Wednesday, May 27, 2009

ARKANSAS

WELCOME TO ARKANSAS


HOME OF THE ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS: WOO! PIG SOOIE!


Now for the scenic view, let me show you scenes from:

ARKANSAS' MOUNTAIN STATE PARKS


The Yellow Rock Overlook at Devil's Den State Park, crafted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's, offers a scenic view of the Ozark Mountains.

Mount Magazine State Park, atop Arkansas's highest peak, is ideal for sightseeing, enjoying nature, and learning about the natural sciences.

Mount Nebo State Park has long been an attraction for travelers to sightsee at mountaintop overlooks.

When you visit the Ozark Folk Center, you'll encounter dramatic views of the Ozark Mountains during your scenic drive to the park.

Stout's Point, a rocky bluff overlook on Petit Jean Mountain, offers dramatic mountaintop views.

Pinnacle Mountain State Park, just west of Little Rock, is ideal for hiking, sightseeing, and studying nature.

Queen Wilhelmina State Park is part of the Talimena Scenic Drive, which stretches 54 miles along crests of the Ouachita Mountains.

Friday, May 22, 2009

HAPPY VGNO: Special Post and Giveaways

Hello, everyone! Hope you have a great Memorial Day weekend. Remember those who have and are serving our country and those who gave their lives for our freedom and safety.

I hope you take the time to read my post about Spirit Jump and scroll down to the giveaway posts below it.

Happy VGNO!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

I am a SPIRIT JUMPER



This week, while doing my usual twittering and giveaway entries, I came across something a little different. Something that, a few weeks back, I had looked at, but did not "check into" because I was afraid. Well, maybe "afraid" isn't the "proper" word for it. I had looked at the blog, saw all the buttons on the side bar and convinced myself that I couldn't help. After all, what most charities need is money for research or for struggling families, you know, we have all seen it and have tried our best to GIVE. With my current situation, I knew it just wasn't possible for me to give.

I'm not sure what made me take a second look at Spirit Jump. I mean, sure, there was a giveaway, but I didn't HAVE to "get involved" with Spirit Jump to enter it, but I went back and looked. This time, I LOOKED!

Now, I know I have communicated with a lot of you through all the social medias and I am sure that some of you have formed opinions about me, as I have you. Some of you tell me how horrible I am.....okay, just kidding on that one, but I get feedback, same as you all do. What I hope you get from me, outside of me being a bit of a character or cut up or sometimes even "sweet", is that I am a very kind-hearted, soft-hearted, caring person. I literally would give my last dollar or the shirt off my back to anyone that I thought needed it more. I tell you this because it breaks my heart NOT to help people.

Back to my story. I know you think I'm drifting, but I am about to tie it in.

Upon LOOKING at Spirit Jump this time, something told me to "Just Do It". Sign up. I had read a little and it looked like maybe I could send a card or e-mail, something simple. I CAN DO THIS! I sent off an e-mail and here is what it said:

Hey, My name is Lagean "GENA" Ellis.

I would like to help you in any way that I can. I don't have much in the way of money, but I have a HUGE heart.

Please, let me know what I can do.

Sincerely,

Gena Ellis


Within a very short time, I received a response back thanking me for joining. They sent me all the information I needed to get started and walked me through the process. It was then that I realized that it was just as simple as sending cards, e-mails, gifts (if I wanted), donations (if I wanted), all those little things that, had I read the whole blog, rather than saying "I CAN'T HELP", I would have seen. I would have known THEN, that what they wanted and truly needed, was for ME, and YOU, to take the time to let someone with cancer or another debilitating disease know that "I AM HERE FOR YOU" and "I WANT TO CHEER YOU UP AND MAKE YOUR DAY BETTER". That's all!

Kindness, Caring, Support, Prayers..........it IS that SIMPLE! Please, won't you join me?


Here is a copy of the information that I received from SPIRIT JUMP.




Welcome To Spirit Jump

Spirit Jump is a program that directly connects the gift giver with a person battling cancer. It was founded in November, 2008 by two young women who have both battled cancer.




Meaghan is a cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with end stage cancer with a 20% chance of survival in February of 2007. Like many cancer patients she experienced the horrors of chemotherapy, radiation and numerous surgeries. Today Meaghan is CANCER FREE and is thankful for all of the support of her family and friends who stood by her side through her cancer fight.



Stacy is currently fighting Stage IV Melanoma. Diagnosed, October, 2007, Stacy is still undergoing treatment and fighting this horrible battle.



The Mission of Spirit Jump

If you have a shop, artistic abilities or even an extra card in your drawer and you want to give it to a person in need, send us an email that you want to be a Spirit Jumper at spiritjumper@spiritjump.com We will then connect you directly with a person in need, or we can give you a list of names, a brief description of what their particular cancer battle is and you can choose. When the match is made, We’ll give you that persons mailing address and then it’s up to you to send the gift. It’s simple.

If you decide to be a Spirit Jumper you will be overwhelmed with the joy and warmth you feel when giving a gift. Additionally, every Spirit Jumper is welcome to write a post on our website and tell our many readers about your shop, blog or website. You may include links, photos and any information you want to be featured on the site. We encourage you to also include why you decided to donate, who you donated to and maybe even a photo of what you donated. This will be wonderful exposure for your shop, blog, website and you will be lifting someone’s spirit, WIN, WIN!

Want to be a Spirit Jumper just email: spiritjumper@spiritjump.com

Need a spirit jump or know someone who does just email:

needaspiritjump@spiritjump.com


The way it works is easy:

1- You request to be a Jumper & provide us with any blog/site you may have. It does not matter if you do not have any blog or website.

2- We add you to our email distribution list of Jumpers.

3- We add any shop/website/blog you may have to the jumper directory.

4- Then just wait to get an email from Spirit Jump.

5- If you would like a list of suggestions for gifts email us and we will provide you with one. These are only suggestions & by no means the only types of things people enjoy.

6- If you would prefer to just donate an item/s without being added to our mailing list you can send items to Meaghan or Stacy at the following addresses. We will then forward those items on your behalf to various people who are in need of Spirit Jumps.

When You Get an Email From Spirit Jump:

1-When we receive the name of a person who is battling cancer or a debilitating disease & needs a SJ we send out an email to the SJ's.

2-The email is sent BLIND CC so that your email address is always protected and never compromised.

3-In the email you receive we will share a little about the person/people in need. Things like, name, age, type of cancer and sometimes a little about the person likes. Whatever they authorize us to share.

4- If you would like, and are able to, give that person a Jump you simply reply to our email letting us know you want to jump the persons spirits.

5-After getting your email we will reply by sending the mailing address to you.

6- Next you send the card/gift to the address we provided you with. If you could also send a quick emailing letting us know you did send something we would appreciate it.

7-If you would like to send us a picture of what you sent we would be happy to put it on the Spirt Jump website with a link to your shop/blog/website, if you have one. However, this is not necessary so please do not feel obligated to do so.

8-NEVER FEEL OBLIGATED TO REPLY TO OUR REQUESTS FOR JUMPERS! We keep track of who get jumps and make sure each person gets plenty. This way you do not have to feel "guilty" or worry that the person isn't getting something to lift their spirits. We only want you to send Jumps when you can.

9-NOTHING IS TOO SMALL! You can send a simple handmade or store bought card, a book, blanket, movie.....whatever you would like.

10- Many people mention that they are not “crafty” please do not let that discourage you from participating. If you are looking for something to purchase please consider visiting one of the many Spirit Jumpers shops listed on our website under “Jumpers”. The shops with an * next to them will give Spirit Jumpers discounts and send the gift directly to the person needing a jump with a personalized card from you. Just let them know you are part of Spirit Jump and purchasing a gift as a Spirit Jump.

After You Send a Spirit Jump:

1-This is a one time thing, you are not "adopting" the person in need. This is what makes us a little different from the other cancer charities out there that send gifts.

2- You can send one gift or if you want you can send a gift each week. Its really up to you.

3-When we receive updates on the people who have received jumps we will either email you or post it on www.spiritjump.com

4- You do not have to send the gift/card immediately. Take your time and never feel rushed. A spirit jump works no matter what day it is.

If You No Longer Want to Receive E-mails From Us

1- No problem. Just send us an email saying you would like to be removed as a Spirit Jumper. If at a later time you wish to join again just send us an email.

2- Please keep in mind that although you receive emails you are never expected to respond and we only ask you do so when you can. Because of this it is not necessary for you to sign up or be removed unless you really don’t want to get our emails any longer.

3- We understand that it can be upsetting to get emails about so many people who are suffering. But please keep in mind that your small tokens of support really do make a HUGE difference in these peoples lives.

If You Know Someone In Need:

1- If you know someone who is batting cancer, another debilitating disease, struggling to support someone through an illness or has recently lost a loved one please contact us.

2- The only requirement for receiving a Spirit Jump is that the person must agree to it and be comfortable with us sharing their mailing address. Some people will actually get a P.O Box for the purpose of receiving their Spirit Jumps.

3- We only ask the person in need to share whatever information they feel comfortable with. There is no requirement that they allow us to share the type of cancer they have, treatments they are undergoing etc....We only share what the person feels comfortable sharing.

4- Just send us an email spiritjumper@spiritjump.com with Need A Jump in the subject line and we will do everything we can to help.

One Last Requirement:

1- Due to the strict HIPAA regulations we are required to keep a record of the Spirit Jump matches we make between our Jumpers and our Patients. The only additional information we need from you is your contact information - Name, Address, City, State, Zip, and Email, as well as your own personal blog/website/etsy site etc., if you happen to have one.

We really look forward to working with you while we do all we can to support all of the people fighting this terrible disease. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to ask,

Meaghan & Stacy


A few of the Strong-Hearted, Courageous, Beautiful people they have sponsored:

DESTINY


SAMMIE


JO

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

GIVEAWAY AND SUPPORT THOSE WITH DEBILITATING DISEASES



I want to let everyone know about this giveaway from MariZcreationZ
She is giving away a twitter background creation. One option for entries is to support Spirit Jump. Spirit Jump is an organization that helps children and adults with cancer and other debilitating diseases. They seek sponsors to give gifts of cards, e-mails, or other things to these individuals to help them have a better day. Now, understand, this is only a brief description, so I encourage everyone to at least look at the site and, if you can help in any way, please do so.

I will request permission from Spirit Jump to feature them in a post.

Thanks!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

SUMMER BLOCK PARTY

Summer Block Party hosted by The Mom Buzz, Life in House of Blue, As They Grow Up and LookWhatMomFound

Get in on the fun! Now through May 30th, "The Mom Buzz", "Life in the House of Blue", "As They Grow Up","Look What Mom Found" and "Playdate Picks" are hosting the Summer Block Party and are giving away lots of fun prizes!

Head on over and see what the BUZZ is all about!

I'VE BEEN TAGGED AGAIN!!!





It's true, I have been nominated for the One Lovely Blog Award by Michelle at Faith on Fire . Thank you so much Michelle.

Now, here are the rules:

1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.
2) Pass the award to 5 (or whatever number of) other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Here is my list in no particular order:

1) Sandy @ Tales from a Shopaholic Mommy
2) Melinda @ Look What Mom Found
3) Elizabeth @ Type A Mommy
4) Kat @ Sassy Irish Lassie
5) Anissa @ Our Chaotic Life

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

WooHoo




OOOh! How EXCITING! My new friend, Modern Mom, has nominated me for this award!

It's my very first and I am so glad she thought of me! I try to keep my content fresh and interesting for my followers, after all, I don't want to run them off!

Now, to make it even more exciting, I get to pass it on!


The Rules:
1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.
2) Pass the award to 10 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Here are my award winners, in no particular order:

1) House of Raquel
2) Erasing the Bored
3) Drama Mama
4) Joyful Reflections
5) Opus #6
6) Lollypops and Lizards
7) Ann again...and again
8) Native American Momma
9) Chatty Kathy
10)A Room of My Own

Thanks again, Modern Mom! I also thank all my followers for hanging in there with me!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Awwww




I am trying something new this week. I am entering the I ♥ Faces Kids' contest for week 18. The topic is Laughter.
The picture I have chosen is of my great niece, Isabelle, at her 1st birthday party! She is quite a little ham!

Make sure you go click on the I ♥ Faces link above or visit their site to check out all the entries: www.iheartfaces.blogspot.com


Friday, May 8, 2009

Mother's Day

I dedicate this to my wonderful Mother. She has always been my strength, my hope, my love, my everything.......MY MOTHER!




HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL!

I would like to share with you a poem that I wrote for my Mother to help her when she lost her MOTHER, a wonderful woman, my GRANDMOTHER, BONNIE MARIE GIBSON! GRANDMA, WE LOVE AND MISS YOU SO MUCH!

DEAR DAUGHTER

My precious baby girl,
Please, do not cry.
I had to leave you in this world,
But I would never say goodbye.

You know I'm with you always,
And I will always be.
Do not be sad, my Daughter,
Some day you'll be with me.

My life HERE is so perfect,
No pain is there for me.
And I've saved a special place here,
For your soul when its set free.

Whenever you get sad,
And lonely, as you do.
Just raise your eyes to HEAVEN,
I am right HERE with you.

Now, carry on, dear DAUGHTER,
Live life the best you can.
Remember, when you need me,
I'm THERE, holding your hand.


By Lagean "Gena" Ellis


Please, take the time to give your support of time or money to CANCER RESEARCH! Too many wonderful lives have ended way too soon.


Please ask me for permission if you would like to copy this. It is a published work, but I do not mind sharing, if asked.

Monday, May 4, 2009

I must say, when I think of relaxing, one of my favorite places always comes to mind: Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Let me take you on a short tour: