Happiness

for a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life.
but there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid at last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life. this perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness.
happiness is the way. so treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one.

happiness is a journey, not a destination...

-souza

Love-Hungry World

I received this from a friend this morning and it was just the ray of sunshine I needed to great this rainy day.

"You and I are meant to be 'letters' to the world. People who 'read' us receive a message from the Divine Mystery. Now, there's a delightful vocation - to be a sort of 'valentine' from God to a love-hungry world! But if we are able to be living, divine letters, 'words made flesh,' we, of all people, should keep alive and treat with respect the beautiful custom of letter writing. As we take time to do this, let us remember that such activity is always prayer. Let us remember that it is also prayer to receive and read a letter. Perhaps we could pause at the conclusion of having penned a note to a friend and trace the sign of the cross upon the letter to remind ourselves of this fact, Or, we could breathe part of our spirit into the envelope. More than just a puff of breath, we could send along with our message a part of our soul. Since love is invisible, some ritual or sign helps us remember what it is we are really sending when we send a letter to someone we love."
--Edward Hays in Secular Sanctity

Acholi Beads./Sunshine Papier at Rumours East

WHAT: Fun GIRLS TIME! Sparkling Tasting & Holiday Shopping with Christy, Whitney & Friends
WHERE: Rumours East, 1112 Woodland St., East Nashville 262.5346
WHEN: Saturday, November 22nd from 4:30 to 6:30
WHY? We want a chance to catch up with friends and take care of some holiday shopping while supporting some of our favorite local artists and small biz owners! Come on, ladies! Woo-hoo!
HOW MUCH? Just $12!

A fun "ladies only" sparkling tasting and have recruited some great local artists and small biz owners to help us with our holiday shopping! Moda (on 12th S.), Lori Word (jewelry), Abby White (abbyhugs-knit accessories), Maybird Vintage (vintage clothing & accessories), Kali Yuga Yoga (yoga wear-discounted gift cert), Acholi Beads from Uganda & more!

Sunshine Papier House Party

Sunshine Papier House Party
Artist & Owner: Lanecia A. Rouse
November 14 and 15, 2008
6-9 pm

Drop-in House Party featuring Acholi Beads (www.acholibeads.com)- paper bead jewelry from Kampala, Uganda -, handcrafted greeting cards, inspirational photography, crocheted accessories and other creative offerings that will be for sale.

Sunshine Papier is a small business created to offer beauty, inspire, and provide support for people and projects around the world in need.

Refreshments will be provided.

Location:
Bryant's Guest Home (Located in the back, parking from the alley)

RSVP and inquire about location address at:
sunshinepapier@gmail.com

Feel free to share this invitation with others.
Thank you!

Acholi Beads are now in!!!

Acholi Beads: "Wear their beads. Share their story."

It began over 20 years ago. A vicious rebel group in northern Uganda, unable to prevail against the government it wanted to overthrow, turned on its own community. The insurgents started abducting children, mutilating adults, destroying villages.

The Acholi people, stuck between the volatile rebels and a callous government army, fled their homes in order to protect their families.

Some of these Acholi people made it as far as Uganda's capital city, but could only find refuge in a neglected hillside slum- a slum that has since been dubbed "Acholi Quarters."

The only work available in Acholi Quarters was at a rock quarry, where still today men and women toil in dangerous conditions for $1 per day, trying to support their families.


Beautiful Acholi Beads are made from recycled paper by women living in Acholi Quarters. Instead of making $1 per day in the quarry, our bead makers earn a monthly income that is competitive with teachers in the local high schools. Now they can afford health-care and education, now they can save money and invest in other business opportunities, now they can rebuild their lives.


www.acholibeads.com

Alphabet Photography

So I have started a new art project, alphabet photography. I have enjoyed paying attention to all of the natural and manmade structures around me, looking for letters and words. There are letters everywhere.

Who knows where this new adventure will take me. I will keep you posted.

peace
lar