sprinkle the jewels...

To all participants in the *gift of jewels* project:

Greetings. i am happy to tell you that a personal email has now been sent to you with the mailing address of your intended recipient. if you have not received it, please be sure to notify me at necessaryroom@gmail.com.

remember, no one else knows who's sending their jewel (and no two people have each other) so please don't spill the beans ;) it's totally up to you whether you want to send your jewel anonymously or include your return mailing information. either way is love.

please remember to mail all *gift of jewels* on or before February 14, 2010, the Tibetan New Year and a traditional day for celebrating love. raising a prayer flag for you, Tibet.

*one more thing before i go. i wanted to thank everyone who not only participated in this *gift of jewels* pen pal project, but also those who donated gifts and bonus gifts to share with you in the *gift of jewels* giveaway earlier this month. your love and kindness is most greatly appreciated.

the above photo appears compliments of toni, author of daily vignette and co-creator of the fabulous new blog, vision and verb. you may have even seen her featured at shutter sisters, here and here. or perhaps you've previously browsed her store in search of precious stones. well, i am pleased to announce that toni has generously donated the jewel in this photo to one of you as a bonus *gift of jewels*. thanks so much toni!

are you all wondering who won it? oooh i'm so sorry, i can't tell you because it is the secret jewel in this project. the winner was randomly selected from the registered participants. the chosen one will just have to let us all know when it arrives in their mailbox. ;) it's my little way of saying thank you for joining the *gift of jewels* project: spreading peace and love all over the world.

*may i ask one little favour of you? when you receive your jewels, could you please stop by this post and share your thoughts with us. to make it easier, the *gift of jewels* photo button in the sidebar will directly link to this post.

let the celebration begin...

One World. One People. One Love.

final boarding call...

spices,

gold,

and precious stones.

Makeda, Queen of Sheba arrived in Jerusalem to counsel with the great king Solomon, bearing gifts of spices, gold and precious stones. it will soon be our turn to present the *gift of jewels* to a randomly selected person somewhere in this world, in the form of a personalised greeting card.

words of love,

inscribed on paper,

just for you.

i am humbled by your incredible response to the *gift of jewels* pen pal project. thanks so much. i feel the love. i don't know about you, but i am just itching to find out who i am going to get. are you? i do know one thing for sure though. jewels will be travelling to you from one of these countries.

Australia

Austria

Brazil

Canada

Denmark

Maldives

Norway

Portugal

South Africa

United Kingdom

United States of America.

* i just love the positive vibes we've got going here. if you would like to participate in the *gift of jewels* project, please click here. registration ends today, january 30, 2010.

*to see who else is playing along, click here. if you already signed up and haven't sent me your mailing address, please remember to do so today (necessaryroom@gmail.com). one love.

Conscious Friday: Rasta woman vibes today...

and she came to Jerusalem

with a very great train

with camels that bare spices

and very much gold

and precious stones.

Makeda, Queen of Sheba

Makeda, Queen of Ethiopia.

the great, wise King Solomon

seated on the throne of Israel.

she communed with him

of all that was in her heart

and king Solomon gave unto

the Queen of Sheba all her desire.

and from this joyful union

came the son of Solomon

Menelek I, son of the wise

legendary first Emperor of Ethiopia.

from the root of David

came the King of Kings

Lord of Lords

Conquering Lion

of the tribe of Judah.

Haile Selassie I.

JAH Rastafari.

*Peter Tosh: Rastafari Is

*Buju Banton: Negus Negast

* i so enjoy sharing the music of my culture with you. it really nurtures my soul and spirit. i hope that no matter where you are, you can feel the love shining through and may it touch your heart.

*big up Buju B. voice of the voiceless. Afrika awaits your triumphant return. til shiloh.

*i see you ayiti. be still my people. JAH will provide!

*give thanks to everyone who signed up for the *gift of jewels* postcard exchange. the wait is almost over. only one more day til registration closes, and then the real fun begins. whoo-hoo!

*have a Conscious Friday and a divine weekend. one love.

overflowing with love...

*yesterday, blogland was showered with love, courtesy of *the simple things* hosted by Empress Christina of Soul Aperture. give thanks Sis. you surely know how to throw a party. i had such a great time visiting so many of you and appreciate all those who stopped by here to say hi. it really was an amazing experience.

*just a tiny reminder - there's only two days left to join the *gift of jewels* postcard exchange. if you'd like to participate, please click here. for those who've already registered, you will receive an email from me with your surprise intended recipient in only a few days. click here to see who may be sending you a shiny jewel in the mail. and please be sure to forward your mailing address to me at necessaryroom@gmail.com by January 30, 2010. i can hardly wait to spread some peace and love around the world! can you?

*a big shout out to Gayle of Planet M Files for spreading more love with her crocheted hearts giveaway. won't you stop by and register to win before February 3, 2010.

*hi sweet Angel Sherry...here you go again with that big heart of yours. do stop by Everyday Possibilities and register to win her surprise gift giveaway. the winner will be chosen on February 1, 2010.

*and while love continues to flow through your veins, please remember our brothers and sisters in Haiti. i feel you ayiti.

one love.

t.h.e. s.i.m.p.l.e. t.h.i.n.g.s...

the simple things, like falling into the arms of your mother.

holding on. no! clinging to her until you become one.

experience the healing power of love. swoon!

~

strength through unity. united we stand.

i will never forget you, haiti. when your heart aches, i feel it.

my arms raised toward the heavens, prayers of supplication.

plenty have not food, water, nor a place to still call home, but

love. yes! love. it keeps the enduring spirit flowing and not even an

earthquake is strong enough to break it.

~

tomorrow is promised to no one. i

heard my grandmother say

i understand the meaning, on this very day.

nice to see so many of you, sprinkling gift of jewels,

giving love notes to one another in

such a simple way.

~

you. inspire. me.

one. love.

*to read more about *the simple things*, please visit my soul sistah, Empress Christina over at Soul Aperture. for each blog that joins in this fun and uplifting event, her family will donate $1.00 to doctors without borders to help our brothers and sisters in haiti.

*only 3 days left to join the *gift of jewels* postcard exchange. if you'd like to participate, please click here. let's spread some peace and love all over this world, and show january who's boss!

*gift of jewels* roll call...

Just a small reminder that this Saturday, January 30, 2010, entries for the *gift of jewels* postcard exchange will be closed. For details on the *gift of jewels* project, please click here.

If you've already decided to participate, you will be receiving a jewel from one of the lovely souls listed below. I, for one, am boiling over with excitement, and can't wait to receive a handwritten love note from one of you in the mail. It always brings joy to my heart when I open a personalised letter, so I pray that this small token of love will do the same for you, especially in these days when spirits may need a little uplifting.

Jewels will be sprinkled from at least 11 different countries across the globe: Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Maldives, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, USA, and the United Kingdom. oooh, i do wonder where yours will come from?

Registered participants include:

julochka, moments of perfect clarity

tracy, pink purl

kamana, journalling through photos

iasa, blissfully unaware lounge singer

sherry, everyday possibilities

gayle, planet m files

MiSspOetiCk, just me.

christina, soul aperture

darcel, the mahogany way

relyn, come sit by my fire

connie, loose lemons

vchelle, operation you

sunnymama, sunny day today mama

marilyn, delights of the heart

margie, souers du jour

kath, souers du jour

toni, daily vignette

eastkentuckygal, a mountain mama

pixie dust, stories i can tell

lynne, wheatlands news

beverly, tea time and roses

char, ramblins

carol, my painting room

mary jo, trust your style

suvarna, raptinlight

cathie, m.e.

cam, journey wildly

kim living life, a box of chocolates

baretrix, nap sack baby

janet, are we there yet?

natty, natty crafts

carla, carla artesanato e croche

roberta, agulha e tricot by tita carre

sheila, tea and toast

elk, red or gray depends on the day

marie, the english kitchen

kim, the bodhi chicklet

jax, making it up

kristin, hello sweet world

claudia, mr puffy's knitting blog

tracey, Necessary Room reader

sharon, Necessary Room reader

teresha, marlie and me

sophia, sometimes sophia

elizabeth, landanna

susanna, susanna's sketchbook

jac, coco sunday

beverley, bunny's girl

paula, little scraps of magic

dawn, may all seasons be sweet to thee

kathy, kathy's cottage

bonnie, the mamma has spoken

robin, dreaming of tea with hope

flwrjane, small but charming

sharon, happenings on chaos ranch

libby, the art of starting over

melissa h., cat's cradle creations

susy, pinkinklingz

angie, angie muresan

puanani, waking up in portland

*if you would like to join in the *gift of jewels* project, please click here. let's unite and collectively raise the positive vibes in the universe.

*wishing you all an Inspirational Monday.

* i hope to see you on Wednesday for the simple things.

spreading da love...

*i am please to introduce to you, my younger sister, MiSspOetiCk. no matter what troubles arise in my life, she has uncanny ability to lift my spirits through her poetry. i thank her for finally giving me permission to share her blog, Just Me, with all of you. love you sis.

*i also wanted to share that my heartical sistrens, Margie and Kath, are collaborators in a new blog, Vision and Verb, along with some other familiar faces. hi Toni. i think you will all enjoy visiting this great spot.

*did you hear that my darling Tracy of Pink Purl has created a new foodie blog named Savour? as if we needed more reasons to love her. ;)

*a big shout out to my friend Darcel who expanded The Mahogany Way to include a place for mothers of colour to discuss natural living.

*i'd like to send my deepest condolences to my girl Wanda over at What Would Wanda Do?, having recently loss her dad. won't you stop by and let her know we care. lots of love Wanda!

*thankful for the simple things in life? please join Empress Christina over at Soul Aperture in sharing wonderful expressions of gratitude on Wednesday, January 27, 2010. for each blog that joins in, her family will donate $1.00 to doctors without borders to help the people of haiti. hope to see you all there.

*give thanks to all of you who have given so graciously of yourselves in so many ways to support haiti. it really is encouraging and uplifting to witness the sharing of love and generosity on such a global scale. speaking of love, did you happen to see honorary knight Bono and my boy Wyclef rock out at the hope for haiti global telethon last night? let's keep the love and the good vibes flowing.

one love.

Ayiti Palé...

it shook me down
to my soul
and I'm still feeling aftershocks
tremors in my heart
the fury of nature
tries to tear our world apart
but still
I stand tall.
Like the phoenix
rising from the ashes
my people,
we will conquer all
for I know
what the meek shall inherit
and though they
disparage and discourage
I have an encouraging word
written across my heart
like these words written across my flag:
L'Union Fait La Force
let me know,
twice,
I am never alone.
I may be beaten down
7 times 7
but 7 more times I will try again
I will rise again
stronger than I was before
I will never give up,
I will never give in
because our Father keeps the final score
I know if we endure, we will win.

*i am so proud to share this copyrighted poem,
penned by my little sister, MiSspOetiCk. i love you sis.
give thanks for the guest post.

*you can enjoy more poetry at her blog, Just Me.

Conscious Friday: Hope for Haiti...

there are few times in life when mankind is presented with the opportunity to collectively do something really great...make a real difference in the world. my friends, we are living in one of those moments.

it's been 9 sunsets since the island of Haiti was ravaged by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake. aftershocks occur almost on a daily basis, intensifying the urgency of the situation. there are still countless people suffering, displaced, or dying. 9 days later, hungry men, women, and children still roam the streets searching for food and water. the injured still trod on hoping to receive simple medical intervention to save their lives. this is a state of emergency.

we are all of one race, the human race. these are our people, and they are desperately in need of our help. as the sun sets on yet another day, i continue to pray for them. i know many of you are doing the same.

on Friday, January 22, 2008 at 8:00 pm, there will be a global telethon aired on most major networks to help our brothers and sisters in Haiti. whether or not you have previously donated to the cause, I encourage you to tune in and show your love for the people of Haiti. there is still hope for haiti.

also, iTunes customers will be able to pre-order the "Hope for Haiti Now" full performance album ($7.99) and full 2-hour video telecast ($1.99) starting tomorrow. Apple, the record labels and the artists will donate their proceeds to the Haiti Earthquake Relief charities. i hope to see you there. it will be so nice to know, that no matter how far apart we are, we will be joined in spirit for the same cause.

Wishing you a Conscious Friday and a divine weekend.

*Please listen to Wyclef Jean (founder of Yele Haiti)

*Buju Banton: I Rise

one love.

quick fyi...

Earlier this morning, Haiti suffered yet another 6.1 magnitude quake aftershock. May JAH guide, protect, and keep the people of Haiti in the palms of his hands.

Later today, January 20, 2010, Oprah dedicates a live hour show to last week's massive earthquake in Haiti and the tragic aftermath. Guests will include Haiti's native son, Wyclef Jean, Maxwell, Rihanna, and Dr. Sanjay Gupta of CNN. For more information, please visit yele haiti.

one love.

i wait with you...

to those sleeping in the streets,

just holding on for tomorrow,

yearning for food and water,

still fighting for survival,

to those suffering in silence,

waiting to locate loved ones,

i wait with you.

*On Friday, January 22, 2010 at 8 p.m. ET, Wyclef Jean, founder of the grassroots non-profit organisation, Yele Haiti, will be joined by actor George Clooney and CNN's Anderson Cooper in hosting MTV Networks' "HOPE FOR HAITI," the global telethon to air commercial-free across ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CNN, BET, the CW, HBO, MTV, VH1 and CMT.

Performers will include BONO and The Edge of U2, Sting, Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, Beyonce, Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Jay Z, Sheryl Crow, Kid Rock, Keith Urban, John Legend, Cold Play, Madonna and Justin Timberlake. I do hope you get a chance to tune in and show your support for the people of Haiti.

Yéle Haiti. one love.

the moon always follows the sun...

Calm down , little brother,
Time heals all wounds.
No matter how much one is weeping,
The moon always follows the sun.

Eat your bananas and fresh leaves,
And don't cry any more,
Because forever and ever
The moon will follow the sun.
(African proverb - Zaire)

in times of trials and tribulations, i must constantly remind myself to keep looking towards the bright side of life. i never ask the question, "why?" i simply pray about it, and help in any way i can.

today, i prayed and prayed. i cried and meditated. i chanted and burnt candles. i made a prayer flag. then i lit a stick of sandalwood incense i received from a special friend in Maldives, and placed it outside so the soothing scent could be carried away by the wind and perhaps tiptoe through someone's window and hopefully touch their heart. it made me feel so good to give.

*special prayers sent up for my Haitian brothers and sisters. stretching my arms across the ocean to hold your hands.

sending lots of love and positive vibes your way. stay strong my people and remember that the moon will follow the sun. one love.

happy sabbath...

when the earth cries out

it is felt around the world

There's a mystic connection between the people of the Caribbean that I cannot begin to explain in words. It is something that exists deep within our souls. No matter where we are in the world, when we encounter each other, we feel it. And when there's a disturbance in the force, we all feel it.

I have ceased watching any coverage of the earthquake in Haiti on the television. Personally, I find that it is turning into somewhat of a spectacle by some media outlets. The tragic victims here are human beings, deserving of the utmost dignity and respect, especially in this their most tender moment. Each Haitian is a mother, father, brother, sister, child or relative of another person and we must never lose sight of that.

My heart aches. I cannot begin to process the scope of the devastation to this beautiful island and its people. But I share in their pain.

Today, I witnessed a blind, elderly lady being slowly led to the front of a Haitian congregation in my old neighbourhood to pray for her relatives in Haiti. have you ever seen pain on the face of a blind woman?

The band softly began to play. I couldn't help but notice the mid-afternoon sun streaming through the sheer window curtains. This warm light was a comforting reminder that JAH will never forsake his children. And tears rolled down my cheeks as my sister and the praise team led the congregation in song.

*Richard Smallwood: Healing


*Kirk Franklin: My life is in your hands


*As Haitians, home and abroad, await news regarding the well-being of their friends and family members, I ask that you simply join us in prayer.

*If you would like to lend a helping hand to the people of Haiti, I encourage you to visit Wyclef Jean's nonprofit Yele Haiti. Or text the word "YELE" to 501501 to donate $5, or the word "HAITI" to 501501 to donate $10, to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund.

*You can also visit the ONE organisation to sign a petition for the immediate cancellation of Haiti's $1 billion debt and to ensure that any emergency earthquake assistance is provided in the form of grants, not debt-incurring loans.

Conscious Friday: Yéle HAITI...

My grandmother would often say that the world is our neighbourhood. Whenever disaster strikes at any corner of the earth, the ramifications are felt far beyond its immediate borders. Such is the case in Haiti. I continue pray for my friends and the people of Haiti in this great hour of need.

*Wyclef Jean: Yéle


*Buju Banton & Wyclef Jean: Bedtime Story

*If you would like to lend a helping hand to the people of Haiti, I encourage you to visit Wyclef Jean's nonprofit Yele Haiti. Or text the word "YELE" to 501501 to donate $5, or the word "HAITI" to 501501 to donate $10, to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund.

*You can also visit the ONE organisation to sign a petition for the immediate cancellation of Haiti's $1 billion debt and to ensure that any emergency earthquake assistance is provided in the form of grants, not debt-incurring loans.
one love.

*Please have a Conscious Friday and a divine weekend.

for my people...

A few days ago, I was having a conversation with a friend. I explained that I had not written about social issues in quite a while because I wasn't sure my voice was being heard. I wasn't sure if people were receptive to my flowery view of the world. I expressed my dream of travelling throughout the Caribbean and the African diaspora using my words and photos to share our culture and raise awareness about the plight of my people.

The next day, as I was driving to work listening to the Tom Joyner Morning Show, I listened intently as Stephanie Robinson gave a moving historical commentary about one of the most impoverished islands in the Caribbean. She urged listeners to take action on behalf of Haitian residents seeking asylum in the USA. This was on January 7th, which marked the 206th anniversary of the Haitian Revolution. I wanted to share it with you, but hesitated.

I awoke this morning to the most disturbing news. The island of Haiti suffered a catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake. The situation is absolutely unspeakable...collapsed homes, schools, buildings, hospitals, and hundreds of thousands feared dead is just the tip of this iceberg. Many surviving victims are left without medical attention and the basic necessities of life. My people are suffering immensely and are desperate for help. I imagined the frantic mother who tonight longs to hold her child in her arms, but cannot. I couldn't hold back the tears so I came to my blog...and I continue to pray.

*If you would like to help the people of Haiti, I encourage you to visit Wyclef Jean's nonprofit Yele Haiti. Or text the word "YELE" to 501501 to donate $5, (or text the word "HAITI" to 501501 to donate $10), to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund.

*You can also visit the ONE organisation to sign a petition for the immediate cancellation of Haiti's $1 billion debt and to ensure that any emergency earthquake assistance is provided in the form of grants, not debt-incurring loans.

One World. One People. One Love.

bring the joy...

i love this horsie.

he has been in our family since my daughter was a toddler.

when we relocated, she donated him to her best friend.

we were sad to leave him behind but at the same time

happy he'd be with someone who would ride him and show him love.

my daughter recently reunited with her horsie.

it was the most beautiful moment ever.

it brought tears to my eyes to see her run to him

and drape her loving arms around his neck.

then she jumped on his back and they rode off into the sunset.

her laughter melted my very soul.

doesn't he look happy?

i'd like to think that we brought him a little bit of joy.

for mr. harold...

when mr. harold moved into my old neighbourhood, he had just retired from a life of work. it was so exciting to see him set up his garden. we delivered slips for him to plant and couldn't wait for him to reap the benefits. he was so thrilled.

shortly after, mr. harold suffered a stroke. we prayed, and watched as he transitioned from hospice right back into his own living room. recently, while on holiday, we visited mr. harold. we sat down and listened as he told us stories in his strong jamaican accent. he laughed and laughed as he told us how his wife, who cannot drive, went to move the van out of the garage to make room for his wheelchair to pass but instead drove right through the living room wall. unable to run to safety, he just sat in his chair and prayed. fortunately, the wall stopped the van and mr. harold lives to see another day. oral tradition is so wonderful.

mr. harold enjoys every day of life he is blessed with in spite of his circumstances. i admire that.

*to celebrate love and life, please consider joining us in the new *gift of jewels* project. entries will remain open until january 30, 2010.

*Gift of Jewels* project: peace and love...

As I stood staring at this worn wind chime fluttering in the wind, I couldn't help but feel uplifted. Although it has undoubtedly weathered many a storm, it still made the most beautiful sound. You should have heard it. I started to daydream and my imagination ran away from me. I was instantly transported to the "roof of the world", the peaceful land of Tibet. I envisioned silent prayers whispered on the breath of nature floating all around me. It touched my soul and I smiled.

During the fall, we celebrated the Ethiopian New Year with a modified pen pal project called the *gift of jewels*. International participants sprinkled jewels all over 12 different countries in the world and it brought a little extra happiness to many of our hearts. Since we just rang in yet another new year, I thought it would be a lovely time to exchange greetings with a new pen pal.

For those interested, please join me in sending a randomly selected person a greeting card in the post? It can be personally hand-crafted, a photocard, photograph, or even a purchased postcard or greeting card. We must all agree, however, to honour our commitment because some loving soul will be eagerly awaiting your card's arrival.

If you wish to participate in the *gift of jewels* project, please leave a comment on this post by January 30, 2010. All participants should also email me directly at necessaryroom@gmail.com with their snail mail address and blog link. I will randomly select the intended recipient of your jewel from amongst the participants. You will receive a personal email from me shortly after the registration deadline with your secret recipient's information. Please rest assured that your information will not be shared with anyone other than the person selected to send your "gift of jewels".

All *gift of jewels* should be postmarked on or before February 14, 2010, which happens to be the Tibetan New Year, and the day of love.

So, wanna join in spreading peace and love around the world?

Giveaway Results: a chosen few...

Finally, the anticipation is over. I sincerely apologise for taking so long but I wanted to make sure that those travelling during the holiday season had an opportunity to participate in this wonderful, love-filled *gift of jewels* giveaway.

Of course, this could not be possible without the amazing souls who contributed these beautiful gifts of love. We all owe you a debt of gratitude for brightening our lives. Thank you most kindly, from the bottom of my heart.

And now, without any further delay, with the aid of my daughter as the designated selector, I hereby bestow the following *gift of jewels* upon these chosen few individuals:

Tracy, Pink Purl, pink necklace - Sherry

Gayle, Planet M Files, crocheted market bag - Beverly, Tea Time & Roses

Beth, Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Taken, acrylic painting - Relyn

Se'lah, Necessary Room, secret jewel - Kamana

Margie and Kath, Souers du Jour, knitted cowl - Julochka

Vchelle, Operation You, world peace poster - Sunnymama

Vchelle, Operation You, princess tiana poster - Darcel

Christina, Soul Aperture, velvet rose photograph - Marilyn (marmalady)

Marilyn, Delights of the Heart, tea cozy gift set - SweetAnnee

Lala, My Castle in Spain, handmade greeting card - Gayle

Tara, Paris Parfait, antique french book - Christine - RHP

Congratulations to all of you! I hope you enjoy your gifts. Please email me your mailing address at necessaryroom@gmail.com.

Give thanks to everyone for joining in the fun. It's always a pleasure to spread a little love all over the world.

one love.

nicholas and lily...

this is nicholas.

he was born in the wee hours on christmas day.

sadly, nicholas' mom did not survive after she gave birth.

the owners have kept nicholas alive by feeding him evaporated milk.

he happens to love it.

so far, so good.

meet lily.

lily loves baby donkeys.

she goes to great lengths to show her love.

lily tries to steal every baby donkey born on the farm.

fortunately for nicholas, lily makes the perfect adoptive mother.

nicholas and lily are bonding well.

he follows her around everywhere.

lily is quite protective of nicholas

both are now quite happy

the owner gives lily a hug to show his appreciation.

good mamas are sure hard to find.

this one's for the birds...

a proud rooster struts his stuff.

i had forgotten how conceited they can be until we went to a farm.

and there he was in all his glory.

he walked by as if we didn't exist but he just couldn't help himself.

he had to pose for the camera.

cock-a-doodle-dooooo.

who knew that turkeys could fan their tails like that?

this turkey kept turning in circles

daring me to take his picture

so i did.

i was sooo tempted to pluck a tail feather

but not knowing what reaction was in store

i decided against it. good thing, huh?

a black swan leans over so baby can secretively squeak in her ear

another sibling disappeared earlier in the morning.

such a soft, tender moment

wonder what they are talking about?