Jody is my inspiration.  She is the Angle Tree Angel here in this community.  She has put herself in charge of making sure that every child here in the Ucon, Idaho area has a gift to open on Christmas.  Jody works endless hours collecting names and information from local school officials and church leaders.  Then she sets up angel trees in the local churches.  All we have to do is pick a tag or two (or more) with the information of the child that we will be buying gifts for.  Often the tags are so humbling:  the child just asks for underwear and socks.  What a good reminder for us to count our many blessings.

Jody then collects the gifts, wraps them, and makes sure every family is well taken care of.  She is also in charge of the deliveries. 
Now, if you thought that this is the only thing going on in her life:  think again.  Jody has a busy family of 5 children, and she works as an LPN as well.  But she makes the time for this important work of the heart. 
Jody is my inspiration.

According to Jody, the greatest blessing is seeing how her own children now view Christmas.  They are so selfless in their desires and spend their time and energy worrying about these sweet children whose names are on the tags.  Their wishlists are just for them...!

Like I said:  Jody is an angel:  the Tree Angel!

I've been wanting to so something special for her,
so I decided to make her a little piece of mixed media art with her as the subject. 
"The Angel Tree Angel"
Hope she likes it.....

Let's share a bit of warmth.....

I'm sure we've all seen images on the TV and the internet of the damage hurricane Sandy has done on the East coast.  So today is a good day to help those poor people out.  And what about you? Don't you love a nice warm, dry, clean pair of sacks when you feel yucky and miserable?
I do!
Socks for Sandy is a project put together by Hometalk Community, and I for one am getting involved.

Buying and mailing socks is a small and easy thing to do that is sure to bring some small relief (perhaps even a little smile) to the people who have been affected by hurricane Sandy.

Tragedy can strike at any moment. It’s super scary. Let’s help bring a little warmth and comfort to those affected by Sandy. Send socks, gloves, and hats to:

Socks for Sandy
P.O. Box 520
Little Egg Harbor, NJ  08087  

Please mail packages by Friday, November 9, the need is urgent.


Laura will receive all packages and immediately take these to the local hurricane shelter for distribution. Any excess will be given to the other hurricane shelters up and down New Jersey's coastline. 

Thank you so much for helping out...  :)

Other ways to help out:  donate directly to the Red Cross
Spread the word about "Socks for Sandy"

Amy Hamberlin is an amazingly talented fabric and sewing pattern designer from South East Idaho.  And she needs our help!
Recently she has been diagnosed with some serious health issues, and her sisters have organized a benefit concert in order to raise funds for her upcoming medical procedures.  Amy's medical story is one filled with miracles. 
The concert takes place on January 28, 2011 in Rexburg, Idaho, and features the following musicians:

• Nik Day
• The Lost River Ramblers
• Jo and Jacie Sites
  

Amy is a fun, energetic, and extremely creative person

Her business goes under the name of Kati Cupcake, after her late mother Kati.

Amy has inspired me for many years, and continues to do so.
Her designs are cheerful, new and happy girly....

Please consider helping out Amy Hamberlin and her family by either

• Purchasing her creative products,
• Attending the Concert,
• or Making a donation  (please do so, the family can really use your help, especially after the concert is over, the need for help will not disappear....)
  

Thank you!!!

Are you familiar with Kati Cupcake or Amy Hamberlin?
What designs of hers inspire you most?