Thank you very much to everyone who participated in my giveaway. I wasn’t expecting to receive such meaningful comments, thank you…really. While reading your generous messages I was especially moved by a verse from a poem that Sonya shared, so I thought I’d pass this on for you all to enjoy as well.
HOPE is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune–without the words,
And never stops at all
– Emily Dickinson
(You can read the whole poem at your leisure.)
This poem says it so well. Each carefully chosen word is simple on its own, but together, wow…what a powerful message. Okay, back to announcing the winner of my giveaway. I placed all of your names into an earthen bowl and then shut my eyes and picked the name Jingle from it. Jennifer, please email me your snail mail details so that I can send things your way in the next days, thanks!
It’s been a really tough week and I’m sure that you’re all aware of the devastation that has been happening in Joplin, MO, as well as in other parts of the Midwest. The tornadoes and extreme weather conditions have destroyed so many homes and towns, and many have lost their lives. My heart goes out to everyone who’s been effected by this tragedy, and I can’t even begin to imagine how they’re all coping. When something horrible like this happens I feel powerless, don’t you? And we want to help…but how? And I’m guessing that some of you have probably already sent funds to the Red Cross (I know what big hearts you have.) However, if you haven’t donated yet and have been considering it, I made the necklaces below as a way to help raise some money to send to the Red Cross. If you’re interested in joining me in this donation, please email me which feather necklace you’d like to buy (I’ve been getting around $70 for each, and I’ll cover the shipping cost) and the first one to respond will have first choice on which necklace. I’ll forward 100% of the proceeds to the Red Cross specifically for the Midwest relief. Just email me at becky@beckyshander.com.
While we are on the subject of feathers, I thought you might like a look at how one magically appeared on my kitchen window last Fall. I like to think that this frosty feather came to me as some kind of sign. And I’m really glad that I noticed it on that particular morning…paying attention surely has its rewards. Do you see random signs like this too? Perhaps these random signs aren’t really so random…I like to believe that they mean something…so I’ll keep my eyes and mind open, and my heart ready.
9 Comments, Comment or Ping
Love the poem that Sonya shared and congratulations to Jennifer! I love, love, love that first feather necklace Becky, what a wonderful thing you are doing here. 🙂 Also, your story about the feather on the window touched me because I always find myself looking at different things and thinking it might be a “sign.” I love to think that way anyway…
Hope you are having a happy weekend my friend! 🙂
May 28th, 2011
That poem is one of my favorites. Thank you to Sonya. Your necklaces are so beautiful, Becky! i just adore them.
We are in San Francisco at the wedding of a friend’s daughter. We are having a wonderful time. I have laughed until my face hurt..I needed that!!!
Big hugs,
Suz
May 28th, 2011
Congratulations to Jennifer. Becky your generous efforts to help those affected by the horrendous weather and tornadoes is so heartwarming. This year seems to have been one that just keeps knocking people down and out. Safe and Happy Memorial Weekend…
May 28th, 2011
Congrats to Jennifer; I love this poem~
Yes I believe in signs, random and ones I see that are directly for me~
Love your gesture; gifts of hope always makes one’s soul sing~
May 30th, 2011
Becky…beautiful post!
Hugs, Diane
May 31st, 2011
Aww love the little gifts like the feather on your window. One day I’ll tell about the fish on my car.
May 31st, 2011
Your necklaces are lovely ~ I hope you’ve sold both by now. I’ve been reading about so many creative ideas for giving the past few days. Your’s is definitely one of the prettiest!
Last week I read about two young girls who set up a Lemonade stand to earn moneyto send to the Red Cross. They were a little discouraged by the amount they were earning so they decided to sell the family’s lemonade recipe as a fundraiser. The recipe included a secret ingredient! Their mother announced it on her blog and last I read they had earned almost $800! How wonderful is that! This is where my donation $$ went…I can’t wait to try the recipe!
May 31st, 2011
Marie, thanks for sharing your inspiring lemonade story…I love hearing how creative girls and boys can be when it comes to giving and contributing. And what an awesome Mom too for helping to make it all happen.
May 31st, 2011
Okay, so I just now got here and YAY!!!! I am so excited!!!!! Thank you so much! And thank you for your constant inspiration! You are just a joy!
June 1st, 2011
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