Hello All ~~ I hope all is well with you & yours
If you take the time to read my post today I hope you
will forgive my standing on the proverbial soap box.
As a small business owner and the wife of a small
business owner this is a near and dear subject to me
Our friends and family all own their own business
Carpenter, Electrician, Mason, Mechanic, Lawn Service,
Tree Surgeon, Heating & Cooling, Welder, Plumber,
Site Contractor .... Hairdresser, Antique Dealer,
Nursery & Garden Center, Country Shop
the list goes on & on .......
just about everyone I know is struggling.
We are Blessed in many ways but finding
times harder than we have ever had to face.
I received the following in an email, plus I added
a few of my own thoughts ~~~~~~~~~~~~
Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories
are kicking into high gear to provide Americans
with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods --
merchandise that has been produced
at the expense of American labor.
This year will be different.
This year Americans will give the gift of genuine
concern for other Americans. There is no longer an
excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be
found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!
It's time to think outside the box, people.
Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box,
wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut.
How about gift certificates from your
local American hair salon or barber?
Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who
are thinking about some health improvement.
Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed?
Small, American owned detail shops and
car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate
or a book of gift certificates.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who
think nothing of plonking down the
Benjamin's on a Chinese made flat-screen?
Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like
his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for
the summer, or driveway plowed
all winter, or games at the local golf course.
There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants --
all offering gift certificates.
And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort,
what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint.
Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains --
this is about supporting your home town Americans
with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or
motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?
My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW
I can find some young guy who is struggling to
get his repair business up and running.
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom?
Mom would LOVE the services of a local
cleaning lady for a day. Or a gift certificate
to a local nursery for her Spring Flowers.
How about a few meals delivered
by a local cater.
OK, you were looking for something more personal.
Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves,
hats & gloves.
They make jewelry, and pottery and
beautiful wooden boxes, samplers & game boards,
dolls, cards, & Santa's.
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner
operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip.
And, how about going out to see a play or
ballet at your hometown theater.
Books are another wonderful gift ..... plenty are
printer right here in America along with magazines
& calenders or give a gift certificates
to a local Book Store.
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Go see a local comedian and share a few laughs
with your friends.
Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy
another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house?
When you buy a five dollar string of light,
about fifty cents stays in the community.
If you have those kinds of bucks to burn,
leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining
American pockets so that China can build another glittering city.
Christmas is now about caring about the US,
encouraging American small businesses to keep
plugging away to follow their dreams.
And, when we care about other Americans,
we care about our communities,
and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.
THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.
Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion
groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist
in the Rants and Raves section in your city --
send it to the editor of your local paper
and radio stations, and TV news departments.
We all need to Help!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I Thank You for your Time ...
I will now throw another log
on the fire and pour my self a
glass of Sharpe Hill
Ballet of Angles made right here in CT.
Sending Blessings, Good Thoughts
& Warm Hugs from the Cabin ~~ Connie xox
