 | Well, I thought I'd wrap up this holiday newsletter with my church's candlelight Christmas eve service. It is indeed special with a chrismon tree, musicians and lots of singing. I took some photos for you to see. I really enjoy my warm, Christian family at the beach and I hope that if you ever visit the area, aside from visiting with me, you also visit with my church family. May God bless you as you enjoy family, friends and may you experience joy knowing that Christ is with us, here and now. |
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Friday, December 25, 2009
December 24. 2009
Your Warm, Christian Family at the Beach
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
December 23, 2009
Getting Ready for the Post Holiday Rush
I'm down to two packages today--what a relief that Christmas day will soon be here. But I need to be busy listing more items that will close next week. It seems like every year, I get a post holiday surge of orders. My theory is that those lucky folks who got cash for Christmas are busy spending it on what they really wanted.
Whatever the reason, sales remain strong right after Christmas every year. And I don't post after Christmas sale items. Though it is a thought to reduce some inventory that I'd otherwise just donate to thrift stores. Hmmmm....
I'm down to two packages today--what a relief that Christmas day will soon be here. But I need to be busy listing more items that will close next week. It seems like every year, I get a post holiday surge of orders. My theory is that those lucky folks who got cash for Christmas are busy spending it on what they really wanted.
Whatever the reason, sales remain strong right after Christmas every year. And I don't post after Christmas sale items. Though it is a thought to reduce some inventory that I'd otherwise just donate to thrift stores. Hmmmm....
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
December 22, 2009
Posting on Amazon
I just posted some more books on my Amazon storefront
And realized that I've not mentioned that I list books on Amazon. It's not a huge income, and certainly not as big as it was just a couple of years ago. Amazon doesn't restrict pricing for books and the tendency for sellers is to compete by lowering prices to the point of ridiculousness. So about a year ago, I decided to price my books above the lowest common denominator. My overall sales went down, but I'm getting decent prices for the books that I do sell.
I just posted some more books on my Amazon storefront
And realized that I've not mentioned that I list books on Amazon. It's not a huge income, and certainly not as big as it was just a couple of years ago. Amazon doesn't restrict pricing for books and the tendency for sellers is to compete by lowering prices to the point of ridiculousness. So about a year ago, I decided to price my books above the lowest common denominator. My overall sales went down, but I'm getting decent prices for the books that I do sell.
December 21, 2009
Community Table
Photo by Bob Lindberg
I continue to serve on a team for Community Table. This is a community service project of our church and we serve a take-out lunch to those in need every Monday. Photo by Bob Lindberg
Volunteer drivers distribute the meals.
December 20, 2009
Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath is made of evergreen boughs, symbolizing everlasting life. The circle represents the continuous love of God, with no beginning and no end, as well as the soul's immortality.
This year again, I made the advent wreath for Ocean Park Lutheran and from clippings from my yard. I'd originally planned to use just holly boughs as I did last year, but then...
Someone cut down the leaning pine tree in my neighbors yard. And left the remains all over my deck and back yard. So I had a great time cutting myself a path to my garage door and I used the clippings interspersed with holly clippings to make the wreath. When someone gives you lemons, make lemonade [or in this case, an advent wreath].
December 19, 2009
Estate Sale Setup
I still organize estate sales for Ocean Park Lutheran Church. And I'm in the process of setting one up now that will occur the second weekend in January. Today I met two ladies from the church at the site and we spent a couple of pleasant hours organizing items for the pricers.
This sale is for a couple from our church who have moved to a retirement home, and at the same time a party contacted the church and wanted to donate a truckload of items to Community Table. We decided to combine the sales. So I have to figure out how to set up a system to keep the two sale income streams separate so that both get the proper amount of income from the sale.
BTW, if you want to learn more about the estate sale service, our church has distributed a brochure to the local realtors and has some available at the church as well.
I still organize estate sales for Ocean Park Lutheran Church. And I'm in the process of setting one up now that will occur the second weekend in January. Today I met two ladies from the church at the site and we spent a couple of pleasant hours organizing items for the pricers.
This sale is for a couple from our church who have moved to a retirement home, and at the same time a party contacted the church and wanted to donate a truckload of items to Community Table. We decided to combine the sales. So I have to figure out how to set up a system to keep the two sale income streams separate so that both get the proper amount of income from the sale.
BTW, if you want to learn more about the estate sale service, our church has distributed a brochure to the local realtors and has some available at the church as well.
December 18, 2009
Job complete!
I've done it. I finished the job of converting my eBay RosesSundries and RosesButtons stores into my Grandmastree ebay store. It took a month, but the job is now complete. I think I'll need to contract with a graphic artist to design me a storefront that incorporates all three logos, but since that's quite an expense, it will have to wait until I can afford it.
I've done it. I finished the job of converting my eBay RosesSundries and RosesButtons stores into my Grandmastree ebay store. It took a month, but the job is now complete. I think I'll need to contract with a graphic artist to design me a storefront that incorporates all three logos, but since that's quite an expense, it will have to wait until I can afford it.
December 17,2009
Singing with the Methodists
Today at choir practice we welcomed the Ocean Park United Methodist church choir and their director, Barbara Poulshock. We plan a joint offering of anthems next Sunday, first at our church and then at theirs. We started with our director, Bud Runyan and ran through the Lutheran service to the point of our departure and then Barbara took over and rehearsed us on the two anthems.
Let me tell you, we were in the hands of a master. In a few short minutes, she gave us the feeling and joy of the two pieces as well as whipped us into shape focusing on those areas where we weren't quite getting the notes without sacrificing the feeling of the piece. I'm in awe and looking forward to the experience next Sunday,
Today at choir practice we welcomed the Ocean Park United Methodist church choir and their director, Barbara Poulshock. We plan a joint offering of anthems next Sunday, first at our church and then at theirs. We started with our director, Bud Runyan and ran through the Lutheran service to the point of our departure and then Barbara took over and rehearsed us on the two anthems.
Let me tell you, we were in the hands of a master. In a few short minutes, she gave us the feeling and joy of the two pieces as well as whipped us into shape focusing on those areas where we weren't quite getting the notes without sacrificing the feeling of the piece. I'm in awe and looking forward to the experience next Sunday,
Sunday, December 20, 2009
December 16, 2009
Joy and Happiness
Are they the same thing? Not according to Pastor Rene' Devantier, of OPUMC. Happiness comes from the events of this world that evoke the feeling. But Joy comes from knowing God.
It seems true to me that even when you are unhappy and sad, the joy of knowing God can fill your heart. The holidays are a sad time for some people, missing loved ones who have passed on or become estranged or having unpleasantness happen between people who should love each other. Whatever the reason for unhappiness, it rings true to me that knowing God is both comfort and joy, knowing that the unhappiness will pass but the joy will remain forever.
Are they the same thing? Not according to Pastor Rene' Devantier, of OPUMC. Happiness comes from the events of this world that evoke the feeling. But Joy comes from knowing God.
It seems true to me that even when you are unhappy and sad, the joy of knowing God can fill your heart. The holidays are a sad time for some people, missing loved ones who have passed on or become estranged or having unpleasantness happen between people who should love each other. Whatever the reason for unhappiness, it rings true to me that knowing God is both comfort and joy, knowing that the unhappiness will pass but the joy will remain forever.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
December 15, 2009
Peninsula Players
This is also my second year on the board of Peninsula Players. On that board, I'm the membership chair, which means I keep a database of membership donations, send out membership cards, thank you notes, etc. I've also been instrumental in getting the players online with two blogs-one for general information and the other for members only. We recently have converted our general blog into a bona-fide website, as one of our members has donated web design services. I also am responsible for putting out 5-6 newsletters per year, and we've also started doing this both online (using Constant Contact) and on paper. Our blog and website accumulated over 3,000 hits over two years, so I'm pretty satisfied with that effort. So if you want to know what is happening with Peninsula Players, check the website and also sign up for our newsletter!
This is also my second year on the board of Peninsula Players. On that board, I'm the membership chair, which means I keep a database of membership donations, send out membership cards, thank you notes, etc. I've also been instrumental in getting the players online with two blogs-one for general information and the other for members only. We recently have converted our general blog into a bona-fide website, as one of our members has donated web design services. I also am responsible for putting out 5-6 newsletters per year, and we've also started doing this both online (using Constant Contact) and on paper. Our blog and website accumulated over 3,000 hits over two years, so I'm pretty satisfied with that effort. So if you want to know what is happening with Peninsula Players, check the website and also sign up for our newsletter!
December 14, 2009
I'm completing my second year on my church council this year. For two years I've been in charge of evangelism, and next year (my final year of my term) will be church support. That entails a busy schedule of events and organizing them.
On the topic of evangelism, I believe that the heart of the evangelism process is personal contact, and giving time and opportunity for the Spirit to work in a person's heart. What we do, how we act and our willingness to talk about our faith are all important parts of evangelism. Lutherans believe that all members are "ministers" because we all participate in evangelism. This past year I focused on providing supportive tools for our "ministers" to use as they do evangelism work in their everyday lives. We've printed business cards with the church's contact information on it so we can hand them out as we talk about an upcoming event or about our faith. We participate in the http://www.inlinebehindme.com/ program. This program allows our "ministers" to surprise the person in line behind them with a free product and we give a card to the server to give to the recipient of our gift. And we're planning a followup program for visitors to start in the new year.
On the topic of evangelism, I believe that the heart of the evangelism process is personal contact, and giving time and opportunity for the Spirit to work in a person's heart. What we do, how we act and our willingness to talk about our faith are all important parts of evangelism. Lutherans believe that all members are "ministers" because we all participate in evangelism. This past year I focused on providing supportive tools for our "ministers" to use as they do evangelism work in their everyday lives. We've printed business cards with the church's contact information on it so we can hand them out as we talk about an upcoming event or about our faith. We participate in the http://www.inlinebehindme.com/ program. This program allows our "ministers" to surprise the person in line behind them with a free product and we give a card to the server to give to the recipient of our gift. And we're planning a followup program for visitors to start in the new year.
December 13, 2009
Joy
Third Sunday of Advent, we focus on the Joy at the soon Advent of the Christ. It marks a shift from the more solemn tone of the first two Sundays of Advent that focus on Preparation and Hope, to a more joyous atmosphere of anticipation and expectancy.
I look forward each Sunday to the lighting of the advent candles. Joy is something I feel now like I never felt before. This whole season is filled with it, busy as I become. It's nice to pause and bask in the glow.
Third Sunday of Advent, we focus on the Joy at the soon Advent of the Christ. It marks a shift from the more solemn tone of the first two Sundays of Advent that focus on Preparation and Hope, to a more joyous atmosphere of anticipation and expectancy.
I look forward each Sunday to the lighting of the advent candles. Joy is something I feel now like I never felt before. This whole season is filled with it, busy as I become. It's nice to pause and bask in the glow.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
December 12, 2009
Well, Rose is off this afternoon attending a Christmas Concert by the Bayside Singers at the historic Oysterville Church, so I have full access to the computer. I want you to know that I'm still on the job patrolling and inspecting everything that Rose does. Here I am inspecting her product photo shoot. Her lights are sure bright. It interrupts my nap whenever she does this.
But my favorite new thing that Rose does is give me massages. Who doesn't love a massage? I even let her hold me close to her when she does this. You know that I'm not really a lap cat, but I can tolerate it for a massage. But wait a minute, who is training who here? I may have to rethink this.
I do have to maintain my independence and catly ways. For the most part I keep my routines and incursions by other cats have been relatively few. Not many more scars this year. May you have a scar-free, independent and catly new year.
Regards,
But generally she does interesting things and it's worthwhile to wake up and see what she's doing. She bought me a new toy last year. It's a long "snake" with feathers and a bell on one end and a plastic wand for her to hold on the other end. This is fun, especially when she dangles it over the edge of the bed and I can chase it over the edge. But I still like my peacock feathers. Birds are prey of choice really. They're such fun to carry into the house and let loose. They fly all over and provide a great chase. And Rose's reaction trying to catch the bird or shoo it out of the house is very entertaining, if not a little bit distressing. I mean, does she really understand how hard it is to catch those things in the first place?
But my favorite new thing that Rose does is give me massages. Who doesn't love a massage? I even let her hold me close to her when she does this. You know that I'm not really a lap cat, but I can tolerate it for a massage. But wait a minute, who is training who here? I may have to rethink this.
I do have to maintain my independence and catly ways. For the most part I keep my routines and incursions by other cats have been relatively few. Not many more scars this year. May you have a scar-free, independent and catly new year.
Regards,
Friday, December 11, 2009
December 11, 2009
Blog Post Day
I find that I have to make up some routines in order to keep up with everything, so on Friday's I reserve time for "sourcing"--i.e. garage & estate saling, Friday night auction, or thrift store prowling. I don't plan to post anything online, so I'm free to write article posts on my three blogs. You might want to check them out:
I find that I have to make up some routines in order to keep up with everything, so on Friday's I reserve time for "sourcing"--i.e. garage & estate saling, Friday night auction, or thrift store prowling. I don't plan to post anything online, so I'm free to write article posts on my three blogs. You might want to check them out:
December 10, 2009
Yep, it had to be food poisoning. No fever and I feel fine.
Lots of packing, shipping, and online work to catch up on. I'm only a few days away from closing 2 of my eBay stores.
Lots of packing, shipping, and online work to catch up on. I'm only a few days away from closing 2 of my eBay stores.
December 9, 2009
Busy day... and a strange day.
The morning started out with my DSL service being down. And I needed to pack and ship several packages. A not-so-quick call to my provider got me a recorded message that shed no light on when service might be restored. So, I decided to get my Christmas cards prepared for mailing. I left early for my first meeting to borrow the church's address list as I've misplaced mine.
I had 3 different events on my calendar for today... a church Women's group Cookie Exchange, a Peninsula Players board meeting and Advent dinner and vespers service. I ran home between the board meeting and dinner to discover that DSL was up again, and I got a few of my relistings done, but no time for anything else. So it was a blessing to have the peace descend at vespers.
But then at bedtime, I started feeling queasy. Now, I'm almost never sick anymore. [I figure that I got most of the childhood diseases when a child and had the flu just about every year in my 20s to mid 30s. So I must have some immunities built up. That's my theory and I'm sticking to it.] So it was quite a surprise to have diahhrea and then forcibly empty my stomach. But I felt much better afterwards and was able to get a good night's sleep. I figure it was food poisoning and I'm not going to even try to guess what caused it. My diet was from too many sources with a cookie exchange and potluck thrown in on top of a McDonalds quick lunch.
The morning started out with my DSL service being down. And I needed to pack and ship several packages. A not-so-quick call to my provider got me a recorded message that shed no light on when service might be restored. So, I decided to get my Christmas cards prepared for mailing. I left early for my first meeting to borrow the church's address list as I've misplaced mine.
I had 3 different events on my calendar for today... a church Women's group Cookie Exchange, a Peninsula Players board meeting and Advent dinner and vespers service. I ran home between the board meeting and dinner to discover that DSL was up again, and I got a few of my relistings done, but no time for anything else. So it was a blessing to have the peace descend at vespers.
But then at bedtime, I started feeling queasy. Now, I'm almost never sick anymore. [I figure that I got most of the childhood diseases when a child and had the flu just about every year in my 20s to mid 30s. So I must have some immunities built up. That's my theory and I'm sticking to it.] So it was quite a surprise to have diahhrea and then forcibly empty my stomach. But I felt much better afterwards and was able to get a good night's sleep. I figure it was food poisoning and I'm not going to even try to guess what caused it. My diet was from too many sources with a cookie exchange and potluck thrown in on top of a McDonalds quick lunch.
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