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Violets have always been a favorite. I made a fold up booklet on violets for a pay it forward last year. Also make a 40 page illustrated book on violets filled with herbal legends and lore, recipes, mythological references, the story of how Napoleon got the name Corporal Violet, and so much more. It always amazed me that even though they are so tiny, and only in bloom such a short period of time, they have had a tremendous impact through out history.
Two more Pay it Forward projects are in the mail! I've been researching violets since spring and since one of my Pay it Forward recipients is named Athena, it seemed to be a good fit for her when I read that Athens had been referred to as a city crowned with violets. Intuitively, I decided to send Susan a booklet on violets as well! Both books contain information on the violet's gender, planet, deity, and recipes for violet butter, crystallized violets and more. Oh, and the powers of the violet - love, luck, protection, wishes, healing and peace!
My ever faithful Mac has been under the weather for awhile and it escalated to an extended emergency trip to the MacHospital to replace his logic board. They determined that the hard drive was in perfect shape but replaced it anyway, at no additional cost, because there was a problem with rebooting. So Mac is back and so am I! As always, there are blessings in every perceived set back. Not having a computer gave me an opportunity to move full steam ahead with my sketch books, journals and Pay it Forward Projects. Remake of a Journal from the Summer of 1986 for Tom.When we moved to our 1820s farm house on 10 acres, we were blessed with fruit laden trees - cherry, pear, at least 10 apple trees - including my favorite cooking apple, the Summer Rambo, and my favorite for eating - the orange fruited Cox's Orange Pippin. It was even more endearing because my grandmother's last name was Cox. I spent the summer canning and cooking and wrote down every recipe! Tom was at our house almost daily and there were references to him in the journal, so for his Pay it Forward, I recreated the journal. He is a phenomenal cook so this seemed to be a good blend of memories and practical information!
![]() Late last night I took Zippy out following the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. When I checked the mail, I was deeply touched to find a check from Pay it Forward Foundation to help me with the devastation from the loss of my home in the flood of 2011. Lisa Bartoli, who attended an online class with me, and her daughter Shayla, opened an account for me through Pay it Forward, even though neither had met me at the time. (I've since met Lisa and so look forward to meeting Shayla!) Their kindness and generosity, culminating just as thousands of others are in need, seems God sent. I'm feeling guided to encourage others to follow their lead. Many didn't have insurance, and even those who did will not be well covered. Flood insurance does not begin to restore living space as it was before the damage. At best, it is fractional. There is also no coverage for out of home living - hotel, meals, etc. Even if homes are not destroyed, there is often no electricity for months. If you have escaped life altering damage from the Frankenstorm Sandy, please consider paying it forward. Reach out and make a phone call to let people know you care. A caring word from a friend can turn their day around. Send a cards - even if you don't know where they are, their mail will be forwarded. Cook extra food and take a meals to them. Many have no where to prepare meals and can't afford to eat at restaurants. If you know someone who needs their basement, yard or home cleaned, spend an hour or two helping. If you don't know anyone personally, find someone through your church, United Way or Red Cross. If you can give money, please do. Even $10, from thousands of people, can have a huge impact. DO NOT call and ask what you can do to help. Just do it. During survival mode, it is difficult to know what you need next, and even more difficult to appear even more vulnerable and ask for help. Please, before you rest your head on you own pillow, in your own bed, in your own home tonight, first find a way to Pay if Forward. |
"My mission is to help others see and cherish the beauty, romance and treasures within and around them that are often dismissed or completely overlooked." Categories
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MikellMikell is a writer, artist and professional treasure hunter, finding the greatest treasures in the wonderful people who enter her life! |