Christmas in the streets

Good things, good people and good times all roll into one again. I had the honor of having lunch with some good friends and one of the folks was Nancy Heil, "Miss Nancy" as she is known to the people she serves - homeless people in Pittsburgh. When I asked her what needs they had right now she said duffle bags and backpacks, something I didn't find very surprising.

Then she said something that surprised me - toys. She needs toys for the homeless children and for the homeless folks to give as gifts. The toys are distributed during "Christmas in the Streets." Wow. I never would have thought of toys being a need.

I promised her I would help. When I got home, I put out an email to friends and started getting dismayed at the immediate response - many told me it was a good idea but they were giving to other causes. I woke up in the middle of the night, worrying. What if I couldn't get any toys or showed up with only a few?

Then I received good news - two friends who happen to be teachers both told me they would help. One told me that she would get her Interact students involved and the other told me that they would ask the whole student body to assist. Wow again.

I started crying when I read the text from my friend, Marilyn Adams, telling me that they would ask the students at Poff Elementary - where my kids went to school - to help. The other teacher, Mary Lou Ellena-Wygonek,sent the word out to her students as well.

Right now, I don't know how many toys we will receive. I am already moved by the actions of my friends and their willingness to get involved in this project. I know that there will be some good things handed out at Christmas in the Streets and they will provide good times thanks to good people. Thank you Nancy for all of your hard work and thank you Marilyn and Mary Lou for being good friends with big hearts.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Good things...there are so many items that you can buy that help the fight against breast cancer. For example, Nordstrom Fits America takes place October 20, 21 and 22. For every bra sold, they donate $2 to the local Susan B. Koman Foundation.

Take a look at what you are buying to see if there is a version that makes a donation towards this important battle.

Good people...we all have folks that we love that have won or lost the battle against breast cancer. I know a lot of wonderful women through Survivor's Outdoor Experience who are survivors and fighting the fight! I also salute my favorite aunt -my Aunt Lucy, a survivor still going strong at 86. Here she is with my three children, Eliza, Cole and Kenton.

Good times...October is such a great month with football games, autumn leaves and fall walks, and perfect weather for bike rides. Take a moment to enjoy this slower time of year with a cancer survivor who is important in your life.

BeadforLife...

Good things, good people, good times all rolled into one...the Community Partner gathering for BeadforLife.

Those of you who know me, know that I am a volunteer with an amazing organization called BeadforLife (yes, all one word!). We recently had our semi-annual gathering in Boulder, Colorado and it was wonderful to see all of the lovely women (and one guy) who are community volunteers. (The photo is all of us on our last night together.)

If you don't know BeadforLife, please check us out. The organization was founded by three ladies who wanted to help the women in Uganda. (The photo above is me with one of the founders, Torkin). We empower these women by providing them with a viable way to earn a living while teaching them lifeskills to lift themselves and their families out of extreme poverty.

When you start looking for holiday gifts (no it isn't too early), I urge you to look at gifts that give two-fold such as BeadforLife.

And why you are at it, why not volunteer in honor of someone you love as well?

Of course, Sept. 11th is on everyone's mind this week. Our world was turned upside down that day.

I'll never forget my daughter, Eliza's quote the next day as I took her to school. It was a beautiful fall day here in Western Pa. and she looked at the blue sky, her school and everything around us and said, "Everything is the same, but nothing is the same."

We were relatively untouched in our lives - we didn't lose a loved one or friend, our routine stayed the same. But our hearts ached for those not so fortunate.

This weekend, let's all pause in our lives. Maybe you want to visit the Flight 93 Memorial, maybe you can visit New York and pay your respects, maybe you will just honor a moment of silence for everyone who lost their lives that day, for those left behind.

For all of our shortcomings, all of our faults, everything we lack, we are still a country that stands proud. Let's remember that.

And give your loved ones an extra hug this weekend.

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Starry, starry nights...

Good things...after a few hectic weeks that included a very, very scary episode of extreme health issues for my mother-in-law, my husband and I were able to sneak away for a mini-vacation. Well, it was sort of a vacation because I was doing research for articles, but it was great fun because we were able to explore our beautiful state of PA!

One of the best places that we discovered is Cherry Springs State Park, one of the best star gazing sites in the nation. Read more here:

http://cranberry.patch.com/articles/day-tripper-goes-star-gazing

Good people...we love the folks of PA and on our little trip, we met many wonderful people who assisted us with directions, information, etc.

Good times...being with Paul is always a good time for me. We saw a bear while hiking and we both thought it was great fun - other people may think it is nutty to see a bear while hiking!

I hope that you have a loving partner like mine.

They did it!

Last week, I wrote about Robert Faulkner who was attempting to walk 24 hours straight in the Relay for Life in Cranberry Township here in the Pittsburgh area and about Mike Lloyd who was riding from DC to Pittsburgh to raise money for Camp AIM for the YMCA.

Both were going to do these tasks in record breaking temperatures and humidity typical of the Caribean.

Well, they both did it! Kudos to these two men who despite their own physical discomfort, kept at it and succeeded for a great cause!

They did good things, are good people, and had good times - maybe a few tough ones as well - but they did it.

Read more about Mike Lloyd's trip: http://upperstclair.patch.com/articles/upper-st-clair-man-bikes-from-dc-to-pittsburgh

Are these guys nuts or what?

Good things, good people, good times...I am finding more and more that my three topics blend into one. Take this week - I want to tell you about two guys who will be taking on tremendous physcial challenges for people they love.

As you may know, we are having extreme heat conditions in Western Pa. Despite the heat warnings, Mike Lloyd will be taking on the second leg of his Visionquest 2011. Mike has volunteered to undertake three challenges to raise money for Camp Aim, a camp for children with disabilities. The first leg was the 35-miles-in-one-day Rachel Carson Trails Challenge which he successfully completed in June.

This weekend, along with his law partner, Mark Coulson and brother-in-law Jerry Tucker, he will be biking 350 miles from Washington, DC to Pittsburgh along the C&O Canal and Allegheny Passage. You can follow their progress on Twitter at Moondog23p.

The second guy that I want to tell you about is Rob Faulkner whose wife Sharon is fighting brain cancer. Rob will be walking/running 24 hours in the Relay for Life in Cranberry Township in honor of his wife. Read more: http://cranberry.patch.com/articles/relay-for-life-supports-cancer-research-education-advocacy-and-services.

These are good guys, doing good things. Let's hope they have good times doing it!

Cindystock rocks on to help cancer survivors and their families

Good things, good people, good times....How about opening up your backyard for a concert to honor a good friend? That is what Cindy and Ted Yates did!

Read more: http://sewickley.patch.com/articles/cindystock-rocks-on-to-raise-support-for-cancer-research-and-awareness.

The dynamo behind "Cindystock," Cindy Yates, has organized a huge backyard concert for several years to raise over $40,000 for those facing cancer and their families.

If you live in the Pittsburgh area and are free, please try to attend. If you don't live in the Pittsburgh area, maybe you can help an organization in your area that helps cancer survivors and their families.

No matter where we live, we can all do something positive!

FairPlay creates awareness, honors legacy of Emma

FairPlay on Saturday, July 9th in Emmerling Park


Good things and good people...this is a blog about "good"....obviously from the title, you can figure that out.

But sometimes, life is hard.

Three years ago, Joe and Shannon Bursick lost their beautiful 7-year-old daughter, Emma, to Sudden Unexplained Death to Epilspy (SUDEP).

To honor Emma and to raise awareness about SUDEP, the Bursicks created FairPlay, a day of fun activities for the whole family.




You can read more about the event here:
http://pine-richland.patch.com/articles/fairplay-brings-awareness-raises-money-for-sudden-unexplained-death-in-epilepsy.


Good times...If you live in the Pittsburgh area, I urge you to bring your family to FairPlay for a good time and a good cause. If you don't live in Pittsburgh, you can read more about Emma at For information, visit www.fairplay-event.org or www.emmabursick.org.

Good things...I feel like I am always in a rush. You know the feeling. But I found the Positivity Blog - a great resource that offers little bits of advice - how to slow down, how to remain positive, how not to be overwhelmed. It is worth subscribing and picking up a few tips! http://www.positivityblog.com.

Good people...My husband and I have been involved with the Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy for a few years now and have met some really great people. Let's face it, people interested in the environment and hiking are usually good people. Last weekend was the Challenge, a 34-mile-in-one day hike and I wrote about one of thos hikers last week (see previous blog). A friend of ours that we know on several levels also did the Challenge and we are so proud of him! Look how good he looks and he is hiking 34 miles! Joe and his wife will also be hosting Fair Play next week and I will blog more about that. Stay tuned!

Another friend of mine completed the half-challenge. She is a cancer survivor and one of the kindest people I have ever met. Marie, you rock!

Good times...Went to Hartwood Acres last night with my husband. For those of us lucky enough to live in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, we get to go to free outdoor concerts on Sunday evenings. Can't wait for Mary Chapin Carpenter on July 17th!

What is your Visionquest?

Good things...this year marked the 15th year of the Rachel Carson Trail Challenge. Over 600 folks attempted to hike over 34 miles in one day. It sounds grueling and it is, but year after year, folks take on "The Challenge." It is a great event and you meet great people.

Good people...one of these crazy folks is Mike Lloyd, an attorney from Pittsburgh who completed the Challenge as the first leg of his three-part "Visionquest." Mike is raising money for Camp AIM, a program for special needs children at the South Hills YMCA. Read more about Mike at www.upperstclair.patch.com.


Good times...the Rachel Carson Trail Challenge brings out over 900 hikers and 200 volunteers. Without the volunteers, there would be no Challenge. Everyone pulls together for this great event that raises awareness and money for the trails while promoting physical activity. It is a Challenge, but also a connection of great, like minded people.

What is your visionquest???

Just for the fun of it...

Good things...my two sons' good friend has become like another daughter to us. She loves pigs so over the past few months, I have made her a few pigs! They are just for the fun of it and Casey loves them. Don't we all need something just for the fun of it?

Good people...our kids' friends. We have so many wonderful young people in our lives and several of them became friends of ours after they became friends of our children. We are blessed.

Good times...hanging out with the kids and their friends. It is great to share good conversation and laughs.

What do you do just for the fun of it?

Bee happy....

Good things...Those who know me, know that I am always knitting. I can't sit still and knitting is a good thing to do while waiting in line, waiting at the doctor's office, sitting in traffic (stopped of course!), etc. It helps me pass the time without feeling like I am "wasting" time. I made this little bee for my friend's granddaughter who delighted us when she called a bee at the local library a "pudgy bee." I made her own little "pudgy bee."

Good people...this pattern is available for free at www.chemknits.com. The writer of the site is a knitting biochemist which tickles me because my husband is a chemist (a non-knitting one). The friend I gave the bee to for her little granddaughter told me that a friend of hers told her to never return a dish empty. When I returned a dish to this friend (she had made me dinner after a recent surgery), I sent the little bee home with the dishes!

Good times...this is the time of year for graduations and we have two parties this weekend. Congratulations to all the graduates!

Thank a Veteran today...

Good things...Memorial Day typically marks the unofficial beginning of summer, another day off for most of us and picnics. But it is also time to remember our fallen veterans and an opportunity to thank other veterans.

Good people...well, our veterans of course. I wrote about my mother's three brothers before - Walt, Jim and Jack Jennings. All three were pilots. Jim was a POW in WW II and escaped. Jack lost his life when his plane was shot down.

Good times...I am fortunate to write for Victory Media, a company who owns G.I. Jobs, Vetrepreneur and Military Spouse. In this work, I interview a lot of veterans. This week as I was interviewing Stan, an Air Force veteran, he said, "Fearless does not mean fear does not exist, fearless means acting despite being afraid." Super advice.

Happy Memorial Day and to all the veterans, thank you for your service to our country.

Premies, cancer surviors, and more...

Good things...lots of fun knitted and crocheted items were made in the first Honor Mom Charity Knit-along. Here is a photo of the fun miniature hats for premie babies, beautiful chemo hats, a few scarves and lots and lots of gorgeous, fun flowers for women re-entering the job market. The items were made by the Knittsters, a group of wonderful women (who have graciously allow me to be a member) in honor of their moms. So one more time, "Mom, this is in honor of you!"

Good people...the premie hats will be mailed to our local chapter of Newborns in Need. This group helps provide clothing and supplies for newborns to families struggling to make ends meet. You can find more information including a local chapter in your area at http://www.newbornsinneed.org/. The chemo hats will be donated to a local hospital - check with your own local hospital to find out their needs. Some of the hats and scarves will go to North Hills Community Outreach in our area - a wonderful organization that serves families and those in need. Finally, the flowers will go to Dress for Success, a program that assists women re-entering the job market who need work appropriate attire. Visit http://www.dressforsuccess.org/ for more information.

Good times...volunteering to serve others by doing something as fun as knitting with my best friends and thinking about our moms. How will you serve others today?

When a friend(s) reaches out...

Good things...I had outpatient surgery this week, not serious but enough to feel puny. Two of my good friends brought dinner to our house (two separate nights). One brought quiche and lovely PNB and chocolate chip cookies, the other lasagna and brownies. If you have read my blog before, you know I love brownies and make Ghiradelli brownies with milk chocolate chips added. Diane brought me Ghiradelli triple chocolate brownies - yum. The flowers are from my husband. He might not be much of a cook, but flowers always make me smile.

Good people...my wonderful friends, my husband and my children who helped out by doing little things like picking up heavy things, moving chairs, fetching my knitting and vacuuming.

Good times...she is at it again. Little half-pint singer, Jackie Evancho is on the Oprah Show tomorrow. I have had the good fortune of writing about Jackie and can't wait to hear her tomorrow. You can read more at
http://pine-richland.patch.com/articles/jackie-evancho-to-appear-on-oprah-monday-may-23.

BeadforLife goes to the prom...

Good things...I have written about BeadforLife in the past (and will in the future). As a Community Partner Volunteer, I have had the good fortune of working with the students of Hampton High School Interact Club (Rotary) for the past three years hosting a BeadforLife sale at their school. We have raised over $4,000 in our sales for this wonderful organization!

Good people....one of the young ladies at the school asked me if she could buy some beads to go with her prom dress. Knowing how important prom is to high school girls, I was honored to show Ellen several necklaces. I think you will agree that Ellen made the right choice. What a beautiful photo of a wonderful young lady wearing her lovely prom dress, the BeadforLife necklace and Pittsburgh in the background.

Good times...Ellen said her prom was fantastic - and she received several compliments on her necklace including even some from young men. Here's hoping every young person has a wonderful prom!

Clowning around...

Good things...I had the good fun of writing about a clown, Happy Harry the Clown aka James Cooper. It just makes you smile to talk with someone whose job is to make other people smile. And Cooper takes his job very seriously. If you want to read more, visit:

www.post-gazette.com/pg/11132/1145806-54-0.stm.

We can use a smile or two!

Good people...Cooper has the "day-shift" with his infant daughter. There aren't many men who would or can do that. My hat is off to James!

Good times...learn a balloon trick or two and share it with a small friend. My kids still love balloon animals and laugh over my silly attempts to make a dog. Visit www.magic.about.com to learn a few tricks yourself.

When life goes sideways...

Good things...I heard that a gentleman who passed away from cancer last week and wrote a blog through-out his journey. He talked about when life goes sideways from the way we plan...I loved that thought. And sometimes life does take us sideways. For 13 years, I was a single parent. While there were times that it was certainly challenging, I wouldn't trade those years for anything. It certainly wasn't what I had planned, but the journey was still good.

Pittsburgh Better Times is a new publication for folks facing a detour in their plans. If you or someone you know is facing a different road than he/she planned by losing a spouse or partner, you may want to recommend they read this publication! http://www.pittsburghbettertimes.com/.


Good people...The people who have faced difficult times and keep enjoying life. Read about them in Pittsburgh Better Times.

Good times...When my son, Kenton, was about 9, he told me that he thought that if "we had a dad" that we (he and I) wouldn't be as close. It was a wonderful moment for a single-mom, knowing that my son realized there were silver linings in some clouds. Or maybe it was a gold lining.

Reaching out to help those we love but haven't met...

Good things...I belong to a group of women who knit and crochet (no, we aren't a bunch of old ladies!). To honor our mothers, we decided to knit for the first two weeks of May for charity. I'm making tiny hats for premie babies. To learn more: http://pine-richland.patch.com/articles/moms-honored-by-charity-knitalong.

Good people...the folks at Craft Hope bring crafters together to do good things. They are currently collecting blankets for the tornado victims in Alabama. Visit Craft Hope's page on Facebook.

Good times...sittin' and knittin' with my Knittsters. In this busy life, we need time with friends. I love my ladies.

Happiness through those we love...

Good things...May means Mother's Day, graduations and races. Races??? When our friend's daughter won a highly competative college race a few weeks ago, Dan sent out a posting on the results and his joy. It is amazing how much happiness we have when those we love succeed.

Good people...our children. I know that I just posted about my daugher, Eliza, but she graduated this weekend, and like Dan, my joy knows no boundries at her success. Congratulations Eliza and to all college graduates this month.

Good times...sharing a moment with our families and friends to celebrate little or big milestones. Having Mother's Day and graduation celebrations this weekend - our cup runneth over.

They do grow up...

Good things...I had the pleasure of going to the Pittsburgh Wine Festival yesterday with my daughter, Eliza. Now that she is 21, we can do things like share a good wine together. It was a lovely time and my husband was gracious to act as our designated driver!

Good people...my daughter. She graduates this weekend from Duquesne University with honors - yes, I am a proud mama.

Good times...sharing time with my family. I hope that you have a moment or two with your family and friends today.

What is your favorite moment of the day today?

Beads, glorious beads....

Good things....something as simple as paper beads. Paper beads? Yes, beautiful paper beads made by women in Uganda. BeadforLife helps women rise out of poverty to make wages that help them support their family. Please read more about these amazing women (and a few men) at http://www.beadforlife.org.

Good people...cancer survivors. I had the pleasure of attending Survivor's Outdoor Experience Inaugural retreat a few weeks ago and wrote about the event along with beads. Please read more about Survivor's Outdoor Experience at http://www.survivorsoutdooradventure.org/.

Good times...the Survivor's Outdoor Experience weekend. Who rocks more than cancer survivors? Forget the reality T.V. shows - these guys are the real "survivors." Read about the beads and Survivor's Outdoor Experience at http://www.beadforlife.org/blog/ .

It's a new day...

Good things...my son came home from school today and wanted brownies. Easy and fortunately, I had a box or two from the grocery store. It was perfect because I wanted to make some for friends of ours going through a tough time. I always make Ghiradelli mixes with a cup of milk chocolate chips thrown in. Yum. Everyone can use a brownie.

Good people...I would be remiss if I didn't mention history in the making with the death of Osama Bin Laden today. Regardless of how you feel about the war, thank a service man or woman today. Here is a great photo of my mother's three brothers who fought in WW II. The one lost his life in the war and another was a POW. Thank you service men and women!

Good times...eatting brownies with my son.

Happy May Day!

Good things - Yesterday, my husband was mowing the grass and a robin kept flying out of the bush he was near. I was planting some lavender nearby and went over to explore. There, tucked in the branches, was a nest with three little babies and a bright, blue egg just waiting to hatch. Ah, spring time and baby birds!

Good people - Did you fall in love with pint-sized singer Jackie Evancho last fall? Jackie has just been selected as spokesperson of Mission:Humane. Read more:http://pine-richland.patch.com/articles/jackie-evancho-named-spokesperson-for-mission-humane.

Good times - My friends and I celebrated the Royal Wedding on Friday with a party! Getting up at 4 a.m. was worth the fun. What's your idea of a good time?