Treasures from Craigslist: Birth of a New Tradition

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq8wbXAR4ZQ

Christmas 2011 --

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 box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Think about these ideas instead:

Most 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 Benjamines 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?

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. Think about your local artists and crafts people . . . paintings, photography, sculptures, jewelry, pottery, hand made sweaters and scarves.

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 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 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.

How else can you help?

Forward this to everyone on your mailing list

Post it to discussion groups

Throw up a post on Craigslist in the "Rants & 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. Isn't that what Christmas is about?

PS: this plan works for birthdays, anniversaries and any other gift giving occasion.

Thank you for this AND we could go much farther:

I preface this with "I know we are all smart, out-of-the-box, progressive, humanistic people because we are in Barry's community here."

Instead of buying in stores . . .

Give of your heart; do something that doesn't cost money (a foot massage; an hour of acknowledging with active, reflective listening (no advice). I know many of us do this anyway.

- Introduce your single friend to someone special - yes, a blind date set up. We all know a lo of people who know a lot of people and it likely could happen.

- Ask a friend who enjoys cooking to prepare a meal for you and your friend.

- Get a small groups of your friends together to create and perform a dance routine for a parent, sister/brother or friend.

- Write a song or poem. Share it in public, as appropriate - perhaps at a holiday dinner gathering. (Or after that glass of wine. Okay when the bottle is finished.)

And, what I have done for years (if not decades) is boycott the total holiday 'gift giving' due to the commerialism and message that "you, the public need to go shopping now." I say "Oh no I don't ! " Adding insult to injury, we get to hear of the major store 'stats' on the nightly news. This is so out of sorts that I don't have the words to express my distain.
The entire reason of giving is missed. (I don't even know what it is - actually - why do we buy gifts and wrap them for Christmas? Doesthis have anything to do with religion and the 3 wise men and those gifts ? I really don't know.

And, my personal passion: shoping Good Will - and better yet is the Salv Army (sales every Friday and Saturday in San Rafael). As a personal shopper, I find exqusite items and likely have a $15,000 wardrobe - which I likely spent $1,000 - over the last 15 years ! I have found just about everything in these stores - crystal, brand new shoes, new clothes, prints, furniture and so much more.

I understand that there may be some business owners out there reading this - that they need support too and that this time of year is vitually critical to making it and/or perhaps even staying in business. We can ALL support the small boutique type stores, and especially all those cute unique businesses in Santa Rosa or Sebastopol (I live in Marin). As I do, I encourage people to gift throughout the year when it feels right rather than feeling pressured (giving because someone gives to you (does anyone reading this do that ??) or because it is what we were taught to do and have done, which is what I did for years until I started questioning just about all my automatic behavior. The first year I did not gift give CHRISTMAS presents was very difficult). I am just about the most generous person I know so I do buy and give more often than most. It brings me a lot of pleasure to surprise someone and make them happy, even if not expensive (which it isn't).

I'm following Silkworm's advice and gifting a poem to all my WACCO buddies. Happy Thanksgiving.

Lilith

AUTUMN SYMPHONY

I walked out my door
into the middle
of a cold, gray
late November Day
right into a virtual symphony
an amazing ballet
of falling golden leaves
from the wild plum trees
that had planted themselves
quite some time ago
around the edges of my yard.

It seemed to be
that the trees
had staged this performance
at just this moment
and just for me.

There was no wind
not even a mild breeze blowing.

And so, in gratitude
I laughed with glee
as I twirled about
and gave a happy shout
of thanks.

When I was done
the autumn dance
was done as well.
The leaves stopped swirling
and lay still and bright
upon the tall green grass.

Lilith Rogers
November 21st, 2011

Quote:

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Posted in reply to the post by silkworm:

Thank you for this AND we could go much farther:

I preface this with "I know we are all smart, out-of-the-box, progressive, humanistic people because we are in Barry's community here."

Instead of buying in stores . . .

Give of your heart; do something that doesn't cost money (a foot massage; an hour of acknowledging with active, reflective listening (no advice). I know many of us do this anyway.

- Introduce your single friend to someone special - yes, a blind date set up. We all know a lo of people who know a lot of people and it likely could happen.

- Ask a friend who enjoys cooking to prepare a meal for you and your friend.

- Get a small groups of your friends together to create and perform a dance routine for a parent, sister/brother or friend.

- Write a song or poem. Share it in public, as appropriate - perhaps at a holiday dinner gathering. (Or after that glass of wine. Okay when the bottle is finished.)

And, what I have done for years (if not decades) is boycott the total holiday 'gift giving' due to the commerialism and message that "you, the public need to go shopping now." I say "Oh no I don't ! " Adding insult to injury, we get to hear of the major store 'stats' on the nightly news. This is so out of sorts that I don't have the words to express my distain.
The entire reason of giving is missed. (I don't even know what it is - actually - why do we buy gifts and wrap them for Christmas? Doesthis have anything to do with religion and the 3 wise men and those gifts ? I really don't know.

And, my personal passion: shoping Good Will - and better yet is the Salv Army (sales every Friday and Saturday in San Rafael). As a personal shopper, I find exqusite items and likely have a $15,000 wardrobe - which I likely spent $1,000 - over the last 15 years ! I have found just about everything in these stores - crystal, brand new shoes, new clothes, prints, furniture and so much more.

I understand that there may be some business owners out there reading this - that they need support too and that this time of year is vitually critical to making it and/or perhaps even staying in business. We can ALL support the small boutique type stores, and especially all those cute unique businesses in Santa Rosa or Sebastopol (I live in Marin). As I do, I encourage people to gift throughout the year when it feels right rather than feeling pressured (giving because someone gives to you (does anyone reading this do that ??) or because it is what we were taught to do and have done, which is what I did for years until I started questioning just about all my automatic behavior. The first year I did not gift give CHRISTMAS presents was very difficult). I am just about the most generous person I know so I do buy and give more often than most. It brings me a lot of pleasure to surprise someone and make them happy, even if not expensive (which it isn't).

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My daughter took my dog yesterday to the groomers. When they returned she said Merry Christmas Mom.
It was a surprise and a much needed gift. It made me very happy.

I think this is a very good idea to support our local service businesses. I certainly do not need more stuff.

And my dog is all clean and fluffy.

Marty

Quote:

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Posted in reply to the post by Thad:

Christmas 2011 --

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 box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Think about these ideas instead:

Most 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 Benjamines 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?

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. Think about your local artists and crafts people . . . paintings, photography, sculptures, jewelry, pottery, hand made sweaters and scarves.

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 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 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.

How else can you help?

Forward this to everyone on your mailing list

Post it to discussion groups

Throw up a post on Craigslist in the "Rants & 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. Isn't that what Christmas is about?

PS: this plan works for birthdays, anniversaries and any other gift giving occasion.

Now for some entertainment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq8wbXAR4ZQ

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