Today I woke up with the thoughts of putting on a pair of pants. (I may be wearing dresses more often now, as I realized the great feeling of not having my waist line restricted. ;-) ) I wanted to take some time to share with you about my experience in participating in Dressember.
Last year, I had a friend post about participating in Dressember. I followed her posts and read them with intent, but I didn't participate. I followed the Facebook page, and when they posted about the start of the movement again, I knew in my heart I should participate. It was so much more than a dress. I felt all of these: humbled, sadness, happiness, empowered, anger, enlightened, strength, determined, prayerful, and most of all-changed.
Some Things I've learned since participating in Dressember.
Statistics
1. More than 30 million people are enslaved worldwide.
2. Human trafficking generates about 150 billion a year.
3. About 2 million children are exploited in the global commercial sex trade.
4. The most recent study from the International Labor Organization in September 2017 found that women account for 99% of victims in the commercial sex industry and 58% in other forms of slavery.
5. Every 30 seconds, somewhere in the world, a child is trafficked.
How to Recognize the Signs of Human Trafficking
https://polarisproject.org/human-trafficking/recognize-signs
Areas Dressember Supports
1. Rescuing Victims
Our partners work closely with law enforcement to identify, protect, and free people who have been forced into the commercial sex trade.They also work to train law enforcement, hospital staff, and transportation authorities to identify conspicuous signs of slavery.
2. SERVING JUSTICE
We facilitate collaborative work with legal authorities to build strong cases against traffickers, pimps, and criminals, and ensure that all victims are well represented in court.
3. RESTORING LIVES
We know that every survivor deserves unique, individual treatment. Survivors are provided with access to housing, medical treatment, as well as individualized trauma counseling, vocational opportunities, and education.
Ways to Educate Ourselves
a blogpost on some good podcasts to listen to: http://www.dressember.org/blog/podcasts
an app to use to check out companies: Good on You https://goodonyou.eco/app/
http://www.dressember.org/blog/childlabor
Ethical Shopping Choices
http://www.dressember.org/blog/mensethicalguide
http://www.dressember.org/blog/holidaygiftguide
http://www.dressember.org/blog/stockingstufferguide
http://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/fair-trade-clothing
This is not an exhaustive list for sure, as I didn't want to overwhelm you with too much information. My goal is just inform you a little more, and how we can stand up for human rights. This doesn't end for me, as I will continue to learn more of what I can do.
Monday, January 1, 2018
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Food - late post (I forgot to finish writing it and posting it.)
July 2017:
As we were planning our vacation, we received an e-mail from the owner of the cabin and he shared the details for us. Included in these details was a list of recommendations of restaurants. Throughout the week we tried hard to find the best restaurants to eat at and not to eat at a chain. A thought crossed my mind - Why do we focus so much on food? I get that it is necessity, and we need it to keep our bodies moving and to stay healthy, but why is it such a huge focus for the majority of us.
When I think about meeting up with a friend, planning something with the family, working on a big event - food becomes a large part of it. If I think back in history, when people had guests they would make sure to have the best meal for them with their fine dining dishes. All around us food.
Some thoughts to ponder - I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Why does food have to be such a focus?
If it does need to be a focus, why do we prepare so much?
Why do restaurants serve us so much food that is equivalent to 3 servings or more?
If we actually had portion control, wouldn't this help out in the health care field as well?
As we were planning our vacation, we received an e-mail from the owner of the cabin and he shared the details for us. Included in these details was a list of recommendations of restaurants. Throughout the week we tried hard to find the best restaurants to eat at and not to eat at a chain. A thought crossed my mind - Why do we focus so much on food? I get that it is necessity, and we need it to keep our bodies moving and to stay healthy, but why is it such a huge focus for the majority of us.
When I think about meeting up with a friend, planning something with the family, working on a big event - food becomes a large part of it. If I think back in history, when people had guests they would make sure to have the best meal for them with their fine dining dishes. All around us food.
Some thoughts to ponder - I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Why does food have to be such a focus?
If it does need to be a focus, why do we prepare so much?
Why do restaurants serve us so much food that is equivalent to 3 servings or more?
If we actually had portion control, wouldn't this help out in the health care field as well?
Monday, November 9, 2015
The Blanket
It has taken me some to write this into words, but writing can heal the heart. I apologize for the lack of eloquence in words. Writing is not my strength...
Growing up, we would go to auction sales of our deceased relatives. My mom would always buy something that she could hold on to remember her relatives. I remember one sale in particular and she really wanted this old fashion baby buggy. It is pretty cool, from her aunt and uncles. She dressed up in a parade with her siblings with it and she has such wonderful memories. If I remember right an antique collector was bidding against her until, he realized it was family and gave in. We came home with this large beautiful baby buggy. My sister and I made porcelain dolls through 4-H, and many of them through our hands were placed in the buggy in the window of our dining room. My mom also has this beautiful cabinet from my grandma's house and a couple of special chairs from relatives as well. Another neat addition to my parents home is my dad's father's desk. It has such character and fits just perfectly in the corner.
As our dining room got tighter and tighter with these special heirlooms, I made comments and sly remarks to my parents. "Why do you need all this stuff? You have your memories to remember your loved ones. Why do you need the stuff?" I was harsh and told them to just let it go. Of course, the immaturity of me wasn't met with a hard head, and they just let the words fly in the air and go.
Then there is this blanket...my Aunt Anita made for me a few Christmases ago. She remembered my favorite color green, and it is so soft and warm. I would occasionally take this blanket and wrap it around my legs for warmth as I read a book with a dim light before bed.
Flash forward...I've recently lost this special someone. She was a remarkable women full of love, passion, and kindness. I always said I wanted to be a children's librarian someday just like her. It would be my dream job! Then the week of her passing, in our classroom our story was "Tomas and the Library Lady." It took every part of me to read the story that week, as I reflected on all the "Tomas kids" she touched as she worked tirelessly with the students from area schools in Sterling.
Now this blanket is no longer just a "blanket", but a comforter and healer for me as I wrap it tightly around me at night thinking of all the wonderful times I've had with her. I've become protective of it as I don't want anyone else to touch it. Every time I flip the page of a children's book she gave me, which I either have at home or in my classroom, I think of her reading the words off the page. I couldn't imagine anyone else having these books. I had to stop myself, as I said this is crazy, and then I thought of all the beautiful furniture items at my parents house. How quickly I was to judge, when now I'm doing the same thing.
I know I don't need the blanket to keep all those beautiful memories tucked away in my mind, but there is just something about it to help make the connection.
So to my parents...keep your "blankets" for as long as you need them. I can handle the clutter of a house.
Growing up, we would go to auction sales of our deceased relatives. My mom would always buy something that she could hold on to remember her relatives. I remember one sale in particular and she really wanted this old fashion baby buggy. It is pretty cool, from her aunt and uncles. She dressed up in a parade with her siblings with it and she has such wonderful memories. If I remember right an antique collector was bidding against her until, he realized it was family and gave in. We came home with this large beautiful baby buggy. My sister and I made porcelain dolls through 4-H, and many of them through our hands were placed in the buggy in the window of our dining room. My mom also has this beautiful cabinet from my grandma's house and a couple of special chairs from relatives as well. Another neat addition to my parents home is my dad's father's desk. It has such character and fits just perfectly in the corner.
As our dining room got tighter and tighter with these special heirlooms, I made comments and sly remarks to my parents. "Why do you need all this stuff? You have your memories to remember your loved ones. Why do you need the stuff?" I was harsh and told them to just let it go. Of course, the immaturity of me wasn't met with a hard head, and they just let the words fly in the air and go.
Then there is this blanket...my Aunt Anita made for me a few Christmases ago. She remembered my favorite color green, and it is so soft and warm. I would occasionally take this blanket and wrap it around my legs for warmth as I read a book with a dim light before bed.
Now this blanket is no longer just a "blanket", but a comforter and healer for me as I wrap it tightly around me at night thinking of all the wonderful times I've had with her. I've become protective of it as I don't want anyone else to touch it. Every time I flip the page of a children's book she gave me, which I either have at home or in my classroom, I think of her reading the words off the page. I couldn't imagine anyone else having these books. I had to stop myself, as I said this is crazy, and then I thought of all the beautiful furniture items at my parents house. How quickly I was to judge, when now I'm doing the same thing.
I know I don't need the blanket to keep all those beautiful memories tucked away in my mind, but there is just something about it to help make the connection.
So to my parents...keep your "blankets" for as long as you need them. I can handle the clutter of a house.
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Focus on others...
To start off, I want to thank everyone for helping out with sending birthday cards to my dad for his 60th birthday. I'm looking forward to seeing his reaction to receiving all the cards this week! I love getting personal letters/cards in the mail, and I'm sure he will as well.
Life is going to start picking up the pace a bit now as I start track season. It's hard to believe as I look out my window at all that light fluffy
Here is what Pastor Robb said about the idea: There are no real rules to this idea. This is just a way to write a note to 40 different people, and pray for them in the process. I’ll leave the content of the note up to you. Only share what you feel comfortable sharing with others. For example, you don’t have to tell someone that you’re writing them a note to fill in their “might be fearful” slot, and you don’t have to offer forgiveness to the person on March 27. Any note could be as simple as saying, “During the course of my prayers today, you came to mind. I hope you are doing well.”
He also shares ideas of different people that you can send a note to during the time. I probably won't follow it all, but it is a great way to get some ideas. Find out more here http://fatpastor.me/2013/02/12/40-notes-in-40-days.
Curious to hear what you do for Lent. I'm praying that I'm able to complete the task.
By the way a little update on my diary writing. It has become a daily habit now, and it's been great to reflect everyday of what I've done. Thanks again to my Aunt Anita for the journal at Christmas to spark my interest in starting the diary.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
2014 - Keeping History Alive
As a fan of technology, I finally purchased a smartphone a few months ago. Nothing fancy - not an iphone - but it does the trick. I've fallen into using the instagram app. I find that its fun to catch a moment in time to share with others every so often. I take a picture now and then to share with my friends. What I've realized though is that we live in such an instant world. It makes me wonder though have we lost the art of keeping the old traditions alive.
Does anyone out there miss when you took photos with film, and then waited for it to be developed to see the surprise?
Do you miss getting a hand written note in the mail or a real phone call from a friend?
Does anyone miss the sound of music from a record player?
What about not having the internet and actually looking up information in a book?
Speaking of books, when using an electronic device to read, don't you miss the smell and feel of a real book?
I like to say I have an "old" heart.
My family has a beautiful tradition - writing in a diary. We have diaries from several generations ago, and there is something magical about reading what people did on a day to day basis many years ago. My parents have kept the tradition going by keeping a diary too. Every so often, my dad will get out a diary and read about what we did that day several years ago. We might look up when we were born or what we did on our birthdays. It's fun to hear about the weather and what we did to have a good time.
For Christmas this year, I received a journal from my aunt. It has encouraged me to continue on with this family tradition of writing about my daily life in a diary format in my own handwriting. I can't wait to look back and read these memories with my family some day. I hope to keep you posted with this goal.
Does anyone out there miss when you took photos with film, and then waited for it to be developed to see the surprise?
Do you miss getting a hand written note in the mail or a real phone call from a friend?
Does anyone miss the sound of music from a record player?
What about not having the internet and actually looking up information in a book?
Speaking of books, when using an electronic device to read, don't you miss the smell and feel of a real book?
I like to say I have an "old" heart.
My family has a beautiful tradition - writing in a diary. We have diaries from several generations ago, and there is something magical about reading what people did on a day to day basis many years ago. My parents have kept the tradition going by keeping a diary too. Every so often, my dad will get out a diary and read about what we did that day several years ago. We might look up when we were born or what we did on our birthdays. It's fun to hear about the weather and what we did to have a good time.
For Christmas this year, I received a journal from my aunt. It has encouraged me to continue on with this family tradition of writing about my daily life in a diary format in my own handwriting. I can't wait to look back and read these memories with my family some day. I hope to keep you posted with this goal.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
There is always something for which to be thankful...
This Thanksgiving seems to have a new meaning to me. I think I've gained a new perspective this past year on giving thanks. I've been doing the 30 days of thanks challenge on Facebook, posting each day something I'm thankful for. I know for some it isn't your thing, but it has given me a chance to really reflect on each day and think about all the things I'm thankful for. Even on those hard and trying days, I was still able to find something to give thanks to.
It is so easy sometimes to allow the selfish human side of us to sneak in, and we sulk in the things we don't have. We reflect on what others have and want what our neighbors have. We use the line, "Life's not fair," when things aren't going the way we wish they would go. We get caught up in the great deals of the holiday shopping weekend, thinking we NEED all the latest and high tech gear.
But I want to challenge you to be thankful for all circumstances in life. A good friend of mine recently posted on her Facebook page being thankful for the hard and challenging times in her life this year. She is thankful for these moments, because now she can connect with others that may go through similar experiences in life. Wow! What a powerful reflection for others in her faith and walk with Jesus Christ.
As Josh and I are journeying through being a licensed foster care home, we have truly been giving thanks in all circumstances. I never would have guessed 10 years ago that this is what my life would be like right now. If life hadn't worked out the way it has, we wouldn't be starting this chapter in our lives. We are realizing how blessed we are to share our home. God has certainly been carrying us through this experience, and making us feel at peace through it all.
So I hope that you are able to take some time and give thanks for all of your experiences, even though it may be difficult.
Friday, July 26, 2013
4-H Memories Celebrating 100 Years
"I pledge my head to clearer thinking,
My heart to greater loyalty,
My hands to larger service,
and my health for better living,
for my club, my community, my country, and my world."
"To make the best better" ....
As I went to judge with my mom at the 4-H fair yesterday memories flooded my mind as I thought back to all the years I was involved in 4-H and all the people that I met along the way. As I walked the buildings at the fairgrounds, I realized that 4-H isn't important to most people anymore. Club numbers seem to have dwindled, projects lay spread out with space in between the tables, and few kids enter the judging hall. This breaks my heart as I see such an important program, no longer a part of kids lives. My experience in 4-H impacted me in so many ways, as I gained confidence, leadership skills, pride, etc. This year, 4-H is celebrating 100 Years, and I thought it would be appropriate to share some of my experiences as a 4-Her. I won't be able to list them all, but just would like to share a few.
1. Showing cattle at the fair and sleeping in the barns. I still remember pranks being done to each other and bats flying over our heads at night. (4-H by the way isn't just for "farming" kids!) We would work so hard going out to the farm to feed the heifers, work with them to tame them down, and then halter them to show. Some of the best times I had were on the farm with my siblings and cousins working with our cattle. Giving the cows a bath was priceless :)
2. Modeling my clothing project that I bought each year. No I didn't decide to be a model for a career, but I did gain confidence in myself. I learned what it is to be a good shopper and look for quality in items that I purchase. Through 4-H I learned what colors look good on me, and what colors I should avoid. We were also a part of the "Fashion Board" and would work hard at designing the stage the the modeling show - Peggy Bolin, Pat Rod, and my mom were such great leaders to help us with this!
3. Giving "talks and demonstrations" at our club meetings. We had to give a little speech about a topic and demonstrate how to do something in front of the club once a year. This is how I learned public speaking skills and how to feel comfortable standing up in front of a group of people. I learned how to run a meeting and was several different officers for the club throughout the years.
4. Doing all different kinds of projects gave me the chance to learn new things and find out what I was good at and maybe not so good at - microwave muffins...not so much! lol But I completed a wide variety of projects from citizenship, flowers, visual arts, cooking, passport to the world, photography, sewing for fun, etc. I remember being so anxious to share my project with the judge, and then getting the positive feedback on my accomplishments. If the project was "held-back" there was a possibility it might get more than a blue ribbon - even the chance to go to the state fair.
5. I think I attended the state fair with a project every year I was able to in 4-H. You got the chance to see the quality of projects from around the state and get to show your project to a judge once again. Receiving a superior at state was such an awesome feeling!
6. Most of all though I remember the relationships I built through being a part of 4-H. People I would never have met if I hadn't been a part of the program. You know who you are and I think of you all often! It is always great to run into you.
7. Now, I love to give back to the program that gave so much to me!
I could keep going on and on about all my experiences...
Most of all I have to thank my mom for being such an encourager of the 4-H program. She started the club in our community and I still remember the day we got to decide on a club name. What a big deal! The club is still going....Western Winning Wonders even though I think they now meet in Wyanet. She was a 4-Her herself growing up and she wanted us to experience the joy and fun that she had. We certainly did as kids. I hope that you check out the program for your own kids and see if you have a club in your community. I promise you it won't be something you will regret.
I just hope that my children will get the chance to experience it as well.
(Please share your favorite memories) Here is a link to the history. They started to be called 4-H clubs in 1912. http://www.4-h.org/about/4-h-history/
My heart to greater loyalty,
My hands to larger service,
and my health for better living,
for my club, my community, my country, and my world."
"To make the best better" ....
As I went to judge with my mom at the 4-H fair yesterday memories flooded my mind as I thought back to all the years I was involved in 4-H and all the people that I met along the way. As I walked the buildings at the fairgrounds, I realized that 4-H isn't important to most people anymore. Club numbers seem to have dwindled, projects lay spread out with space in between the tables, and few kids enter the judging hall. This breaks my heart as I see such an important program, no longer a part of kids lives. My experience in 4-H impacted me in so many ways, as I gained confidence, leadership skills, pride, etc. This year, 4-H is celebrating 100 Years, and I thought it would be appropriate to share some of my experiences as a 4-Her. I won't be able to list them all, but just would like to share a few.
1. Showing cattle at the fair and sleeping in the barns. I still remember pranks being done to each other and bats flying over our heads at night. (4-H by the way isn't just for "farming" kids!) We would work so hard going out to the farm to feed the heifers, work with them to tame them down, and then halter them to show. Some of the best times I had were on the farm with my siblings and cousins working with our cattle. Giving the cows a bath was priceless :)
2. Modeling my clothing project that I bought each year. No I didn't decide to be a model for a career, but I did gain confidence in myself. I learned what it is to be a good shopper and look for quality in items that I purchase. Through 4-H I learned what colors look good on me, and what colors I should avoid. We were also a part of the "Fashion Board" and would work hard at designing the stage the the modeling show - Peggy Bolin, Pat Rod, and my mom were such great leaders to help us with this!
3. Giving "talks and demonstrations" at our club meetings. We had to give a little speech about a topic and demonstrate how to do something in front of the club once a year. This is how I learned public speaking skills and how to feel comfortable standing up in front of a group of people. I learned how to run a meeting and was several different officers for the club throughout the years.
4. Doing all different kinds of projects gave me the chance to learn new things and find out what I was good at and maybe not so good at - microwave muffins...not so much! lol But I completed a wide variety of projects from citizenship, flowers, visual arts, cooking, passport to the world, photography, sewing for fun, etc. I remember being so anxious to share my project with the judge, and then getting the positive feedback on my accomplishments. If the project was "held-back" there was a possibility it might get more than a blue ribbon - even the chance to go to the state fair.
5. I think I attended the state fair with a project every year I was able to in 4-H. You got the chance to see the quality of projects from around the state and get to show your project to a judge once again. Receiving a superior at state was such an awesome feeling!
6. Most of all though I remember the relationships I built through being a part of 4-H. People I would never have met if I hadn't been a part of the program. You know who you are and I think of you all often! It is always great to run into you.
7. Now, I love to give back to the program that gave so much to me!
I could keep going on and on about all my experiences...
Most of all I have to thank my mom for being such an encourager of the 4-H program. She started the club in our community and I still remember the day we got to decide on a club name. What a big deal! The club is still going....Western Winning Wonders even though I think they now meet in Wyanet. She was a 4-Her herself growing up and she wanted us to experience the joy and fun that she had. We certainly did as kids. I hope that you check out the program for your own kids and see if you have a club in your community. I promise you it won't be something you will regret.
I just hope that my children will get the chance to experience it as well.
(Please share your favorite memories) Here is a link to the history. They started to be called 4-H clubs in 1912. http://www.4-h.org/about/4-h-history/
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