Monday, November 29, 2010

let's be the village...

Few memories are more precious to me than those of my childhood.  Oh those wonderful days I spent with my grandmother on my island of birth during the holiday season, how my heart aches for this time gone by.  Its arrival marked by church rehearsal of christmas carols, carnivals, beauty pageants, masquerades, sorrel drink (spiked) ;) and seasonal sugary treats, and yes, the annual appearance of santa claus with his big bag of toys ready to share joy to the crowd of wide-eyed children gathered around the evergreen tree below.  I had hoped to share this experience with my child one day but it is not to be.  The evergreen tree which marked the centre of the capital was destroyed with much of the island when the volcano rumbled to life on Montserrat in 1995.  

Each year, as the holiday season arrives, it brings with it a bit of ambivalence on my part.  While I feel blessed to be in a position to share generously with my daughter, I can't help but think of the children back home who are cowering at night under the threat of volcano; those in war-torn countries seeking only the silence of peace; and even children living amongst us (and those around the world) who live in such undesirable circumstances, that the thought of christmas and santa claus are but distant glimmers in their consciousness.

Well, this year, I decided that I will attempt to change this outlook - if only on a small scale.  I contacted a local organisation which provide basic support for families in need.  I asked them to provide the wish list of a few children and I was most humbled by the response of the children:

*underwear
*socks
*winter hat and mittens and
*winter clothes

My heart sunk.  Not one child listed a toy??????  I thought deeply about the reality (or surreal nature) of their living situations.  In a country that recently spent over $4.2 Billion on political advertisements for one day of elections, how can it be that there are children needing fundamentals like underwear, socks, and clothes? (exhale)...

I thought and thought.  Then I decided to meditate and pray for these children...this always brings me some clarity.  Of course I can help make a difference.  There is an old African Proverb - it takes a village to raise a child.  So instead of just sitting back and hoping for the best, I have arranged a way for those who wish to join me to create a memorable holiday season for the children in these four families.  

A friend and I created a toy wish list on Amazon.com and we are going to surprise these precious children with toys for Christmas.  The gifts will be mailed directly to me and I will personally deliver them to the organisation.  Oh what a Christmas morning it will be ;)

*If you wish to help sponsor these children, simply go to the wish list and purchase an item.  You can choose to remain anonymous if you wish, however, should you elect to identify yourself to me via email, I will send you a blank holiday notecard from my personal stock of Empress Christina's newly designed collection over at Soul Aperture Paper Goods as a small token of my appreciation (while supplies last).  Give thanks Empress!


*if at all possible, won't you please join me in spreading the gift of love to these few children in need?  Let's be the Village! Thank you most kindly, from the bottom of my heart.  one love.


*p.s.  a few people have reportedly encountered technical difficulties with the wish list at times...the issues seem to resolve themselves after waiting a little while.  So, if you do, please try again later.


*update:  due to your overwhelming response, the holiday cards have been all distributed...however, don't fret.  Empress Christina is clearing her inventory with a holiday sale until Thursday.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

giving thanks + celebrating...

"
Necessary Room turns 2 today!!!
+
Happy Thanksgiving ;)


~ ~ ~


Wow.  I am at a complete loss for words that this space has been open for us to share for two whole years.  I really want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the love, support and encouragement you've given to me and my family.  It literally has been fuel to my soul.  

Since the day I started this blog, I've watched my daughter (little selah) grow in so many ways.  She has remained my main inspiration to continue striving to make this world we live in a better place for all.  Each week (over the past year), little selah and I sit down together and create pieces of love to share with family, friends, loved ones, the elderly, sick, whomever we can think can use a little dose of love.  We have been blessed to be on the receiving end, always at the right time.  The feeling of love is so overwhelming that the only thing to do is to share that love to others.  So, little selah and I will be soon opening the doors of Selah's Place where we will offer some of our expressions of love.

I also wanted to say a special note of thanks to:

"Selah's Angels" (you know who you are), for joining me in performing anonymous random acts of kindness for those in need throughout the year.  I am blessed to be part of this wonderful community of volunteers who lead by example, demonstrating through their words and deeds, that they can be the change they want to see in this world;

and to

Empress Christina for allowing Little Selah and I to share her sweet note cards as part of our endeavour to keep the art of penmanship alive through snail mail.  I am here lying in wait for her to list her holiday cards which I know are going to be just darling.  

thanks to all.  one love.  Se'lah

Sunday, November 21, 2010

freedom to love...

Teach us love and loyalty on earth as it is in Zion.

JAH
my family
and lovely friends
my daughter's giggle
her soft kiss on my cheek
a warm hug from a friend
my NASCAR boy toys, drivers
sending some love in the mail
giving my time to others
helping a stranger...

~ ~ ~

...my only thought was getting home to my baby and my king; looking forward to enjoying a quiet moment, relaxing and doing absolutely nothing, but then i stepped outside and life intervened.  

He was stroking his cane from side to side, veering ever so close to the edge of the sidewalk.  I watched intently as he took each precarious step, my heart racing faster as each foot touched the earth.  Restraint abandoned my body.

Sir, you're getting ready to fall off the sidewalk, I said ever so eloquently.

Oh thank you, the man said with gratefulness filling his voice.  He paused for a moment, Are you by any chance going up the hill?, he asked.

Sorry, I am not.  I hope you have a nice day

As I turned and started walking away, I heard the click of his cane as it hit the pavement.  I glanced across the street at the Garden of Peace Memorial which always demands a moment of silence.  I exhaled, remembering those who lost their lives as a result of homicide (especially those whom I shared personal moments with on this plane).  I wondered if someone had had the opportunity to help them out, but instead had chosen not to.  My fleeting thoughts interrupted, I turned around, quickly caught up to the man, and extended my arm.  

what represents love and loyalty to you?

Thursday, November 18, 2010

sweet hour of prayer...

for those in need around the world
may better days soon come...

may wars cease, and poverty depart
from all corners of the earth.


wishing you a conscious friday and a divine weekend. 
one love.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

sharing a little secret...


when i count my blessings, i count you twice. ;)

as i walked blindly through the universe today, i came to the realisation that there's something i should really tell you in order to shed some light on our relationship.  you know, a little secret of mine that i've been meaning to share. but before i do, please promise me that you will keep it just between the two of us. alright? (exhale). here goes nothing.  i love you. did you hear me?  i. love. you.  and just in case you are one of those people who think secrets are a bit too heavy to carry around with you all day, there's one more thing you should know...if you tell anybody else, i will completely deny it.  lol.  one love.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

spreading love...



Dearest friends, 


What a beautiful day it was, celebrating World Kindness Day with the best group of blog friends anyone could ever ask for.  I always feel so warm inside when I lend a hand to others, and try really hard to make sure that I remain conscious of those less fortunate and those living under less than desirable conditions or circumstances.  (i see you Haiti).  

I am really encouraged by all the wonderful random acts of kindness you performed yesterday.  Amazing!  simply Amazing!  Thanks, from the bottom of my heart, for sharing this experience with me.   Hope you are blessed in kind.  one love. 

Saturday, November 13, 2010

open your heart...

Happy World Kindness Day...

*I'll be out and about today performing my random acts of kindness.  When I return, I will start coming around to visit all of you.  Thank you soooo much for opening your hearts, and for joining Anyes and I in our little mission to spread love and kindness to others. one love.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

sweet november...


enjoying the sights and sounds of sweet november.

how about you?

* * *

i'm so looking forward to joining all of you, as we collective perform random acts of kindness on Saturday, November 13, 2010 in celebration of World Kindness Day...but i must confess, i've been sneaking in a few of them already ;).  i simply could not resist...

Thanks to all of you who've joined in.  (waving at Anyes):


Tracy, pink purl




Vickie, operation you


Birdie, simple ways

Christina, soul aperture

Joanna Jenkins, the fifty factor










Kathryn Grace,  building ordinary


Flwrjane,  small but charming

Kate i,  inspired



Belle,  still dreaming...

Teresha,  marlie and me

Amy, tilting at windmills

Elizabeth,  retinal perspectives

Elaine, moongipsies

Jennifer, reminders2bepresent

Teresa O, the cottage on the corner

Sunnymama, sunny day today mama

thank you friends.  one love.