Are they listening?

We got a lot of snow the other day. I was content to stay locked inside and dig out later. Especially when the folks who were knocking on the door offering to shovel my driveway were adult men and women and asking for way too much money. I guess it is a sign of hard times. Gone are the days when the neighborhood kids did that sort of thing. I can remember raking leaves, cutting grass, shoveling snow and planting gardens. I digress...So, I am sitting at my desk pretending to work when I hear this scraping noise outside the window. I go to look and it is some of the neighborhood kids shoveling Miss Tina's driveway. I was moved to tears. I was especially moved when I saw a little 4 year old with his baby shovel helping.

I have been telling these kids for three years that we are a community and we need to care about each other. Everything is not always about money. When you see Ms. Mary across the street carrying groceries or dragging her trash can to the curb--HELP HER. I was not sure if they were listening. Still, I kept encouraging them to show love to our neighbors. So after they built 2 snow forts and had several snowball fights they decided to shovel my driveway.

I bundled up and went outside to thank them. I used my wheelchair so I could help too (can't lift the snow while standing). I could not run, so they took that as a moment to flood me with snowballs. They loved getting Miss Tina wet...quiet as it is kept, I had fun too.

I invited them in for cookies and hot chocalate. Over our snack I learned that they had helped a couple of neighbors a few times washing cars and cutting grass. And that they decided on their own to help me that day. Whoo Hooo!

Well I am thankful that they are getting the idea of being connected as a community. It was all fun and games until someone spilled hot chocolate...of course they cleaned it up. Aren't there laws about child labor (LOL)

Cute Kids Crafts

Since children are always at my home and since I believe in keeping them busy; I started Cute Kids Crafts under the umbrella of TINA'S TREASURE TRUNK© Now the children that I teach and mentor have a division dedicated especially for the masterpieces that they create. They have created all kinds of items from jewelry to paper crafts to doll clothes. Some of the kids have sold their creations at bazzars or yard sales. Mostly they make gifts or things for themselves.

Recently, I was in a card swap and Naudja from Scraps of Color (SOC) sent me a thank you note card. The card was on my dining room table when visiting children saw it and asked if they could make one like it. You want to scraplift? But you all are only seven, eight and nine. Start 'em early, I guess lol. I was catching a cold and really tired, but never too out of it to CRAFT! So after they did a little pleading , I said sure, and gave them cardstock, scrap paper, tools and supplies. They practiced measuring and cutting. They used a rotary cutter, score board, bone folder, texture tool and a few other tools. They used chalk ink to distress/ink the edges of the white cardstock. They even got to test out their stamping skills. The children made 20 of these little thank you note cards and they were used in another swap that I was doing. Is that child labor? Oops...lol.

Unfortunately, the inspiration piece mysteriously got misplaced, so sorry there is no picture. A big thank you to Naudja for inspiring the children!

I hope you check back, I am hosting a writing "Pass-it-on" party over the Christmas break.

It ain't easy being green...

Remember that song? I am just waiting to see the Kermitt the Frog song and character being used for recycling advertisments. It is probably already being used somewhere.

My friend and fellow social justice advocate wastes nothing. She reuses everything! I always thought that I was not wasteful and very frugal, but when I started working with her I discovered that I could do way more. Recently, she had a birthday and I decided to give her items from the health food store in our town. What better way to package them than with recycled products. This was a fun gift to make and she really appreciated the idea.

Materials: bubble wrap gift bag, muslin ribbon-glimmer misted and streaked with stencil paint, "everyday is earthday" iron on patch used for the tag.

I don't remember being bored as a child...

Nowadays children always say that they are bored. I do not recall ever being bored growing up. O.k. so maybe boredom is a possibility, but there is ALWAYS something to do. Sometimes kids just need a little guidance. For goodness sake...they do not come out the womb knowing what they like. Older people have to expose them to various things. Long gone are the days when every school had classes for art, sewing, mechanical drawing, woodworking, metal shop and home economics.

I believe all of us have a responsibility to 'pass on' what we know to others. One way I do this is by hosting gatherings or 'Pass it on' parties where attendees can have fun learning a skill like cooking, acting, sewing, crafting or writing while building communication skills, creativity, collaboration ability, and confidence.

This was not a scheduled gathering. When these three girls insisted that they had nothing to do, I found myself hosting an impromptu drama party. They were urged to use their imaginations...and boy did they! They wrote an original skit, and used props and costumes (I keep baskets of found items and old clothes on hand). They performed beautifully and had hours of fun. Then we made and ate a delicious dinner-does that count as a cooking 'pass it on' party? lol

Secret Surprise Giveaway!

Congratulations to Danah, the 20th follower of Joy in the Journey! Danah, you are the winner of the secret suprise giveaway. Your DCWV paper pack is on the way.

You might be saying "But there was no post announcing blog candy." That is EXAXTLY right!!! Don't you just love surprises? The next giveaway may be when there are 50 followers or maybe it will be when there are 100 followers. You never know, so be sure to follow me here. The next winner will be selected randomly.

Black Friday is upon us, and I am sure there are some great blog candy goodies to be found.

Don't miss this...

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Here's a little something for you!


Get your FREE subscription to Scraps of Color Scrapbook Magazine today! All you need to do is visit their site at http://www.scrapsofcolor.com and sign up! That's it, no strings attached! They have a SUPER Creative Team ready to thrill and delight you throughout 2011! First, issue arrives February 2011!



How cool is that! I'm already signed up!

Stay tuned for their page call announcement and a wonderful December filled with ideas and inspiration by the fabulous SOC Girls and a super BIG BLOG GIVEAWAY! Don't miss a minute of the scrappy inspiration!

It is good to have support

Three years ago I was sort of afraid to move from the northern part of my state to the southern part. I had become used to my circle of friends. When I got real sick the nurses ministry at my church stepped right in to help me. Still, I knew that God had ordained for me to move.

I love my house, but I feel so isolated in this area. I recently learned that it is not simply my location, but also my stage in life. See, I am single with no children while most of my friends have children and are married. Coupled with that truth, I discovered that I do not always ask for help.

However, two things happened to me recently that helped me to grow out of this " I can do it by myself" box. I was caregiver to a 4 month old baby for a week and yesterday I had a back procdure done. While I didn't plan any appointments during my week of babysitting, it was still more than a notion to care for a young child. With my physical disability, I really needed help. With the back procedure, I have been a bit wobbly and almost fell a few times. It was great to have help with daily living activities and to not be by myself all day. I am so touched that a few folks have called to check on me, picked up perscriptions, heated up meals etc.

I really like giving to others, so who am I to think that others would not want to and enjoy pouring into me. I thank God for growth. In these two instances, I asked for assistance. Some folks came through; while others said they would, but did not. Normally, I would take the attitude "see when you ask for help you do not get it". This time I did not let that deter me-I reached out anyway. Although, I still refused offers to put away dishes and do laundy, I did accept help. I figured that I could take baby steps before I put away my wonder woman cape. lol Every process takes time huh?