July 1, 2016

Time to make some proverbial lemonade


This wasn't the post that I had planned for today. Not in the slightest, however sometimes things arise in life that are beyond our control and one of those is impacting Canadians from coast-to-coast right now.

As things stand at the moment, it is exceedingly likely (to the point of almost being a given) that Canada Post, our country's national postal system, will go on strike or lockout from tomorrow onward.

Rumours of such began to swirl around recently and when the local post office employees confirmed them to us in late June, we knew that things had become deeply seriously. This strike (or lockout) will mean a complete and total ceasing of Canada Post's services.

This in turn will result in no mail being able to be sent or delivered inside or out of the country.



{A sight we won't be seeing again on Canadian soil for, as things appear now, at least a few weeks time - the delivery (or sending out) of any mail from Canada Post. 1940s image source.}



As a result, like many other online Canadian small business owners, this means that (as things like courier services are out of the question price wise, especially in relation to the modest average transaction totals from my shop) I have pretty much no choice but to - for the first time ever - temporarily put my Etsy shop into Vacation Mode until the strike is over.

Effectively, "Vacation Mode", as Etsy calls it, allows my store front, sans listings, to still be visible. However, as no listings are shown, customers cannot purchase items for the time being.

After a somewhat slow (minus certain periods) spring, much as with that of 2015, I was incredibly eager to embrace the summer and hopefully see an increase in sales, which has happened during that season for the past two years.

We don't know for sure how long the strike will last. Some sources are saying it could be 3 - 4 weeks, others have mentioned the possibility of it running into August or even September. Strikes by their very nature are an uncertain thing and we, as the public, are simply at the mercy of the postal system and the Canadian government for this one.

My shop will remain in vacation mode until the strike lifts, at which time, I will resume normal business - complete with many new listings.

The mail itself however, will have a large backlog and that will take several weeks for Canada Post to work its way through, so even after the strike is over, online businesses will continue to feel the impact of this summer pause in normal postal speeds and services.

While I will be heavily impacted from an economic standpoint because of this strike (my shop is not a hobby for me; it is a full-time business and a vital part of my income), in a lot of other ways, it will still be life as usual when it comes to operating my Etsy store.

Though I can't sell online at present, I can still source and photograph items, and draft listings, all of which I certainly plan to do during this time.

I'm a million miles away from happy about this strike and how it will impact my business and income alike, but I've always been the sort to try and look for the silver lining in life and that's what I'm going to do here.

I'll rejig my usual work schedule a bit and focus even more on the blogging side of things, while perhaps also allowing myself a (*gasp!*) day or two off - at least when my birthday rolls around on the 10th of this month.

Oh, and today as well, which speaking of birthdays, just happens to be Canada’s 149th! (Believe me, the irony of a Canada Post strike potentially starting the day immediately after Canada Day itself is not lost on me.)




{Happy birthday wishes to Canada, eh! Home of stunning landscapes, Mounties, moose and bear a plenty, countless doughnuts and hockey sticks, and one of the loveliest, safest and most beautiful countries you could ever hope to encounter. Vintage Image source.}



Going beyond the sudden and very disruptive impact of this postal strike (which I know will impact/hurt many other Canadians as well - and that, of course, there is an impact on postal workers themselves, too), June was a pretty rough month for me due to some extremely stressful and emotionally painful family related situations, that I can't go into further detail about due to their extremely private nature (Tony and I are both fine, please do not worry).

As well, my health had some ups and downs (in no small part due to said personal life issues), and the abundance of rain started to take a toil on me, too, from a mood perspective.

I usually enter July in high spirits and with recharged batteries, so to speak, but this time around, I just want to find a couple of shady trees, string a comfy hammock and recoup for the next two months.

No dice, I'm afraid, but I will be going easy(ier) on myself for a while, as I continue to deal with the emotional impact of June's events and the stress of this postal strike alike.

Life will always throw curveballs, challenges and upsets our way. For better or worse, such is unavoidable. What we do have, at least to a degree usually, is some say in is how we opt to respond to and deal with these surprises and stresses.

I've never been one to shy away from a challenge or to let the universe get the better of me, so I'm going to gather my proverbial lemons and make so much lemonade, I might just have to set up a stand on the front yard and keep my selling skills at this sharpest this summer after all!



{Recent weeks have hit me hard, just as this summer's Canada Post strike will, but I'm holding my head up high and will soldier on. Making lemonade aplenty from each of these unexpected events. Vintage photo image source. }


I might not be feeling like (or making even a minute fraction of) a million dollars today, but the sun is shining, the birds are genuinely are chirping at this moment, and I've got a fun Canada Day themed outfit all lined up, so you know what?

It's all good.

Sooner or later the strike will be over, I'll have bounced back from June's difficulties, and we'll be looking fall, my most beloved of all the seasons, in the face once more.

First though, I've got my nation's birthday - and my own - to celebrate. Ice cold glass of lemonade firmly in hand, naturally.


Happiest Canada Day wishes to all my fellow Canadians and an amazing, fun filled start of July to all those elsewhere! 

71 comments:

  1. First, happy Canada Day!

    Second, that's certainly a long predicted strike. Coming at this as the wife of a UK postie, I fully understand where they are coming from when they do strike, but unfortunately most aren't at all sympathetic. Here at least, postal rounds are being combined, meaning more work for individual posties and then there are pay disputes and pension disputes. I know that Andy works hard, he gets to work at 6.30am and often he isn't home until 4pm!

    Third, put your feet up, rest, relax and take care of yourself xxx

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    1. Hi sweet Melanie, thank you very much for your comment and personal insight into this matter (I don't think I knew that Andy was/is a postie - that's really cool). I can certainly see both sides of the coin, of course, and genuinely feel for those in the postal service who are in favour of striking and the reasons that have lead them to such. Strikes are almost never black and white situations, and Canada Post has certainly been struggling big time in this country for many years now (it is my understanding based on news reports that they've been losing money, big time, for quite a long time now and there are scores of other problems, too). I hope, for all involved, employees and CP users/customers alike, that if the strike happens, it is short lived and amicable, so that things can get back to normal for millions across the country.

      Many thanks again & have a fun, fabulous start of July,
      ♥ Jessica

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  2. I do not know how things are like in Canada and do not wish to give false hope, but based on experience over here (Spain being the land of savage strikes of every stripe) I would expect such a strike to last no longer than two-three weeks max. Goverments usually capitulate at that point if damage to citizens'livelihood or wellbeing is substantial, as it appears it will be in this case. Let us hope sanity will prevail.

    Keep your chin up, dear Jessica. We are all rooting for you.

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    1. Thank you ever so much, my dear - I truly appreciate your reassuring words and moral support. If memory serves me right (and please don't quote me here), I think the last Canada Post strike, in 2011, carried on for a touch under a month - which may be what people are predicting the length of this impending one off of.

      Thank you again & have a truly fabulous summer,
      ♥ Jessica

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  3. How awful! I can't imagine what a postal strike would do in the U.S. (I think they might even be one of those services that aren't allowed to strike here, per good ol' Ronnie, but I could be wrong) I do hope that things resolve soon!!

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    1. Thank you very much for your understanding and kind words, dear Juliana. Stranger things have happened, but you know, I too have a truly hard time imaging a full scale postal strike in the US and hope that you guys never run into such. It's only five years since the last one here and I think the memory of such is still bracingly fresh in many peoples' minds. If one does transpire here this summer, I hope it's the last for decades to come (and that it is very short lived).

      Many hugs & joyful wishes for July,
      ♥ Jessica

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  4. What a well written post, Jessica! I had been thinking about how this would affect your shop, what a tragedy! Hopefully the strike will be over soon, and things can be brought back to normalcy.

    I will be praying for you and your family, dear Jessica! I hope the break from running your shop will allow you to have some much-needed down time, and allow you to just enjoy the summer for a little while. Stretch out that hammock!! :)

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    1. Thank you deeply, dear Esther, that really means a lot to me and I wholeheartedly appreciate your caring prayers.

      I must say - as is so often the case, I find - blogging about some of my recent concerns/worries/troubles has helped me a great deal and this evening, for the first time in at least a couple of weeks, I feel like I'm in a pretty good mood again. Fingers crossed that my spirits only continue to perk up all the more as July progresses - no matter what Canada Post may ultimately opt to do or not.

      Really, thank you again. You're such a sweet, kindhearted person.

      Giant hugs & happy start of summer wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  5. That's so rough, Jessica! I'm really sorry to hear you're having such a stressful time right now, and I know your postal situation has to be such a blow. Hopefully the strike doesn't last too long, and you know we'll all be keeping an eye out for the moment the shop reopens! In the meantime, I hope you get to relax and destress.

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    1. I can't begin to tell you how much that means, to me, Jessica. Thank you, truly - I needed to hear that today big time.

      Huge hugs & joyful start of July wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  6. Prayers for a peaceful heart and small blessings to sustain you along the way. xo

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    1. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, dear Kelly. I appreciate your caring words and kind prayers immensely.

      Many hugs & happy start of summer wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  7. Jessica
    (virtual hug)

    Oh, that strike have stroked me hard!
    Oh, my... no. So sad to hear about that. The post's halt has made my plans a bit more hard. Actually, it means my parcel to you (that was to come on your birthday) is most definitely going to be LATE. Rest assured, this "strike" will pass. All things pass.
    ....and then you will receive the shipment.
    If not we'll give them some time), we will start looking.
    I'm sending it tomorrow.
    So: let' be patient.
    I know this is hard for your beloved shop, since a large part of your work depends on the postal service. I am so sorry that a shop like yours must suffer.
    In those kind of situations, I like to hope that the Post will "win their battle" as soon as possible and re-start their work with great speed. :)

    We will prevail!
    (at least we can still "send" mail) :)

    Marija

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    1. Thank you ever so much, my darling friend. We're in the same boat on different sides of the world, as I can't send your parcel out right now either due to the impending strike. Please don't worry for a nanosecond if your own wonderfully thoughtful parcel is late. That just helps to keep the b-day festivities going all the longer. It's so sweet and thoughtful of you to send a gift my way and I truly look forward to its arrival, whenever that may be.

      Patience will indeed be an important virtue with this situation and one that I feel, quite honestly, better equipped to put into action now that I've shared my concerns here so openly with all of you.

      I share your hope and do, of course, want to see things improve for postal workers, too. Many are extremely hard working and often get the short end of the stick when it comes to changes and lack of improvements within the industry.

      Really, thank you again so much. You're the dearest of friends and I look forward to us each brightening each other's summer celebrations with parcels asap.

      Countless hugs & happy start of July wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  8. You have a great attitude about everything, Jessica! I'm sure you could use a bit of time off anyway to recharge your batteries, being an extremely hardworking lady. I hope the strike is over quickly and the resulting backlog of work won't seem too arduous....all the more reason to take life a little bit slower for the first part of July.

    Chin up, my friend! ♡

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    1. Thank you so much, sweet Jennifer. A small breather is welcome, you're right. I would have preferred to have more say in selecting when such happened - but sometimes its wisest to just go with the flow of the universe and make the best of things. I got some much needed sleep today and awake in better spirits, aided in no small part by sharing some of my concerns here with my dear online friends today. A good start to what I hope will blossom in a beautiful month.

      Many hugs & happy wishes for July,
      ♥ Jessica

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  9. I was just reading up on this situation today and thought of you and how very much of a game-changer this is! Keeping you in my thoughts, and I hope this ends up being a truly restful and invigorating season for you, despite the inauspicious cause. <3

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Lily. It is immensely kind of you to think of, and be concerned for, me. I appreciate it greatly and echo your hope that the strike - if it does come to be - ends up being very short lived and that it doesn't have to brutal an impact on my business this year.

      Many hugs & happy summertime wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. Happy Birthday to you! I am so sorry for the post system strike. That is going to have so many consequences. Ugh. But hopefully it will give you a chance to regroup and refocus and that hopefully you have a boat load of orders once the mail is up and running again.

    Sarah
    www.sewcharacteristicallyyou.com/blog

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    1. Thank you sweetly, dear Sarah. Hard to believe that I'm just a few days away from being another year older. How time flies! Awesomely, this year, Tony is going to be here for my birthday. Things just weren't the same on that front with him gone (working in the States) last summer.

      Many hugs & joyful July wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  11. Happy Canada Day!

    I've had to temporarily close down my shop too. My shop was going to be practically my only source of income this summer, so this strike has me rather upset. Hopefully it is resolved soon and we can both get back to "business as usual" :)

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    1. Oh, Kate honey, I'm truly sorry that you're in the same boat, too. It's heartbreaking how many of us Canadian online small business owners are right now.

      Yes, let us hope with all our might that things get straightened out and return to normal asap. I shudder to think of how challenging life will become for many if such is not the case.

      Huge hugs & the happiest of Canada Day wishes!
      ♥ Jessica

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  12. I am sorry to hear this -
    On my side we have a post office but its almost not existent. They deliver only to the old part of the city and most packages get lost. Its like they are not even there. You cannot count on them and have to rely on private services.. I do hope on your side this gets solved soon.

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    1. Sweet Lorena, goodness, that sounds worst than a short term strike, really. It would be next to impossible for me to operate an online business if that was the case here, too. I'm very sorry that the postal system in your area (whole country?) leaves such a great deal to be desired. I hope that you haven't lost many packages to it over the years.

      Thank you for your caring words and all of your wonderfully lovely comments here throughout the month of June.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  13. This was a much needed post for me today. I'm heading into week three of what I'm calling My Surreal Medical Drama. Two weeks ago I felt maybe a bit under the weather and yesterday I was undergoing a plasma exchange procedure, the weeks between "enlivened" by losing the sight in my left eye, a hospital stay and some new experiences like an MRI and a lumbar puncture. While I'm grateful to have a medical team looking out for me and trying hard to give me a diagnosis it has all been overwhelming and it is a good time to have a reminder that these things come in seasons and will pass and sometimes we just have to endure and make the best of things.
    Sorry for further lowering the mood around here!

    I hope the strike turns out to be less serious than anticipated and the postal workers get their concerns addressed. Fingers crossed it will just be a short disruption.

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    1. Sweet Rhiannon, with every last fiber of my heart and soul, I am truly sorry for the medical nightmare that you've been enduring as of late. That sounds incredibly stressful, challenging and unpleasant. I sincerely appreciate you sharing about your struggles and want you to know that you will be my thoughts, hearts and prayers around the clock - as well as that (and I really mean this) - I am always here, 24/7, if need someone to talk to about anything on the face of the planet. I know first hand what it's like to battle for months or even years to get medical diagnoses, and the kind of impact that has on pretty much every element of one's life.

      I am sending endless strength, love and hope your way, my dear.

      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Thank you Jessica! I'm incredibly fortunate to have supportive family and friends who are helping me deal logistically, physically and emotionally.

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  14. So sorry for this. But I'm glad your staying on the bright side way to go

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    1. Thank you sweetly, lovely Kate. The last few days have been fairly rough and stressful for sure, but talking so openly here today has proven to be greatly helpful to me and I can already feel my spirits rising as we embrace July's return.

      Many hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  15. Does Canada not have any other services like UPS or FedEx? Good luck with a quick strike and getting back to normal

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    1. Hi sweet gal, thank you very much for your comment and question. While, thankfully, couriers do exist in Canada and we have a fair number of them, none offer up even remotely affordable options - especially for packages being sent outside of the country - so unfortunately turning to them isn't an option (virtually no one is going to pay, for example, $30 - $200+ in shipping for a $20 Etsy order and I certainly don't have the overhead to swallow those kinds of epic shipping costs, even temporarily, myself). Some medium and larger businesses will likely go this route, but really isn't in feasible for most indie and smaller sized ones, Etsy sellers included, like myself (otherwise, for sure, that would be the way to go big time).

      Sending lots of hugs & happy summertime wishes your way!
      ♥ Jessica

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  16. Hi Jessica, it seems like you're going through a tough period, but you will get through it. Your optimism is endless and inspiring. It's great that you are taking the time to rest a bit. Take care Xxx.

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    1. Thank you deeply, sweet lady. June wasn't the best month by any means, but it wasn't the worst ever in the slightest ever. A rocky end to the first half of 2016, but perhaps the catalyst for better second chapter of this year (especially since summer and fall are my favourite seasons). I remain optimistic (always) and will ride out this storm with the help of the summer sun and my wonderful online friends alike.

      Many hugs & happy start of July wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  17. How terrible for business! I hope the strike doesn't last long.

    Happy Canada Day, and I hope you have a wonderful birthday :)

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    1. Thank you very much across the board, my friend. I second your hope and trying not to worry too terribly much about the potential loss of income that this strike may cause.

      Big hugs & happy 4th of July week wishes!
      ♥ Jessica

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  18. How immensely difficult this all sounds Jessica :( I can't quite believe that in a day of Internet selling that the vital post service is even able to strike - but for a month?! Crikey. That really is something. I hope it resolves itself sooner than that and I'm really sorry to hear June was a tough month for you. Hoping for an easier July without quite so much rain. Believe me, I hear you on incessant rain! You wouldn't know it was summer over here if you'd looked at June's forecasts... I'm as ever in awe of your ability to look on the bright side :) it will get better! xx

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    1. I share your disbelief and feel so much for all of my fellow online Canadian sellers are going to be hit by this (very potential) strike. It will most likely hurt small/indie to medium sized seller most of all, but just about all of use who normally use Canada Post will feel the impact to at least a certain degree (as well the bulk of the general public).

      Thank you for your wonderfully kind, caring and sweet words, dear CiCi. You're an awesome friend.

      Huge hugs & joyful July wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  19. Sorry to hear about the postal strike. I hope it will not last too long. Also very sorry to hear about the poor weather and how that is also putting a damper on your mood and health! I hope you will be able to take some comfort with a nice warm cup of tea and maybe a good book til the weather and postal service clears up!

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    1. Thank you very much, my caring friend. You know, looking back now, of all the things in June, it was the incredibly stressful family drama that hit me hardest on the health front. I still haven't bounced back yet in that regard, but am doing somewhat better now a few days after the thick of that storm, so to speak, has (for the moment) died down. Hopefully the prospect of my upcoming birthday will bolster my mood, recharge my energy and help me to feel better all the same time. :)

      Thank you again & have a beautiful week!

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  20. Happy 149th birthday, Canada! It's very sad to read about all that - post office strike, vacations mode (forced) and your health issues, due to personal family affairs... not good, really. But as you said, life is full of ups and downs and soon I hope you overcome all what is worrying you; hope the strike finishes soon and you can go on listing lovely items! I really hope you don't have any more worries till your birthday! And hope you have now a lovely weekend, dear Jessica! Hugs and regards,
    DenisesPlanet.com

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    1. You're such a sweet, lovely person, Denise. Thank you deeply for all of your kind, encouraging, upbeat words and wishes. I share your hope and will just have to pretend I have an invisible cloaking shield around me this week that is impervious to any negativity (how cool would that be, if such were real!). :)

      If anything comes close, for me personally, it is my birthday (or Halloween, but that's still nearly four months away), so hopefully smooth sailing will fill my days this week. Fingers crossed!

      Tons of hugs & sincere thanks again,
      ♥ Jessica

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  21. My first thought was of you, Jessica, when I heard the first rumors about the potential Canadian postal strike. I pray that it will be short-lived! Thank you for writing this informative - and encouraging! - post. I love your attitude about enjoying your lemonade, dang it, no matter how many lemons life tries to throw at you! :) With that attitude, you're sure to come out ahead and on top when things straighten out again. Thanks for reminding us all to be positive and enjoy that lemonade! ;-)

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    1. Thank you so very much for thinking about me, Grace, I appreciate that a great deal - as I do your immensely lovely comment.

      Penning this post went a long way in helping to quell my worries and nerves alike and hopefully my b-day later this week will continue to do so all the more.

      Thank you again & have a stellar start of summer!

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  22. Hello Jessica, first of all (yes, I know .. I am a bit 'late) wishes for the national holiday of your country: Canada Happy Birthday (I have in Canada an aunt and three cousins, but it is some time that we we do not hear them ..) !!! Regarding the strike .. I am very sorry for your Etsy site and for your work, but it is a temporary thing, and you'll see that you will be able to use this break intelligently: Jessica you are a beautiful woman full of resources and passion for your work!

    These beautiful vintage images, especially the last ... I am very greedy of lemonade, now that it's warm even more!

    serena

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    1. Thank you very much for your caring, understanding words, dear Serena. They mean a lot to me - as does your vote of confidence. June was a bit of "full on storm" month for me/us, and I'm still rebuilding, so to speak, after the effects of such, but I'll be okay and am already doing and feeling considerably better than I was even just five days ago.

      Big hugs & many heartfelt thanks again,
      ♥ Jessica

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  23. I noticed today you put your shop on vacation. I have a few new items in draft but have not put my shop on hold yet. I am optimistic that is will be resorted quickly I don't get many orders and do hope people read my announcement about the possible shipping delay:)
    we had a non vintage garage sale a few weeks back that made $140 with out even really trying if things go south it is a fun thing to do , lord knows I wish there were more vintage themed garage sales where I lived I would certainly go to yours:)

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    1. That's a very decent yard sale profit. Congratulations! The days of vintage items aplenty at yard/garage sales around here is long, long gone, too. Sure, thankfully, one will still luck out sometimes, but the last year that I'd say was even marginally decent on that front was 2012. It's been a near ghost town for vintage items at the ones I've been to ever since. Shame indeed that there isn't more vintage to be had at these kinds of sales on either of our ends.

      Here's to the hope that the strike doesn't materialize or if it does, that it is super short lived, and that neither of us hit too epicly by it.

      Many hugs & happy start of July wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  24. i love your attitude here!!!
    this things - strike or flood or blizzard - are quiet shocking for people and bad for business - but it´s getting not better by our bad moods.
    but i hope the strike will not come or be a short one - so you can send your pretty treasures into the world without problems!
    hugs&kisses! <3 <3 <3

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Beate. I second your hope and appreciate you raising the point of natural disasters, which are, objectively, far more devastating when they really hit hard than a man made event like a postal strike. It's good to stop and put things into perspective like that.

      Tons of hugs & joyful start of July wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  25. Goodness!! I am so sorry about this! I hope it clears up soon so you can return to business! I feel awful for all of the business owners who rely upon online sales and hence shipping their items to make ends meet!

    Fingers crossed this ends soon!

    xoxo
    -Janey

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    1. Thank you very much, my caring friend. I really, really hope so as well. It's looking like we'll most likely have an answer (as to if they're going to strike or not) this week, but things are still majorly up in the air and, IMO, not a ton of specifics are making it out to the general public yet (this short article has a bit of info, but not a ton: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/canada-post-lockout-notice-1.3664710).

      And in the meantime, mail service is hugely disrupted and I don't regret at all that I put my shop into vacation mode when I did, especially since they'd first said that we'd likely know one way or the other by the 2nd of July. Of course, if this strange sort of limbo were to drag on and on, I might reopen before a definitive strike decision was made, but for now, I'm taking the cautious route and remaining temporarily closed.

      Lots of hoping and finger crossing for a swift, positive outcome for all involved here (postal workers and Canada Post customers alike).


      Many hugs & happy start of July wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  26. Ugh. As soon as I heard about the possibility of a strike, my thoughts turned towards the owners of online stores :( Such bad news, I hope that this doesn't greatly effect things for the worse! As someone who still relies on the mail system for some things (not everything is electronic!) I am sorry to hear this. The strike was predicted to start today though, and it hasn't happened yet, so let's hope for the best!
    The Artyologist

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    1. It's funny, you know, so often you hear that things like "no one gets snail mail any more", but I really don't think that's true - or at least overly accurate.

      Yes, unfortunately, fewer people still get many (if any) handwritten letters and cards may be down, too, but in terms of packages I get far more as an online shopper than I ever did before and still receive numerous magazines, catalogs, cards, letters, flyers, and the like most months as well (as does my husband).

      I think that the same rings true for many of us, perhaps (though this is just an educated guess) even more so for those under a certain age bracket - especially for folks who came of age with the internet or are just a little older than that generation (a camp into which I personally fall).

      So many folks, sellers and buyers alike, are going to be hit by this strike (and some are already feeling it, even though it hasn't officially started yet) and my heart goes out to each and every one of them.

      Hoping for the best indeed! Last I heard, we'll likely know by Friday now (as there was 72 extension), and I'll be hounding the news for updates all throughout the week until then.

      Thank you very much for your kind, caring comment, sweet gal.

      Big hugs!
      ♥ Jessica

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  27. So glad to find your post, Jessica. It seems like very few people have been talking about this issue. It does not even seem to merit mention in the newspaper.

    According to today's Canada Post update, "Nearly all large e-commerce customers have moved their parcel business to other carriers, resulting in a volume decline of at least 75 per cent from those customers." That's even before a strike has started!

    "The number of parcels arriving at the largest plants has declined to the point where there often are not enough parcels to last an entire processing shift."

    Unless they come to an agreement before then, it sounds to me like Canada Post will have to lock employees out on Friday, the first day that they are able to do so. The loss of business volume is phenomenal. They can't continue to pay those employees if there is no mail to work with.

    My business has been hit before by a Canada Post strike before and I hate being held hostage like this as well as, of course, the loss of income. I wish they would just get the strike or lock out started so that it can be over! Prolonged waiting only prolongs the pain.

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    1. Very well said, dear Brenda. I agree that it's rather amazing how little coverage and, perhaps moreover, widespread voicing of opinions there is about this hugely important matter, which will hit so very many small and medium sized businesses big time. My shop has only been in vacation mode for five days now, but I can already feel the financial impact big time and shudder to think how much worse such will become (for myself and tons of others) as the days turn into weeks and, goodness forbid, perhaps even months.

      Thank you very much for sharing the points and news article quotes that you did here, and for your understanding. I'm sincerely sorry that you're feeling the impact of the strike firsthand yourself as well.

      Many hugs & high hopes that this situation gets resolved quickly,

      ♥ Jessica

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  28. Ahr, poor you. This is truly annoying. Things like this that are completely out of your hands and that you cannot do anything about is just annoying, but "all is good", dear. I've had my Etsy shop for 4,5 years now (time flies) and can tell you that in general it is quite quiet during summer. My logical explanation is that most people spend time in their gardens instead of in front of their pcs, this rings true for me/myself too. I hope this comforts you a bit. And you can spend the time working on updates, so that your reopening will be a grand opening and so that all your customers will go mad. ;) You can also spend some days off and enjoy yourself, which I really think you should, my dear. :) Stop and smell the roses, pet your dog, cat or Tony. :) XOXO

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    1. Hi sweet Sanne, thank you very for your kind, caring words, which are certainly comforting to me (you always excel in providing comfort). I find things to get slower on the blogging front (a phenomenon that is sometimes referred to in the blogging world as the "summer slump") each summer without fail (ditto for around the Christmas season and most other major - especially US - holidays, which is completely understandable).

      It's really interesting that you've found summer to be a slower time of the year for your shop. Granted, I've only been in business on Etsy since May 2014, but I've found both summers that I have experienced to be way better for me than the spring and winter (save for last Christmas, which was surprisingly great). Fall, too, is a good time, on par with (or sometimes even a little better than) the summer. As such, I was really counting on this summer's sales to help make up for the slow season that we just got through and know that I'll feel the economic hit of being in vacation mode big time - even if it's just for, say, three or four weeks. Oh well though - that's life and I'll just make the best of this situation however I can.

      I hope you're right about when I'm able to reopen. That would certainly be wonderful! Honestly though, just being open again will rock and I cannot wait for that to happen. It's looking like, after yet another delay, we'll know one way or the other (strike, lockout, or back to business as usual) this coming Friday. A strike or lockout is most likely, but one never knows and no matter what, I'm remaining optimistic here.

      Really, thank you again for being such a dear and lovely friend, and for bolstering my spirits. You rock!

      Tons of hugs & happy wishes for this sunny July week,
      ♥ Jessica

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  29. So sorry to hear this. How unfortunate! Hope it all clears up soon and business booms!

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Karen. I truly hope so as well. I've only had my shop in vacation mode for five days now, but I've already felt the economic hit and and hate that we (the Canadian public) are still in limbo as to what is going to definitively happen (or not). As per the latest news stories, we should know by this coming Friday.

      Many thanks again & have a terrific start of July!
      ♥ Jessica

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  30. Ugh - so sorry to hear things have been anything but easy for you these past few weeks, and SO sorry to hear about the post strike in Canada. Perhaps having a bit of time to rest, relax, and simply enjoy the summer season will have you feeling a bit more inspired and excited when things do finally get back to normal. Get some listings ready and focus on other things, sure - but do take some time to enjoy yourself! You've earned it, lady!

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Nikki. I genuinely appreciate your encouraging words and understanding, and will try to take your suggestions to heart. As I've blogged about here before over the years, I honestly struggle a lot with taking time off/relaxing by choice (save perhaps when I'm on an actual vacation) and find that I feel powerfully guilty and racked with anxiety if I'm not working pretty much around the clock, when my health and other circumstances will permit (I know this is not healthy per se and do try to actively work on getting better at allowing myself some guilt-free downtime). That said, this is my birthday week and I do plan to take things at least a tad bit easier. :)

      Many heartfelt thanks & the happiest of July wishes coming your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  31. Oh no, Jessica. Sorry, I just saw this post. Have been a bit swamped trying to get ready for my road trip up north. That is truly horrible that the whole postal system up there is going to come to a halt. I often sell to Canadian customers, so it won't be good for US online stores either. The implications of this strike are far reaching. Hopefully it won't last long and anyone who wanted one of your lovely items will order later. Just get ready for the packing frenzy you're going to have to deal with when this is over. Hang in there sweetie.When it comes to running a business it's always something isn't it? :)

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    1. Hi sweet Theresa, thank you very much for your lovely, caring comment and hopeful wishes. It most certainly is, you're spot on there.

      We were supposed to know if they'd strike, be locked out or go back to work as usual by the 2nd, then the 5th, and now they're saying the 8th. This state of limbo is not fun (or good for business) at all and I know that it's weighing heavily on many other business owners as well at the moment. Fingers crossed, no matter the outcome, that we really will know by this Friday.

      On a more chipper note...it's so exciting that you'll be traveling north soon. I hope that you have a sunny, fun filled, fabulous time and that you find lots of great vintage treasures throughout your travels.

      Big hugs & joyful start of July wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  32. Oh man, I'm so sorry that's impacting your business! Best of luck, lady!!!! XO

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    1. Thank you sweetly, dear Lauren. It is certainly a curve ball that came out of left field and one that I'm anything but pleased about. Trying to make the best of things and hoping that we'll finally have a more definitive answer as to what it going to happen by the 8th of this week (that's the revised date that the news is giving the public for such).

      Big hugs & happy Tuesday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  33. Thinking of you. Sip some lemonade - slowly - read a book, pausing at every comma and savouring every word...

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    1. Thank you very much for your caring words and encouragement to take things a touch easier while this postal strike/lockout situation continues to unfold. You'll be happy to know that I did just that for a few hours last night (in the cool of our basement) - and it was delightful. :)

      Many hugs & joyful start of July wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  34. How very frustrating. I hope the postal workers resolve their issues quickly so that you can get back to normal trading with your shop. It sounds like a very good plan to keep photographing and listing so that you will be good to go when it is all over. Sending a big hug!,

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Kate. Frustratingly for many (myself included), the Union and Canada Post keep pushing the date of the strike (or lockout, as the case may be) further and further ahead. Initially (and this had seemed really set in stone), they'd said July 2nd, the the 5th, then the 8th, and most recently, there's talk of Monday the 11th now. Postal services have been disrupted for weeks now and I don't, for a second, regret putting my shop into vacation mode when I did for that reason, but if they're going to strike, then I hope they'll just go ahead and do it soon as this state of limbo is hurting so many businesses (and everyday mail users alike) right now.

      Your hugs are sincerely appreciated, my dear friend. Thank you. Tons upon tons coming right back at you!

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  35. I have not heard any updates, but hope it's positive news!

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    1. Hi Ruby, thank you very much for your comment. Things cooled their heels throughout July, but the latest update (I'm receiving the official updates from Canada Post via email) points towards rocky times and the possibility of a strike again (potentially before the end of the month). As has been the case with this situation all summer, nothing is written in stone yet, so I'm not taking any measures on my end at this point. If, and only if, a strike with complete ceasing of normal postal services does happen, then I may put my shop into Vacation Mode again. Hoping, as I have been all season long, that a strike does happen though. Fingers crossed!

      Have a fantastic week,
      ♥ Jessica

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