Okay okay, I'm not knocked up. I believe the term I'm looking for is knocked off. But heck if it doesn't feel like I've been knocked up. Like, how could this happen? What should I do? What does this mean? Does this change my routine? 

I'm taking a deep breath now and backing up to explain: today on one of my favorite blogs, I read about a new shop that just launched. It's called Still Life No. 3. Go ahead. Click here to take a peek. And come right back. 

Yes, among other things, she is selling "collections", or "collected curiosities in numbers." On her 'About' page, she says, "I really wanted to tell a story about curated elements for our homes."

And the name of her shop? Well, my oldest readers may remember that one of the original names for my business was Still Life No. 3. I reserved the domain name for a period of time on Go Daddy. I wrote about it on the blog back in January, 2014. You can read the post here if you like. I even took some photos in anticipation of using that domain name. Here's one with a giant '3' that I duct-taped on the wall:

Is this shop a blatant knock-off of Finder Not Keeper? Selling collections that are curated? And under such an unusual name? My first response was to call my hubbie for his legal expertise. He told me that although it seems reasonable to feel like something was taken from me, I don't own the name Still Life No. 3. Nor do I own the concept of selling curated collections. He said it's like McDonald's getting angry at Burger King. It's what the business world calls 'competition'.

Grrr. He's right of course. 

The hubbie also pointed out that this shop is a vote of confidence for my idea. Imitation is the highest form of flattery, etc. And as I more calmly poured through the other shop's offerings, the more I realized she isn't really the same as me. Truthfully, I love her photos and her styling is spot on. I don't know. Maybe it's all coincidental. 

However, the fact that she's gotten press on one of my favorite blogs has definitely lit a fire under me. No more shrinking violet! No more stalling! My concept has legs and it's time to let it do some walking past the front yard. I'm going to stalk every lifestyle editor out there, like I'm Henry Hill selling trombones to the citizens of River City. 

The other lesson learned here? I am going to protect what is mine. Which means filing for the Finder Not Keeper trademark. The second phone call I made today was to a good friend who specializes in just that. She called me back this afternoon to let me know that her search for anyone else using the name Finder Not Keeper came back clean. So we can file the 'date of first use' and get Finder Not Keeper registered. 

At the end of the day, this development doesn't really change anything other than spice up the game for someone who likes a little competition. I love some of her merchandise and damn if I'm going to let her nab all the goodies! I'm from Waukegan, Illinois and I know how to throw an elbow. 

Thank you for listening to my angst-filled post this week. Next week will be cheery, I promise! Add your email below and join my inner circle of online besties. 'Cause it's a cold cruel world out there and we need each other. Well, I certainly need you!

If you found today's post interesting, here's an earlier post about an artist who had her design knocked off and the retail giant who took a stand: