Think Anne...

Humor is to life what shock absorbers are to automobiles.

Ta Da - Drumroll - The voting has started...

2007 Third Bi-Annual
          ALL DOLLED UP: 
               BEADED ART DOLL COMPETITION

This year's theme:  Celestial Reflections
                  
                  "Blues, whites, fiery reds and yellows -- overtaking the sky from dusk 'til dawn --
    fascinate me, whether in my dreams, or longings for that something more,
      whirling nebulas, mysterious planets and stars I barely see

    ... my Beaded Art Doll, my celestial reflection, I name you ....   "

Some of the beaded art dolls in this competition took years to create, some only months. Some are the vision of a single artist, others either a pair or group working together.  Each doll/artist has a back story. 

If seeing these dolls on the internet only wets your appetite and you are in Nashville during the next several months, see the dolls in person at Be Dazzled.

Between now and 1/15/2008, you can judge/evaluate each of the semi finalists on insight, technique, visual appeal and quality of written story. 

In any case, vote/evaluate each doll HERE. 

The Saga Of Miss Lillybelle - Part II

On September 30th I started the saga of Miss Lillybelle, who was facing the amputation of her leg after her prior owner failed to treat her broken leg for over 6 months. My friend, Leah of Agile Knitter fame, came to the rescue.  In early October, Miss Lillybelle's leg was operated on by a veterinary orthopedic surgeon and the prognosis looked good.

I'm happy to report that this brave little girl is currently almost at the half way point in the healing process and everything continues to look good. She not allowed to put any weight on the casted leg, so she spends most of  her time in her crate or someones lap.  But as usual, she is bright and cheerful.

Miss Lillybelle's medical expenses have come to over $2500 and I'm so thankful to report that almost 80% of these have been covered by your kind contributions.  If you still wish to contribute, please contact me or Leah at agileknitter@aol.com.

Miss Lillybelle says "Thank You".       

The Saga Of Miss Lillybelle

Miss Lillybelle is a feisty 6 lbs. Papillion with a matted coat, hookworms and an unhealed broken leg.  So far her life's journey has been star-crossed, but things are looking up. Her original owner surrendered her two weeks ago after her broken leg had failed to heal for several months.  The vet who took her in was faced with the prospect of amputating the leg.  That's when my friend, Leah, came to the rescue.  

Leah took custody of Miss Lillybelle, and with promised help from a Papillion rescue group, set about finding a veterinary orthopedic surgeon who could give Miss Lillybelle a chance at a normal life.  The specialist here in Nashville thinks there is a 50-50 chance of saving the leg.  

Net/net, the mats are gone, as well as the hookworms.  Miss Lillybelle is scheduled for surgery on Tuesday morning.  Though the rescue group backed out on their commitment, Leah is going ahead with trying to save the leg anyway, because what else can she do!

Leah of Agile Knitter fame, has been rescuing dogs in need for several years.  Usually the dogs come from puppy mills and I think before Miss Lillybelle, Leah's menagerie numbered 7.

If you would like to make a donation to help cover Miss Lillybelle's medical expenses, please contact Leah at agileknitter@AOL.com.

Miss Lillybelle says "Thank You".       

Teamwork...

Teamwork is the ability

To work together

Toward a common vision.

The ability to direct individual

Accomplishments toward

Organizational objectives.

 

It is the fuel that allows

Common people to obtain

Uncommon results.

For a 3 minute investment, you see how the 9 key principles of teamwork used by the Blue Angels ties back to what it means to you and your team. See the movie here.

The Extra Degree

Today is July 31st, the 212th day of 2007.  To celebrate with a 3 minute shot of inspiration,  here's 212°…The Extra Degree.

The Power of Attitude

...the difference in success or failure is not how you look, not how you dress,
not even how you’re educated. It’s how you think! In many ways we’re all alike; however, one little difference always makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude.

 

In this 3 minute movie I’d like to share with you some of the keys to staying positive in today’s world.

Relay for Life

Last year my friend Garrett Frey and his family decided to support the American Cancer Society by raising money as part of a Relay for Life team.  Garrett set out to not only participate in the Relay, but to walk the entire 24 hours!  This was an ambitious goal as he found out.  Garrett ended up walking an impressive 12.5 hours without stopping ~over 30 miles~ before his body revolted.

This year Garrett and his family are back at it!  Garrett has challenged himself to beat the number of hours he walked during last year's event.   This year he will allow himself to take breaks, which he thinks will extend the total number of hours/miles he can walk during the 24 hour period (June 2nd - 3rd).

Relay For Life® is much more than a walk around a track. It is a time to remember those lost to cancer and celebrate those who have survived. It is a night for people who have shared the same experience to comfort and console one another. Relay gives you the power to help accelerate the Society's progress toward a future where cancer doesn't take the lives of our friends and family.

Light the Way to a Cure!

When the sun goes down, hundreds of luminarias light the way under the stars and a moment of silence falls during the ceremony of hope. Luminarias are glowing bags that on first glance appear to be nothing more than paper sacks filled with sand and candles. But upon closer examination, these bags represent people, each with a name and a story to tell.

The ceremony of hope is one of the most special and moving events in the entire Relay For Life®™. Everyone gathers around to remember those lost to cancer, support those fighting cancer, and rejoice with those who have fought the disease and won. Luminarias are available for a contribution to the American Cancer Society.

You can honor a cancer survivor by placing their name under “In Honor Of" or you can remember someone who has lost their battle by placing the name under “In Memory Of.” Each individual’s name will appear on a luminaria and will be lit during the Luminaria Ceremony at the Relay For Life®™.

If you would like to help Garrett, Sarah, Jocelyn, Celeste & Baby Frey (Due Sept. '07) reach their goal, you can make a tax-deductible donation here.

Go here to learn more about the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.

Bunny Rescued from Gang of Hooligan Cats Returns to Forest Primeval

Late Monday night, returning from the market, Alex came upon several of my neighbor's stray cats hanging out by the side of the road.  Very odd, he thought, swinging the car around so as to catch them better in his headlights.  From underneath a large white male, poked a very tiny bunny head!

Charging the cats...fighting them off...he was able to scoop up the feline's wee prey.  They made their escape to the waiting car.  Trailed home by the pack of hooligans, Alex and Bunny, miraculously unhurt from his ordeal,  made their way safely into the kitchen.  A call to our friend, Ursula, provided critical information on the care and feeding of baby bunnies.  Bunny settled down for the night on a towel with water and Butter Lettuce in a dog crate.

Tuesday afternoon, while the hooligans were taking their day long naps, Bunny had a lite lunch of strawberries, then he/she, Alex & Allie headed off to the woods.  Once there, Bunny eagerly hopped off to find a new and hopefully safer home...

Funny thing, our three cats couldn't have cared less that Bunny was in the house.  Goes to show what manners, and being well-fed will do...

All of this reminded me of that great book by Richard Adams, Watership Down. 

 

Maya Angelou...a must see

"I think, whether you know it or not, there are gifts within you to take you through this life. It's just a matter of time before you discover what they are and how you should use them."
-Maya Angelou

"Hailed as one of the greatest speakers of our times, Maya Angelou's words have been a source of inspiration, comfort, encouragement and strength for millions of people around the world. A poet, playwright, producer, director, conductor, actor, best selling author, social activist, and 3 time Grammy Winner. She claims no single profession and excels at all those she undertakes."

Dr. Angelou will appear at the TPAC's Jackson Hall, Monday, May 21 at 7:30pm. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.