OVFA is sponsoring a Sister!

On nights when my husband travels, both of my young kids pile into bed with me and we have a little ritual. 

When the lights are out, I ask them "Think of one thing you are grateful for." I am trying to show them how important it is to reflect on our lives and give thanks for all that we have. Making time in my daily life to give thanks has made me a happier, and better person.

(C) WFWI

Not everyone on our earth is as lucky as I am. In fact, I suspect I am among the luckiest for many, many reasons. I'm not well enough to volunteer my time any more, so I've been looking for other ways to share the goodness that is within my life. I recently read a story about a woman who started sponsoring someone through Women for Women International. She's now publishing a cookbook to help support the organization.

I thought that as a great way to have OVFA contribute to the greater good in this world, that we would sponsor a woman who is less fortunate than me. I'm excited that I've put in my initial donation and will soon be matched with a sister from Nigeria or Rwanda. $10 a month will go directly to the woman I am matched with, and $20 will go to fund programs that help educate and support women.

The Foundation reports:

"Of Women for Women International-Nigeria program participants and graduates:

• 86% report improved physical health
• 88% are actively participating in key household decisions
• 80% leave the program with knowledge of their legal rights
• 98% are earning an income
• More than 60% of graduates are saving income to invest in their future".

Wow, what amazing outcomes! If you are interested in sponsoring your own sister, you can read more here at the WFWI website.

Beautiful rugs

I "met up" with an amazing fiber artist on-line who was destashing some of her fiber. I've now added to my stash from her twice, with some gorgeous Lincoln, Targhee and Karakul.

I found out that she uses it for hooked rugs, and was I ever in for some eye candy when I found her Etsy shop and flickr feed. Vicky Brickle-Macky lives in South Carolina and does amazing work with fiber. She previously ran a cross stitch company (Fanxstitch), and her designs must have been amazing. Here are two from her Etsy shop:



What really moves me though are her rugs. I fell in love with them, and am hoping that maybe one will come my way for Mother's Day. I thought this is a great gift for a mom who loves fiber and traditional arts and crafts. Here are three of my favourites:

Random acts of kidness

Signal boost. This is a great way to show compassion and spread some good. I'm happy to pay to ship Ottawa's contribution, if your square is done by next week and you can get it to me (email me for my address). So, let's spread some love...

Taken from the Yarn-a-go-go blog

"Hi Rachael,

This is a bit awkward for me because I've only just learned who you were a couple of weeks ago, but you were the first person that came to mind. I've been reading your book, A Life in Stitches, because I told my nook that I like to knit, and it thought I would love what you had to say about it. I do. I love it so much, and more than one chapter has attempted to choke me with tears (and succeeded...like yesterday in the lunchroom...my first sweater will now have rows of your memories in it). 

I just got through the part where you talk about the Love Blanket everyone made for you when you lost your mother. Krystle Campbell, one of the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing earlier this week, was the niece of a coworker of mine. Wilma was so proud of her, so fond of her, you would think Krystle was her own daughter. It feels like it was no coincidence that I happened upon your book when I did, or read that particular chapter while flailing inside because showering Wilma with hugs this week just hasn't been enough. I started by going around the office and hounding my friends on Facebook in hopes of finding people who knit or crochet because the thought of, "Rachael knows who can help," just sounded crazy. I've hit that particular level of determination where crazy sounds like the Best Idea Ever.

If you can help get the word out, that would be absolutely amazing. I have no deadline at the moment, but none of these families have closure in one of the worst ways. If there are enough squares (which I'm hoping for beyond hope), I want to piece together a second blanket for Wilma's brother--Krystle's father. I can give them both to her here at the office.

Please, if you can help, feel free to pass out my email to anyone willing to put together an 8" by 8" square--crochet, knit, it doesn't matter, any color or style--and I'll get them my mailing address.

Thank you so much,

Rena"

Living well for fiber fanatics

I'm not sure if I've linked my two blogs before, but if I haven't here goes. In addition to using fiber as my creative outlet, I also have a passionate interest in health. I have an autoimmune disease that is literally kicking my butt right now, and so healthy living is a huge part of staying well for me. I have a love affair with food, so this is a good outlet for self care.

Living well 365 is my blog about health, wellness, and environmental friendliness. If you are interested in neat ideas and my wandering thoughts on these things, please take a look! I also welcome guest posts and your comments. If you check out today's post, you'll see that I drink crazy green shakes for breakfast.

And now you know a little more about me!