Weekly Chat Cafe Week of October25th to November 1st

[naturepoet]

Welcome to new members, welcome back to returning teammates! If this is your first time here - this is a place to ask questions, share your most embarrassing secrets, or just chat about the slow and boring bits of your day…we want to hear from you!!

Be sure to check out the discussion board. There are games to be played and threads to explore. The more you promote your fellow team mates, the more you get promoted, so be sure to participate on a daily basis. Check out our blog and our Facebook page, as well as the other links provided below.

IMPORTANT LINKS:
* Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/301427606658253/
* Etsy Calculator: salecalc.com/etsy
* Etsyology: www.etsyology.net/
♥ Online Photo Programs: fotoflexer.com/ or www.picmonkey.com/
treasurypin.com./ and editor.pho.to/
arwmedia.net/tools/pixlr_express.php
* Etsy Craft Tools: www.mycrafttools.com/
* Etsy Gadget: www.estygadget.com
* Craftopolis -Edit multiple listings: www.craftopolis.com/#com=ee
* Etsy Banner Maker: bannerfans.com/banner_maker.php?bnew=1&pses=1a256d05
* Craftcount - craftcount.com/teritory.php
* Google+ tutorials blog.kissmetrics.com/personal-google-plus-account/ and moz.com/blog/tips-to-use-google-for-s
* Chrome Treasury Box: brittanysbest.com/treasurybox-chrome-extension/
* Google+ information plus.google.com/communities/112658132414010568954
* Etsy team page: www.etsy.com/pages/aaasupport
* Check your keyword relevancy in search: www.tools4etsy.com/Wall-e/Relevancy/Keyword
* 50 Reasons you're not getting Etsy Sales: www.handmadeology.com/50-reasons-youre-not-getting-etsy-sales/
* Betsi Lite: www.blugrin.com/ (make sure you click on Lite at the bottom of the screen, as that is the free edition!)
* New Category List: www.etsy.com/help/categories/seller#node-id-1250
* Promoted listing guide m.youtube.com/watch?v=zXhsyqXBWPM

Also, don't forget our promotion thread on the forums! Here is the link:
www.etsy.com/teams/21915/promos/discuss/15267796/page/157

Hi everyone. Chris is going to have my head. I forgot all about starting a new chat. My apologies. This one will go to November 1st, so if I forget, kindly remind me.

I have been very busy with all kinds of things. I do have a lot of new in my shop. Has anyone else been listing Christmas and Thanksgiving items?

Please chat about anything you like, Ask questions if you have them and tell us what's been happening in your world lately.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Try to make at least one person happy every day. If you cannot do a kind deed, speak a kind word. If you cannot speak a kind word, think a kind thought. Count up, if you can, the treasure of happiness that you would dispense in a week, in a year, in a lifetime!"
~ Lawrence G. Lovasik

[COLDHAMCUDDLIES]

Gosh, I'm a bit late today, and didn't expect to be the first to contribute my bit. Hope others will be in later.

Was out in Nottingham today returning a pair of shoes I got for my birthday with cash given me by Philippa. Alas, my feet have changed shape so much in the last year, that shoes that used to fit me like a glove are now so tight, they're uncomfortable, and there were none in the shop that I liked to replace them. So, will be spending some time on line to see if there's any likelihood of my long-term supplier being able to continue to provide me with footwear to my liking (as well as comfort).

Was given a lift in by Clare, which meant I had some time with the Little Fellow. He tired himself out crawling all round the community hall where Clare was helping with a Weight Watchers weighing in session, and slept in the car. But I was gratified that when he wanted help (with standing) or someone to throw his toy giraffe at, it was to me that he turned. We're definitely getting to know one another. Philippa is going to be introduced properly on Friday when she comes up for a couple of days. As all three of us Morrell girls sound very much the same, it's going to be interesting to see his reaction to being told "No" when he's trying something out that is not recommended!!

Most of the morning was spent dodging heavy rain showers. It's cleared up a bit now, but I think that winter is definitely coming and from all accounts it's not going to be an easy one!

[naturepoet]

Glad you had time to spend with the wee one, Isobel. That is always so much fun.

[KrochetKingdom]

Mary - no worries. Thanks for opening the new chat, but we would have continued on the old one.

Isobel - glad to hear that the little one is bonding with you. It would be interesting to see his reaction when the three Morrell girls converge on him. Keep us informed.

Yesterday I had a chat with Caroline from Sweden. She is a member here and her shop is Chockrosa. She is doing well and will drop in soon to say hello.

[Former_Member]

I remember Caroline; glad to hear she's doing well. Glad to see you, too, Marion! When did couva12 become KrochetKingdom? I don't remember it changing, but then my memory is so-so.

Rested most of the day today. Spent some time going through some old family and costuming photos. I found a few costumes I'd forgotten about! Part of this is getting ready to put the photos in storage, but I was also looking for pictures of people who have passed on. This is in preparation for the Wiccan holiday of Samhain, where we remember those who have passed on. I'm collecting pictures of those I want to remember on Saturday; they'll go on my altar. I'm also going to put a lot of orange votive candles around the room in black votive holders. I will probably spend most of Saturday in mental and spiritual preparation for the ritual.

Have a great day, everyone!

[naturepoet]

Marion, it will be nice to see Caroline again.

[KrochetKingdom]

Alanna I changed the couva12 name to KrochetKingdom at least 2 months ago to conform more with what I sell. Also having a separate website built with the same name.
Does Samhain fall on November 2? If I remember correctly, that is the day we also offer up prayers for those that have passed on.

Mary - yes Caroline was such a breath of fresh air on the thread, always sharing pictures of her adventures. Sweet kid.

I have tons of pictures to take and upload to my shop and website, if only the weather would work with me. It has been gloomy for days and the sun comes out for literally seconds before it gets cloudy again.

[COLDHAMCUDDLIES]

We've had a lot of cloud and rain for the last couple of days, and taking pics has been completely out of the question. Some more are definitely needed, though, so will have to get them done as and when.

Managed to source the fabric I shall be using for the upcoming Hedgehog scramble. It's not quite the same, but it will be as effective, I hope. Funnily enough, while I've been making the current models with brown under bellies, when seen in real life, they actually have quite a lot of white underneath their prickles. So, when I pick up the first metre on Monday morning, think I'll make a set of them using the new fabric. and give them a white underbelly: offer both versions while the current supply lasts, and see which goes fastest. I couldn't get the fabric before, as I still haven't been given an account number!! Even at trade prices, the cost is eye-wateringly expensive. Knew I was doing well with my previous arrangements, taking off-cuts off the furnishing factory, but not quite HOW well!. Since I've never really made any using a full metre's worth of stock, will try not to have to change the prices for as long as practicable. I'm making sufficient to cover my costs at the current rates, but for how long when I've got to enter the REAL world, am not sure!

Finally got myself in the mood too for doing my accounts - so that I can do my tax return at the beginning of November. It doesn't have to be done until January 31st, but I like to get it over and done with before the rush is on. Amazingly, given the order drought over the summer, have managed to make a small profit (it's OK ToysRUs don't have to worry!), which after a couple of years of making a small loss, is a great boost. Realise it is down to all those Puppets I made for my Tulsa based client. Hoping the Hedgehogs will have a similar overall effect.

Looking forward to seeing Caroline again - and what's happened to Candi, I wonder? The two of them seemed to compete for the most sales in a day at one time. I too used to love the descriptions of Sweden.

Hope the week-end celebrations go well for you Alanna. Philippa is honorary Godmother to three children of her best friend at University who also follows your celebrations. She's best friends with another lass - this time from her former Corps (First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY(/Princess Royal's Volunteer Corps) - who is also a Witch, with a boy and a girl. Philippa is thus honorary Aunt to them. Philippa is still a FANY (once a FANY, always one - it's the same outfit that spawned Odette Churchill, and Violette Szabo who were awarded the George Cross during WW11) but after 17 years as an active Officer, she is now regarded as a "Country FANY". She can return at any time if she changes her mind - but after that length of service, she feels it's time the youngsters take over.

We were all going to go to Walsingham, (UK Shrine to Our Lady of Walsingham) which is where Peter's ashes lie, on Saturday. It will be three years to the day, but not quite the actual date which was All Saints Day three years ago. However, Clare discovered that the RC Diocese of Middlesborough (one of the country's largest diocese) are having their annual diocesan pilgrimage on Saturday, and we all decided that we would not feel right among the crowds. Clare, Elliot and I will make our own private pilgrimage, during the week, in the not too distant future. Large Pilgrimages can create a very different atmosphere to the usual one of quite reflection that I like to enjoy.

Right, off to get my evening meal - and maybe meet the fellow who has said he might do some publicity material for me for the Hedgehogs. He has a lot of cards relating to his former partner's Sanctuary that he feels could be used - to go with each sold Hedgehog - so some interesting discussions are expected.

See you all anon.

[Former_Member]

Marion, Samhain falls on October 31st - Halloween. I believe November 2nd is All Souls Day in the Christian tradition, but it may be the 1st instead. The 31st is also called All Hallows Eve, or just Hallows by Wiccans. In our tradition, it is when the veil between the worlds is thinnest. Great day for a seance, lol.

Isobel, if you'd like to convo me some details about Peter's life, I will be happy to "remember" him when I remember others who have passed on. It would be appropriate to do this on the anniversary of his passing.

[COLDHAMCUDDLIES]

How kind of you to offer Alanna - have just sent you a convo - hope it's what you need to remember Peter: really appreciate the offer.

The effort of playing with three Morrell girls, all with similar voices, seems to have made Elliot go off to sleep really quickly this evening, after an afternoon of entertaining the grown ups with his antics. Even one of the cats made the effort to come down to see the grown ups, but avoided the "crawling creature" as much as he was able. However, just before bed, the first encounter took place (safely in Dad's arms) between Alfie (the biggest, younger cat): Mo, just keeps her distance, and disappears when said creature gets too near!! It is hilarious to watch I must say.

Found the Hedgehog lady has been so busy this week, as a result of her being given that award last week - and rescued 19 hedgehogs during the week since I first spoke to her - that understandably she hadn't opened her computer all week! She mentioned she had to get on to Facebook - so have discovered the page, liked it, and hope to be able to communicate with her quicker that way. Even managed to get a pic of all three of my Hedgehogs so she (and her existing followers, of course) could see what I'm trying to do. Hopefully, that will enable me to kick start the campaign from my end by the end of next week. Pick up the fabric on Monday. It's all beginning to come together.

Not much will get done until after Church on Sunday, although I may be back for a quick visit tomorrow. Have a good week-end everyone.

[Former_Member]

Isobel, thanks for the information. It's just what I needed.

Marion, I found out that November 1st is All Saints Day, while November 2nd is All Soul's Day. Halloween is a contraction for All Hallows Eve. This is in the Christian tradition.

Spent this morning doing our monthly grocery shopping. Some of the items are still in the car; I'll unload them tomorrow.

This evening Pam and I visited a good friend who's currently in a psychiatric hospital. She didn't look very good, and her speech was very slurred. I think this is due to the depression she's battling. A very good friend of hers died suddenly about a week ago, and that is what made her decide to go to the hospital. Her family is coming to see her this weekend, and Pam and I are going back up on Monday.

I probably won't post tomorrow. I'm going to spend most of the day sequestered in my bedroom, getting ready for my Samhain ritual tomorrow night. Basically, I have to write it! And I'll have decorated my altar, and put orange votive candles in black holders around my room. I'm looking forward to it.

Everyone have a Happy Halloween tomorrow!

[naturepoet]

Enjoy the Halloween festivities tonight.

[KrochetKingdom]

Thanks Alanna - yes All Saints is Nov. 1 and All Souls on Nov 2. I am thinking about you tonight as you have your ritual and sending up a prayer for all the departed as well.

Isobel - you are making strides with your hedgehogs. I wish you much success. Please keep us informed.

Have a Happy Halloween folks. We are waiting for the kids to come knocking.....none yet.

[Former_Member]

Thanks, Marion, for your throught. The ritual went beautifully. I felt especially at peace when remembering the dead, knowing that they too were at peace.

One thing that didn't work so well were the black votive holders and orange votives. The votives were smaller than I'm used to, and so they didn't come up to the edge of the holder. If they had, I would have had a lot more light. As it was, only points of light showed up, dimmed by the black holder. I will remember this for next year.

Hope everybody had a great Halloween!

[beckyspillowshop]

I am not sure what is going on with Twitter, but I am unable to retweet the tweets on Etsyaaa. Every time I do it , I get a message saying my account won't allow me to do it right now, try refreshing the page. I do it over and over and get the same message, even logged out and back in, still the same thing. Not sure what the problem is, but I wanted the group to know I tried, and wasn't just posting and then not retweeting. Does anyone have any clue why this is happening?

[COLDHAMCUDDLIES]

Glynn of the Pens used to be the leader for the EtsyAAA Twitter feed: haven't seen him here for some time, although I do sometimes see him when I'm on Twitter. Have you tried putting in "etsyaaa" on your Twitter page? I'm grateful to all those who retweet me, and try to thank everyone I catch - but have been so busy on the Hedgehog front, that I've been neglecting that page of late.

Just finished this week's blog post - with updates on the Hedgehog front.

http://coldhamcuddliescalling.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/cuddlies-hedgehog-campaign-further.html

Thanks Alanna for the action on behalf of Peter over the week-end. Glad you benefitted as well. Clare and Alan reported not one Trick orTreater visited them this year, even though they were prepared. Seems that there wasn't much activity at all in Kirkby - almost as though the youngsters had been told not to by their schools. Have to say, I've never been a fan of the trick or treating thing - we only encountered it when we first went to Canada, and had to do it - just so the girls didn't feel left out of it. Peter and I felt it was not a good basis - teaching the kids to beg (for sweets) or threaten (if they didn't get any!). I for one would be quite happy to see it die a natural death - doubtless to be followed by something even worse!!

Must away - good night on Television (for once). Got to get my evening meal as well.

Have a good week - and see you all tomorrow (or maybe, later - but no promises on the latter threat!).

[beckyspillowshop]

That is exactly what I am doing. I pull up the Etsyaaa to get all of the etsyaaa posts. Once I get them I try to retweet them, but it won't let me!!

[naturepoet]

Isobel, not one trick or treater here. Most parents send their kids to parties by the church or a group, such as Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers/Sisters etc.

When we were kids and lived in the country, we went to a few neighbors, but that is all. Everything was homemade. It's not to be trusted in this day and age. Like you, I'm afraid with all the goings on, it will eventually be a thing of the past, although there were about 50 kids that visited Mom's neighbourhood. We kids have forbidden her to open the door to trick or treaters. She is 89 and we're afraid someone will force their way into her house, as she lives alone, no dog or protection of any kind.