The straight poop

I'm not one for resolutions (who really is? honestly) so you won't find me vowing to be a better blogger, eat less of the snack sized chocolate bars from the store candy dish, or promising to not swear like a drunk redneck whenever I feel like it (but not at church or at the store, the parking lot doesn't count.)

I'm always telling myself at odd times, like in the shower or when I'm feeding the dogs, that I'll do this or that and then forgetting about it completely or putting it off so long that it no longer makes any sense. For instance, I had an idea for a personal "Best of 2008" blog post last week. I even went as far as to make a few notes on a used envelope next to my laptop. (Said envelope is probably on its way to the landfill in the never ending quest for "Shiny Island".) The main problem I had in compiling a list is that I came up with categories i.e. Best Concert, Best Movie: in theater and rental, Favorite Book Read, etc. etc. but when I went to fill in the categories I couldn't remember over half of the books, movies, etc. that I read/saw this year! (I will tell you that the last Twilight book and the Twilight movie were on my WORST of 2008 list!)

So instead of resolutions and best of lists I have been mulling things over and consulting the Magic 8 Ball trying to figure out how to proceed in 2009 in regards to My Eclectic Mess the omni-craft store. The last quarter of '08 sucked hard. I was looking forward to the holidays to boost me out of a very bad place and it just didn't happen. I know from talking to lots of people in other businesses across the country that I am not alone in my rat hole.

I have decided to circle my wagons and hold on until it is safe for a small business out there again. I can't continue to carry my rent and other fixed costs on what I've been bringing in currently. My lease on this location expires at the end of April. I won't be renewing it. I am looking for something else in the area where I can still be available to my local customers. I have some ideas and feelers out there. If any of you know of a small space or shared space for a (VERY!) small monthly cost I'm all ears.

I am also working on putting most of my inventory on my etsy shop. If I don't find an affordable local space I will put all my efforts into web-based sales. I am also working on another non-etsy shop and as soon as I get it stocked I will put up a live link here.

In the mean time the majority of my in-store inventory is clearance priced. I have a lot of fabric sale priced too. I need to move the stuff I've had for a season or more to make room for all the great new stuff coming in over the next few months. I'm shifting my focus to fabric and away from other crafts for the time being as well.

Depending on where I end up moving to I may also have sewing machines, tables and other fixtures for sale in late March and April. Check back with me on that one!

I would really like to get back to fun and informational blog posts. (You should just hear/read what I think about some of the current crop of television shows! Anyone else having a train wreck rubbernecking feeling about "The Secret Life of an American Teenager"?) I can't make any promises but hopefully my head will soon be back in a good place and I can put it use creating stuff instead of worrying and whining!