Thursday, July 5, 2012

Thinking Outside the Box

Starting this post was EXTREMELY difficult for me. If you will notice I've added a donate now button to my blog. I'm not sure why it gives me such ick feeling but it does.

I'm not going to go into the entire story that has brought me here. We all have a story to to tell. I am finding myself in a place I never imagined, in all areas of my life. I have to find ways to supplement my income, in addition to working full time and finding a second job. 

I love sharing my materials. It truly makes me good; however, I know I could make money if I chose to sell things. I don't believe that selling things is wrong. It just hasn't been right for me. Someday I may sell things...but for now, I am keeping my blog status quo...well, with the exception of the donate button.

I feel bad about adding that tiny little button, but honestly, I had to think outside the box. So, thank you in advance for the lovely comments and emails. My cup runneth over.

It goes without saying but I will say it anyway...I truly appreciate the love and support that I have found in the blogosphere. 

With Much Love and Gratitude,
Shannon

17 comments:

  1. Shannon,

    One of the hardest things to do is ask for help. But you know what? How many times have you helped hundreds of US out of a bind? I bet it is too many too count. We DO all have a story to tell, but part of what makes us such a great community is that we are going through different parts of our stories at different times. When we are weak, others are strong. When we are strong, others need our helping hands. You have been the helping hand for so many of us for so long, let us help YOU out!

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  2. Shannon I am so sorry for what you are going through. I don't even know much of it but it looks and sounds very similar to what one of my kindergarten teaching friends was and continues to go through. I really think you should sell your stuff on teacher pay teacher to supplement your income! Especially with the Common Core everyone is needing new things and ideas! I wish you All the best and I am sure people will be donating. I know I will!

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  3. I agree with Katie! You make such fantastic stuff. I so appreciate that you are so generous with your time and creativity. However, if you're looking for ways to make extra money, TPT seems like an obvious way. Do what you need to do for you and Cooper! In the meantime, I will be donating for all the wonderful stuff I've gotten from you in the past.

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  4. Totally agree with all the comments above! You have saved me so much time over the past year with the implementation of the Common Core (our district adopted all kindergarten last year). If you had these units on TPT, I would have purchased them. If you start putting your items on TPT, I will buy them, as I know so many others will. Just went over to PayPal to donate...I'm sure so many others will do so as well.

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  5. I have been to your site many, many times and you are so very generous with your ideas and materials. I have felt guilty for NOT paying for your materials, so don't give your donate button another thought. I don't know what you are going through, but I wish you and your family the best. We are all here for you!

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  6. You should definitely put your items on TpT or Teacher's Notebook - as the others have said, we would pay for them!!!

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  7. I second what Laura P. says--your stuff is amazing and totally worth paying for! I recently opened a store on Teacher's Notebook and Teachers Pay Teachers and at first I felt guilty. But then I thought about the hours I spend making things extra for my students and that's time I'm not compensated for. It's time I'm not spending with my family. I understand how great it feels to share, and I think your blog is fantastic and a great way to showcase your products--you could totally still offer freebies and giveaways frequently, but also earn much needed extra income.

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  8. You are so sweet! I try to give freebies mostly, but sell a few.
    Jennifer
    kindertrips

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  9. I totally understand where your coming from. I have recently found myself thinking about getting a second job. Thank you for all your freebies. I am your newest follower and would love for you to follow my blog.
    Thanks and praying that things get better for you!
    Mrs. Bush

    http://mrsjanelleskindergarten.blogspot.com/

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  10. You've got this girl!!! You're wise to lean on the Lord. (I'd pay for any of your items in a heartbeat).
    Hugs from Montana :0)

    Mrs. Stauffer

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  11. We are on this earth to help each other in any way we can! Since I've started blogging I have found an entire new network of teacher friends! Don't be worried about asking for help! It's a sign of strength and courage! I've been selling a few of my products on TPT and Teacher's Notebook to help me pay for things I need in my classroom. It's another great way to network and supplement your income! Pinterest is a great way to advertise what your selling! All of us love sharing and finding new ideas! I'm now following your blog! LOVE IT! Visit me sometime...
    http://lanierlions.blogspot.com/

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  12. I love your site so much and am so appreciative of your generocity and all your wonderful items! I KNOW how difficult financial strains can be and cant wait to donate! I wish you luck and know better things are in store for you:)

    Ms. B

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  13. I love your blog, and I agree with above comments - you should sell your great stuff! I am a single mom - have been for 12 years, and I know how difficult times can be. Believe me. I am trying to sell a few things on Teacher's Notebook just to have a little extra money for back to school items for my own children and maybe a trip somewhere (Six Flags or something similar) before school starts. Just know that things WILL get better. If you're like me, bedtime is the worst part of the day because all of the worries seem to fall on you and invade your mind. Don't let that happen. Just know that God is in control and you will be stronger in the end.
    Susan at Kindergarten is the Best

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  14. There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with adding your lil button! This whole blog community has brought teachers together to help support each other. So many other professions have the monetary backing, us teachers-not so much! We are expected to do more and more with less and less. Keep on doin just what you're doin!
    ~Christy & Tammy

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  15. Shannon, your creativity has enriched my teaching!! I agree with everyone else--opening a store may be a good idea. :-) Until then, I am also delighted to donate!

    I pray that you will be strengthened during these last weeks of summer, that God will quiet you with His love and rejoice over you with singing (Zeph. 3:17). We are all here to support you and encourage you. Thanks for letting us be part of your journey.
    ReadWriteSing

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  16. Hi Shannon,

    You are a giving person. You offer lots and lots of freebies, more so than any blogs I have ever visited. Many 4-5-6 years olds have benefited from your generosity. Don't feel bad if you shall decide to sell on tpt or Teachers Notebook. Just know that you will have a regular buying from your store!

    Take care and have a fabulous weekend.

    Fawn

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  17. I think it is a great idea as you share so much of your great creations!!

    I nominated you for some awards, so if you would like to see, please visit:
    Learning With Mrs. Brinn

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