what comes first, chicken or egg?

I think a  lot about making things and selling them and the personal processes and ethics involved in both. Shortly before Christmas I fancied reading some new ideas and ordered these two books that were featured in the Cygnus magazine.

One of my feelings about starting a 'business' is that we are often building on ideas that already exist, and the foundations of those ideas may not be in alignment with what we want or truly believe.  Practically, of course, there is a need to achieve sales and find customers, or present ourselves in such a way that these two things can find each other and occur.  

Change is desirable and there are so many out there trying to make this happen, especially in the etsy and folksy marketplace. My confusion stems from not understanding what is at the root of it all and I am keen explore and find the foundations 'within myself'  - ie a belief system I can align with where I can feel truthful.

These two books seem unconnected, but one passage that stood out for me in Clea Danaan's book is when she describes the chicken/egg industry against the 'joy' of keeping them domestically and having a personal relationship with both chicken and egg..

" Animals who produce food on such a large scale are not regarded as animals anymore, so the loss of chicken joy is unconsequential.

Our automated industrial culture has reduced chickens to their product.  The eggs are economic units produced by economic units and sold to us (also seen as economic units).  Its no longer about the chicken or the egg, but the money exchangeable for that egg."

This passage just seemed to bowl it home to me.  The what comes first analogy of the chicken and the egg, or the cart before the horse seems appropriate. When the process of the making and the selling and the reusing of that money are connected with integrity, instead of playing one off the other - then I think the fulfillment of that process is what really 'pays' us on many levels, and if that money is love, then hopefully financially too.. I am still exploring that area!

At the time of reading 'Money Is Love' which also explores the subject of titheing 10% of one's income - I coincidentally stumbled across this article on creative titheing through Diana's blog, and a remarkable lifestyle choice through Mouse's blog.

As a result, I have decided to combine the two ideas and have a form of creative titheing within the patchwork dress, in both online folksy and etsy shops, and through any other sales this year -

I will be donating 10% from every sale to the wildlife charity SWT - Scottish Wildlife Trust, and later in the year also to the SSPCA (Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - who operate both shelters for rehoming pets, and a wildlife shelter near Inverkeithing).

 

Last, but not least, in the spirit of the giveaway - I am willing to pass on the Barbara Wilder  "Money Is Love" book to anyone who is interested in reading it - the first person to claim it, gets it. - 'gone' to Sarah in Canada!

Comments

[Sarah]

If you're willing to send it all the way to Canada, I'd love to read it.

[ginny]

a brilliant post Caireen. i love your thought process and relate so much to it. keeping Joy in our lives is essential as is mindfullness and compassion.
so many of us creatives are seeking this balance in repect of money, income & enjoyment & responsibility.

blessings to you dear friend
xx

[Gigibird]

Very interesting and thought prevoking post...I too am thinking of selling a few things on Ebay for the very first time and plan to donate 10% to charites I support...
shame your book is on it's way to Canada if you recommend it I will have a look on Amazon.

[Karyn Taylor-Moore]

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this Caireen. I am wrestling with the same issues as I prepare to offer my cards and stationery for sale for the first time - both on Etsy and, hopefully, to local giftshops. Tithing a percentage of the money you make to a favourite charity (the challenge will be working out which one!) is such a lovely way to give something back if you are lucky enough to be making money from your creative efforts. I will definitely be giving this idea a lot of thought if it turns out people actually want to buy my cards!

I love your blog by the way . . . I found it through another of my favourite blogs - TinyHappy. I really like what you're doing, and the thoughtful way you do it.