Gratitude

There are a lot of things that can stop me in my tracks and me feel every bit vulnerable and emotional. There are the typical things, a song, a moment in time, a sad story, a happy story, a Folgers commercial...okay so I'm one level of stable above that - but in general you could classify me as one of those people that get moved by things.

I can be very cynical, and real too. In fact, one of my favorite past times is getting together with my close friends and just having those call it like we see it kind of conversations. Many times this may involve some serious shit talking, but hey, what are friends for.

The Saturday after Thanksgiving, I took my child, loaded up the mom car and picked up the grandparents to hit up the local Chuy's parade - kids giving to kids. If you don't know what Chuy's is, look it up and figure out a way to get a hold of the jalapeno ranch. You can thank me later for changing your life. The concept is genius, it's a toy drive where kids bring a gift to the parade and fill the beds of Chevrolet trucks to the brim, for other kids.

Brooklyn is too young to get this but we headed out with our Play-doh gift in hand anyway as I wanted her to just experience the scene and see the floats. I mean we're talking Macy's parade runner up floats here -look at the enthusiasm! ;)

So the motorcycles kick it off, we're clapping, dancing, waving, and the crowd is collectively enjoying it. Kids everywhere, smiling, feeling every bit of that magic of the holidays. We were near the front of the parade and I noticed that one of the next floats in line was a group of men and women representing our troops. Suddenly it just seemed like the entire crowd shifted focus and it was no longer about the parade, the kids, the toys, but it was about stopping to honor our heroes. As they made their way down the street everyone stood up, waving, cheering, and clapping. I have no idea what came over me as this is the behavior we should see in one another but it's like I felt this wave of gratitude hit everyone at once and it completely got me. It could have turned into a big ol' sobfest, hot mess, but I held it together.

It was one of those had to be there moments, but I suppose that morning I woke up vulnerable to feel everything. It was just nice to see literally everyone on the same page for one small moment in time, appreciating, giving thanks, and feeling every bit of grateful for what these people have sacrificed. All political bullshit aside, it was about gratitude. Spend a minute today and be grateful for something.

Hope squared

I can't sew, but I wonder if it's time I learn. I'll add it to my "list" of things to accomplish that just stares and haunts me. I know some of you can though, and my friend over at chikaustin needs you! I've mentioned Jade in previous posts, but just to refresh she is the founder of Craft Hope:

-"a love inspired project designed to share handmade crafts with those less fortunate. It is our hope to combine our love for crafting and desire to help others into a project to make a difference around the world."

They just announced Project #5 - Margaret's Hope Chest. The mission is to provide handmade quilts to homeless children in the public school system in Detroit for the Christmas season. Craft hope is teaming up with Margaret’s Hope Chest, a quilting non-profit organization that serves other people in seemingly hopeless situations.

"They strive to share with people around the world the HOPE that they have been given. Over the past two years they have given over 100 quilts to children, adults, families, and organizations. Each quilt has joined a journey- a journey of sickness, death, abuse, fire, disease, disability, or new beginning."

If you are interested in helping, please visit Craft Hope for all of the details from Jade. Their tagline is spreading seeds of hope one stitch at a time, and as I've mentioned before, I'll just be a planter.

I suck at sewing, but maybe you don't...

I always aspire to be apart of something good, something bigger than you and me. My friend Jade, over at ChikAustin has done just that with her love inspired project, Craft Hope.

Jade and I are friends primarily through blog world, and Facebook. I work with her hubby and we have met a few times, she rocks. She has two beautiful children, a 3rd on the way, and is full of life and giving back.

She makes me insanely jealous with her craftiness!

I may have put together a scrap book page now and then, ooohh, and I did paint the letters in Brooklyn's room, but that is about as crafty as I get. I have never picked up a needle and thread, if a button falls off of anything I'm screwed and it goes in the trash. Domestic Diva...hardly. But this is not about me, this about you and all of the creativity and mad sewing skills you probably have.

Craft Hope just announced their third project, below is a bit from Jade:

The children in Mexico are wearing their handmade dresses. The dolls will soon be heading to Nicaragua. Craft Hope is crossing borders to make a difference. Spreading seeds of hope one stitch at a time. I am so proud to announce that project 3 is going all of the way to India! For this project, Craft Hope has partnered with the Miracle Foundation to supply blankets, booties and beanies for newborns.

If you sew, or know someone that does join Jade in her mission. Craft Hope's tagline is 'spreading seeds of hope one stitch at a time.' Consider me a virtual stitch, from her to you.

Sign up and sew!