Shop Local whenever you can!

Good morning everyone. Today is known to millions as Cyber Monday. Where 'all the deals' are to be had by shopping online. And, yes, you can find some good deals. But, let's face it. Most people are shopping for themselves. Not others. Not everyone, mind you. But a major portion are just finding good deals for themselves.

The problem with online shopping? Your community benefits in no way by online shopping. We just celebrated Small Business Saturday this past weekend and I'm sure every small business owner - and most of the time operator - appreciated every cent of business they made. Not to mention, they like seeing community members out and about in town. I'm not sure how well businesses did on Saturday due to a family emergency, but I'm praying everyone saw an increase in business.

It seems to me that the holidays are getting away from the real spirit of the season. Growing up, I always made everyone's gifts. I still like to do that. The perfect gift to me is an ornament! We put up our tree yesterday and I sure enjoy hanging all the ornaments. Our tree is covered with ornaments from every year we've been together - and even before. I have a seashell that has hung on my tree for close to 30 years, given to me by my dad and former step-mom Jan. How simple it is, but I hang it every year. Of course, I hang it right next to the personalized ornament from dad and former step-mom Michele! There are ornaments from my loved ones who are in heaven too. It is very meaningful to me every year to pull out the ornaments.

Nowadays, everyone wants electronic gadgets, televisions, four wheelers. Not small, personalized gifts. Heck, do some even remember what they received last year?

The best way to find meaningful, homemade gifts is to shop your local stores. You'd be amazed at what you can find. And you are shopping local, helping out your friends and neighbors. The things you will find in a small, locally-owned store aren't available in WalMart. I mean, come on? How many things are made in Kentucky at WalMart?

You can actually have a pretty good day by shopping local - and with the cost of gas never the same from day to day - you'll save money by sticking close too. Just think if you did a 'shop local' day in Estill County? You could stop by Rose's on your way into town and pick up a couple of gift certificates for gas. The perfect gift for your mailperson, hair dresser or a teacher! Then you could stop by the Animal Clinic for a bag of food for your furry pet at home. Dr. Grimes would surely appreciate the business!

Your next stop could be Fancy Pickens for a primitive gift for your best friend. Don't forget to grab a gift certificate or two next door at Little Caesar's for your high school or college age gifts. They love pizza and would fit great in a stocking.

For the man in your life, be it a husband, your dad or a friend .... stop by Honchell's. They have a great selection of Carhartt clothing - or plenty of UK Blue for that UK fan on your list. Make your next stop at Plaza Pharmacy. Have you seen their selection of John Deere Tractor items? Oh, my. You're likely to find something in their for a little (or big) boy on your list. And if not, you can at least enjoy some Katie's Korner Ice Cream. It's wonderful!

Are you getting my drift here? Continuing on, don't forget the many shop in the mall leading into town. There are beauty shops offering gift certificates for the holidays - or make your appointment before it's too late to get in! There's also Baker's Pool Supply - a great time to stock up on next year's chemicals. Or heck, buy a pool for the family for next summer!

You can't possibly drive by Silo Mill Gift Shop and not stop in and say hello to Barb and the rest of the girls there! If you can't find a gift in there then you are buying for a really tough person to buy for. They have such a great selection, everything from Boyd's Bears, Candleberry Candles and pottery items from Clay City Pottery. If you don't see what you'd like, ask Barb. She has some great ideas for the perfect gift.

You can stop at Every Body's Gym next and get your membership for next year. I'm sure they are offering deals on those at this time. And you know, right next door at Hardy's you can find all kinds of propane and gas ranges. Think about it. Buy one of those from Lowe's and you don't even know who the person is that is delivering it. Buy it from Hardy's and you'll know - it'll be someone from your own community. Pepper will make sure it works right - and even if it goes out on the weekend - you know who to call! Certainly not Lowe's.

I'm sure you are getting kind of hungry right now .... so stop by the Twin for a hot dog and coke before venturing on. They have pretty good milk shakes too! It will give you the added energy to get up River Drive. You can stop by Meade's Do It Center next. They have a great selection of gifts for everyone on your list. And check out their banners and flags. Buy one and get a deal on the second one!

Once you get to Ravenna, don't miss Sharon's. She has a great selection of Peace Frog and Fox Racing items, plus make up and more! Next door is Bryant's Paint Store - Tobo offers a great selection of Case Knives for the knife lover on your list.

On up the road is Ravenna Florist and Greenhouse. What can one say about Ravenna Florist and Greenhouse? Well, if Francie and her crew doesn't have what you are looking for - they'll create it. Lots of Christmas decor and lots of gift items. They have Willow Tree, lots of candles, pottery from Tater Knob and many other items. You can't walk out of their without a gift for someone special on your list.

Whew! What a day of shopping. Local shopping. How many gifts could you cover with one day of shopping local? And think of all of your friends and neighbors you are helping out along the way!!

It will be over tomorrow, or will it?

Good Monday morning to each of you. We are less than 48 hours away from knowing who our next president is. Which means the television coverage today will be ridiculous. Ads calling each other liars, not a one of them telling us what they are going to do.

I  took a trip to Olive Hill and Grayson on Saturday, and was so thankful I had several CD's in the car to listen to. Every other ad on the radio is political. I got to thinking about how well off most media outlets are about this time of year. With the amount of advertising that candidates are doing, they must be making a mint.

And All Things Country Magazine never had a political ad one. I guess they forget about us. I should be upset, the magazine could really use some of that money to get us back on solid ground. But then again, our magazine promotes good news and I haven't seen a good ad yet. So really I'm a bit pleased that we are involved in that mess.

I can't image the amount of money that has traded hands over the past year. The amount of political advertising on the television shows me that alot of money has been spent. Just think if they would have taken that same amount of money and helped out small businesses. Helped out a food bank somewhere. Donated to a children's hospital. They might have my vote then. But when the ad says it's paid for by  some PAC, well then that shows me one thing. They aren't out for us, they are out for the agenda of the PAC.

One of the first lessons I learned in journalism was to never promote politics on either side. I've adhered to that. The only thing I would suggest is that you get out and vote. You can't complain if you don't vote.

Tomorrow will be a big day in our country, one that will change alot of things -no matter which way it goes. So, while you are in that voting booth - say a prayer for our country. We can use all of them that we can get!

And after you have finished with your voting, stop by a locally-owned, small business in your community and make their day!