Gift #30 - March 28th

My final gift was a gift I never thought I would every make.  On Monday, I said good-bye to a former boss and mentor.  He died suddenly last week.  I couldn't believe the news when I heard it.  It didn't make sense; it felt so random.  He was only 50 years old.  I spent last week thinking about the role this man played in my life as a young professional.  I was only 18 went I went to work for him.  So much of who I became and what I went on to do was because of the time I spent working for him.  I worked for him for six years...a lifetime at that stage in your life!  When I went to work for him, his wife was pregnant with their first son.  On Monday, sitting in a packed church, their first born, now almost 18, stood to speak about his father.  I cried.  When I thought I was done, I cried again.  I cried at the loss of a husband.  I cried at the loss of a friend.  And I cried at the loss of a father.  Seeing his boys as young men made my heart ache for them and swell with pride for him at the same time.

When my mentor sold the company he had created (and I worked for), he sent me a paperweight.  He had received the paperweight from a client for one of the company's first successful marketing efforts.  It sat on his uncluttered, tidy desk for as long as I could remember.  It was a treasure to me.  For over a decade I have kept that paperweight and the note he sent with it.  Last week, I opened the bottom drawer of my desk and his note sat there staring at me, right on top.  I decided that my final gift would be to his sons. 

Today, I wrote the boys a letter about my time with their father and what an impact he had on my life.  I also enclosed the paperweight.  No object will ever replace what they lost but I hope when they look at it, they will be warmed by the memories of a man who meant so much to so many.

Each one of us has someone in our past or present that has impacted our lives.  Take a few moments and write them a note. Today.

Gift #29 - March 27th

John & I have a fantastic contractor for various home repair or improvement jobs.  Bobby came to us as a referral and we were very pleased with his work.  He's young, married, and has two small children.  Over the last two years he has done a number of jobs for us.  He has fixed a leaky bathroom sink, repaired foundation walls, built a fence, ran an outdoor outlet, the list goes on and on.  With each job he is on time, neat, and within budget (unless I make a change!).  For those of you who have had to deal with getting these types of jobs done, you know the above mentioned qualities are hard to come by.  If you own an old house like we do, these contractors become like family. 

The more I get to know Bobby the more I realize what a generous person he & his wife are.  I was relaying a recent story to John about how they took in dogs from a deceased relative and provided a home for a teen in need.  John said, "That's really neat.  We should get them a basket of product".  What John means is, I need to go through my stash of promo product vendors give us and share.  What a great idea!  I did a little rummaging and found a few new bottles of men's & women's fragrances along with a few other of the latest-and-greatest products.  John did his magic and put them together in this great basket.  I couldn't decide if I wanted to tell Bobby about my project or if I just wanted to give it to him.  On my way out of the house (he's currently building our front fence), I handed it to him.  I said the gift was for he and his lovely wife.  I told him we appreciated his hard work and we trusted him which was hard to come by.  He high fived me and smiled.  It was a good gift giving day.

Gift #28 - March 26th

Several months ago I noticed one of Anna's teachers, "Ms. J", reading a book by financial guru Suze Orman.  I was surprised and impressed with her interest.  I didn't say anything to her but filed it away.  Knowing I was a CPA, a few weeks ago, Ms. J asked me about some of her personal financial strategies.  We visited a while.  She asked me if I had every read any of her books (which I had) and mentioned she wanted to read more of her.  So, I went to my personal library and pulled out The Road to Wealth by Suze Orman.  The next day, I gave the book to Ms. J.  I told her to read & enjoy it; when she was done, pass it on to someone.  :)

Gift #27 - March 23rd

Oh, today was so much fun!  I got to take my sweet Anna with me on this gift expedition. 

Background:  Many of my friends are CPA's.  Over the last few weeks I have seen comments on Facebook from them like "The dark sky matches the circles under my eyes" or "I'm exhausted and it's only Monday".  I remember the feeling...public accounting is demanding and this time of year is tough.  The longs days are starting to take their toll and the weather is turning nice which makes it even tougher to be inside.

The gift:  I decided to go to one of my favorite bakeries and have them make cookies that look like the sun and write "4/18" on them.  April 17th is the tax filing deadline and a day of celebration for my CPA friends.  For those of you that think I made a mistake, you are right April 15th is the normal tax filing deadline but this year it is the 17th.  Which means, on April 18th my friends will have another tax season BEHIND them!!  (Also, if you think I have a pastry addiction because I have visited this bakery 3 times for gifts, you are right too.  Pastries are my weakness...I don't eat them a lot because I can't just eat one).  Ok...back to the gift!

Anna & I picked up the cookies and I penned a little poem on the box top - Sunshine, sunshine I miss you!  Sunshine, sunshine I long to kiss you!  Sunshine, sunshine the time is near.  Sunshine, sunshine April 18th is almost here! These iced sugar cookies are my absolute favorite.  I knew my friends would love them.  

Anna & I arrived at the office and waited for our friends to start trickling out.  And then they came...one by one.  They liked the cookies but the real gift turned out to be my little toddler who wowed them with her smiles, tutu skirt, and little baby waddle.  In fact, the cookies were just an afterthought!  How funny....I think I could have skipped them all together.  Well, I just got this text picture from my friend so, maybe not!

Gift #26 - March 22nd

With only 5 gifts left I feel like every last one counts!  At the same time, I'm lost for ideas.  My one great idea will be for Gift #27 and I ordered them today (stay tuned!).  When I started thinking about today's gift, I kept going through things I've already done.  This afternoon, I let a few extra cars go in front of me while leaving the mall.  I thought that was a good gift.  Then I thought about leaving a note on the car next to me.  It finally dawned on me that we all have little opportunities every day to give to each other.  So what if you gave this gift yesterday, do it again!

Today I received an email from a cool, kid-centered, creative, eco-friendly, women-owned, Wisconsin based art supply company - Artterro.  The company makes art kits for children from beautiful, quality art materials.  Although the majority of these kits are geared towards children older than Anna, I love staying on top of what they are doing.  Back to the email...Artterro has started a campaign to raise $30,000 by Earth Day.  This goal will help them pay for the next production run at the non-profit Goodwill Industries.  How cool is that?  This is a great company and, as my gift today, I want to share and promote them with my readers.  So, check out the link, order a few kits and help support a domestic, earth friendly company!

Gift #25 - March 19th

Some of you may have noticed my "30 Days of Giving" has not always coincided with 30 sequential calendar days.  Yes, it's true, I have skipped a day here and there.  Like yesterday, for example.  It was a busy day.  Up early for church, then to grandparents to pick up baby, back to the house for nap, dishes, laundry, up from nap and on to birthday party.  Back from party, nap again (me too) then up for more clean up, play, baby bath, and dinner.  By the time I remembered, the day had passed.  I hope, dear readers, you are not too disappointed.  Although I set out to do 30 gifts in 30 sequential days it just didn't work out.  For me, it was more important I continue on this project rather than give up the moment I skipped a day.  So, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.  On with Gift #25!

I've been waiting to give this gift for a while.  I dreamed it up one afternoon and thought it was just a fun idea.  I decided to go to the library and put money in the book What to Expect When You Are Expecting.  The idea resonated with me because I love the library and want to support/encourage folks that go there.  Also, I remember the feeling of being a new momma-to-be, reading all the "How-to" books, and feeling excited & overwhelmed.  I thought it would be fun if a momma-to-be opened the book and a crisp bill fell out. 

So, today I went to one of my favorite libraries within the Central Arkansas Library System.  I looked up the location of the book in the online card catalog to find...it was already checked out!  Yikes!  I went to the baby section anyway.  I thought I would find something.  I scanned the rows...there is was...Raising Baby Green: The Earth Friendly Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth and Baby Care.  What a cool book!  I scanned the contents which mirrored one of my favorite books The Complete Organic Pregnancy and decided this was the book.  I took out a crisp $5 bill and tucked it in along with a little note.  This was a fun little gift anyone could do.  What would you do if you opened your latest library book and money fell out?

Gift #24 - March 17th

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Today, the Arkansas Sustainability Network hosted a Seed Swap along with Conserving Arkansas Agricultural Heritage.  I've been looking forward to this fun event and couldn't wait to catch up with friends.  I, unfortunately, did not have any seeds to swap.  I did, however, have some tomatoe cages!  My plan was to swap some cages for seeds but later I decided the cages would be my gift for today!  So, that's what I did.  Two cages went home with someone for tomatoes and one went home with someone for pole beans.  Hopefully my gift recipients will remember me come harvest time!

Gift #23 - March 15th

Recently I dug out a few of Anna's old baby clothes to sell at an upcoming consignment market.  It was hard parting with a few of the outfits, but on my quest to live with less "stuff" I carefully selected the special ones to keep.  The host of the market has a lot of rules for consigning clothes...hangers turned "this" way, tags printed "that" way, and so on.  Basically, it takes a lot of time to prepare and sell at these kind of markets...you hope this stuff sells.

During the sale, I went one afternoon to pick up a few items for Anna.  While I was perusing the stuffed racks I noticed many clothes that had fallen off the hanger or were hanging lopsided.  I thought of all those mommas...going through their stack of clothes, remembering when their little girl wore it, deciding to sell the item, preparing them for the market.  Now, here they are, on the floor or hanging crooked.  In comes Gift #23. I decided I would rehang and straighten all the wayword clothes.  Not the whole market, just the racks I was going through. Half way through I started thinking this was a total pain but when I thought about stopping I just couldn't.  Maybe this one dress I rehang belongs to a momma who really needs to sell these clothes?  Maybe there is a momma looking for this pair of pants and can't afford to buy them elsewhere?  I pressed on.  I rehung & straightened 7 racks total.  Us mommas have to help each other....it does take a village people.

Gift #22 March 14th

Today I would like to introduce you to a young non-profit in Conway, Arkansas called City of Hope Outreach (CoHO).  The mission of CoHO is to seek to promote holistic community renewal in under resourced areas through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Fletcher Family

I first learned of CoHO in the fall of 2010.  The Administrative Director, Nicolle Fletcher, was our doula at the birth of Anna last year.  Nicolle is an amazing women, fabulous doula and will forever be in of our hearts.  At the time, she & her family had just formalized CoHO.  They had several programs that I thought were just really cool.  One that struck me the most is their Christmas Store.  The Christmas Store is a place where men & women can purchase a box of donated goods for $5.  This allows them the dignity of purchasing gifts but makes the cost affordable.  They also offer tutoring, access to technology, counseling, access to shelter, laundry facilities, the list just goes on and on.  I visited with Nicolle this week for a mini-interview to help readers learn more about CoHO.

1) What inspired you & Phillip to start City of Hope?

Phillip and I started the City of Hope Outreach from a "right turn".  One day Phillip was driving home from his Pulaski County Courthouse job and made a right turn on East Robins instead of the normal left onto our street Bruce St. a block down the road.  It was then he discovered a poverty pocket in Conway.  He then came home and said we are to go to this community and preach the Gospel.  To which I immediately responded, "No we are not!"  We then decided to commit this whole situation to prayer.  It was August 2007 that a woman asked could she pray for me.  Of course I was willing, but before she prayed she told me, "The thing you and your husband have been praying about doing.  The Lord says it is time to do it."  I immediately knew what the Lord was speaking through this woman, because my husband and I had been praying about this community and our involvement.  The following week we started a church plant in that community.  We met outside, set up chairs and worshipped the Lord.  We sought to develop relationships with the people within the community and quickly found that we needed a more holistic approach to meeting the needs of the people we encountered.  It wasn't enough to talk about the love of God, we had to display it and meet people right where they were.  Phillip then picked up a tent and planted himself in the middle of this very broken community for the duration of a weekend.  The plan began to unfold.  Then in 2009 we created a team (a board) and began the work of establishing the non profit that is the City of Hope Outreach.  We gained 501c3 status in 2010.  We still have the church in the community The Church at Oakwood and have since planted a second church, The Church at Oakwood South to expand and further meet the growing needs of people. 

2) What are your biggest rewards?

The rewards have been many and great!  It is very fulfilling to know that my family is living this life for more than just ourselves.  There are men, women and children who have HOPE that once felt hopeless.  The community was once filled with drug dealers, crack whores, child neglect, poor living conditions, families in fear for their own safety but much of that has changed.  I will not pretend that since we have been in the community all of the bad has ceased but crime has decreased, safety has increased, the gospel is being proclaimed and lived out, people are being assisted financially, emotionally, and physically.

3) What are you biggest challenges?

The biggest challenges are always the greatest reward.  It is most challenging to endure with people.  The work that we do is not instantly gratifying.  It takes time, patience, and lots of grace to walk alongside people is various situations.  It is also very challenging to motivate the middle class to care about the under-resourced people in their own backyard, while it is easy for many middle class people to pick up the banner for children and families around the world, they often neglect to see the needs right here at home.  I have to say that is one of the most challenging situations.

4) What have been surprises along the way?

The way the community has embraced us.  We challenge people, we tell the truth and we don't hold back and people respect that.  It is clear that our mission is to serve, love, and give.  However we don't take over we get to know people and we support their ideas and ways to improve the standard of living.

5) What else would you like us to know about City of Hope Outreach?

City of Hope Outreach (CoHO) seeks to promote holistic community renewal through the gospel of Jesus Christ.  

CoHO is in need of funding to continue and expand their mission.  Please consider making a donation today or pledge ongoing support.  You can make a donation here.

Gift #21 - March 13th

Yesterday, my dear friend's sweet cat, Spot, passed away.  Spot had been sick for a while and next month she would have been 16 years old!  This clip art picture looks nothing like her but I liked it because the cat looked happy and at peace.  As a pet parent I understand the love and true companionship of our four-legged friends.  They are always happy to see us.  They forgive us instantly of our transgressions.  They only want to be in our presence.  They don't care what we wear.  They don't care how much money we have.  They don't care if they have new sparkly jazzy collar or an old hand-me-down one.  They love us unconditionally...so honestly and so truly.  For Gift #21, I made a donation to the Humane Society of Pulaski County in Spot's memory.  Thank you Spot for being a wonderful companion to my wonderful friend.  You will be loved and missed forever.

Gift #20 - March 12th

Today is a very special day.  Today my grandfather, were he still living, would have been 100 years old.  Bigdaddy, as us grandchildren called him, was one of the greatest men I have ever known.  He was kind, generous, loving, and always smiling.  He loved basketball, peaches & ice cream, his church & friends.  He adored his wife, my grandmother.  He treasured his two girls, my mother & aunt.  But, he worshiped his grandchildren.  As one of the recipients of his devotion, I can tell you it was one of the purest loves.  It wasn't until I became a mother last year that I really realized how much he loved us.

About the time John & I moved back to Arkansas in 2005, Bigdaddy was ready to leave his home in South Arkansas and move to an assisted living facility.  As hard as this was for him, he was 92 at this point, it was a blessing for me.  Bigdaddy moved to a great home just 15 minutes from me.  Every Sunday, John & I went to see Bigdaddy.  Sometimes we took him out to lunch and sometimes we just hung out in his room.  The times we did take him to lunch, he would always be waiting for us at the door with his best coat & cap on.  I always felt so special that he would dress up for me.  

In 2007, Bigdaddy celebrated his 95th birthday.  Later that summer his health began to decline.  I could tell he was ready, or at least close, to go home.  John & I went for our weekly visit.  At the end of our visit, I grabbed his hand, kissed his cheek, looked in his eyes and said, "You are the greatest grandfather I have ever known".  He smiled and said, "I love you Juli.  You too John".  That was the last time I saw Bigdaddy.

Bigdaddy's church & faith were very important to him.  In honor of his 100th birthday, I sent his church $1 for every year since his birth.  It's a small gift compared to the gift his church was to our family.

It's on days like today that I am reminded that today, this very moment, is what is most important.  Love your friends.  Adore your spouse.  Treasure your children.  And, if you are lucky to have them, worship your grandchildren.

Happy Birthday Bigdaddy!

Gifts #18 & #19

Once again, dear friends, I am behind on my posting.  I am so behind I actually have forgotten one of the gifts I've given!  Must not have been that great, huh?  So, today would have been Gift #20, I'm making it #19.  Ahem.  Moving on.

Gift#18 - Yoga Class

For several years now I have been practing yoga on a regular basis. It has been a great stress reliever for me.  I practiced yoga through my entire 40 weeks of pregnancy and I know it contributed to how great I felt.  For this gift, I decided to gift to a gift giver again.  I gave my yoga teacher one class to give to a new student or an existing student.  Secretly I hope she gives it to someone she meets one day who says they have always wanted to try yoga.  I hope she says, "Well, hey, I have a free class to give someone.  Why don't you use it?".  What if they use the class, feel a connection to the practice, become at peace in their heart, which in turn opens wider?  Then they begin to live lighter on the earth and give to others....you get where I'm going?  Ahh...what if?

Gift #19 - A compliment

This, by far, was my toughest gift.  On Sundays, John & I go to lunch, just the two of us, after church.  Mom & Dad keep the baby and it's our little ritual.  Today it was cold and rainy.  I wanted soup!  As we sat in the restaurant, I saw a mother pick up her infant (maybe 2-3 months old?), strap on her nursing cover and nurse.  Right there IN THE MIDDLE of the restaurant.  She was so elegant, nonchalant, and seemless.  She popped that baby right under the blanket and went about her conversation.  I said to myself, You go girl!.  I never was quite that brave to nurse in public.  I think this was her second baby so maybe you become this skilled on baby #2?  Anyway, as much grief as public nursing women have gotten these days, I wanted to tell her how awesome I thought she was.  But, I thought, that would be totally crazy to walk up to a strange women and say that.  What if she thought I was going to be critical?  What would I say?  How would I say it?  I decided to mention the idea to John.  He would tell me if I was koo-koo.  He didn't, he said, "Do it babe". 

So, as we got up to leave the restaurant, I walked over to her and her family, along with the other family they were dining with.  I said, "Excuse me.  I noticed you breastfeeding and I just wanted to tell you how awesome I think that is.  I just finished weaning my, now, one year old and I was never brave enough to nurse in public.  I just think it's really awesome and I wanted to tell you that".  Although her husband was looking at me like What is going on here?, the mother was beaming while she thanked me.   And the women in the other family they were dining with said "That is so great for you to tell her that".  We all felt so good.  I felt like I had just supported my sister in this incredible journey of motherhood that is often times lonely and difficult.  I felt empowered.  I felt strong.  I felt like a real momma.

Gift #17 - March 6th

Today was my most unusual gift so far! 

Here's the background story...

Several years ago John & I decided that each year we would implement a new "green practice".  One year we started making all our own earth & human-friendly household cleaners.  One year we started composting.  This year we challenged ourselves to not buy paper towels.  We purchase the 8-roll paper towels by Bounty and we wanted one package to last the entire year!  We took the roll off the paper towel holder and put it in the closet.

I realized the other day I had two 8-roll packages in the closet.  Based on our new practice that would last us two years!  So, I decided to give one of the packages away.  I gave the package to a friend who looked at me and said "Are you sure?".  You would have thought I was giving her the keys to my car.  I smiled and confidently said "Yes, I'm sure".  This was a fun gift because not only did I give something, I got rid of something which creates space....oh, how I love space.

And, for those curious readers, it is mid-March and John & I have yet to finish one roll of paper towels!!!

Gift #13, #14, #15, & #16! Whew!

I said, at the beginning of this, I may not post everyday, but I will post.  I have been diligently making my gifts daily but with a little toddler on my hands, posting has been tough.  So...here we go!

Gift #13 - March 1st
John & I made yet another trip to our favorite Mexican restaurant.  I still had one more free dessert coupon.  Instead of giving it to a stranger table, I gave it to the server and asked he give it to the next guest that ordered dessert.  He looked surprised and actually seemed happy to receive it.  He said he would pass it on.  Maybe this was better than giving it to a stranger table because I gave the gift of gift giving?  Hmmm.

Gift #14 - March 2nd
I stopped by one of my favorite bakeries to pick up cookies for a dinner party that night.  My sister & husband suggested I pick up some cookies and give to Anna's teachers at school.  What a great idea!  These ladies are hard working and they treat my baby like their own.  I picked out a few of my favorite - iced sugar cookies - yummy!!  This felt great and I think the teachers appreciated the little sweet treat.

Gift #15 - March 3rd
For this gift I decided to post on Facebook about the upcoming U2Charist at our church (First United Methodist Church).  I had the idea for a while but finally decided to do it.  Why the wait?  Well, my faith is deeply personal and I have never been the type of person to "advertise" my church or activities.  I felt it unauthentic.  Oddly though because one of our duties, if you will, is to "witness".  This has not been easy for me.  Maybe I never belonged to a church where I felt so free to be me as I do at FUMC.  And what a gift this has been for me!  Why not share it?!?  So, I did.  I invited all my friends to come and meet up with John & I.

Gift #16 - March 4th
Today I shared with friends The Oregon Tiger Sanctuary.  A long time friend and mentor serves this sanctuary and asked I share this as one of my gifts.  From their website...

The Oregon Tiger Sanctuary (OTS) is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of exotic and endangered species.  Created as a safe haven for abused, neglected and abandoned exotic animals, OTS provides a permanent and loving home to many species including tigers, lions, black leopards, cougars, a wide variety of primates as well as numerous domestic dogs and cats.  OTS is also dedicated to educating the human species about the endangered ones of our planet and the issues they face in captivity and in the wild.

I must say, I'm halfway through this project and I'm hitting a wall for ideas.  I really want these gifts to be easy and economical so that anyone can implement them.  It's easy to give monetary gifts.  I've purposely kept my budget small to inspire my ideas to be big!  Any ideas you might have would be appreciated...pass them on!