Treasured! Love and Vibrance

I was in three new treasuries over the past two days and all I can say is wow.
The most recent speaks for itself:

'color to warm up a snowy day' by msoeldner

Adorable Crocheted ... kittyraja $10.00	Ceramic Travel Mug ... aedrielorigina... $18.00	photobooths 8.5x11 girlhula $25.00	Yes Please - Joyou... bomobob $30.00
Sunshine Ring tamar $14.00	Multicolor Line Of ... ScarletBeautif... $9.00	rosemary - vintage ... whichgoose $20.00	Bohem Dog Collar SillyBuddy $27.00
Vintage Red Volkswa... OhDearWatson $14.00	6 Fruit Bowls - Py... jillhannah $40.00	Vintage Turquoise B... vint $22.75	ETSYVERSARY SALE-Th... chelebert12 $24.00
Carousel 1970 - 8x8... opart $21.00	vintage kids roller... littlebyrdvint... $28.00	Retro Translucent R... PeaceLoveEyegl... $40.00	Rainbow Cuff Set - ... therainbowroom $33.50

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

I love these Valentines gifts...not the usual fare yet I'd personally love to receive just about everything on the list:

'Valentine's Gifts She'll Love!' by soulsongcreations

Beautiful gifts for her.

Brown, Leather Rose... ManoBello $99.00	Winterberry Linen C... Waterrose $46.00	Antique Black Porce... jillhannah $75.00	Chocolate and cream... nikkoblue $15.00
Burlap Pillow and F... RomancingJulie... $28.25	PERSIAN ROSE Earrin... DorotaJewelry $25.00	Custom Pour -- Mire... Mireio $10.00	Chocolate truffle e... frumfedora $40.00
Romantic Dusty Rose... twoknit $28.00	Destiny Tutu Dress ... OliviaKateCout... $135.00	French beaded flowe... BeadFloraJewel... $72.00	Small black geekery... Eyelah $14.00
HANDMADE RUFFLED RO... LaimaShop $55.00	Embellished Paintin... Amborela $89.00	Chocolate - Ivory ... milkysupplies $6.50	HANDMADE cabbage ro... blackandwhitej... $14.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

This last one is actually by my good friend and roommate last summer, Amy. Check out that cast iron bathtub couch! Just incredible! The rest of the treasury is super swell, too, I just got distracted the moment I saw that thing.

'6th Anniversary- Candy and Iron' by admit1

fleur de sel carame... sweetniks $8.00	Folk Art Iron Fires... LawtonMull $800.00	Mint and pink Candy... IxDoxDeclare $100.00	Vintage Cast Iron S... beautifuldetai... $20.00
Iron scroll bed TaosMountainFo... $3300.00	64 Neapolitan Marsh... FusionSweets $24.99	Cast Iron Bathtub C... ruffhouseart $1700.00	French Pistachio No... KettleConfecti... $28.00
Solstice Sale FOR T... solsticehome $25.00	12 Root Beer Float ... ThisCharmingCa... $20.00	Vintage OLD Cast Ir... vintagenowandt... $150.00	Candy wrapped Pearl... CicadaJewelryD... $325.00
Vintage Iron - Work... jillhannah $75.00	VIntage Candy Machi... ifindubuy $199.99	John Candy MarandaMJ $300.00	Vintage Iron Cast H... hootandeye $12.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

NiftyKnits Untangling the Web of Business and Belief

Today, in her blog, the ever-fabulous NiftyKnits decided to poke one of her knitting needles at the tangled topic of business and religion. It reminded me of my "How Mature is Etsy" rant last May.
There's a good discussion going on Nifty's blog comments, and you will notice this blog post copy/pasted there as well, but I wanted to make this bit about the business/religion tangle clear and in my own blog.

What matters most in the grand "Is it OK to mix belief and business" debate is CHOICE--is a business abusing a captive audience? Or does the consumer have a choice?

If there is only one plumber in town and she won't unclog my toilet unless I pray with her, that is NOT ok.

If the only way I can obtain food for my family is by first listening to a political candidate's three-hour stump-speech, that is NOT ok.

If 809 of 9,034 soap sellers on Etsy require a sacrifice to Apollo in addition to PayPal or check, I can go to one of the 8,025 shops that don't demand loyalty to the ancient Greek god.

Get rid of Meerkat Nativity and where will Christian meerkats go on Christmas?
Religion and politics are part of the lives of many people, and associated merchandise isn't inherently good or bad. Like the "mature" marketplace, it should exist for those who want it and be optional for those who don't.
Art: Meercat in Green Sweater by NiftyKnits
Apollo Vintage Cameo by grigrio
Ibn Arabi Scroll Necklace by Soul Song Creations