Friday's project....7000 Bracelets of Hope

Thought I would re post this. Turns out I have my Fridays back....so I thought I would make some more bracelets. 
On Feb. 28, 2011 my outlook on my life was altered dramatically. I received a post on that day about it being World Rare Disease Day which linked me to the Global Gene Project and the 7000 Bracelets of Hope page. I thought wow…a chance to do something for the children who suffer and their families.  I have Polymyositis which I believe is under the rare category since it effects only1in 100,000 people. As an adult this has been a struggle for my family and I, since no one really understood the future challenges that we were to face. I cannot even imagine what it is like for a child or especially a parent to deal with diagnosis that very few people understand.

 

What caught my attention was the bracelet campaign. I thought here is something to pass on a bit of hope and support every day. I started making jewelry when a fall left me in a wheelchair and I had to give up my job. So I was all in with the bracelet project. These two blog really made up my mind to create some. A blog post from a parent …world rare disease-day-2011 and a blog from an artist The Rest of the Story left me certain I would be helping out.

 Sometimes it is the little things that can make a huge difference.  I had recently offered to make a necklace for a friend. I just really wanted to make her something easy to wear and would make her feel pretty when going to her Doctors appointments.  Her reply touched my heart in many ways… “That is the most kind offer! In fact  call me an emo, but tearing up right now!! I love everything...pearls, natural stone. but you surprise me! Anything you make is beautiful and I will like and treasure forever! It would be awesome to wear something to the doctors that you made so that I feel like I have piece of all my myositis friends with me, along with their strength.”  The fact that someone else thinks of me as strong…makes me feel strong in a way.

So I hope that the bracelets pass along a bit of hope, strength and good karma to all those who receive them. And they know that there are people who understand. And you to can send hope to a child.

Art and Music: my thoughts

Someone told me the other night that I seem to have song for all occasions, maybe so. Perhaps I need to change what I want to chat about.  Maybe I should add music the the art. Music can change your make you feel calm, happy, excited make us laugh and cry. Fuel your creativity.  Hopefully I can brighten your day with some musical insight.
Music has become a big part of my big girl life *middle age*. My big girl life has brought new challenges and a wonderful *that is sarcasm* auto-immune disorder. A rare disorder with treatment that is a guessing game, has left me in a wheelchair and a lot of time on my hands. Not always is time a good thing...when you watch the world from your window. Art, crafts, and music have become a lifeline. Music has always been a big part of who I am just ask my children. They will tell you about choir rehearsals, singing at two churches every Sunday and a car with me as the radio.

My very first album that I could listen to...was "Bookends" from Simon & Garfunkel. Actually my older brother kindly left it behind when he went in the navy in 1969, so finders keepers. Needless to say to this day that album is one of my favorites. Paul Simon is one of the great writers of that generation. His lyrics always paint vivid images and feeling. Take the song...."At The Zoo" these word seem like nonsense but they never fail to prompt a sing along and a smile. So for your enjoyment and the word make a neat poem. Remember you can always sing as if no one is listening.

 Someone told me, It's all happening at the zoo.,  I do believe it, I do believe it's true.
Mmmmm. Mmmmm. Whoooa. Mmmmm.
It's a light and tumble journey, From the East Side to the park; Just a fine and fancy ramble...To the zoo.

But you can take the crosstown bus If it's raining or it's cold, And the animals will love it If you do. If you do.
Something tells me It's all happening at the zoo. I do believe it, I do believe it's true.
Mmmmm. Mmmmm. Whoooa. Mmmmm.

The monkeys stand for honesty, Giraffes are insincere, And the elephants are kindly but they're dumb. Orangutans are skeptical Of changes in their cages,
And the zookeeper is very fond of rum.

Zebras are reactionaries, Antelopes are missionaries, Pigeons plot in secrecy, And hamsters turn on frequently.
What a gas! You gotta come and see
At the zoo.