Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Intentional Living









As many of you know that have read this blog for years,  we have made our living through selling products made primarily of tree branches and just a wee bit from my hand knitting.  We don't have to earn as much money by making some of our food from scratch, growing a garden, staying home a lot, rarely buying anything new, etc...  We do many of these things, however, not just for financial reasons.  We eat mostly organic and make our food from scratch because it is good for our bodies and good for the earth.  We avoid buying new unless necessary because it is good for the environment.   We stay home a lot so we have time to cook and bake and grow and make.  Less driving is also good for the environment.  We do our best to live by our principles and of course, sometimes we utterly fail.

So as our etsy businesses decline - because you know - you can order many of our woodland wedding decor items on amazon for nearly 1/2 the price and with prime you get free shipping!  And how wonderful to receive your special items for your wedding or home all the way from the beautiful country of China.

Sorry for my sarcasm, but it is true.  We have let Amazon take over our spending habits and in the process created a monster (the owner is the richest person in America, has a $600 M contract with the CIA, owns the Washington Post), put thousands of small and larger businesses out of business, put thousands of people out of jobs, etc.   The thing is, is it all worth it?  And why oh why do small businesses including homesteading types, become Amazon affiliates?  I don't get it.  There must be a way to hook up with independent businesses to work out some sort of similar financial benefit.  I would even wager to guess you might make out better.  I guess what I am saying is - if you care about your health, our earth, the thriving of small local businesses, please put your money where your heart is... line up your principles with your spending habits.

So my challenge for you today isn't to order something from a local small business or online family business or something from our business - my challenge is for you to really consider the impact of every dime you spend.  Remember, as I have written before, how we spend our money is the most powerful form of activism.  And I also bet that if you take the time to consider your purchase or make the item you need yourself - you will find a deeper connection to either the shop owner or community that you shop at.  Or, if you make the item yourself, the immense satisfaction over your accomplishment.

Warm wishes,
Tonya

6 comments:

  1. Good morning Tonya,
    I have been following your blog for I don't know, 8 or 9 years now? And since your posts have become less frequent, I am always happy to see a new one show up in my blog reader...however your post today has left me quite saddened. I'm so sorry to hear that your Etsy business has been declining due to competition from cheap Chinese knock-offs. It just isn't right. Thank you for the reminder to be careful and deliberate about where I spend my money. In the past, I was one of those homesteading types who had Amazon affiliate links on my blog (do you remember it? It was called Getting There)...but that was many years ago and there were many things I did not yet understand.

    I hope you will continue to make posts about your homestead and family, even your struggles. I feel like I know you after so many years of following your blog, and I care about how you are all doing. But I certainly do understand how it is hard to find time to blog - that was why I stopped my own blog way back in 2012 - I wanted to have more time to really live (away from the computer) once we moved to our homestead. Yet I often miss the connections I made with like-minded people through my blog. It's a blessing to be able to share thoughts with others when living in a rural location where I sometimes feel isolated.

    Anyhow - I hope and pray that God will continue to bless your good hearts and your hard work, wherever your path leads.

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    1. Hi Laura,
      Of course I remember you and I feel as if I know you as well -but I bet your children are all getting so old now (like mine). I know that God will open other doors and truly the next adventure will be exciting although I am sure with its share of struggles too as that is how we grow. I hope your homesteading is going well and you are enjoying your home. I remember when you moved there many years ago. Are you on instagram?

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  2. As I grew older and hopefully learn more I realize the value of my dollar and as you say the power of it as a form of activism. I'm challenged on a regular basis about shopping. So many habits to change.

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    1. It isn't always easy and sometimes we can be very grateful for cheap things when going through a true financial struggle - please know I am not judging others as I don't know their circumstances but if we all are more intentional with our spending, as you said, it really would make a difference. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  3. Ebay is doing the same...they don't want small businesses either (this year has been dire for me). I sold genuine designer ribbons and one Sunday morning at 8am they closed me down...but they allow fakes from China...and you can't fight Ebay or Amazon...they are a law unto themselves....rant over! i feel for you.

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    1. Oh how frustrating. In one sense, I guess we have to be even more creative to come up with outlets for sales. Our 22 year old son is working with us as he keeps up on all of the online marketing, etc.. I hope you find some other options too or new doors are opened for you.

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