Quote of the Week ~ Perspective

"The next time you feel like complaining, remember that your garbage disposal probably eats better than 30 percent of the people in the world." Robert Orben

Saturday Feature ~ Housing for the Homeless Walk-A-Thon

The National Coalition for the Homeless describe the cause of homelessness inextricably linked to poverty. People who are poor are frequently unable to pay for housing, food, childcare, health care, and education. When limited resources cover only some of these basic necessities, difficult choices must be made and often it is housing, which absorbs a high proportion of income that must be dropped. Being poor means being an illness, an accident, or a paycheck away from living on the streets.

In these present tough economic times, many are becoming part of a population called the "hidden homeless". This particular population is a direct result of the growing rise of joblessness and mortgage foreclosures throughout the US.

For many years, I have been a volunteer and supporter of the York County Shelter Programs here in Maine. Their Mission is to end homelessness and assist individuals in reaching their fullest potential by providing access to appropriate housing, offering assistance toward personal growth opportunities and community resources. They estimate the number of homeless people in America range from two-four million and about 1200 individuals are homeless in Maine on any given night, including 400-500 children. Roughly 10,000 individuals spend time in Maine's shelters throughout the year and many others are at risk. (Maine Coalition to End Homelessness, 2003). York County Shelters does a wonderful job meeting the many needs of those homeless or at risk of homelessness here in Southern Maine.

Today I am participating in their 2nd annual "Housing for the Homeless" Walk-A-Thon. The intent of the two mile walk is to bring attention to the plight of homeless in York County and to raise funds to help. Last year the walk raised $17,000 in sponsorships and pledges. This year during these challenging economic times the need is even greater. The walk-a-thon will be held at the beautiful Kennebunk Beaches, beginning at Mother's Beach and ending at Gooches Beach. If you wish to make a tax deductible donation click here to be taken directly to their website. I encourage you to locate your local homeless shelter or food pantry and make a donation or get involved in some way to support their programs that help those in need. Here are a few suggestions:

• Volunteer. Help out at a local shelter by distributing clothes, serving meals, or answering phones (for a directory, visit http://www.hud.gov/homeless/hmlsagen.cfm ).
• Donate. Gather up any clothes, toys, books,computers, any household goods, toiletries, even automobiles you’re not using and donate them to your local homeless shelter. You also can donate directly to homeless people. If you don’t want to give money, offer a warm meal, a gift certificate to a fast-food restaurant, transportation tokens, or recyclable bottles that can be turned in for cash.
• Advocate. Contact your local representatives and push for new legislation to help the homeless.
• Employ. Hire homeless people at your company. If you’re not in a position to hire anyone, ask your Human Resources manager whether there might be internships or full-time opportunities available where they can develop new skills.
  
• Respect. If you do nothing else, be kind. The next time you see a homeless person on the street, don’t just look away. Everyone deserves respect and a smile.

This beautiful 1833 Shaker Barn has become the home of the Healthy Habits Center and Food Pantry of the York County Shelter Programs, Inc. It represents the very best efforts of many good people who take great pride in helping others to gain a sense of safety, wellness, and hope.

Fabulous Friday Food Feature ~ Plant a Row for the Hungry

Since 1995, American gardeners have donated over 14 million pounds of herbs and vegetables to feed the hungry in our local neighborhoods and communities.

Launched in 1995, Plant A Row is a public service program of the Garden Writers Association and the GWA Foundation. All gardeners are encouraged to plant an extra row of produce and donate this to local food banks, soup kitchens and shelters. There are over 84 million households with a yard or garden in the U.S. If every gardener plants one extra row of vegetables and donates this to local food agencies and soup kitchens, a significant impact can be made on reducing hunger. Check with your local food pantry, soup kitchen or homeless shelter to donate part of your harvest and reduce hunger in your community.

Thursday Thinking Green ~ Create your own Compost Bin with a Garbage Can

How to Create a "Dirt Cheap" Compost Bin with a Garbage Can
A compost bin can be a perfect addition to your organic garden and creating a bin does not have to be expensive!
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/314155/how_to_create_a_dirt_cheap_compost.html

Wordless Wednesday ~ Maine Lupine

Boothbay Harbor by DDion-Sullivan

Congratulations John!

"To accomplish great things, we must dream as well as act". - Anatole France

We are proud of you and love you so much - always will!

Monday Musings ~ Memorial Day Greetings

"May I never wake up from the American dream." Anonymous

Quote of the Week

Photo by Marilyn Shannon

Saturday Featured Artist ~ John Sullivan IV

My oldest son John graduates from Marist college today, so I am thankful we have post options on Blogger so I can write this post ahead of time and schedule it to publish today! John is graduating with a degree in Communications in Radio/TV/Film and a minor in Cinema Studies. He is a young aspiring film maker with his whole life ahead of him - how exciting! The following is a culmination of a semester class where John created his first short narrative film. It is presented here in two parts. The following is taken from his blog "Canned Cumulus":

Entitled “Dead Weight”, the film is set in the harsh post- apocalyptic world, where a young man named Drew must struggle with the balance between survival and responsibility to others as he journeys south to find what he is looking for. John Sullivan and Kate Costello star in this short student film directed by John Velasco at Marist College.

Fabulous Friday Food Feature ~ Kitchen Compost Crock

Got Scraps? Get a kitchen counter-top Compost Crock. I purchased this heavy counter-top container to collect kitchen scraps for recycling into a fertilizer-rich compost for our garden. Takes it out of the landfill and feeds our flowers and veggies. It makes it easy with no need to run out to the backyard after every meal to dump the compost. Simply lift the lid and drop-in all those left over and unwanted veggie scraps, coffee grounds, egg shells. There is an area in the lid for a filter which keeps it all tidy and odorless. When it's full, dump it out into your main composter in the yard. I found mine at Homeimprovements.com

Thursday Thinking Green ~ Create your own Victory Garden

photo from revivevictorygarden.org

Much has been been in the news recently of the resurgence of the Victory Garden. What is a Victory Garden you might ask? I found this wonderful website recently that has everything you want to know about what a Victory Garden is and how to get started with creating your own. Creating your own garden will not only bring you wonderfully fresh food, but is also great for the environment. Click on this link to go to the website: VictoryGarden

Check out Time Check!

My son is a senior at Marist College (graduating this Saturday). He has had four great years there and has especially loved some of the extracurricular activities offered. For a college offering only a minor in music they have a great theater and music department. John has been involved in the Marist College Council on Theatre Arts (MCCTA) for the four years he has attended, as well as several vocal performing ensembles (they have performed twice at Carnegie Hall). He has especially enjoyed the men's A Cappella group "Time check". They recently released their second CD as a way of raising funds for the group costs. They are also quite involved in the local community in Poughkeepsie. Many of them have visited us here in Maine and they are an impressive group of young men. I know my son will miss singing with them and has formed some wonderful lifelong friendships. It has certainly enriched his college experience. Here is a clip they posted on YouTube of their last performance we attended just a few weeks ago. (My son John is the lead vocalist :)

Wordless Wednesday

Hudson River Valley by DDSullivan

Tuesday ~ Favorite Home Decor Books

Here are three of my current favorite Home Decor books. Some are new and Click on the book to view reader reviews.




Here are three of my current favorite Home Decor books for Spring 2009. Click on the book to view reader reviews.

Monday Musings ~ Where Do You Go For Inspiration?

At home..... I go to this particular place in my living room. From this spot on the couch in the early morning silence, I can gather my thoughts and wake up with a cup or two of coffee. I love the view of the field outside as it comes alive with the sunrise of a new day. A morning meditation of sorts.

Outside....I always find it incredibly inspiring to visit the shore and to this particular beach which is covered in stones. We call it the "rocky beach" where I search tirelessly for "heart rocks". I love to sit on the stones warmed by the sun and listen to the waves lap the shore, receding and creating a rushing sound, much like the sound of a rain-stick. Another favorite meditation space.

Around town...I enjoy perusing unique shops for inspiration. One of my favorite local shops is Pallian, located on Route One in Wells, the next town over. Cynthia is the friendly owner and has a wonderful gift for creating beautiful vignettes and displays which reflect the beauty of the changing seasons of Maine.









I am a very sensory individual and am always inspired by the varied textures, smells, and beautiful items in this lovely shop.









I absolutely covet the second floor space of Pallian and think it would make a wonderful artist's studio with it's natural light and wonderful aged pine.

















These are just a few of the places I visit for inspiration. Where do you go?

Quote of the Week

photo by Marilyn Shannon

Blog Feature - Thanks Karen!

A thoughtful woman named Karen from MysticWynd.etsy.com emailed me and wondered if I wouldn't mind being featured on her wonderful blog: Mystic Wynd. She does a spotlight feature of shops that she comes across on Etsy that are new and unique. I was flattered she chose to feature my newest shop ~ Seasonal Vignettes on her blog this week. The interview is on the right hand side of her blog. Click here: MysticWynd and take a peek!

Saturday Feature ~ Museum of Modern Art

My family and I recently visited New York City and went to MOMA (Museum of Modern Art). It was fabulous, (they even allow photos). Here are a few of my favorites to share with you.

Fabulous Friday Feature ~ The Art of Fruit Carving

I found this incredible blog with great photos and wonderful creative genius. Carving and Artistic Compositions of fruits and vegetables by Francesco. Click on the photo to be taken to the link:

Thursday Thinking Green ~ DIY Re-usable Grocery Bags

Wordless Wednesday ~ Spring Tulips

Tuesday ~ Recycled Home Decor

To celebrate all things eco, I thought it would be appropriate to highlight some of the great products and companies that are turning out recycled home furniture goods right now. Curious about where to source this or other recycled products? Then check out http://www.casasugar.com to find out! Click on photo or hyperlink to be taken to her blog and the slideshow highlighting recycled home decor!