I Think my Super Powers took a Vacation

At least I found that out when I tried to walk through a wall this morning and the wall didn't move... I'd show you a picture of the toe as proof, but I'll spare you the gross details.  The Reader's Digest Version is that I'm pretty sure this little piggy is broken, I'm limping along like a bad hair day and I have no appetite (so you know we must be experiencing a blue moon.)

Click the photos to enlarge them.

But I do have a really touching message to share with you.  Yesterday I went with my fiance's family to visit Valley of the Kings which is an animal sanctuary for exotic animals in Sharon, WI.  What moved me so much is that all of the animals that live there now all have a story of rough beginnings.  I love animals of all shapes and sizes, but I tell you, even I know that a cute little lion cub will grow up to be a full fledged lion and is not going to fit comfortable in my home as a house pet... but some people don't make such educated decisions.

Valley of the Kings operates on donations alone.  They only open for tours for members only and limiting visitation to Sat. & Sundays.  It's not a zoo and they aren't "showy" with the animals, some of them came from circuses.  When they could no longer perform, the circus was going to put the lions and tigers down.  V.O.T.K. does everything in their power to not let that happen.  It provides a safe shelter for those abused, neglected or aging exotic animals until their quality of life is no longer good.

They have dozens of lions and tigers - including the tiger that was the mascot on mobile cards - you might remember the saying "Put a tiger in your tank..." yup, he's 23 now and living a very comfortable life in his indoor/outdoor pen.

I was so touched by all the animals and their stories.  But even more moved by all of the volunteers that make VOTK possible.  From high school students to adults and even aging adults everybody commits so much time and love to helping these animals have a wonderful "new beginning."

With as much time as everyone puts in, that doesn't leave time to do "marketing" or "advertising" so I wanted to do my part - small or large as it reaches - to introduce you to this amazing organization and encourage you to visit their website and offer a donation if you can.  http://www.votk.org

I was emotionally moved by several of the animals, but the most amazing story is about a blind horse.  This horse was actually brought to the sanctuary to be euthanized and used as food for the tigers and lions.  However, other than not being able to see, she was in beautiful shape.  The volunteer vet on staff, saw the problems her "non-working" eyes were causing with infection and matter and opted to remove them.  Since the surgery, she has blossomed into the most loving creature.  She has 2 donkeys that share an indoor/outdoor pen with her and they guide her in and out of the barn so she has no problems negotiating the doorway or the gates.  She runs a full force and is absolutely beautiful.  I look forward to visiting again and help to support their amazing mission. 

This visit and feeling the spirit and the energy these animals exude just filled me with gratitude.  You can feel how greatful they are to have such a loving home now.  You can see how they play together now in each of their various enclosures and you know they haven't always been so fortunate.  It was a visit that I'll never forget and look forward to returning to lend a helping hand soon.

Vacation Inspiration

I'm just back in town from a mini-vacation up to the Wisconsin Dells.  I just love it when I come home and I'm so inspired that my creative juices are just oozing out of my pores.  I'm going to be making some sketches, and jotting down some notes so I don't forget them on days when I don't have so much coffee.  :)

We stayed at the Kalahari Resort which is African Safari themed... you know what that means.... LOTS OF BEADWORK... yes, so many of their decorations, wall hangings, even pieces of artwork in our rooms were all beautiful woven pieces of bead heaven!  Do you think I took my camera... no, silly me I forgot.  BUT... I guarantee you'll be able to enjoy some of the atmosphere in the pieces I create in the upcoming days!  I just love being home, welcomed by my two fur babies, and tonight... my own bed.  Ahhhhh, bliss! 

In addition to the place being an inspiration... I gained so much inspiration from the people I met.  My sweetie was actually attending a convention while we were there... so I had a great time meeting some of the other realtors from his company.  I felt like so much a part of the family and really enjoyed getting to know many of them on a more familial level.  I'm even doing a special piece of jewelry for a charity event coming up in October that I'm so excited to help out!  *More on that to come soon!

Hope your weekend was wonderful and thus far your week has started you out with many blessings!  Have a terrific evening dear friends!

{{Hugs!}}
~Dawn

Beads of Courage - A really, REALLY Important Service Message!

This might be the most important 31 seconds of your day today!  Watch this video, please!



Okay, so now that you've seen the message, I know you want to do something.  I was reminded of this wonderful movement from my dear friend Juli Cannon of Juls Beads.  She makes amazing glass beads and donates some of those really beautiful beads to Beads of Courage.

WHAT?  Right, I hear what you are asking me now...
"But I don't make beads... how can I help?"

Well, Pepsi is running a contest now through July 31st called the Pepsi Refresh Project.  The top 10 vote getters for the good ideas each get $25K toward their good idea!  Do you know what that donation can mean for Beads of Courage?  It means that 10,000 children will be covered for their full length of treatments.  That's really, REALLY making a difference.

So to vote, go here: http://www.refresheverything.com/beadsofcourage and vote.  You can vote once every single day until July 31st!  Are you going to make a difference?  I originally heard about Beads of Courage when our local news did a story about it from our regional Children's Hospital.  I can't tell you how touched the children were, the parents were and how so many artisans gave of their beads to make a difference.  I'm just so happy now that we can all make a difference.

Go Vote... Vote often!  Spread the word!  Tweet this!  Share it on Facebook!  Blog about it on your blog!  Let's get Beads of Courage into the top 10 and keep it there!