From dust to dust...

No more online shopping. Or browsing. For f-o-r-t-y days. 

I mean browsing is just like window shopping. If you think about it. (Thanks Heather.)

It takes up lots of free time. And when I say free time, it is actually time that I could be studying, writing letters, talking to my family, and maybe (just maybe) praying for peace. 

Let's hope for less procrastination. Some money saved. I can hope. 

Do you know what it is really about? Consumption. 

See, I have been listening in my Constructive Theology II class. So much, so that I am having to write a sermon about it. I am developing a Potluck Theology. Prepare, share, and eat. Think about it, there are very few leftovers at a Potluck. And you rarely leave a Potluck over stuffed. Open table. Enough for all. But not too much. 

It is really about consumption. I have enough. I don't need to wish for more. Look for more. Ponder more. Or buy more. It so easily ends in buying. 

So, no more online browsing. No Etsy.com. No Old Navy.com. No Patagonia.com. No. More. .Com. 

The other thing, I kinda realized how impersonal online shopping is. I don't have to talk to anyone. No one. Don't have to ask how anyone is. No small talk. No contact. Just me tapping away on my keys. Pulling the credit card out of the wallet. Forgetting about the hassle of waiting in lines.  

If nothing else, I still spend my money. At least I will have to look someone in the eye when I say, "No I don't want to sign up for another credit card."

I hear the Creator is reflected in all creation. In people. In their smile. In their good work...of maybe just being. Just connecting. Giving contact. 

I think I've read something about Imago Dei. The image of God found in humanity. Full of value, not because of their function. Beyond doing. Just being. Just connecting. Giving contact. To me.

No online shopping. Or browsing. I have to keep reminding myself of that second part. 

Less consumption. More human contact.  From dust, back to dust. That is how we are all the same. 

Less material. More being in relationship. We are mortal. That is how we are all the same. 

From dust, back to dust. 

BEAT

Etsy Feature: Tippythai

I searched high and low for a new purse. More like a larger carryall. Messenger style if applicable. Had to be crossbody. Heavy duty fabric (hemp/cotton in this case). Pockets inside. Functional with a little dash of fun. And finally I found a favorite. The seller did a special order because I liked a certain style but wanted it in another color. Combine the style of picture one with the fabric of picture two. The others are just styles I like. Because of all my research and comparison shopping, I know Tippythai has the best prices. Even if she does produce and ship from Thailand. Check her out. Really great quality and price. Two thumbs up. Totally.

This purple crossbody messenger will be my new favorite accessory for traveling. Promise. Let me know if you have a favorite shop on Esty. It is my favorite way distraction. 

Functional upon fun,

BEAT

Challenge

Dear Friends,

I am issuing a challenge. Kinda like a contest, but I have no money and thus can't offer a prize. So, I am calling it a challenge. 

What is the craziest thing you have found for sale on ETSY? And if not for sale, craziest prop to display the item for sale. Search hard. There are some weird things. You know what I'm talking about. If you need inspiration, follow the Newly Listed Items with the 15 second updater near the bottom of the home page. It is a treasure chest. Paste the link of the item in the comment section. I will name a winner soon. Play along. I need some entertainment. I have many-o-assignments due soon. Please distract. 

And if you don't know about the goodness that is ETSY, this is your opportunity. It is amazing. One day I will feature my favorites. I have made some darn good purchases. Warning: It is addictive! Once you start searching and exploring, it is really hard to stop. Trust me. 

Some favorites:

1. The six year old who has his own shop. What might he be selling? His "drawings"...for $20-30 

2. The scary mannequin heads used to display hats. 

3. And current best, Zombie Ballerina Figurine!

Please play along. Share! I want to see what crazy things y'all find. All in good fun. Promise.

Crazy upon crazy,

BEAT

Product Placement

I am in love with Etsy. (See mom, I am in love with something.) Best place to find fun, hand crafted, creative gifts. That would be gifts for yourself and others. I like the "yourself" angle. 

These are my latest purchases. I heart this knit hat with curly cue accent. (The curly cue terminology is from the product description, not my own invention.) And I think the flower print laptop sleeve is amazing. Amazing. It has orange fleece lining. Even if I am cold, my computer will be warm. 

My new favorite past time is emailing my mother with favorite finds. I give her options and then ask for her which she likes. She puts a damper on things by asking the question, "Why? Why do you need this?" But mom! Of course I need the owl print messenger bag in bright yellow. Right? Right. (I didn't really order the above, but I thought about it.)

The best part of the Etsy website is the 15 second update. Just look! Three quarters down the homepage. New product listings are updated every 15 seconds. Best way to waste time in a long class. Wait. I mean best way to spend free time in between classes. Right? Right. 

Enjoy. It will suck you in. I can't stop searching for things. Tell me about your favorite finds. We can compare notes. 

Search upon search,

BEAT