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Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Look what was in my mail...


Look what I found in the mail! I am so very excited.... I received this beautiful sterling silver dragonfly necklace (the photo does not do it justice!) from Penelope G. The lovely necklace was the give-away on Laura Trevey's blog, Bright, Bold and Beautiful several days ago...and I WON! Yippee!!!!! (I love dragonflies!) Not only does the dragonfly have raised designs on the wings, the long chain can be shortened by attaching the lobster claw between the pretty Swarovski crystals...it's like two necklaces in one!

Thank you, Laura, for the opportunity to win...and for introducing me to Penelope G. I have truly enjoyed "talking" with her and seeing her beautiful jewelry at her ETSY store. Please take a minute and visit Penelope's shop. You might find just the right piece for you...or for a gift. The jewelry is lovely, the prices are fair, and Penelope is delightful!

Thank you...thank you...thank you.


I LOVE DRAGONFLIES!!!

Jane

Thursday, June 24, 2010

TWLOHA...To Write Love on Her Arms


Today, I want to share something that has been on my heart...

For the past several years, I have been involved with young people. Many are from good, strong homes; many are not. Many have healthy views of themselves; many do not. Many feel secure in their world; many do not. Every one...EVERY SINGLE ONE... of them has been touched by abuse, be it alcohol, drugs, physical, mental...and by depression...you know the list. Even the strongest of these young people have moments of doubt that they do not fit in anywhere...they are scared, lonely, depressed, ripped apart. They cry out for help. But we don't always hear...

*According to the National Institute for Mental Health, more than 18 million people in the US suffer from depression.


*Depression often co-occurs with anxiety disorders and substance abuse, with 30 percent of teens with depression also developing a substance abuse problem. (NIMH)

*Untreated depression is the number one cause of suicide, and suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers. (NIMH)

*2 out of 3 people suffering from depression do not seek help!


The above statements are found on the website of To Write Love On Her Arms, "a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depressions, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery." (their mission statement)

This "LOVE" movement is circling the globe. Letters, emails, and financial support show its hope is resonating with young people all over the world. (There are some incredible notes on the website.) TWLOHA has a presence at rock concerts and other events throughout the US and beyond. (See the Calendar on their website. ) It's definitely a charity...a support system... with which we should be familiar.

Truthfully, I had never heard of TWLOHA until my son, Music Guy, came home with a shirt sporting these letters. Of course, I asked what they meant...and the story unfolded. In fact, the story was written on the shirt for all to see (read). Today, he works with this organization, handling a lot of their IT work...and he keeps me informed of their happenings. In my email this morning, MG sent me a link to an event TWLOHA sponsored with Hurley (surf company) in Virginia. The link for this event is below, as is the story, written by Jamie (the founder). It is moving...bringing tears to my eyes. I highly recommend reading it... a mother's love.

http://www.hurley.com/index.cfm/aid/40607/ZEKE-S-LIL-RAT-SURFCUS

(This story is also on the TWLOHA website...Flowers to the Sea.)

Please take a few minutes to check out the TWLOHA website...to read their vision and the story that started it all...

http://www.twloha.com

There are many ways you can support this mission...of course, there is a financial help. But right now, on Facebook, there is a contest sponsored by Chase Bank charities. They are donating $250,000 to the winning charity. You can go to their site (the link below) and cast your vote for The Kristin Brooks Hope Center (founder of 1-800-suicide). All proceeds go to IMAlive online crisis support network, of which TWLOHA is a partner.

http://bit.ly/vote_hope

"Hope is real. Help is real. Your story is important."

With hope,
Jane








Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Sunshine on my shoulders...


Sunshine...on my shoulders...makes me happy.








Sunshine...in my eyes...can make me cry.
















Sunshine...on the water...looks so lovely,














Sunshine...almost always makes me high!













If I had a day that I could give to you...
I'd give to you a day just like today.
If I had a song that I could sing for you...
I'd sing a song to make you feel this way.

May your day be filled with warm sunshine...
Jane

Be sure to visit all the other Outdoor Wednesday posts at http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com...a treat for the eyes!!!

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Bite-Sized Applesauce Muffins

Ask my sons... all three will agree that their favorite muffin is my bite-sized APPLESAUCE MUFFINS. I have no memory of where I found this recipe. It's just one I have made for so many years...for so many events...and especially for my boys! After leaving home, each of them has called to ask for this recipe (and Drummer Boy "borrowed" mini-muffin pans...6 months ago...and has never returned them!) These luscious bites of muffin are so delicious that it's difficult to stop eating them. They are definitely addictive! They are best when warm...and with coffee or tea.


Bite-Sized Applesauce Muffins


1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. baking powder

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
cinnamon sugar (mix, to taste, sugar and cinnamon...I love lots of cinnamon!!!)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Stir the first 7 ingredients together until all are combined. Do not over mix.
Drop by teaspoonsful into a greased miniature cupcake pan.
Bake for 15 minutes.

Remove from pan while warm. Dip the top of each muffin in melted butter, then cinnamon sugar.
Makes 36 mini muffins.


















Be sure to visit Michelle at http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com
There are some really scrumptious recipes this week!!!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Come to the Beach!




Rows of beach chairs are waiting for you...

















Seagulls are splashing and preening...getting all spruced up for your photo-ops.
















The shelling is great! And the sand is perfect for building giant castles...

























The breezes are just right for kite flying! Not to strong... not too gentle...















Walking on the shore or body-surfing in the waves, dozing in the sun or reading a book...

RELAX... listen to the rhythm of the waves...the crash of the water on the breakers...the sound of the breeze...the laughter of children...

Ahhhhh..........









Come join us...
We're waiting for you!

Jane









(All photos were taken at Honeymoon Island State Park...Dunedin, FL. This gorgeous park is just minutes from my home. Stop by for a glass of iced cold pomegranate and mint lemonade.)