Chat Thread

[#1]

Here you go. Private and all.

[mzbellz]

Good morning All.

Lisa, Debra:  Thank you for the compliment on my headbands.  I think I might of mentioned that the pattern is from Bonnie Bay Crochet.  I love all her work.  She's basically a celtic crocheter, which I love.  I was always attracted to cables and different stitches.  The stitches used for the headband/earwarmer is sc, mainly, also rev sc,and slip stitch.  I just made a few more  I have to photograph. I made one in orange and red, I want to make one in a mixed black.  I also follow a woman who does baby blankets, her website is called Daisy Farm Crafts.  I saw this chevron blanket that someone made using her design, but changed it up a bit, so of course i started making that, mine is orange and white.

Lisa: So sorry to hear about your daughters Poodle, I know it's a worry.  I hate to see animals sick.  They seem so helpless.  If only they could talk,so we can help them more.  my daughter has 3 cats, and they all think they are human.  Of course I'm the main one who takes care of them, I don't mind, they keep me company.  I just get worried when they go out at night and don't come back for awhile, I always fear some other animal will be getting them as we have coyotes near by.  Are one cat Albus went out last year and never came back.  So we think maybe he was cornered by a coyote and couldn't get away.  He was 9 I think.

Debra: Glad to hear Scarlett is doing well.  

Lisa: Wow that's great about your Dad.  But what a harsh comment from the Dr.  I know it wasn't meant to be that way.  He's great he beat the odds. Glad to hear your book is still at #2.   That sucks that you have to wait until January to find out how well you're doing.

I made a mini pumpkin for the granddaughter as she asked me, it didn't take long.  It came out so cute.  I watched a you tube video by Jayda in Stitches.  She's so kooky, but I love watching her videos.

Last night we had a bad storm.  It rained so much and the wind is wicked.  Even today.  Totally fall now, the leaves are almost off the trees.  Last weekend me, my daughter,her husband, and my  granddaughter went for a walk. It was in an area called Falling Waters Preserve. It was so beautiful.  All the trees in their brightest colors were on display.  Plus it's right along the Hudson River.

Well that's it for now ladies.  My computer is going to die, so before it does  I'll end here.  Have a great weekend.

[HowCuteAreYou]

Good Evening Ladies ~

Lisa ~ Sorry to hear about your daughter's dog.  It's rough dealing with an older dog and torn between wanting them to get better and when to just be humane.  

I hope your dad continues to beat the odds.  Sometimes I think doctors just throw out numbers based on some medical protocol but don't take into account the actual patient.  

Congrats on having a busy shop. You have such unique items that you will always do well.   As I mentioned earlier this week my shop is dead.  I'm only selling my patterns at this point. It's been a few weeks since I sold any booties and for my shop that's nuts.  I spoke with Etsy about the guaranteed free shipping for purchases over $35.00 versus offering free shipping on all shop items and they told me that free shipping no matter if its guaranteed or not gets priority placement.  BUT, I am getting the lowest views I have ever had.   I think shops with guaranteed shipping are getting higher priority because they will make more profit for Etsy since customers need to spend more to get the free shipping.  

My brother is having the same issue, very low views.  I relisted a few items and have several new items but they not even getting views.  It's really weird.   I do a lot of posting on instagram but that brings in just a few views a week and a few sales.  I'll see what happens in the next few weeks and then I'll have to make some decisions going forward.  

Scarlett is doing ok.  She had an ear infection.  Not sure I posted that or not.  

MaryAlice ~ I made several little pumpkins from the pattern and youtube video by Bella Coco Crochet.  I love Jayda and have made a few things from her youtube videos.  The socks I sell, or at least offer, are from her pattern.  She is kooky but has some quick and easy things to crochet on her site.  You work on things that are probably above my skill grade.  I need videos to learn new skills so youtube is a dream come true for me.  Had there been no youtube I would never have my shop. 

I've never been to your area in the fall, I had been to the northeast in fall but I have a soft spot for the whole Catskill area and the Hudson River area up your way.  So many good times there.   Plus seeing the falls leaves up in the mountains is so incredible.  Living in Illinois where there are no hills and everything is flat you just don't see the beauty of the whole forest.  

My sister and her husband are in NYC till Sunday.  She is freezing her butt off and had to borrow scarves and gloves.  We've become babies and can't tolerate anything below 65 degrees.  I gave her a list of fun places to see in the city if she has time and she just said she's not going anywhere it's too cold.  I think tomorrow and Saturday are supposed to be beautiful in the low 60's so hopefully she'll get out.  

Have your ever been to Cipriani's?  Neal and I had martinis at the restaurant on 5th and 59th and we were both plastered after 1 each.  We then walked to 34th street to our son's apt. trying to get sober before we saw him.  I told my sister if she want's a good drink to definitely try Cipriani's.  

We found out today that my son and his wife are expecting a BOY in February!  I'm so excited.  It's very bitter sweet and caused a lot of tears today.  It's hard to phathom that Neal will never know this grandchild and that I won't be sharing this joy with him.  This sucks so bad.  I've been blaming myself for Neal passing away.  Had I taken better care of him, made him go to the dr. or just paid more attention it could have all turned out differently.  I begged him on New Years Day to make an appt. with me at Cleveland Clinic for a full day of exams and he said if there is something wrong he doesn't want to know.  I let him eat all the Wendy's he wanted and basically let him destroy himself because I was tired of arguing with him.  He would diet and lose weight and then put it right back on.  I blame myself for that as well since I am not the best cook nor do I cook the healthiest meals but when I did cook something healthy he would eat a bag of chips after dinner.  Some days I think I'm doing ok and then something will happen and I'm back to square one.  Thanks for letting me share.  Sometimes it's easier to write down my thoughts then speak them.  

I'm heading up to my son and dil's on Monday.  I was supposed to go today but my daughter's car which was due out of the body shop yesterday isn't happening till tomorrow and she needs my help.  A few days with my little Violet will do me good.  They made a little video of Violet throwing blue paper scraps around and saying "it's a boy".  So freaking cute.  They at first asked her what kind of baby are we having and she replied "a regular baby".  Where she comes up with this stuff we have no idea.  She'll be two next month, can you believe it?!

Have a good rest of the week!

[mzbellz]

Good Evening All.

Debra: Congratulations.  I know you're over the moon.  I'm happy for you. 

Don't beat yourself up about what happened with Neal. I did the same thing with Tony.  But talking to him was like talking to the wall.  It infuriated me, and like you I just gave up. Today is  the 5th year anniversary of his passing.  I can't believe it.  I think about how I came home and found him dead on the bathroom floor, and I feel guilty about it.  The reason I say this is because at the time my daughter and I were visiting a friend of mine  who is in prison.  He's in their on a wrongful conviction. I won't go into detail, but what they said he did he did NOT do. He's been in jail 7 years already.  Anyhow, his wife and Tony died different years but on the same day.,I've known my friend Bob for over 30 years.   So, while I was away that day he passed, and it was just a weird day because, my daughter said to me in the morning, Mom maybe we shouldn't go today, it was a 3 hr drive, and I said No, I think it's ok, and we were both sort of not sure about going, but we did anyway.  Then it was around 2:30, (visiting hours at the jail are over at 3) anyhow, I remember looking at the clock and I just felt like I had to leave right then and there, and my daughter said she started to feel very thirsty, and all I could think about was i have to leave now, but we didn't we waited till 3 and then left.  While we were driving home, my daughter says, Mom, I have to pull over, I just can't keep my eyes open, and she said why don't you call Tony, and I said no, I'll call him when I'm on the train.  So, she rested awhile, and then we headed back home.  He's in Pennsylvania, For some unknown reason, it took me  it seemed like forever to get to the train, Amtrak.  For some reason we just couldn't make it  to the train.  Normally I get a 5:30 train,  I  wasn't able to get a train until 7.30.  I tried calling Tony, but it just rang (he never had voicemail)  So I couldn't leave a message, I tried 2x.  Then I thought, well, he's probably sleeping,  cause he use to tell me, Don't worry, if I don't answer it's because I'm sleeping. I didn't get home till 9.30 that night, and when I opened the door, I called his name, I looked down the hall way, and that's when I looked in the bathroom and found him. 

I'm sorry. I hope I haven't upset anyone, but Debra, after you saying you felt like it was your fault, No, it's not. That was his time to go, just like Tony, he could of taken care of himself more and do what the dr's w.anted him to do, but he just got stubborn.  and I think just gave up. I think he knew his days were numbered.  He told me a few weeks before he passed that he didn't think he would live past Thanksgiving.  I just looked at him and said, yes you will. He just shook his head and smiled.  He knew. I was in denial also, and blamed myself saying why didn't I pay more attention and make him do what he was supposed to, maybe if I didn't go to pa and I was home it wouldn't of happened.  But you can't look at it like that.

Ok, enough.  This is too depressing.  Sorry.  

I don't know what to do about Etsy either,  If I close shop, I won't be able to talk with you girls anymore, and this is one of the main reasons why I'm still on here.  I read in the forums how people are really disgusted with Etsy, and a lot of them have left.  To me Etsy is catering to the people who have actual shops that produce huge amount's of inventory and make them a lot of money.  There are hardly any handmade items on here.   We the little people don't count any longer.  Oh well.  Enough.  Have a great weekend everyone.  Again, I hope Ihaven't depressed anyone on here. 

[hooknsaw]

Debra congratulations for the new grand baby!  I can't begin to imagine how bitter sweet milestone occasions will be for you.  Hugs to you (and you too Mary Alice).

I think guilt is part of the grief, and I try to remind myself that I have very little impact on what God (or the universe) has planned.  

I will chat with you all more later, I have a busy morning.

[HowCuteAreYou]

Hi Ladies ~

Mary Alice ~ Your message has helped me immensely, thank you so much for sharing.  I know it's sad and probably ruined your already not so great day but you helped me.  I feel your pain and know how hard it was to put it in to words.  I do beat myself up.  Our stories are so similar, you finding Tony and me finding Neal on his office floor. Along with you being away for the day as I was.  I called him several times during the day while I was at my daughter's house having a workman build her Ikea furniture we had just bought.  Neal was supposed to go but he wasn't feeling well so I went.  It was not like Neal to not answer the phone especially since he knew I was alone with a workman.  I thought he was taking a nap because he wasn't feeling well.  Our last phone conversation was shortly before 2pm when he told me he was feeling better and the headache was less severe.  My response to him, since I was worried about him having a stroke, was "Thank goodness because you would rather die from a heart attack than have a stroke".  I beat myself up about that all the time.  I was trying to make him feel better that he wasn't having a stroke and he dies of a heart attack not 5 minutes later.  He wasn't complaining of chest pains but rather headaches which had our dr. concerned it could be signs of a stroke due to high blood pressure.  We put together a time frame and found that he must have passed away right after our phone call because my next call was around 2:20 and he didn't answer.   

When I got home at 5:30 it was dark since it was January.  I went through the house even his office and kept calling him. I checked to see if his car was in the garage which it was.  I did a second run through thinking I missed him in his office because he sometimes would sit at his corner desk and not the main one and if was on the phone with his office he wouldn't answer me.   That's when I found him on the floor.  He had been at the corner desk and slipped out of the chair and I honestly thought he was joking. He had a wicked sense of humor and loved to scare me, he looked as if he placed himself on the floor and made his glasses slightly askew.  He also had been telling me he didn't have much longer to live and I waved it off.  He would always say morbid things like that.  And honestly, he looked like a bull and was so strong I never though of him as sick or ailing.  When I look back and think of things he said I do believe he knew something was very wrong.  He wasn't himself and  was very stressed trying to get a new product ready for launch.  

Shortly before all this happened, I was feeling depressed and little overwhelmed by the holidays.   I called my brother and told him I was depressed and felt like someone going to die. He said who and of course being that our parents are elderly he thought I was thinking of them but it was actually a feeling I had that I was going to die.  I never thought it would be Neal.  But in thinking it was myself I imagine it was a bit true because when Neal passed away so did a part of me.  I have had to reinvent who I was and reimagine a life imagined.  

I blame myself for not taking him to the hospital last October when he was really ill with an upper respiratory infection.  He wanted to go to the clinic.  Had I taken him instead to the hospital they would have done a workup and possibly seen all the blockages in his heart or heard that his rhythm or blood flow was off.  

Lisa ~ Thank you, guilt is definitely a part of the grieving process, a not great part for sure.  It's true, I have no control over anything but how I deal with things that come my way.  I'm doing my best and one thing I am proud of is that I haven't spent one day in bed but get up everyday, get dressed and go about my business.  If I allow myself to go down the rabbit hole I will never get out.

Sorry if this upset you ladies but this is the best place for venting.  We are always here for each other and patting each other on the back.  And, we never even met in person!!  How wonderful the internet is!!

Mary Alice ~ My brother hasn't had a sale in 4 months.  He had a fairly nice business with an income each month.  I finally had a bootie sale today, I think my second one this month which is crazy.  I really don't want to close shop, I love keeping just a little bit busy and the extra income is nice but this month is the worst on record since I opened 10 years ago.   

I imagine there are a lot of shops that are not happy.  If everyone is offering free shipping then how is everyone's shop getting priority placement?  Doesn't even make sense.   

Thank you ladies for the good wishes.  It's amazing to think that my teeny Violet will be a big sister.

We are all just trying to get up the hill, some days it's a step forward and some days we fall down.  Cliche for sure but it's true.  Mary Alice - because you shared your story and I know I'm not alone I feel today is a step forward day.  xoxo

 I ran a big errand today with my brother.  I had to pick up my daugher's rental car, drop it off and then pick up her car at the body shop and drop it back to her.  On the way to doing all this my brother and I went to the Goodwill Store and the Hospice Store.  We saw some beautiful items that just needed a little tlc.  One was a gorgeous sideboard that was selling for $300.00.  We looked it up online and the exact same one was $3,000.00!  Neither of us needed the piece but I'm trying to figure out what I can get rid of to make room for this table. It was mansion worthy!  It was fun thrift shopping.  My brother got an eyeglass case and while I don't need to bring another thing into my house it was a good time. 

Have a great weekend ladies!  Thank you so much for sharing and listening.

[mzbellz]

Just dropping by.

 Debra: I'm happy that I helped in some way.  Thank you for your story.  I feel your pain also. I know you've felt that you were all alone, and helpless and no one understands, but I do.  If you ever need to talk please give me a call.  I will put my phone # in a pm to you.. It does get easier as time goes by.  xxooxx

[HowCuteAreYou]

Hi Ladies ~

Thanks MaryAlice.  It really does help to share and vent.  Much appreciated.

I am home after 2 days visiting my son, dil and Violet.  That really did me a world of good!!  When she hugs and kisses me I am a puddle of mush. 

I had an upswing in my shop.  As I mentioned I barely had a sale all month and then I leave and have 6 sale in two days and two of the sales were for items that had been in my shop for at least a year with absolutely no views.  I also sold a pair of fingerless gloves which I rarely sell.  So that's all good news  

I was discussing this with my brother today and I believe, could be wrong, that no sales equals no promoting of your shop by Etsy.  IF you get a sale then you are suddenly bumped up pages.  My views after the sales, even though I didn't renew some of the items, were nearly triple what they had been.  My brother believes it might be possible since he isn't getting views or sales.  Makes sense that Etsy would bump your shop up if you're getting sales since it makes them money.  

A bit tired now after playing for two days and not great sleep.  I'll write more later.

[TheYarningCompany]

Hi, Ladies,

I just read through all of the latest posts (our computer has been a little wacky lately, so I haven't been on it as much) and am just about in tears reading everything that Debra and Mary Alice wrote.  I can't even begin to imagine what it's like to be in your place, and I'm just so thankful for both of you that you have family near enough to see and be with so that you're not always alone.  This may not help either of you, but I'm a firm believer in God, and that we are not at all in control.  We may try to be, but we're not.  There's a Bible passage about widows that we talked about last school year.  It's from 1 Timothy and is as follows:

"3 Honor widows who are truly widows. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. 5 She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day..."

We talk pretty often about vocation at church.  Vocation does not refer to work, but rather about who we are, specifically in regards to other people.  We might be wife, mother, sister, neighbor, friend, etc.  That is our vocation.  And while becoming a widow does mean you are no longer an active wife, you are still all of those other things.  You are still a mother and a grandmother, a friend and a neighbor.  You still have people you love and who love you in return.  And now you get to share with them - specifically, with your grandchildren who don't know your husband - all the wonderful things about them, and how much they would love to know these little ones and watch them grow.  My mom's dad died when he was only 54, six months before my mom and dad were married, and I was born 4 years after he died, to the day.  I'm sure my grandma was a different person after he died than she was before, but the lessons I learned from her still stick with me.  Your grandchildren will grow up seeing you as strong women, women to look up to and women to idolize.  Heck, I even married a man who has so many similar qualities to my grandma, it's a little frightening! :) 

I'll leave you with my favorite Bible passage today.  I cry every time I hear it, but I can get into that some other time.  :) 

Isaiah 40:31: But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

(If all of my faith and Bible talk makes any of you uncomfortable, just let me know and I'll stop.  I don't want to step on anyone else's beliefs or force mine on you; I'm just sharing what I believe.)

[hooknsaw]

Debra and Mary Alice, I hope you are both feeling a little better.  Hugs to you both.

Lauren, I appreciate your post.  God has pulled me through many hurdles and although I do not practice any formal religion now, I do believe and I am very spiritual.

It has been a stressful couple of weeks and it looks like every "stupid-little-thing-I-was-worried-about" will be settled by mid week.  I hope everyone has a good weekend!

[mzbellz]

Good Afternoon Everyone.

Weather today is rain rain and more rain.  Better than snow,cause if it were snow, we'd have about a foot by now.  Anyhow, yes, I'm doing well Lisa, Lauren, and Debra.  Thank you for your support it's very much appreciated.  

Lisa, I know what it's like to worry of stupid things when in the end it will be settled, but that's nature and who you are.  If you didn't worry then I feel you would have no thought to anyone or anything.  Woman always tend to worry more than men.  So I hope you are ok.  When I use to worry which is a lot more then than now, I would drive me and everyone else crazy.  I've learned that I can't control everything and what will be will be.  I do pray though when confronted with what I feel is a major problem.  Not  really saying a prayer just quotes from the bible that I remember.

Back in the early 90's  I was very much into spiritual. I found a lot of comfort in it and it helped me to really get in touch with my inner self and with God.Unfortunately I fell away from it.  I should try and get back into it.  I had a lot of favorite Bible verses I'd say to myself and it gave me comfort.  Anyhow, Lauren, no I'm not uncomfortable by it, Thanks for sharing.  It's very kind of you. 

My Grandson was down for the weekend.  it was so nice to see him.  He's up in Utica New York as goes to SUNY college.  It's about 3 hours away. I can't believe it's almost Halloween.  My granddaughter is going to dress up as a mermaid.  She's already for Christmas though.  She's been playing Christmas music since the 1st of October.  She's also counting the days off from the Calendar she's made.  Everyday she reminds me of how many more days we have until Christmas.  I told her don't rush her life away, as Christmas will come soon enough.

Well folks that's about it from this end.  Hope everyone stays well.

[HowCuteAreYou]

Hi Ladies ~

Sorry to be so out of touch lately.  Been a bit busy trying to get my shop up to speed.  I've been making new items and photographing them has really taken up time.  I've been using my phone and I'm really happy with the photos but getting the right photo setup takes me all day.  Sunday I spend the whole day photographing, editing and listing.  On Sunday evening I was meeting my brother and sister for dinner and it wasn't till 4 o'clock that I realized I never got out of my pjs all day.  Thank goodness I have a yard I can throw the dogs in.  

Lauren~ The passages you posted were beautiful as were your thoughts on vocation.  It's all true, I am still everything I was. I miss being a wife but I'm filling my time with family, friends and crocheting.  While I use to love quiet time it has now become something that I struggle with.    I love that you said that my grandchilden will know me as a strong woman.   If one thing that has happened over this past year is that I have become a bit stronger.

I appreciate your support ladies.  

Mary Alice ~ How's your weather now?  We're still so hot!!  Usually it starts to cool down by now but were still in the high 80's.  I'm sure there will be some really cool days coming up and then I will be cursing them and wishing for summer.  

You must be so happy when your grandson comes home.  Does Olivia miss her brother?   I can hardly believe that Halloween is here already!     I'm only opening the door for trick or treaters till 7pm.  We get some weird teenagers around here that are 7 feet tall and wear scary crap and they always show up at 9pm.  There is no way I'm opening the door that late while I'm alone.  I'm thinking of just putting the candy outside with a note to help yourself.  And I hope they take all the candy because if they don't I will just eat it.  

Lisa ~ I hope all your worries and issues work themselves out.  Not good to stress out but who doesn't.  Is your shop busy?

Have a good rest of the week ladies and Happy Halloween!!

[HowCuteAreYou]

Ladies ~ One more thing.

I shipped out a package last week with Etsy postage as I always do but the package has stopped tracking once it reached it destination distribution center.  The tracking number is not a valid tracking number according to USPS who I spoke with tonight at length.  The package tracked fine for a day or two but then because the numbers aren't correct USPS numbers, it's too short and the first few numbers aren't a USPS sequence, it's in limbo.  I have to contact Etsy tomorrow to see what they can do and why the postage label generated a wrong sequence of numbers.  

Anyone else have this issue? 

[hooknsaw]

Debra, the tracking number issue seems bizarre.  I would think the number would not have tracked to the destination distribution center.  It would have stopped at the post office you shipped from, instead.  The only thing I can think is that maybe the shipping label got torn where the numbers are?  If I have anything weird (which always happens during the Holidays).  I start a claim for lost mail with USPS (filing on-line).  I file right away and do not wait for the mandatory time range and often the packages will be located or start moving again.

Another thought, if you reprint the label are the numbers different than what is showing on etsy for the order?  Etsy has all kinds of weird glitches.

Has the customer contacted you?  It may be the package is delivered and just showing weird tracking.

Geez, I had ordered yarn in September and the order showed as shipped and it was not, it was a computer glitch on Lion brands end.  I don't know how many e-mails and phone calls but I finally had yarn delivered yesterday.  Don was freaking out because we have orders waiting and had completely run out of gray yarn.  We had to go to walmart this week and checked their yarn section and it was a joke ... no yarn at all except for super saver and I don't use that for scarves.  My daughter hurt her back this week, is still stressing over her dog and I've been worried about her.  I was babysitting my son's dogs this past week while he and the family were on an elk hunt and I got bit by their Lab.  Not the dogs fault, she was excited for a treat I gave her and took my index finger too.  Of course it was the right index finger needed for hooking.  There is more, but really all just stupid little things, but they pile up.

My kids always tease me that I can handle one inconvenience (or catastrophe) at a time, two makes me edgy and three send me over the deep end.  

I hope you are doing okay, I feel so bad for you and Mary Alice, I have never lost anyone close suddenly.  I have lost close family but after prolonged illness and it is different. 

I smile when you visit Violet.  I was visiting with my daughter in laws Mom and we agreed that the worst day ever can be turned around by grandchildren ... at some point they become the center and the bad drifts away.  Little Addy this week:  We were leaving after a visit and Don tells her : "you be a good girl".  Addy replies "you be a good girl too Papa"

The weather here is a mess.  We are enjoying all 4 seasons in 1 week.  It was almost 80 a few days ago and today 30's we are supposed to reach 10 tonight.  I like the cooler weather, but prefer a gradual decrease:).

Debra, our shop is surprisingly busy.  We had our best September and October ever.  It was a gamble doing away with the summer items and concentrating on scarves, but I think it will be a good decision overall.  I've thought about having a seasonal shop that only opens for the winter months, but I am worried that closing for the summer would set us back with the etsy mystery algorithm.

I hope everyone has a great rest of the week and Happy Halloween!  We don't get any kids here, too rural and the property is fenced off.  Thank goodness Don has a toothache or I'd be eating all the candy he bought!  Stubborn man, I'm dragging him to the dentist next week.

[KnitAndCrochetPalace]

Hello Lisa,  This is the first time I've been on the computer since about May.  It's been a rough year.  I've been in the hospital, I think, five times since then and each time I've been hospitalized after I was released I had to go to physical rehab usually for about a month each time.  I have to use the walker ALL the time and have to use the wheel chair more than I want to now.

 I have been thinking about reopening my shop with what I have.  I don't have the energy to take pictures of anything I might get made.  I haven't picked up a crochet hook or knitting needle since May so maybe I don't even remember how to crochet or knit anymore.  I can't believe how much I've forgotten about the computer and now all my e-mail accounts have disappeared.  I have no  idea how to find them.  I just accidently found this team chat. Any new crazy rules I need to know about Etsy since I've been gone?

I will try to be diligent about writing.

Sue Ellen

knitandcrochetpalace.etsy.com 

[HowCuteAreYou]

Hi Ladies ~

The package did arrive and the customer left a great review.  I spoke with Etsy and they said for some reason the wrong tracking numbers was issued.  They had no answer as to why the glitch happened, but they did take responsibility for it.  It was really just a tracking issue, the address was correct, just messed up wrong numbers.

Lisa ~ I hope your daughter is ok.  How is the dog?  I hear you with only one issue at a time!  Dogs, bitten finger, daughter and yarn.  Too many issues!! Did you need stitches from the dog bite?  Isn't always the finger you use the most.  Just try and take care of yourself.  Easier said then done but getting sick or rundown will do no one any good.

Walmart and Michaels yarn dept. are really lacking.  When I visited Violet I went yarn shopping at the local JoAnn's in Melbourne.  My goodness was it a well stocked store.  I went a little crazy!!   Hobby Lobby has pretty yarns but they only carry their brand though I do use it the most for my booties.  

I'm doing ok.  Loss is loss.  My brother always quotes a Willie Nelson song to me, how we never get over it we just have to move through it.  Or something like that, but it's true.

Your little girls crack me up. What comes out of their mouths is too cute. I love a funny, spunky little girl and you have two.   Having Violet to look forward to is such joy.  Her 2nd b/day is on the 19th so I'll be heading up the week before Thanksgiving for her party.  

Congrats on a busy shop!!  Mine is in spurts.  I met my goal plus some for October but I can hardly believe it.  It was completely dead and then I had a sale which obviously generated something with Etsy and my shop starting getting views.  Last few days totally dead again with no views.  I have no idea what's going on.  

Weather here is just HOT.  Usually by now we have a nice cool down.  They say it's coming next week which can't come soon enough.  

This year for Halloween I was prepared and bought 3 large bags of kitkat bars.  I only was going to give out treats till 7:30 because after that the teens starting coming out and I'm not opening my door to a 6 foot kid in a mask.  Freaks the crap out of me.  But, I had no one!!  I saw a few kids on the other side of the street but not one knock till around 9pm but by that time I wasn't opening the door for anyone.  So, I have three bags of kitkat bars that I have to give away or I'll eat them.  I am such a chocoholic that it's not even funny.  

Good luck with the dentist and Don.  Is there a man that isn't stubborn?  

Today I have the painters here.  All collateral damage from the flood will finally be complete.  Once they are done I am going to do a sage smudging and hopefully remove any negative energy from my house.  I am changing the color of my kitchen from blah beige to happy robin's egg blue.  I am trying to personalize my house for me and have some joyful color brought in.  

Happy Friday and hope the start to November is a good one.

[HowCuteAreYou]

Hi Ladies ~

I just realized a week has gone by and no chat updates.  Just checking to make sure everyone is ok.  Not much going on here.  Just gearing up for the holidays.

[KnitAndCrochetPalace]

Hello Debra,  This is the first time I've been on the computer since about May.  It's been a rough year.  I've been in the hospital, I think, five times since then and each time I've been hospitalized after I was released I had to go to physical rehab usually for about a month each time.  I have to use the walker ALL the time and have to use the wheel chair more than I want to now.

 I have been thinking about reopening my shop with what I have.  I don't have the energy to take pictures of anything I might get made.  I haven't picked up a crochet hook or knitting needle since May so maybe I don't even remember how to crochet or knit anymore.  I can't believe how much I've forgotten about the computer and now all my e-mail accounts have disappeared.  I have no  idea how to find them.  I just accidently found this team chat. Any new crazy rules I need to know about Etsy since I've been gone?

I will try to be diligent about writing.

Sue Ellen

knitandcrochetpalace.etsy.com 

[TheYarningCompany]

Hi, All!

All is well here.  Cold and snowy already.  :( 

I hope you're all well!

[mzbellz]

Hey Everyone.

Doing good, just busy.  We got our first taste of winter here today.  About 1 inch of snow.  Olivia had a 2 hour delay for school, and then at 8.30 they said no school, so she was super happy.  

Lauren: Good to see you on the chat.  I'm sure you  must of got a lot of snow already.

Debra:Glad to hear that the customer received the package and left a good review.  Are you busy now in your shop.?  Me, no, I'm still on the fence.  Will probably not add anything new. I'll just donate my stuff to charity.  This way I know it will be used and appreciated. Olivia could not go trick or treating this year as we had really bad weather.  It was raining so heavy and cold.  So my daughter and son in law took her to walmart and let her pick out a toy plus some candy she liked.  She was ok with that  I hear you're suppose to get temperatures in the 60's.  Don't freeze. LOL  We got outside with no jackets on in that temperature.

Lisa:  How are you?  I guess you're busy busy, How is your book doing?  I hope well. How's the weather there?  

I received a call from the Dr. about a week ago regarding my bone density test.  I'm osteopina which I guess is one step a way from being or I should say having osteoporosis.  Anyhow, they said that I should start treatment.  They wanted to put me on fosomax.  I said I'll let you know.  I researched that just to see what it does.  No thank you.  I wouldn't take that if you gave me a million dollars.   What it basically does is ( which by the way the vitamin k2 does the same without side effects) is takes the calcium and puts it back in your bones so it strengthens your bones.  But when you take it you have to stand up for 30 minutes as it effects your stomach and esphogus. (spelling might be wrong)  Well, what does that tell you? You could wind up with problems you never had before.  I read the reviews on people who were taking it and said it's the worst medicine they have ever taken and now some  of them have more problems that what they had before.  It might keep the calcium on your bones, but once you go off it that's when you loose the calcium, and they say you should be on it for 10 years.  No way.

Vitamin K2 helps blood clotting and prevents the calcium from entering your bloodstream  K2 is already in our bodies.  If you use K2 you have to take calcium and D3 with it.  I  already take calcium and D3 along with coQ10 and fish oil.  K2 doesn't give you side effects  like that other crap they want you to take.  The only other thing with K2 is if you have a heart problem and are on Warfrin you can't take it.  I messed myself up because I stopped taking my vitamins and I lost a lot of calcium. So, after I found out how bad I am, I'm making it a point to take my calcium. and the other vitamins I went off of. 

I don't know if any of you are on a medication for your bones, but if you want to check out what I just wrote please do.  My next bone scan is in 2021. Also, you should check with your Dr. about taking K2 if you have any problems with your heart.

Well, ladies that's the news of the day.  Hope you all have a great week.

[KnitAndCrochetPalace]

Hello MZ, This is the first time I've been on the computer since about May.  It's been a rough year.  I've been in the hospital, I think, five times since then and each time I've been hospitalized after I was released I had to go to physical rehab usually for about a month each time.  I have to use the walker ALL the time and have to use the wheel chair more than I want to now.

 I have been thinking about reopening my shop with what I have.  I don't have the energy to take pictures of anything I might get made.  I haven't picked up a crochet hook or knitting needle since May so maybe I don't even remember how to crochet or knit anymore.  I can't believe how much I've forgotten about the computer and now all my e-mail accounts have disappeared.  I have no  idea how to find them.  I just accidently found this team chat. Any new crazy rules I need to know about Etsy since I've been gone?

I will try to be diligent about writing.

Sue Ellen

knitandcrochetpalace.etsy.com 

[HowCuteAreYou]

Hello Ladies ~

Sue Ellen ~ SO glad to hear from you.  I had sent a message to you via your shop a while ago on behalf of the team.  We were all concerned that we hadn't heard from you.  I am so sorry to hear about all of your hospital and rehab stays. Let's hope that 2020 will be a better year. I also hope we hear from you more often.  We miss you.

You can always just reopen your shop with what you have and any new items you can photograph with your phone.  My good camera hasn't been working but I find the photos I am taking with my iphone are even better than my camera.

The only real new thing on Etsy is they are heavily pushing free shipping or free shipping guarantee when customers spend more than $35.00 in your shopping.  There is a way to set up the guarantee via your dashboard.  For me, I am just offering free shipping on everything.  I raised my prices just a bit to offset the shipping.  

Things here are ok. I spent Monday and Tuesday visiting Violet which always does me good.

Mary Alice ~ I have osteoporosis but am not on anything.  My doctor thought the cure might be worse than the disease.  Some of the meds are not great.  I am not diligent at all about making sure I'm doing the right things.  I have to have a bone density scan soon and I'll let you know dr. recommendations.  I have a new dr. now, my old one retired and this one is younger and might be up to date on new recommendations.  I do know I haven't shrunk as of yet but that's probably coming down the pike.

You all are having such an early winter.  Stay warm and yay to snow days!!  We've been rainy and a bit chilly for a few days, hate it!! Poor Olivia not getting to trick or treat.  That was always the highlight of the fall season.  I remember a few Halloweens in Chicago where we had to wear coats so my mom would put our costumes over them.  

My shop is as busy as I want for the moment.  I had a good month in October and am trying to keep up that pace.  I don't want to be overwhelmed, just enough that I am occupied.  I usually close around this time of year till after the holidays but I think I will week keep my shop open during Thanksgiving but not ship till the first week of December. It seems whenever I close shop it takes a good week now to get it up and back running.   I put a notification on my listings that anything purchased after the 21st will ship the first week of December.  I will probably have NO sales but at least my shop is open and possibly getting views.

Lauren ~ You stay warm as well.  Love seeing what you're up to on Instagram.  

Lisa ~ Hope all is well.

Have a good rest of the week ladies!! 

[KnitAndCrochetPalace]

HI All,  Thank you  Debra. Hopefully opening my shop will help.  I have reached the point where all I want to do is sleep so I have to do something to help myself.  My computer is acting up so I am struggling trying to do this on a Kindle. Last night I started crocheting a little giraffe.  It went better than I expected.  If it turns out I have someone I can give it to for Christmas.  The pattern writer doesn't want the pattern or the finished product sold.  I don't mess with people who don't want the finished product sold.  They have just lost out on the sale of a pattern.  In this case though the pattern was free! 

Well I am off to try to see if I can find where I need to go to open my shop.  After all this time, I am finding it to be a little scary!!!!

Oh I almost forgot......We have had winter already.  We had a couple of inches of snow on Halloween and on Veteran's Day we had 4.7 inches.  I think it was Tuesday the wind chill was below zero!  Enough all ready!!!!!

Sue Ellen

[hooknsaw]

Hi everyone, sorry to be so mia, but I have been super busy trying to keep up with our shop.  I forgot to pencil in a large order I took back In August to be completed in November and it threw my calendar off!  I'm finally catching up, but I hate feeling like I am running late from the moment I wake up every morning.

Debra, I hope you are doing okay.  How are your parents?  Did they decide to go with the assisted living?  My Dad is a handful and that is with my sister and nephew living with him full time now.  I'm glad the package arrived.  I woke up earlier than usual on Tuesday and started packaging orders and thank goodness I got them all done early as etsy crashed shortly after and the labels would have been a pita.

Sue Ellen, it is so good to hear from you!  I hope your hospital stays are behind you and you can enjoy some time at home!  The main etsy change I can think of is the free shipping push.  Like Debra, I raised prices to include shipping and added the free shipping guarantee to our shop.  Etsy keeps fiddling with all kinds of things and I see constant little changes with our shop layout, but they change on a day to day basis.  The etsy techs remind me of little kids that can't keep their hands off the "don't touch that" and they touch it anyway!!!

Mary Alice, It's good that you are taking the time to research what the Dr's might recommend.  Don's previous wife had osteoporosis and ra and one of the meds she was prescribed caused cancer.  I'm still appealing with the insurance company to start infusions for my alpha 1.  But the weekly infusions are a protein that my body isn't making naturally and there are no side effects associated, so I would like to try the treatment to see if it helps with my lung function.

How is Olivia, is she getting excited for the Holidays?

Lauren, I've followed your blog posts and super cute patterns and items you are working on!

I hope everyone has a great weekend!  My daughter and son in law are visiting tomorrow.  She is feeling better and her little dog is doing okay.  I'm looking forward to seeing them and fixing their favorite meal ... comfort food Mom can make!

My book is selling well and has bumped to the #1 spot on Annies.  Don is so cute, he is constantly bragging about being married to a famous author ... whatever, I'm just me!  Lol, half the time I forget I have a book floating out there ... I'm just wanting to get through the Holiday season with my health and sanity intact!

[mzbellz]

Good afternoon everyone.

Lisa: Glad to hear you're busy,even though it's making you crazy at the moment.  Also that your book has moved up to the #1 position.  Yeah.  Sorry to hear that your Dad is making your sister and nephew crazy.  I know it must be a handful and it's hard to keep your sanity when you're dealing with an older adult who just won't listen or participate in what you're trying to do for them.  Old age sucks.  Hope he calms down.  Yes Olivia is getting excited for the holidays.  She's crazy for Christmas to come.  She keeps marking off the days until it's here.  Everyday she says to me Grandma do you know how many days there are until Christmas.  Of course I say no, so of course she must tell me.  She's a funny kid.  She makes me laugh all the time.  She is just so animated, and full of life.  I love being around her.

I started back taking my vitamins and added the K2 into the mix.  I'm feeling rather good.  I should of never stopped taking them.  Hopefully the K2 will do the job, and when I go back in 2021 for my Bone density test it will show I've added more calcium on to my bones.  Just finished making a crocodile stitch shawl in mandala Genie.  Came out quite nice.  I found a blanket I was working on and never finished so this will be my next project.  

Debra: hope all is well with you, and your parents are ok.  If you ever feel the need  to talk, please give me a call.  I know the holidays will be ruff especially Christmas.

Sue Ellen:  Hope all is well with you and you're getting around ok.  I've given up on Etsy, they just made everything to complicated for me. At this stage of my life, I need simple.

Lauren: Hope everyone at your house is doing well, and you haven't gotten too much snow.  Will check out your shop shortly.

it's warmer here today, but will be going back down in the 30's and at night to the teens.  They said the northwest is suppose to have one of the coldest winters on record.  I hope not.  I do not like cold.

Talk again soon.  Everyone stay warm and safe.

[KnitAndCrochetPalace]

Hello All.    Worked on the giraffe today.....nothing profound.  I went back and read some of the earlier posts.

Lisa congratulations on your book!!  How exciting. I will be ordering one.  Do you sign them?

Debra, I really understand how hard this first holiday season will be. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Mary Alice,your work is always so pretty.  I wish I was as productive as you are.  I don't seem to get much done anymore.

Everyone have a good and warm weekend.