Those Annoying Phone Calls

Several months ago I vented about the Do Not Call Registry and how businesses do not seem to be abiding by it. I have been informed that many of these calls come from outside the US allowing companies to bypass the regulations. Well, last week the annoying phone calls took a different turn.

I received two calls within an hour of each other. The first call was about an auto insurance quote I had requested. The second call was for an estimate on replacement windows. I had not requested either of these items and became very bothered by the disruption.

Not long after I received yet another call from the shipping department at Medic Alert informing me that my order is ready to ship. You are correct. I did not place an order to Medic Alert either!

Each time I receive one of these calls I think about the not so lucid senior citizen who does not remember whether they requested information, or placed an order, and unknowingly ends up giving out personal information. It is well known that as people age their filters and sense of danger diminish which is why the elderly so often fall prey to shady contractors doing household repairs. It is also why they tend to speak their mind and not care whom they offend.

Are the people making these calls just trying to eek out a living like the rest of us or are they scam artists with less than honorable intentions in mind? They say, "Let the buyer beware." Please do so whenever you pick up the phone or open an email.

Some time ago I mentioned calls from Windows about our computer having a virus and hackers getting into it. The caller asks the owner to turn on the computer and then the caller takes control of it. They can be very convincing that they are legitimate and that your computer is in danger. Well, if you weren't sure this was a scam let this example confirm it. A couple of weeks ago my aunt received a call from Windows telling her that she had a problem with her computer. This was pretty amusing because she doesn't own a computer. Guess who the hackers are...

********************************************

Featuring two more necklets this week - Pumpkin and Seafoam!

Two very popular colors at craft shows!

They are available in 23" or 32" and can be worn as necklaces or bracelets!

Click on the links below the pictures or visit my website:

www.cruisincreations.etsy.com

Order yours today!!!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/190484397/seafoam-beaded-knitted-necklet-can-be?ref=shop_home_active_1

https://www.etsy.com/listing/190475044/pumpkin-beaded-knitted-necklet-comes-in?ref=listing-shop-header-1

Until Next Time...

Diane

A Wonderful Community Event!

Niska-Day - sponsored by the Niskayuna Community Action Program is a wonderful community event and I think the entire community was there on Saturday for the 33rd annual Niska-Day!

There were 35 very talented crafters at the event along with local not for profit agencies, rides, games, entertainment, and fireworks. All of the crafters shared a large tent, the patronage of the attendees, the wind that blew through the tent, and the mud beneath our feet as it had rained most of the previous week. While I would love to profile each and every crafter at the event I have decided to focus on two special ones whom we were very close to.

My husband and I find ourselves drawn to food at these shows. It's consumable, doesn't take up much space, and is tasty so it didn't take us long to check out Mrs. Claus Kitchen. Barbara was across the aisle from us. She makes the most delicious soup mixes and spice blends to be used as dips, salad toppers, spreads, and meat rubs! And, she doesn't use salt which I love because salt is not a good ingredient in my diet. Barbara does a lot of farmer's markets and craft shows, but if you don't find her at one you can always order from her website www.santasatticandkitchen.com. You can also follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/santasattic.

Leaning Tree Designs has been in business for 10 years and an Etsy seller for 2 years. Carol makes the most beautiful pieces from semi-precious stones, crystals, silk cord, and silver. One look and you know that these items are of very high quality. Many of her designss are delicate and tastefully done (exactly my style). Her larger pieces give the look of a bulky piece without the weight. She has a wonderful eye for balance with each design. You can view and purchase Carol's designs at www.leaningtreedesigns.etsy.com.

*************************************************

My wrap bracelets are so popular at craft shows because of their versatility and many customers have wanted a necklace the length of the lanyards I make so I have created a new item called a Necklet. 

A Necklet is a piece that can be worn as a necklace or a wrap bracelet. 

They are 1/2" wide, simply slide over the head, or can be wrapped around the wrist 3 - 4 times, 

and come in two lengths 23" & 32". 

The two pictured are currently for sale in my Etsy Shop! Others will follow soon!!!

Click on the links below to order yours today!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/189704668/design-your-own-necklet-a-necklace-and-a

https://www.etsy.com/listing/189713365/cotton-candy-pink-necklet-can-be-worn-as

*************************************************

May's birthstone, emerald, just pops on this soft white yarn! Made with emerald Swarovski crystals, each is knitted into place. A 4" silver toned chain and alligator clasp at the back allow you to adjust this 18" necklace to up to 22" in length. Click on the link below to purchase one today!

Addhttps://www.etsy.com/listing/173955406/18-birthstone-necklaces-made-with caption

***************************************************

It's time to get our yard in order so we are taking a few weeks off from the craft show circuit. Our next event will be July 12 & 13 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm at the Shaker Heritage Society, 25 Meeting House Road, Albany, NY. There is a $4.00 admission fee which benefits the Shaker Heritage Society, a little piece of history near the Albany Airport.

Until Next Time...

Diane

Touched by the Strength of Others

Courage!

Strength!

Fear!

Appreciation!

These are a few of the emotions that I witnessed on Saturday at the Relay for Life Craft Show in Albany, NY. At the show my husband and I met two families who continue to deal with some difficulties with their small children.

The first family we met included a 7 year old who had a stroke at 14 months! Yes, you read that right, a stroke! Since that time she has had to relearn everything and at this point she seems to be a normal child who does not let her disability get in the way of living her life. While explaining the ordeal her family has gone through this child's grandmother told us that she plays T-ball and bats one handed because her right hand doesn’t release the bat when she gets a hit. Nothing stops this girl from accomplishing what she has set out to accomplish. Amazing!

As if that wasn’t enough to humble us and make us very thankful for the blessings we have, about an hour later we met another family with a 4 year old who had surgery on her brain twice before she turned one year old! As we were speaking with her parents she was playing peek-a-boo with us behind her mother’s legs. She seemed like a very happy precocious little girl. Does she have a long road ahead to catch up to others her age? According to her parents, yes, but she is doing it.

My husband and I just looked at each other after meeting the second family. I’m sure we were thinking the same thing – how did these families find the strength to deal with these issues and why were we spared such heartache. What we learned from both of these stories is that the limits we put on ourselves are the things that hold us back. Without those limits we can accomplish anything! These little girls are proof of that.

My good wishes and prayers go out to these families as they deal with rehabilitating their children, paying for the expenses related to these health issues, as well as dealing with everything else that life throws at them.

********************************************

The emerald green Swarovski crystals pop on this soft white nylon yarn in this month’s birthstone necklace. You can email me (dbabin731@gmail.com) , visit my website www.cruisincreations.etsy.com, or click on this link to place your order!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/173955406/18-birthstone-necklaces-made-with?ref=shop_home_active_24

********************************************

Our next stop? Nisky Day at Craig Elementary School, 2566 Balltown Rd, Niskayuna, NY 12309. This show runs from 11:00 – 5:00. Mention this blog and receive 15% off of your purchase!

Until Next Time…

Diane