedback BEFORE the item is shipped. Now I have bought a LOT on Etsy and only a FEW (I think 2 or 3) left me feedback BEFORE they shipped..most wait until I leave feedback for them and only then they leave me feedback and many times I send a reminder. I'm sorry, that is bullshit. A seller should always post feedback first, not have to be reminded later. Now I realize it is a *safety net* so if the buyer leaves nasty or negative feedback then the seller can lash back out. But is that fair? I don't think so. This really bothers me, can you tell?

If you look on my etsy.... www.AngelaBradley.etsy.com and go to MY Favorites you will see the entire first page and 1/2 of second is ALL BLUE stones. Now everyone that knows me knows that blue is my FAVORITE COLOR because it represents my FAVORITE THING....WATER! I have another vision..lot's of blue droplets on a necklace in briolettes. LOVE IT.

On a personal note, my husbands job is still hanging by a thread, the thread is shredding and everyday I am grateful he goes into work. He works for the family tool & die business (my parents) and I watched my dad start that business in our 3rd bay garage when I was 3 years old. It's painful to watch my parents in such stress, the business taking a plunge towards a landside. I'm angry that we have lost SO MANY jobs to China. Why does our government see it fit to make it EASY for business to ship overseas? Is it to much to want our jobs to stay here in the USA? What the hell is happening to our country?