Many of you folks that know me well know that I have been preaching about supporting our country, taking care of our people, supporting our small local businesses, buying American made.  I have felt this way for many, many years and when I owned my gift shop back in the 90's I had a rule.  It had to be American made and as much hand made as possible.  That philosophy kept my business strong for ten years!!  I feel our country has given up on itself, not supporting the people who live here, taking away the factory jobs, etc.  We need to get down to business and take care of US!!  Recently my husband and I had to purchase a new refrigerator.  After visiting four stores we found one store who had two American made models to choose from.  That was very sad to me. 

A friend recently sent me the following "article" which she found on another person's blog.  I decided to share that article with you.  If you agree, share it with others.  We just need to get proactive and get this country back in shape!  And this is one small way we can start. 


A New Christmas 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.

How about a gift certificate to the local Chiropractor? A local Quilt or Fabric Store?

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 plunking down the dollars on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway ploughed 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 theAmerican working guy?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.  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.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

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 theatre.  Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of lights, 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 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.

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. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn’t that what Christmas is about?

BUY AMERICAN - BE AMERICAN - The job you save might be your own.

Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother's (and Grandfather's) house we go..............wishing you each and everyone a safe and blessed Thanksgiving.

My bags are packed and my stitching basket is full for the long ride to Florida where we will be spending Thanksgiving with my husband's parents.  I hope to accomplish lots while in the car and always take more than I can ever do.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if I got it all done!!!

Happy Thanksgiving............

I went for a haircut yesterday and stopped by The Rusty Bucket afterwards.  The shop is full of fun Christmas merchandise and definitely put me in the Christmas mood.  I even started my Christmas shopping while I was there!! 

I told Pam I loved the two displays with the wooden reindeer and the trees and lights.  It just made me smile.   

So if you're ready to start your Christmas shopping go have some fun at The Rusty Bucket.  It's a happy place!!

I've been super busy the past couple of weeks catching up on projects, stitching binding on quilts, teaching at Whistle Stop Quilt Shop and Miss Lou's Quilting Studio and working on upcoming class preparations.  I am excited to start the new "winter" classes as the busy holiday season approaches.

Hope you all find some time to do a little stitching...............

Simply Christmas Craft Show

Well, it's time for Dale and Sherry's annual craft show.  These gals have been at it for many years.........19 to be exact.  This is their 19th annual event and they would love to have you come visit them.

They will have primitive, handmade designs for your country home....stitcheries, wool items, santas, snowmen, dolls, soy candles, unique floral designs, handmade jewelry, all natural bath products and much more. 

DATES:  November 16 and 17
             (Friday & Saturday)
                   9am til 2pm

LOCATION:  Home of Dale Johnson
                   7433 Roberts Road
                   Cary, NC

I, of course, have class both days.  Imagine!!  I have yet to make it to one of their sales because of my kooky schedule.  I hope you'll go and support these creative, hardworking ladies.