Third Person

Soooo many times I see artists on Etsy (and beyond) write biographies about themselves in the Third Person. Somewhere in there they throw in a "She also doesn't like writing about herself in the Third Person."

Somehow you've grown up believing that writing about yourself needs to be Third Person in order to sound professional. After all, when you see art gallery biographies, they're not written in the First Person, therefore that's what you must do as well-- to be professional.

I'll share a secret: You're selling your stuff online. You own a business. You're confident in your work, your photos, your descriptions, etc. You are professional, regardless of your writing style.

Plus most people who shop for handmade items are looking to connect with the creator of said item. When you write in the Third Person, you're removing yourself from your work, from your shop, and ultimately from your customers. Art galleries represent people. Writing in the third person makes a little bit more sense. The artist isn't there to say, "I did this," but the gallery owner can say, "What's-her-butt did this!" On Etsy, you represent yourself. It makes no sense & lessens the experience for the buyer if you tout yourself as being someone other than yourself. Go ahead and say, "I did this!" We want to know that you did!

Think about how ridonkulous it would be if I wrote this blog in the Third Person. Lame.

Moral of the story: if you don't like writing about yourself in the third person-- don't.

Crazy-Butt Relatives

Everyone has at least one--or will have one at some point in their life. Granted, the levels of crazy may vary. On a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is mildly eccentric & 10 is that they should be committed, in severe counseling & on heavy drugs, let's just say we're talking about 7 and above.

I think the key to dealing with crazy-butt relatives is that you have to take care of yourself first. No matter how much they think you're helping, or no matter how much you want to help, if you're sacrificing your sanity for their sake, that's no bueno.

So the only real qualifications that I have on the topic is that I've been blessed with two crazy-butt relatives. Good times! I used to get pushed around quite a bit, but then I grew some cajones & had a family (and my sanity) to protect. There came a point that, as soon as I knew their children were safe, I had to say, "No more, Crazy-Butt!" That meant dealing with tantrums, threats of violence & name-calling. And a lot of emotional hurt in the short-run that goes along with that, but ultimately it has been way more liberating & healthy to keep the crazies away.

What if you still want to keep a relationship with Crazy McCrazy-Butt, but feel like you're being taken advantage of? There are lots of polite, non-dramatic ways of saying, "Hey back-off Crazy-Butt McGee!" Something like, "I'd love to help out, but right now I need to keep my schedule open." Or if you're not into the white-lie thing (because let's face it, if you're trying to get out of something & don't have a legitimate reason, you probably wouldn't really "love to help out"), then when the favor of, "Can you __(watch my kids/ pay my rent/ give me a ride/ loan me some cash)__?" is asked, then I think it's perfectly okay to simply say, "No." Or even, "Not right now." "Not right now," should be a pretty easy thing to hear. It leaves you open to help in the future, but not obligated. And if they really can't handle that answer, then it's okay to just let them deal.

If you're dealing with someone whom you fear might be a danger to you, others, or themselves, call your local authorities right away. Especially if children are involved.

Want advice from a redhead? Ask in the comments section & I'll totally give you my advice. I can spout off potentially sound advice on almost any topic. Except math.

Follow Through

You should go finish that project you're working on.

Also, you should ask for my advice. Because I've got 15 puppets to make in 8 hours & I need something to think about while I'm stabbing myself with a needle & thread & burning my fingers with hot glue.

Ask in the comments section. I'll totally answer you. With my advice.

Hug a Little

You should find someone you love. Thank them for something, & give them a hug.

Also, I don't know why you don't call. Call once in awhile, will you? It would be nice for someone in particular to hear your lovely voice.

Go to bed

You should go to bed early tomorrow night. Skip the nap & the caffeine & let yourself get all groggy by 9pm & then just turn off all of your electronics, read a boring book & hit the sack.

Or I suppose you could drink yourself silly tomorrow night & vow to go to bed early the next night.

Either way.

Wear Some Sunscreen, Fool

Before you leave home for the day, put on some sunscreen. Even if you plan a day of indoor activities, you might find yourself outside for more than 8 minutes. I recommend an SPF of at least 50 applied every 2 hours.

Hooray!