in⋅spi⋅ra⋅tion [in-spuh-rey-shuhn]

 

"How does one become a butterfly?" she asked. 
 "You must want to fly so much 
that you are willing to
   give up being a caterpillar."

image: Ecoagriculture Partners

under a Creative Commons license

Just what was happening on January 8th in Europe that involved mature sperm?

I was browsing through Google Analytics for my Etsy shop today and noticed an unbelievable spike in traffic on January 8th. I had 234 visits on that day alone, the highest single day's traffic I've ever experienced.

The higher traffic trend continued for about 10 days, though at a lower level of 75 to 90 visits per day, until it dropped back to a more typical 20 visits per day around January 19th.

When I dug into the data, I discovered the vast majority of traffic was landing on one particular item, Sperm No. 2, a sterling silver sperm pendant strung on a black cord. And almost all the traffic was coming from organic Google searches for the term "mature sperm"; both words are part of the necklace's title and description.

On January 8, about two-thirds of the views came from four small European countries -- Italy (75) -- mostly from Milan and Rome -- and then from Poland (35), Germany (29) and Bulgaria (22). The US came in fifth with a mere 18 views and France right behind with 17.


What the heck was going on in Europe on January 8th that involved mature sperm??? Anyone? Bueller? 

I attempted a Google search, but mostly came up with references to porn sites, sperm whales, and sperm banking, none of which seemed to be a likely source! And since I don't read or speak Italian, Polish, German or Bulgarian, I didn't bother to check out the websites for the major media outlets in those countries either.

In the month of January, this one page accumulated 989 views - which accounts for 41% of all page views for my entire shop AND blog combined all month. Sadly, even with almost 1000 views, no one bought the @&%$! necklace! I did sell one of my vulva pendants to someone in Australia in that time though, but I really don't think there is any correlation.

If any of my readers can shed any light on the why there is such interest in mature sperm in Europe during January, it would go a long way towards solving this quirky little mystery!

in⋅spi⋅ra⋅tion [in-spuh-rey-shuhn]

"Beware of artists.

They mix with all classes of society 

and are therefore most dangerous."

~ Queen Victoria

image: mricon

under a Creative Commons license

be creative

image from: i can read

Inside the Artisan's Studio: Petra aka Hippie's Creations

"Inside the Artisan's Studio" is a weekly peek into the creative process of artists and craftspeople. The questions are based on those asked by James Lipton during "Inside the Actor's Studio" but with an artistic twist! If you are an artist or craftsperson interested in being profiled, complete the online form here.

Petra aka Hippie's Creations
Scottsville, VA (USA)

Petra says: "I'm a mother of four children, one who has some special needs. I am pursuing a career as a crafty person to support my family and the ability to stay home. On the side I am studying Mental Health Counseling to work with Children and Adolescents. I previously published my first book growing up as a foster child hence and can tell you that my own upbringing and my children have inspired me to go back to school.

I consider myself a multi-media artist as I do lots of things. I have been crocheting for 20+ years, do some jewelry, burn on wood, make soaps and lotions and whatever else my mind enters. I draw but those drawings tend to just be for me."

1. What is your favorite medium to work in?

Ugh now that's a tough one as I do so many things, lol. I think it depends on my mood and changes periodically. I like tagua nut and my wood burner as that is a challenging for me. The tagua nut burns differently than wood but still allows for some awesome creativity. 

2. What is your least favorite medium to work in?

Hmm my least favorite I don't know if I have an answer for that. I don't like to knit as it appears difficult to me, I feel like having to different hands when it comes to knitting. 

3. What inspires your creativity? Ultimately I am inspired by nature and what I can do with earth creations. I also get inspired by conversations, watching my kids and the television, so just about anything really.. I often go to the grocery store or outside and wonder "hmm, can I make soap with this" and the research begins...

4. What blocks your creativity?

Excessive talking which is challenging with 6 people in the house.

5. What sound or noise do you love when working on your craft/art?

I like the tv or music and its just background noise and nothing else.

6. What sound or noise do you hate when working on your craft/art?

People talking and walking right behind me. Unfortunately, I don't have my own studio yet and do all my art/craft work in my living room and kitchen and everyone has to walk passed me. Ugh!

7. What are your favorite pieces that you have created recently?

Again a difficult question but the one piece I created isn't for sale ...its a beautiful bracelet with swarovski crystals and butterfly spacers. I generally like all my creations and if I don't well its called a do over...I am my own worse critic...but I have made some other beautiful necklaces with Swarovski crystals and well my tagua nuts. 

8. What craft/art other than your own would you like to attempt?

I would like to do learn or play with glass fusing, resin as well as clay but haven't had quite the time nor the space. I am intruided by all that we can do if we set our minds too and ultimately I am merely driven by having the knowledge of yes I could do that.
 
9. What craft/art would you not like to do?

Wood working...big big table saws kinda scare me and I prefer my own small little power tools.  

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say about your craft/art when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
"Handmade awesomeness!" 

Petra and her creations can be found in these places:

Etsy: hippiescreations.etsy.com 
Web: www.hippiescreations.com  
Blog: hippiescreations.blogspot.com 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Scottsville-VA/Hippies-Creations/49009567148 
Twitter: @hippiescreation

If you are an artist or craftsperson interested in being profiled, complete the online form here.