If you’re looking for practical ways to donate items for the victims of Haiti’s earthquake, I hope you’ll consider the opportunity below.  Ten Thousand Villages is a reputable organization that has established business relationships with Haitians.  I should note that people are advised not to mail their own packages to Haiti but instead to go through larger organizations that will distribute donations effectively.

Ten Thousand Villages in Chestnut Hill is asking for donations of 20,000 relief kits as part of its response to the Haiti earthquake. Thank you for joining this response. Relief kits provide valuable supplies to families traumatized by war and disasters. In recent years, kits have been sent to Iraq, Gaza, Bosnia, Serbia, Nepal, Mozambique, Indonesia and Honduras.

Contents (NEW items only)

·                                 4 large bars bath soap (leave in wrapping)

·                                 1 plastic bottle shampoo
(380-710ml / 13-24oz; place bottle in a re-sealable plastic bag)

·                                 4 large bars of laundry soap

·                                 1 squeeze-tube toothpaste (minimum 130ml / 6oz; leave in box)

·                                 4 adult-size toothbrushes (leave in packaging)

·                                 4 new bath towels (medium weight, dark or bright colors)

·                                 2 wide-tooth combs(6 to 8in / 15 to 20cm)

·                                 1 fingernail clipper

·                                 1 box adhesive bandages (minimum 40, assorted)

·                                 1 package sanitary pads (18-24 thin maxi)

All items can be dropped off at Ten Thousand Villages in Chestnut Hill
[8331 Germantown Ave Philadelphia, Pa 19118] Tel:215-242-3040

Lately I’ve been concerned about the sustainability of the projects that are taking place in Haiti.  Yes, right now Haitians need food and water — but organizations like the Red Cross and UNICEF and others won’t be around giving hand-outs forever.  They can provide a temporary band-aid for hunger, and then what?

I want to make sure that the money I donate will go the distance — that it will go towards something that is sustainable.  I want to put my money towards something that might offer jobs, or a continuous food supply, or a place to live.

My dad’s very good friend is behind a great organization I just found out about.  Double Harvest Haiti has funded a housing project, an agricultural project, a medical clinic, and a child sponsorship program.  This organization is truly changing Haiti by helping to educate and empower the Haitians.  Double Harvest has created jobs for Haitians and opportunities for them to eat again and again.  I can’t think of a better organization to support in Haiti.  I just wish that Double Harvest could be multiplied throughout the country!  Please join me in spreading the word about Double Harvest.

James and Phil have a new music project and a new blog will chronicle their progress.  I hope you will check it out here.  Spread the word to those you know… and sign-up for automatic updates on the top right corner of the blog! … Good things are just around the corner …

There is a Christmas song that I was confused by as a child. The meaning of the “Little Drummer Boy” seemed to get lost in all of the ‘pa rum pum pum pums.’ It’s easy to gloss over its meaning and get annoyed by the repetition.

It seems that there are many people who either love or hate “Little Drummer Boy.”  This week, even my hairdresser exclaimed to me when the song came on the radio, how much she disliked it.  I smiled and thought about how I actually loved the song now - and not just because James often played it at Christmastime on guitar.

The song is a great reminder that there is nothing we can bring Jesus but the gifts He has already given us.  It’s a reminder that all of us are poor and truly have nothing to offer except ourselves – just like the shepherds on the first Christmas, that came just to worship.

It took a lot of begging and pleading but I was finally able to convince James to record a rough version of “Little Drummer Boy.”  So, if the song isn’t already a favorite of yours, I hope you will listen to it with new meaning this time – and maybe you will come to enjoy it as I have.

[Click here to download a version of “Little Drummer Boy” by James Chester]

Merry Christmas!

If you live in Lansdale, PA or the surrounding area, I hope you’ll head out to the Lansdale Public Library on Saturday, November 7, 2009 to bid on the great work of fabulous local artists.  A portion of all proceeds will benefit the Lansdale Boys and Girls Club.  You can find more details here.

Artists: The deadline to enter the auction is Friday, October 30, 2009.  Contact me if you are interested in exhibiting your work.

Last year I walked into a certain design store (that shall remain nameless since they were unwilling to discuss a better deal, despite huge profit margins) in Philly and bumped into Emeco Navy Chairs.  James and I were both instantly attracted to these chairs, which are equal parts urban, retro, and classic.

This week, after we donated our old table and chairs, I began to pursue the best deal I could find on these trendy designer chairs (they don’t come cheap but they do come with a 150 year warranty and therefore, a great resell value).  I eventually came across 21st Century Co, and Mike, a great sales rep.   

I believe that exceptional companies need to be recognized.  Mike was exceptionally speedy, professional, and offered the best deal out there.  The company profile on ebay stated they wanted to win my business and they certainly did that.  You should let them win your business too!

So lately, I’ve been attempting to get in shape after not exercising in about five years.  I’ve agreed to run a half-marathon with my friend, Megan, in September.  This is going to be a big challenge for me but thankfully I’ve met some really awesome people recently that have been a great encouragement.  

Not so long ago, I met Duane. Duane is passionate about running and has started a company called FREED.  Through FREED, Duane has started a running club, organized a 5K race that benefits Hope International’s micro loan program in other countries, and is currently developing running products.

I love that Duane is taking something he’s passionate about and using it to improve his community and the world.  Duane is a young entrepreneur who isn’t afraid to follow his dreams – and that is so refreshing.

*Check out www.runFREED.com to register for Riverfest 2009 – Saturday, September 12, 2009.

The Lansdale Farmers Market, supported by members of Renew Community is set to debut on Saturday, July 4^th.  The market will be situated in Lansdale’s Kugel Ball Park next to the train station. 

The market is striving to support local farmers and local organic products.  Under the LFM, a Lansdale Community Garden has also been established to serve the community.   I am extremely excited about what is taking place here and how it will impact the community.  I am extremely proud of my friends, Bill Stevens and Brooke Wasser, among others, who are people of action and are serving the community through the development of the Lansdale Farmers Market.  Congrats to my husband, James, who has designed a very cool logo for them!

 

Here’s to hoping the LFM will become a mainstay in the Lansdale community!

The other day I blogged about my friend Jen who taught me that you can receive a lot of things just by having the courage to ask.  Bill Lyle (and his entire family, for that matter) is very special to James and me.  Bill has been a constant support to James because of his knowledge and service as a sound engineer.

Recently, I stumbled upon Bill’s live journal and it made me smile.  A year or two ago, Bill started a LARGE garden just because he wanted to.  He was given the land just because he asked.  Bill has a lot
of the same attributes that Jen has – he’s always making friends.  Well, this year, Bill announced that his live journal is all about the happenings in his garden.

Bill’s unique blog is interesting to read, especially for the beginner – heck, I don’t even enjoy gardening but it makes me want to try!  Now I find myself checking up on Bill’s pepper plants on a regular basis!

My great friend and maid-of-honor, Jen Kalis, is a constant reminder that a positive attitude results in a positive outcome. The other day, Jen reminded me that thinking and talking positively about selling my house will help sell my house. I do believe in self-fulfilling prophecy, but hear me when I say that Jen and I are not talking about some sort of mystic practice. I’m simply saying that sometimes negativity and self doubt gets in the way of dreams.

I met Jen on my first day at college and spent two of my four years living with her. Jen’s confidence and positivity continues to have an impact on my life. If you know Jen, you know what I mean – she lives life to the fullest, makes the most of every opportunity, and goes after her dreams. If you think I’m a bold person, you probably have Jen to thank (or blame) for that. Jen’s a take-charge kind of girl – and I love it!

One bit of advice that I’ve taken from observing Jen is – “If you don’t ask, you’ll never know.” It’s not that Jen ever said this to me, but she lives it in big and small ways. She’s always boldly asking questions, asking for discounts, asking for advice. To some people it might not seem like such an important thing, but that boldness in asking questions translates into opportunities, bargains, knowledge, and the ability to network and get ahead. I admire Jen for being savvy, for being positive, and for teaching me so much as a result.