happy new year...

wishing you

peace and love,

laughter and joy,

health and happiness,

and

the comfort of friendship

for 2010 and beyond

HAPPY NEW YEAR dear friends!

give thanks for all you do. one love.

just saying hi...

Just wondering how you all are doing? Hope you are having a delightful day.

Be back soon with the results of the *Gift of Jewels* giveaway. So, if you already haven't entered, you still have time to do so. Feel free to enter as many giveaways as you wish by January 6, 2010. The chosen few will be announced on January 7, 2010...along with another special surprise.

~ ~ ~

Special thanks to the *GIFT OF JEWELS* GIVEAWAY contributors. This project would not be possible without your generosity. You're the best friends anyone can ask for .

*please click on the blog name below to link the respective gift.

Tracy, Pink Purl

Gayle, Planet M Files

Beth, Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Taken

Se'Lah, Necessary Room

Margie and Kath, Souers du Jour

Vchelle, Operation You

Christina, Soul Aperture

Marilyn, Delights of the Heart

Lala, My Castle in Spain

Tara, Paris Parfait

One Love.

Conscious Friday: blessings to one and all...

i feel their pain deep in my heart

at this moment i am remembering those

who suffer senseless atrocities worldwide

the sick, the feeble, the down on their luck

the poor, the hungry, those without shelter

children whose innocence has been stolen

elderly who remain neglected

victims of genocide and war

the families of victims

of violent crimes

i pray for

peace

BONUS *Gift of Jewels*: paris parfait...

I am pleased to present you with our final BONUS *gift of jewels*. I cannot thank all of you enough for joining me again on this fun adventure. Each day, I am able to live vicariously through you and travel to faraway lands without leaving the comforts of my home. Wherever I wind up, I always feel completely veiled in love as you welcome me into your sacred spaces. (HUGS).

Today, I thought I'd venture on over to the City of Light to visit one of my favourite photographers/activists who've recently returned from a journey to Jordan. Tara of Paris Parfait has generously donated an antique French book to the *gift of jewels* giveaway. I close my eyes and try to imagine all those who've turned its worn pages and found joy in the words contained within. I do hope it will do likewise for you. Would you like to have it?

For your chance to win the vintage French book, please leave a comment on this post. Entries will remain open until January 6, 2010 and the randomly selected winner will be announced on January 7, 2010.

*To read more about the *Gift of Jewels* Giveaway, click here.

BONUS *Gift of Jewels*: my castle in spain...

From the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Granada comes this lovely handmade pink card, which was personally designed by Lala, author of My Castle in Spain. She donated it to the *gift of jewels* giveaway to spread a little bit of holiday cheer from her corner of the world. Many thanks to you Lala for performing this random act of kindness.

I remain utterly amazed to see so many giving selflessly of themselves in order to touch the life of another. I know just the person who would be delighted to receive this handmade jewel, even if it will arrive in their mailbox after christmas day...

Would you like to receive a holiday greeting card from Spain?

For your chance to win this greeting card, please leave a comment on this post. Entries will remain open until January 6, 2010 and the randomly selected winner will be announced on January 7, 2010.

*To see Lala's new holiday cards collection, click here.

*To read more about the *Gift of Jewels* Giveaway, click here.

inspirational monday: scenes of today...

news of the incoming blizzard of 2009 sent people scurrying indoors. first thing this morning, my daughter peered out her bedroom window eager to check out the scene outdoors. before long, i was persuaded to leave the warm comfort of my pillow top bed and was outside chasing around an eight year old with a camera. how are you spending your day?

*have an inspirational monday

Inspirational Monday is hosted by Vchelle of Operation You.

Conscious Friday: the christmas spirit...

one of my favourite pastimes since childhood is listening to christmas carols. it is a tradition we still hold dear though my household has diversified since that time.

i ripped the plastic off of my new johnny cash: The Christmas Spirit CD and popped it in. i could hardly wait to hear the little drummer boy. my friend hermie and i would always listen to this song together. the thought of the poor boy was just too much to bear, but it was a reminder we needed to give ourselves as to how fortunate we really are. can never forget.

i sent hermie a text the moment it came on, "listening to johnny cash xmas album and thinking of u!" she quickly answered that she was running to find her copy so she could listen to it. i smiled and felt all warm inside because in that moment, she reminded me just why i loved her so much.

the next song, ringing the bells for jim, however is the one that really knocked me off keel. the words were so heavy, my arms buckled and i just couldn't hold on to them. uncontrollable emotions leaked from my soul. i wasn't expecting this. you see, it reminded me that at this very hour, my very dear sisterfriend BJ continues to live with an incurable form of cancer. i earnestly pray for her and all others who are touched by this sometimes unforgiving disease. i pray and pray and pray. won't you join me please?

*Have a Conscious Friday and a divine weekend.

all shall be well...

when the load gets heavy,
and the road gets dark

there's a place overflowing
with peace and love

even whilst the strongest winds blow

the spirit of JAH shall live forIvamore

in I and I. oh yes my brethren,
all shall be well.

i pray for you on this leg of your journey.

be blessed ambassador. 'til shiloh we chant...

Selassie I. JAH RASTAFARI.

Ever living. Ever faithful. Ever sure.

*Buju Banton & Morgan Heritage: Psalms 23

*Buju Banton & Sizzla: All Shall Be Well

*Buju Banton: Mary

BONUS *Gift of Jewels*: operation you...

I'm so excited to say that another jewel has been donated to the *gift of jewels* giveaway by my beautiful sisterfriend Vchelle of Operation You. Now that she has successfully completed her first semester of grad school, Vchelle has returned to play with us here in blogland. So glad to have her back. Thank you so much for sharing this beauty with us.
Vchelle commissioned this gorgeous 14" x 22" handmade poster from De'Mika, of De'Mika's Artwork a local artiste in Georgia. De'Mika specialises in bringing cartoon characters to life through her unique hand-drawn children posters. I can imagine the smile on the face of a little prince or princess when presented with this jewel.

For your chance to win this jewelled Princess Tiana poster, please leave a comment on this post. Entries will remain open until January 6, 2010 and the randomly selected winner will be announced on January 7, 2010.

*To see more of De'Mika's creations, please visit De'Mika's Artwork, where she features some of her jewelled posters available for purchase.

*To read more about the *Gift of Jewels* Giveaway, click here.

filled with love...

i love you

as much as the grains of sand
in all the beaches and the deserts

as hot as the sun and

as cold as the north pole
that's how much i love you

Inspirational Monday: the last flower...

i snagged the last flower of the season because

i just couldn't bear to watch it wither away

so i chose to give it a home filled with love.

don't you think it looks much happier now?

hope you have an inspirational monday

when you can't control the wind...

...adjust your sails!

*hope you're enjoying your weekend.

Conscious Friday: the giving spirit...

i must say this again. i am absolutely floored and emotionally touched by all the generosity that have been flowing around here as of late. so many loving souls have volunteered to donate even more items to the *gift of jewels* giveaway. can i just say i love you guys! i hope you all bear with me if i need to present more bonus gift offerings in the days to come. if you've got Lady Luck on your side, perhaps a featured gift may even show up on your doorstep. many, many thanks!!!

today, i'm going to share one of my favourite holiday songs of all times...of course you realise that BONO is in it! you think he knows how much i love him? i'm not a stalker or anything...just a little small obsession perhaps, but definitely not a stalker. And that hot, Tantric STING, he's in it too. oxygen please...but seriously, for me it's all about the true message contained therein...learning to celebrate and share the giving spirit each day I am blessed with.

*Band Aid: Do they know it's Christmas:

*Have a Conscious Friday and a divine weekend my dear friends.

BONUS *Gift of Jewels*: delights of the heart...

I know I said we had the grand finale...but how could I neglect to mention the BONUS *gift of jewels*?

Ladies, break out the fine china because our wonderful tea connoisseur Marilyn of Delights of the Heart has donated this lovely gift set to our giveaway. Thanks so much for your kind generosity Marilyn!

The winner of this gift set will receive a 100% cotton teapot cozy lined with thermal lining, a sewing pattern, and a jar of jam that is sure to make your heart sing. The cozy is the last one in this particular print and is made of vintage fabric. And get this, if you would like your teapot cozy made of a different fabric, just check out Marilyn's website, Marmalady's Tea and specify your preference. The accompanying sewing pattern is for the teapot cozy but you could choose a different pattern or jar of jam if you so desire.

For your chance to win this teapot cozy gift set, please leave a comment on this post. Entries will remain open until January 6, 2010 and the randomly selected winner will be announced on January 7, 2010.

*To see more items in the *gift of jewels* giveaway, click here.

*Gift of Jewels* Giveaway: soul aperture...

Isn't this simply breathtaking?

Today is the grand finale of the presentation of gifts for the *gift of jewels* giveaway. I remain eternally grateful to my wonderful friends who were kind enough to donate gifts. It was surely a pleasure for us to sprinkle a little love all over the world.

Some people come into your life and, without much effort, leave an indelible mark on you. Whether they challenge you to love a little more, give a little more, or be a better person, that is the gift and I am thankful. One of those people, I met right here in blogland. She is a beacon of hope and love, and by far one of the most talented persons I have crossed paths with in my lifetime. Her stunning photography and seamless words tickles the very depths of my soul and always leave me longing for more. oh yes, I simply adore you Empress Christina of Soul Aperture.

I dream of the day when we meet in person. I imagine us skipping barefoot along the sandy beaches of an island, pausing only to raise our lens towards the torquoise horizon or our arms towards the Caribbean sky. Or perhaps an easy stroll along the winding roads of nine miles on our pilgrimage to Father Bob's home. I can even envision a trip to da hills of Jamaica, sitting alongside the river, reasoning with some sons and dawtas of His Imperial Majesty. How good and pleasant it would be.

For your chance to win this dreamy photography, please leave a comment on this post. Entries will remain open until January 6, 2010 and the randomly selected winner will be announced on January 7, 2010.

*To see more items in the *gift of jewels* giveaway, click here.

One Love.

*Gift of Jewels* Giveaway: operation you...

Today I am pleased to present you with this handmade *world peace* poster, commissioned from a local artisan in Georgia. The winner of this shimmering jewel will also receive a set of similarly decorated floral postcards.

My real life sistahfriend Vchelle of Operation You temporarily suspended her respite from blogging in order to make this contribution to the *gift of jewels* giveaway. I've really missed the added dose of positivity she brings into my life through her written words. Her blog is definitely a space where peace and love abounds. I hope you get a moment to stop by and check out some of her insightful and uplifting posts. Love you with all my heart vchelle.

For your chance to win this jewelled poster and the accompanying postcards, please leave a comment on this post. Entries will remain open until January 6, 2010 and the randomly selected winner will be announced on January 7, 2010.

*To see more items in the *gift of jewels* giveaway, click here.

*Gift of Jewels* Giveaway: souers du jour...

As I feel the crisp morning air blowing through my locks, I shiver and draw my coat a little closer to my neck. I am briskly reminded that winter is indeed on the way. I speed up my pace, wishing I had one of those oh so soft, lacy cowls to provide me with additional warmth. You know, like this one here, worn by my resident model. ;)

Margie and Kath, the souers du jour, are the sisters I never had...but now, we've found each other and they just can't get rid of me (LOL). My day is incomplete without a visit to my souers. I am fortunate to enjoy "sisterhood" with them even though we've never met and you will too when you visit their blog. Both are gifted photographers and wonderful friends. I love you souers!

They have generously donated this snuggly, hand knit cowl to the *gift of jewels* giveaway. Made of acrylic/wool blend, it's sure to warm your heart as well as your neck. Just be prepared to stand out from the crowd when you wear your new stylish cowl.

For your chance to win this handmade cowl, please leave a comment on this post. Entries will remain open until January 6, 2010 and the randomly selected winner will be announced on January 7, 2010.

*To see more items in the *gift of jewels* giveaway, click here.

*Gift of Jewels* Giveaway: necessary room...

I would like to say thank you to all those who have supported, contributed to, or registered for the *gift of jewels* giveaway. To express my deepest gratitude, I would like to bestow upon one of you the secret *gift of jewels*. I'd love to tell you all about this jewel but it would ruin the surprise, so I'm going to ask you to trust me on this one. ;)

For your chance to win the secret *gift of jewels*, please leave a comment on this post. Entries will remain open until January 6, 2010 and the randomly selected winner will be chosen on January 7, 2010.

tonight, I look up to the sky

gazing at the full moon

watching the clouds float by

and I wonder how many of you

are doing the same?

...my mind begins to wander. and I think to myself. there are so many more who, through circumstances beyond their control, cannot experience the free exchange of love that we are enjoying here today. I pray for them.

*Have a Conscious Friday and a divine weekend

*Gift of Jewels* Giveaway: be yourself, everyone else is taken...

If you have ever visited be yourself, everyone else is taken, you will certainly agree that Beth is a gifted photographer and artist. Even more than a creative soul, Beth is simply a genuine, loving, carefree spirit. At first glance, her sincere words and stunning snapshots captured my heart, and now I'm forever hooked. Love ya Beth! Can't thank you enough for all that you do.

The winner of today's giveaway will select one of these original canvas wall art, hand-painted and donated by our beloved Beth. Measuring 11" x 14", either of these acrylic paintings will enhance the personal charm of your interior space. Ooooh, I wonder which one you'll choose?

For your chance to win your choice of these two paintings, please leave a comment on this post. Entries will remain open until January 6, 2010 and the randomly selected winner will be announced on January 7, 2010.

*To read more about the *Gift of Jewels* Giveaway, click here.

*Gift of Jewels* Giveaway: planet m files...

I always thought that I had a pretty good understanding of the interconnectedness of humankind but through the *gift of jewels* project, I've come to learn so much more. I appreciate the fact that what we do can personally affect the lives of others. Even those we may not see in our everyday life.

So, for example. Say you take a small package, sprinkle it with love, put it in the mailbox and send it to a complete stranger, just because... Now, imagine if some of your friends decided to join in on the fun, just because... are you still with me?

Today, I'm joined by my beautiful and talented blogging friend, Gayle of Planet M Files. I absolutely adore her. Gayle warmly shares her heart, arts and crafts, photography, and sometimes, she even takes me wandering playfully through the streets of her imagination on her blog. i love that. Planet M Files is definitely one of my favourite spots to visit when I am in need of a dose of inspiration.

Pssssst. Hey Gayle. Just in case others are reading this, I'm going to write the next sentence in invisible ink so that they can't see it, okay... You're a phenomenal woman. ;)

Now, I would like to present one of you with this lovely handmade creation, generously donated by Gayle. Perfect for shopping at the local Farmers Market, this eco-friendly market bag is crocheted from 100% cotton yarn, and is machine washable! Wouldn't you just love to have it?

For your chance to win this market bag, please leave a comment on this post. Entries will remain open until January 6, 2010 and the randomly selected winner will be announced on January 7, 2010.

*To read more about the *Gift of Jewels* Giveaway, click here.

*Gift of Jewels* Giveaway: pink purl...

As I stroll along this path called life, I have been blessed to share experiences with some incredible souls. I pause, reflect, and give thanks for friends like Tracy. For those of you who don't know her, Tracy is the author of two equally fabulous blogs, Pink Purl and A Certain Slant of Light. You need only stop by and brush spirits with her to understand what I am talking about. She is awesome!

From her delightful fingertips, came this one-of-a-kind, handcrafted necklace. I imagine clasping it around my neck and feeling surrounded by love. But it shall not be so, because one of you will be wearing it. let the good vibes flow ;)

For your chance to win this necklace, please leave a comment on this post. Entries will remain open until January 6, 2010 and the randomly selected winner will be announced on January 7, 2010.

*To see more of Tracy's creations, you can visit Tracy's Etsy shop, where she is having a huge clearance sale with discounts of 50-70% off her entire inventory. Such wonderful treasures to behold.

*To read more about the *Gift of Jewels* Giveaway, click here.

*GIFT OF JEWELS* GIVEAWAY...

Earlier this year, I hosted a pen pal project called *Gift of Jewels*. I was pleasantly surprised and delighted by your incredible response and participation. I hope you were touched by the display of love, which extended to at least 12 countries all over the world. It felt really cool, like we collectively raised the vibration level here on earth.

As I stroll through blogland, I have formed some really wonderful relationships with some of you. I have certainly gained a whole new appreciation for the exponential power of love. It is no more evident that love reigns supreme around the world than through what I have seen and experienced here in blogland. You are amazing human beings who lead by example. Nuff, nuff respect.

So, one day... I had another idea. You know me and my ideas ;) I reached out to a few of my fabulous blogger friends. "When winter begins to set in here", I nervously said to them, "why don't we giveaway a few *gift of jewels*?" With absolutely no hesitation on their part, we shortly set off to make or select our gifts for you.

December 1, 2009 to December 7, 2009, I am joined by my enlisted friends to present a small *gift of jewels* package, which will be given away to one of you. Each day, one gift will be featured on this blog. You can enter as many of the giveaways as you wish by leaving a comment on the featured post. The seven (7) randomly selected winners will be announced on January 7, 2010. Entries will remain open until January 6, 2010. Best wishes.

Much Love to the *GIFT OF JEWELS* GIVEAWAY contributors.
you melt me :)

*please click on the blog name below to link the respective gift.

Tracy, Pink Purl

Gayle, Planet M Files

Beth, Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Taken

Se'Lah, Necessary Room

Margie and Kath, Souers du Jour

Vchelle, Operation You

Christina, Soul Aperture

Marilyn, Delights of the Heart

Lala, My Castle in Spain

Tara, Paris Parfait

*Please stay tuned for the presentation of gifts...

happy harvest...

I have very fond childhood memories of the harvest season. As a cultural tradition, we would bring our best crops to church where they were displayed until the day of the Bazaar. Bazaars are charity sales but as any self-respecting Caribbean island would have it, there'd also be food, drinks, the best in local products and preserves, loud music and games. we be jammin' ;)

Harvest season was always a time of celebration and thankfulness. Thankful for the richness of soil. Seeds to sew. Hot, sunshiny days. Strength to carry on. And even the rainy days which watered the plants to ultimately bring us to that moment. We gave thanks and celebrated life.

Today, I give thanks to all of you who have stuck with me through one year of blogging. A most sincere *thank you*. I have been truly blessed with the most amazing friends in blogland. Please know that you are greatly appreciated.

Wishing you all a happy harvest.

One Love.

Inspirational Monday: Addy, Harriet and me...

The moment my daughter woke up this morning, she wanted to play with Katherine Rose, her American Girl doll. Since she twisted my arm really hard, I decided I'd play along too. You know, just to keep her company.

We began flipping through the pages of the November 2009 American Girl catalogue. We perused the list of historical dolls. My daughter smiled contently when she saw Addy and commented that she was the only brown one. As we turned each page, she paused to read the description of each doll. Then something strange happened. We couldn't find Addy featured in the catalogue. All the other historical dolls were there, but Addy wasn't. After double and triple checking, we decided we'd call the American Girl company next week to inquire about what is obviously a publishing mistake.

I could see her interest pique. She quickly grabbed the holiday edition of the catalogue to see if the mistake was in there too. And I, for one, was relieved when on page 36, Addy appeared.

Beside her photo, it read, "Meet Addy Walker 1864: a courageous girl determined to find freedom and reunite her family." As politically correct as that sounds, I still had to break it down for her. "Baby, Addy was a slave girl." Her brows furrowed. "Mummy, what's a slave?"

I walked over to her closet and retrieved a vintage playset I've been saving for her, "The Story of Harriet Tubman, Conductor on the Underground Railroad." We read the enclosed pamphlet and soon after, she made the connection between Harriet Tubman and Addy Walker. I explained that even she and I are descendants of slaves. And right on cue, in a soft whisper, I heard the innocence in her voice as she asked, "Mummy, are there any slaves today?" I pray for the day when we can tell our children, "No baby, there are no slaves."

*To help stop human trafficking, please visit the Blue Heart Campaign.

*Inspirational Monday was created by vchelle over at Operation You. We miss ya Vchelle!

Conscious Friday: a little note to you...

As the end of 2009 approaches, I've been a little reflective. Next week, November 25th will be the first year anniversary of my Necessary Room. I have been utterly amazed by the friendships I have formed here in blogland. It's an indescribable feeling that touches the depths of my soul when I think of the joy I share with you. I want to thank each of you for maintaining contact despite our ridiculously busy lives, and for showing me such loving kindness. I do appreciate you and I hope that you enjoy the time you spent here with me as much as I do.

It's always very cool to share some tunes with you on Fridays as we raise our consciousness. I remain grateful for the many blessings we have, especially the opportunity to share life with loved ones who come and eventually must go.

I continue to pray for all those who survive each day despite the many inhumane challenges they face. Stand strong massive. JAH has not forsaken you. Better must come.

*Various Artists: Forever loving JAH compilation


*Have a Conscious Friday and a divine weekend.

ebbs and flows...

emotions are like water

sometimes lying still, yet deep

and then there are times

when you meet a fork in the road

and a seemingly harmless trickle

becomes a gushing waterfall

Inspirational Monday: t.h.e. s.i.m.p.l.e. t.h.i.n.g.s...

trust

hope

each day i see the sun

surprising packages received

in the mail, containing

mala prayer beads from a buddhist friend

peaceful meditation begins

listen to the sound of silence and

exhale

the joy of finding

handwritten love notes from my daughter

in the most unexpected places. bliss ;)

nature walks together

grateful for each breath of life

security, nestled in the corners of a loving home.

*You can find *the simple things* at Soul Aperture. Won't you join in or simply stop by and enjoy. Give thanks Empress Christina for always being so uplifting.

*Inspirational Monday is the brainchild of the Operation You

the long walk *home*...

He deserves so much more

but here we are again

another fallen comrade

another victim of violence

The feeling, so empty inside

you never get used to hearing

the voice on the other end saying

You heard what happened to ______?

Conscious Friday: TGIF...

TGIF...indeed.

It's that time of the week again.

Time to reflect on our blessings.

Let go of worries and strife.

And just simply, live life.

*Sanchez: Never Dis De Man

*Capleton & Glen Washington: Jah Gonna Work It Out


Have a Conscious Friday and a divine weekend.

looking up...

looking up

over the mountains

at the break of dawn

the smell of burning wood

permeating the misty morning air

stop. pause for a moment. inhale.

then exhale.

*for more, please visit lens.us.together

a little hydro therapy...

a long, hot, steamy shower

a stream, trickling through the mountains

a puddle, after the rain has blessed us

a tranquil pond, lay in stillness

as empty trees bow their heads

in search of remnants

they once held

a reflection

of times

gone by

Inspirational Monday: embracing change...

*click photo to enlarge*

the rush of water

relaxes my soul

even the branches

have reluctantly released

the leaves from their clutches

they reveal empty nests

where tender eggs once lay

the birds now perch on treetops

gazing over the valley below

singing the most beautiful song

to usher in the morning.

for the babies...

just as we treasure our own,
they treasure theirs.

hey, speaking of babies and treasures, I'm off for a peaceful stroll along The Mahogany Way. Would you care to join me for another visit to our friend, Darcel?

Conscious Friday: it can't wait...

children

soldiers

burma

it can't wait.

*U2: Walk On

*Damian Marley: Burma - It Can't Wait


*Matisyahu: Burma - It Can't Wait


*Have a Conscious Friday and a divine weekend

windows and doors, portals of transition...

come as you are
lay your burdens down
trust in me and
i will give you rest.

*for more, please visit lens.us.together

Inspirational Monday: slower pace...

when did we forget to slow down
take a stroll through the park

forget about form and labels

and simply enjoy the gift of life.

*Inspirational Monday is hosted by vchelle at Operation You.

Conscious Friday: give thanks for life...

Some times, the stresses of life can seem a bit much. We can get lost in cycles that inevitably draw us from our intended paths. It's always so lovely to just be still and give thanks for life. Somehow, things always seem to come back in focus.

Thanks Sherry for the constant reminder that each day is a gift. So, let's enjoy each day to the fullest, starting today.

*Anthony B: Give Thanks


*Lutan Fyah: Give Thanks for Life


Have a Conscious Friday and a divine weekend.
One Love

a childhood passion...

teaching a friend how to ride a bike downhill.

to see more, please visit lens.us.together.

thinking pink...

During the month of October, Empress Christina of Soul Aperture has invited us to share our pink thoughts every Thursday in honour of those touched by breast cancer. Faith. Hope. Love.

Inspirational Monday: inching along...

Somehow, I have inched my way all the way over to Darcel's blog, Authentically Unique.

For those of you who don't know Darcel, she authors two blogs, Authentically Unique (an unschooling blog) and The Mahogany Way. Darcel's a SAHM, has 2 beautiful girls, Nakiah and Ava, and recently announced that they are expecting baby number 3. The spirit of Sistahhood called unto me when my girl shared that she was going through the early pregnancy challenges.

I thought I'd send her some serious positive vibes through a guest post. Won't you come along with me to pay her a visit? It would mean the world to me. One Love.

Conscious Friday: can't let go...

October is Violence against Women Awareness Month. Earlier this week, hearings were held on Capitol Hill to consider legislation to address violence against women on an international scale. The committee would provide aid through humanitarian relief and grants to local organisations in the affected regions.

Specifically, the Women and Children of Darfur serve as a prime example of this unyielding violence. I am so encouraged by these women and children who despite unspeakably violent circumstances continue to live their lives to the fullest capacity. I pray for them. And I will continue to raise my voice for them. Won't you please join me?

*Women of Darfur: A Tribute


*Mattafix: Living Darfur (Official Music Video)


*For more information, please visit SAVEDARFUR.ORG

*Have a Conscious Friday and a divine weekend.

pink thoughts...

Somehow, in a strange, yet familiar sort of way,
every where I turned, I kept seeing pink.















I am gently reminded that we would have been
laughing and celebrating her birthday this month.

During the month of October, Empress Christina of Soul Aperture has invited us to share our pink thoughts every Thursday in honour of those touched by breast cancer.

simplicity...

simply taking a peaceful rest

*for more, please visit lens.us.together

african proverb...

to love someone
who does not love you
is like shaking a tree
to make dew drops fall

...ZAIRE

Inspirational Monday: scrap therapy...

There are times when I feel like I am trapped in a vortex.
I just go with the flow and find a way to come back to centre.
Today, I went digging through my fabric stash.
Always love to listen to the humming of my sewing machine.

I picked a few random pieces and made a quilt.
To donate to a children's fundraising auction.
I was feeling pretty random today. Usually am.
Especially when none of my boy toys win the NASCAR race.





















Hope it keeps a lucky little one warm this coming winter.
Couldn't have picked a better day to start.
Just in time for the October snow.
Yes, I said snow...and it's still falling.

So, if life throws you scraps, make a quilt.
Kinda like that lemon, lemonade thingie. ;)
One Love.

*Inspirational Monday is hosted by vchelle at Operation You.

*Macro Monday is hosted by Lisa at Lisa's Chaos.

*Monday Memories is hosted by Gayle at Planet M Files.

Conscious Friday: feeling grateful...

some times, i am incredibly overwhelmed
with the unmistakable *feeling of gratefulness*.
grateful for life. grateful for family. grateful for friends.
grateful for job. grateful for shelter. grateful for food.
just grateful for anything. grateful for everything.
grateful to be alive. you feel me?

*Danny Red: Be Grateful


*Sizzla & Luciano: Jah Blessing


*Midnite: Shout That


Have a Conscious Friday and a divine weekend.

pink thoughts...

During the month of October, Empress Christina of Soul Aperture has invited us to share our pink thoughts every Thursday in honour of those touched by breast cancer. yes we can yo!

*(artwork courtesy of my daughter)

Inspirational Monday: keeping my fingers crossed...

Less than a year ago, my very, very close friend, BJ, was diagnosed with cancer. It rocked my spirit to the core. It has been quite a journey through radical medical treatments, and yet the journey continues. I have retreated to prayer, meditation, and simply letting her know that I value her presence in my life. She has one of the most beautiful hearts ever. Always bearing her burdens, without complaint. I am so grateful and honoured that she has invited me to support her throughout this journey. I love her. And each day, I continue to pray for her. Won't you please join me?

BJ learned that she was going to be a first-time great-grandmother shortly before her diagnosis. I immediately offered to make the baby's quilt. We were so excited as we jotted to the quilt shop on lunch breaks to choose fabrics and long-arm quilt designs. I would make the quilt top and she would complete the quilt by handsewing the binding. Always such a lovely touch and perfect way to have her play a part in making her first great-grandchild's heirloom quilt.

This weekend, through tears, I completed my part of this quilt project. It will now go out in the mail to her for completion. Hope it will bring her some good cheer.

*I want to send a special "thank you" to the beautiful Tracy of Pink Purl and my most awesome pen pal from the Gift of Jewels project, Julochka of Moments of Perfect Clarity for awakening the crafter in me. I laid her down for a nap when I picked up my camera. :)

*Inspirational Monday is hosted by vchelle of Operation You.

*Macro Monday is hosted by Lisa of Lisa's Chaos.

*Monday Memories is hosted by Gayle of Planet M Files.