Enchanted Makeovers

The Little Prayer and Book That Could

2010-01-28T20:24:00.000-08:00

The Jabez Prayer

And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, "Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain."

So God granted him what he requested.

1 CHRONICLES 4:10

May you be open to God's plan and have the courage to ask for his blessings as you execute upon his plan as the vehicle that brings his love to others. Grant us the courage to expand our territory and feel worthy of his love.

For more information about the Prayer of Jabez go to www.prayerofjabez.com.

2010 NYC Shelter Event

2010-01-27T16:32:00.001-08:00

After months of planning and several several people from across the world donating handmade gifts the NYC shelter event became reality. The staff and women from Safe Horizon shelter received opened arms from Martha Stewart's Dreamers into Doers group.

The day started with treats that were made in Martha's kitchen for t...he event, inspirational speakers, raffling off gorgeous quilts to the shelter residents and a wonderful singer with a powerful message. Thank You God, Alexis Tirado from Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Dreamers into Doers, donors from all over the world and Martha Stewart for allowing the event to be held at her offices.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Light Your Candle. Go Toward the Darkness

2010-01-09T13:55:00.000-08:00

Hi sisters,

This is an amaing song that says it all! God wants us to be DOERS of the Word, not hearers only. St. James said that, and I say, AMEN!!!!!

Love,Sue

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiSix6Stilo

The Courage to Share Your Story

2010-01-05T18:46:00.000-08:00

Without the map of our stories we are lost. Lost to the path that leads us forward to where we were intended to go. The goal is not to "stay" in the story. The goal is to allow it to lead us to the next. When we tell and listen to stories, we have the opportunity to learn and to teach.

For some it takes an incredible amount of courage to read from a script of unimaginable nightmarish scenes. Like, how could this be my story. Why was it dealt to me? The weight of their courage equals the weight of the lesson and inspiration.

I am honored to have an opportunity to share Meggs story. Also, go to her blog, I Tell My Truth, where she shares her daily Joy Journey, which continues to introduce peaks, valleys, and everything in between. In a world that seems to thrive on "plastic", let's be committed to thrive on the TRUTH! Thank You Meggs. We will stand together.

Women Hold Up Half the Sky

2009-12-26T14:06:00.000-08:00

I've just started to read "Half the Sky", by Nicholas D. Kirstof and Sheryl Wudunn who happen to be winners of the Pulitzer Prize AND are a husband and wife team.

The book provides an insight on the oppression of women in developing countries and how and why, as a society, we need to lift this oppression together, men and women.

It is hard to believe the stories of sex slavery and the inhumane actions towards young women. Even more unbelievable is that some women who are products of this oppression eventually oppress other women. It is estimated that 3 million women and girls are enslaved into the sex trade, compared to 80,000 slaves shipped annually across the Atlantic from Africa in the 1780's, which declined to 50,000 between 1811 and 1850.

As I read I wonder, "What can I do about this and what about the needs of women in our own backyards?" Consider this, the countries that severely oppress women are the countries that breed terrorism and radical extremist. Now that certainly hits home.

I live where I have many freedoms, but I see remnants of the oppression described in this book, at my front door. Still many companies, organizations, communities and families do not know the value in gender diversity. Many women are not confident in the value they provide. In many ways, believing that, as a country, we are very "female" forward thinking has us stuck in mediocrity. As I learn more about domestic violence against women and childhood sexual abuse, I realize there is still so much more work that needs to be done here in the good ole USA.

Whether you are inclined to fight the oppression of women closer to home or across the oceans you will be inspired and motivated into action by reading this book. Vast bodies of water do not separate us from them. What happens there affects what happens here and vise versa , for we are all connected.

If women hold up half the sky, men hold up the other half. Its about valuing every body's contribution to the whole and allowing everybody to be themselves. When we say women should stand together, we are not saying, "Women together can stand alone". We are saying "Let's support other women in their contribution to holding up the sky. Its not a competition.

Brush, Reflect, Pray, Repeat... by Sue Koons

2009-12-06T13:18:00.000-08:00

'Who's crazy enough to start painting cabinets in the beginning of the Christmas season? Me, that's who,' was a recent Facebook post of mine. Yes, I have started, and am nearing completion, only to start on my dining room table and chairs. Why am I nutty like this? Well, I suppose it has something to do with the approaching holidays.

I have heard lots of people say that they have their trees up, decorated, gifts bought, wrapped, and the bane of my existence (sorry), the Christmas cards, sent out. I guess I'm more of a procrastinator in those departments. One year, the hubs and I put the tree up the day after Thanksgiving, but by the time Christmas came around, all the decorations were just there, the 'magic' wore off. So that's why we wait to put up the tree about a week before Christmas.

Actually, it's usually my two boys and myself that decorate, but the hubs puts the tree up.
The boys are slowly getting to the point where 'decorating' is not that big of a deal. What? Not a big deal? Of course it is! The Christmas decorations are a sign of something special that will be happening. The day we wait for, the commemoration of the Blessed Event- Christmas, the day of our Lord's birth.

What has this got to do with me painting my cabinets, and table, and chairs? Well, I guess that is my way of preparing for the holidays. I'm thinking about family and friends that will be dropping by the whole time I'm painting. Just another way to make the house more welcoming, but this will stay around long after the 'magic' of fresh paints wears off- figuratively, and quite possibly literally.

It's funny how painting can relax and frustrate at the same time, isn't it?

As you will learn about me, if you stand still, I will likely paint you! I love giving things 'new life' with a coat (or two) of paint. In a way, each project is like its own scrapbook. I can remember how I felt while painting that piece, or where I was physically or emotionally. For instance, while I was painting my bedside table, which was a table from my mother's childhood, I was outside with my kids on a warm spring day and I had met a new neighbor. 'Oh, how nice for her to come and introduce herself,' I thought. Then she proceeded to tell me how my boys were throwing stones at her car, and that's where the nice, warm, relaxing spring day came to a screeching halt! I laugh about it now, and I believe Mel Brooks said it best when he said, 'Comedy is just tragedy with time.'

Painting is my therapy. I work out problems, reflect, and pray. And in doing this, I grow.
In the next few months, I will be growing -alot! I've got lots of projects to share with you all.

Light and Peace to you all! Suse

Enchanted Makeovers Does Many Kinds of Makeovers

2009-11-27T13:53:00.000-08:00

This year, Enchanted Makeovers incorporated a Celebration of Cooking Event leading up to the Vision Project physical bedroom makeovers. View the slideshow of photos here.

Nancy Reffle, owner of Coeur d'Alene made an especially special contribution when she spent hours into the wee morning to sew the sashes for the chairs.

When asked to tell us about her favorite childhood toy she replied,"Oh I was into all things pretty! Dress up clothes, fancy little tea parties. I would use everything I could find to represent my little vision. I loved spending time with my Mimmie, then I was able to use her fur coat and all her pretty hats." Its not wonder she made a special effort to make the "tea party" for the girls very special.

coeurdalenegifts.com
coeurdalenegifts.blogspot.com

We look forward to doing more of these special events for women and children in need. Here's more about the event, that was made possible by many donors.

A desire to share the love felt while spending time with her mother in the kitchen, cooking, Terry dreamt of a cooking celebration for the girls as well. It was a big dream that would involve wonderful food, beautiful music, a special party atmosphere, gifts and surprises. This celebration would exceed expectations. It had to be the best. This would require the right recipe, special ingredients and loving cooks. The dream had to be huge as it would feed the dreams of girls who have perhaps never dreamt of such wonderful things possible for them, given their circumstances. It would be a gift unsolicited by “good” behavior or calendar prompted holiday. It was a gift to the girls just because they are worthy of the best. The celebration was fueled by other’s gratefulness for what they have, purely wanting to share their bounty, big and small.

The afternoon of June 25th an industrial feeling living and dining room of the Vista Maria Myriam House was transformed into a party setting, fitting of Sandra Dee. Windows were framed with balloons. Polka dotted tables staged for the arrangements of flowers and fine china. The girls helped Chef Pete of Hillers make pizza with fresh ingredients. Salad started the feast and strawberry shortcake finished. All the dishes were cleared before the girls were surprised with girly gifts, donated by crafting maidens from across the country.

The event ended in the same fashion as its conception, with a hope and a dream of magical things that transport our hearts to the home with ourselves. With eyes closed and balloons pressed to foreheads, young girls and young at heart women infused the balloon ready to set their hopes and dreams a flight to the place of possibilities. On the count of three, pink and white balloons filled the sky, a perfect way to end the whole enchanting day.

Enchanted Makeovers thanks the loving cooks, whose ingredients and recipes made this day possible for the girls who reside at Vista Maria, Myriam House.

A Volunteer's Testimony - Shining as brightly as a neon sign!

2009-11-23T10:37:00.000-08:00

Sue Koons' Testimony

One night, shortly after my 40th birthday, I started questioning things, such as where is my life going? Am I doing what God wants me to do? Am I needed by the people I thought needed me? Well, when I get like this, I start looking around, asking God, 'OK, what's next?' You see, God and I have this agreement that when I need my next set of instructions, He gives them to me in the big, neon lights, sort of way, because He knows the still, small voice doesn't get my attention.

I started looking at my favorite blogs. One of these blogs is written by one of my good friends, and she has links on her website that I like to visit. One of which is the Little French Garden House. This blog is written by a woman in California. This evening, I noticed on her blog she was talking about Terry Grahl, president of Enchanted Makeovers, who is an interior decorator. Terry creates peaceful havens for women and children in shelters. While I was reading this I wondered where this amazing woman was located. As I read further, I found out she is in Michigan! Really? I have to email her and tell her I'm here, I'm ready to work! Thank you, God, for the neon sign.

I wasted no time emailing Terry, and she wasted no time replying to me. I signed up for her newsletter, and on October 10th, I got the chance to meet Terry, and help her and other volunteers transform Vista Maria's Miriam House's living quarters.
As I walked up the stairs to where we would be working, the hallway was an institutional white, and the bedrooms were small, the paint was peeling, the beds, dressers, and medicine cabinets were covered in graffiti, negative messages everywhere.

The first thing we did was to clean the beds, then primed them. The primer was a light brownish pink, not the most attractive color, but even the primer was a huge improvement!

As we were working in the bedrooms, the hallways were being prepared for a soft, but cheery yellow paint.

When I left Vista Maria that day, I was on such a high, just from priming the beds. Imagine that, joy from priming!

The next week I came back with a couple of people from my church. I gave a ride down to Vista Maria to Kate, a junior in high school. When she got in the car, she told me she was doing this to get her community service hours in order to graduate. Kate had never painted before, so I showed her the finer points of painting. The color was spring green, and again, I was giddy with excitement, knowing that this was going to be huge for the girls. By the end of the day, Kate told me to call her the next time we would be at Vista Maria, she knew she would go over her 'required' number of hours, but this project, and these girls had gotten to her heart.

Once the beds were painted green, we moved on to the dressers. This week we had 50 volunteers! Lots of people for small spaces. We took all of the drawers outside and painted them white, while the dressers were painted the same green as the beds. Terry had another plan for the beds- polka dots! White polka dots of varying sizes were painted on the beds- hundreds of polka dots, but it was worth seeing spots, as they gave whimsy to the beds.

During the days we spent on the rooms, the hallways were being transformed into a fairy garden with life size fairies, flowers, and mushrooms so large and life like, you could almost touch and smell them.

Sunday, Nov. 15th was the makeover/reveal day, and let me tell you, I was so excited, I could not sleep. So many things running through my mind; How will the girls like their rooms? How big of an impact will this have on them? Will the girl who gets the chair I painted like it? When's it going to be reveal time? I was like a kid on Christmas Eve.

Sunday finally arrived, and I got to the Miriam House a little after noon, but people were there since 9:00. As I walked into the rooms, they were more beautiful than I could have imagined- and we weren't even done with all of the finishing touches yet. Each bed had its own quilt, and on each bed there was a robe, PJ's, handmade slippers, and an eye mask for each girl. There were handmade Hope chests in each room which held handmade quilts that the girls could take with them when they leave Vista Maria. There was also a handmade jewelry box complete with jewelry that was made or donated from people all over the country- some pieces were from a woman in Japan!

Instead of the plethora of negative messages, there were positive messages all around,such as 'Hold your head up, look people in the eyes' 'Love me when I least deserve it, because that's when I need it most', and ,my favorite, 'Be yourself, everyone else is taken'.

It was nearing 3:30, and the girls, the volunteers, and Terry were getting very excited for the big reveal. As the girls came up the stairs, and stood outside their door to their rooms, we said a blessing, and then the doors flew open, and squeals and laughter and tears filled this space. The girl whose room had the chair I painted said she loved it, and she loved the swirls, and when she sat in her chair, she was beaming.

These girls, who came here because of the hard lives they had led, were so happy, so grateful, and just girls enjoying and basking in the love of Terry and the volunteers. It was truly a blessed event, one that ranks up there with my wedding and the births of my children, something I don't think anyone who was present that day will ever forget!

I Met Jane. She's Lovely and So Are You.

2009-11-08T13:36:00.000-08:00

A Janet? Yes. A Jan and a Janice all in one, but never a Jane. I cannot recollect ever meeting a Jane until this last week.

Two friends at lunch together, like most days. Its a standing invitation, on week days, which is rarely skipped, except for the occasional illness or vacation day. Friday,eating at one of the town's treasures, Rabbits Bakery the two friends sat waiting for their food. Some days there are long periods of silence, but most often the talker talks and the listener listens, during this lunch hour away from work.

As the two peas so naturally settle in their pod, appearing as if nothing could snap through, Jane sits next to them, lovely and radiating of herself, so bright and inviting. The talker recognized her, but at first could not recall. "She's really good at conversation", thinks the listener, always feeling a bit insecure with her shyness. "Oh yes we golfed together." The talker remembers what a nice time it was to be pared with the couple.

As the three women converse, Jane explains how she had just been to school for grandparents day. Her daughter didn't know she was coming and that she would be in a disguise of sorts. You see the young girls grandparents lived 6 hours away and could not be there, so Jane came to school as her daughter's grandfather, old man mask and all. The listener thought that was such a thoughtful and fun thing to do. It radiated love and fun all at the same time. Her daughter may have been a bit embarrassed (maybe not), but what will imprint on her daughter's heart and mind is her mother's love, to be appreciate as the years go by.

Jane's food was ready and she was taking it to go, so the three peas became two once more. Its good to be peas in our pods as long as they have zippers and elastic. There is room for everyone. Besides there are so many lovely Janes to meet and many who need to meet you as well. We can be mothers and grandmothers to many. It is our legacy to leave to one huge family.

Giving is Fun! More Volunteers Needed

2009-10-20T20:11:00.001-07:00

Look at all the smiles. Wonderful volunteers got the project started by cleaning and painting.

Enchanted Makeovers thanks the volunteers who donated their time to clean, paint and hang new vanity lights.

Next Volunteer Opportunity

November 7th 9am-4pm

35 volunteers needed (bring paint brush, paint tray, roller)
paint and prime 20 dressers
clean hallway lights and take off old painters tape
prime inside 11 medicine cabinets and paint
clean mirrors

Lunch and drinks provided by Enchanted Makeovers.

We're Crazy, Loving, Funny, Sharing WOMEN!!! We are awesome.

2009-10-18T09:39:00.000-07:00

This blog is a place were we can hang out together and we're keeping some great company.

We asked you to finish this sentence, "My sisters (friends, mom, daughters, etc) love to hang out with me because I........

have a great sense of humor and always can make them laugh.

am funny and original.

can cook. I am a great listener and love to help in any way that I can. I love people and their wonderful inspiration they give me. I smile alot & try my best to change their mood if bad to good & positive.

passionate, smart, interesting and a little bit crazy.

because I am a free spirit. Adventurious and love to try silly things. I guess by me not having much of a childhood I love to be a little silly.

tend to be the positive one. I believe in the unbelivable. They say I see life through rose colored glasses no matter how dire the situation may be.

am resourceful, honest, and love to share in new adventures. And love to share my adventures with them.

am the one that makes them laugh, I am their rock, I am there no matter what, they know that I do not judge them no matter what they may have done, I am always hugging them, I have a love of life that most do not understand and they like to get their pick me ups from me. I look for the best in situation and know that there is a lesson from God in there somewhere. I am women, I am friend, and I am love!

am a crazy person. I love to make people laugh. I am a clown. I act goofy to get people to lighten up. I also encourage people and help them if they are going through a tough time. I'm there for them for the long haul.

usually make them laugh. And will always be there for them.

Let's stand together being a little crazy, loving, giving, committed, sharing, listening. We're free, smart and we believe in ourselves and each other. CRAZY GOOD!

Won't you share a little about yourself? Go to the questionaire.

Devour THIS in One Sitting? Not Likely.

2009-10-11T18:44:00.000-07:00

Imagine magically growing 12 times your size and squeezing into a pastry shop in New England, France OR... perhaps Singapore. Your eyes couldn't possibly devour all the details in just one sitting, but you're sure your stomach could. YUM!

Pei Li of Pei Li's Dollhouse Miniatures creates on a scale of 1:12 and is one of Enchanted Makeovers international donors. One can only imagine the vision, patience and attention to detail needed to create these lovely transportation vehicles into an Enchanted world. EYE CANDY!!

When asked what her favorite creative outlet was, Pei Li, a self proclaimed "cute, whimsical, fantasy creative type, responded:

Miniatures work best to capture my creativity at this moment. I enjoy sending little subtle messages of my mood through my miniature works - be it girly, romantic themes or shabby chic. There is so much room to put your own ideas and transform it into miniature scale. Of course desserts are a weakness of mine, and seeing something so adorable and realistic makes my day. I also enjoy cross stitching a lot, because it relaxes my mind. There is something very therapeutic about it.

Pei Li's donating miniature fruit tart earrings for the girls we are serving at this year's Vision Project. Make sure to visit her at her blog http://www.miniaturepatisseriechef.blogspot.com/.

Teri Hits a Home Run and Karla Scores! The Fans Cheer.

2009-10-07T19:18:00.000-07:00

We got her voicemail. Let's leave a message, "Karla, Guess what!?!? You are the receipient of a great gift. Call us back so we can get your mailing address."

Now more about our sharing sister. Teri Williams, that's T - E - R - I Williams, who is a self proclaimed "earthy" creative type, which may have manifested during her playtime as a child. One childhood experience she wishes every child should have is to go to camp. Some of Teri's best days were spent camping. Long walks in nature and candles fuel her creativity and negativity drains it.

When asked what her favorite childhood toy was Teri said, "Actually, my favorite childhood toy was a softball mit and ball. Being the youngest of 6 children, 4 of whom were boys, you either did the boy stuff or didn't hang out with the clan.

I learned to love softball at a very young age and I was pretty good at it, too. Summer wasn't just great because there was no school, it was great because the season began! I played ball for almost 25 years!"

She is our very first, gift giving sister and provided the Sisstory Journal for our Sisters Share Giveaway AND KARLA IS THE RECIPIENT OF TERI'S GIFT. Good for you, Karla!!

Well Teri is still an All Star player as the founder of The Bliss Network.

Top ten tips for living and working blissfully are:

B - Believe - Believe in the possibilities

L - Live - Live your day as if it’s your last

I - Inquire - Ask lots of questions. Knowledge is power

S - Smile - Smiling is contagious

S - Supportive - Be of help to others in your environment.

F - Feed - Start your day with a healthy breakfast

U - Upbeat - Embrace each day with enthusiasm and excitement

L - Laugh - Laugh at life, it’s supposed to be fun

L - Love - Love for yourself, love for others

Y - Yes - Say yes more than you say no

Stay tuned for more great giveaways. It's wonderful to give and we need to learn to receive gifts as well, if we expect to be able to give our best selves. SISTERS LOVE TO SHARE!!!

First "Sisters Share" Giveaway - Tell Your Sisstory

2009-09-30T17:12:00.000-07:00

Yes, you deserve a boost and our fellow sisters love to share, so without further delay EM is announcing its first "Sisters Share" giveaway.

Our sister Teri Williams from the Bliss Network (theblissnetwork.com) is providing her Sisstory Journal to one deserving sister via random drawing. To top things off Teri has offered 20% of this journal's proceeds to Enchanted Makeovers.

1. Leave a comment. Its that simple.

2. We will announce the winner next Wednesday.
3. Want to share something in the future? Email Kim with your generous offering. kimlampe@travelingsanctuary.com We'll let all of our newsletter subscribers know about your Sisters Share Giveaway.

Sisstory Journal - A celebration of sisterhood

Sisters by choice or sisters by birth, either way a "sister" with a story: experiences, feelings and events to share. Bring your own "Sisstory" to life. Begin the journey by answering over 365 engaging, entertaining and enlightening questions about you, about your sister, about life. Discover how well you know yourself and how well you know your sister.

Research has shown that writing your personal story creates emotional release, health benefits and a feeling of overwhelming joy. It doesn't matter if you think you are a "writer" or not, it only matters that you do it. Express yourself!

Write, draw, paste, create - share you!!
Here's to sisterhood!

Strangers, Sisters & Sanctuaries... The First Story

2009-09-23T21:17:00.000-07:00

October 5th, 2008 a stranger left a comment on my blog, in response to a poem I had written, "I hope all is well and you're still believing in your heart's desire." My blog was in it's infancy and comments were rare, especially from a "stranger". I knew mom and dad were frequents, but they do not leave comments. Furthermore dad insists on mom printing each post, to be preserved on paper and kept in a binder. There is something about leafing through a scrapbook of your child's work. Their loving support has been a main stay throughout my life and when they compliment my writing I am skeptical of their lack of bias. Their encouragement is welcomed and "parentally" genuine.

Now back to the comments left by this stranger. Through the link, I discovered she had a website. Her name was Terry. She had an enchanting approach to decorating. She loved her mother. And she helped women in shelters. I recall a feeling of acceptance. I was transported to a cozy cottage sanctuary. I felt compelled to formerly introduce myself, but the technology that enabled us wave at each other from across the street prevented us from crossing and looking each other in the eye. Our casual passing escaped my logical mind, but left a permanent impression onto my heart. Two empty reserved seat were left, always available in the event we were to cross paths again.

A few months passed before those reserved seats were simultaneously occupied; a comment left on another blog, an email, phone calls, and a request to edit a newsletter forged the impression in gold.

When Terry asked me to write something for her I was a bit unsure. My writing was such a personal thing and I wasn't sure if I could write for anyone other than for myself. When you write for somebody else and for an organization you really need to get to know them. You need to form a virtual sanctuary, a place where somebody can be themselves allowing one to get to know another. I am so grateful Terry had the courage to ask me to write for Enchanted Makeovers and grateful I had the courage to accept her invitation.

Soul sisters are divine assignments, I now believe. When we prepare a sanctuary for ourselves and share it with others, strangers become sisters. Not all will be soul sisters, but it takes all kinds. I know the love of a mother, of a father... grandparents, a pet....husband, sibling, son, daughter and the love of myself. With all that love I guess I didn’t realize I needed the love of a true friend. I probably could have lived my life without it and been "O. K.", but I am so glad I wouldn’t need to do that.

Below is the result of Terry's first assignment.

Oh…. morning, you arrive too early for me, always having taken refuge in my bed late into the night, fast approaching morning. Um…. my bed smells of familiarity, sometimes of yesterday’s perfume, my hubby and too rarely the smell of freshly laundered sheets. No matter, the pillows are soft, the down comforter is warm and, besides her wet, cold little nose, Tula, our beloved Chihuahua, keeps my feet warm as we nuzzle together in our cocoon. The sun shines in the wall of windows, awakening me with warmth. The same panes frame bright stars, bringing awareness to the vast universe, just the evening before. A huge comfy “queen” chair sits in a cozy corner and serves as an inexpensive get away, through the escape of a good book. Scarves, pictures, jewelry, books and “old” comforting things are here. The bedroom may be my most sacred of healing sanctuaries within our home.

I awaken somewhat fearful of what my day may bring. It is a fear that can motivate and a fear that can paralyze, first my mind, but the body soon to follow. My stomach churns. If left unattended too many juices that will cause damage. “So long, warm bed, until we meet again, 16 to 18 hours from now. I do love you so.” Thankfully, more healing is only but twenty steps ahead. I am entering my shower, surrounding me with glass and natural slate tile. I am grateful to have made it here. The warm water, infuses me, covers me and washes me of my poison, as if I had my own dialysis machine. Some of my fear is washed down the drain, along with the suds. Some fear is replaced with a bit of courage and perspective soothing the symptoms of my acute stresses awaiting me on this day. The ulcering butterflies start to release from my stomach as I dry, dress and primp just a bit. I am ready to brave the world one more day, as I have layered myself with the healing medicine provided in my sanctuary.

As I rush to get the kids ready and make my way down the stairs I bear witness to my mini “first aid kit” sanctuaries that are sprinkled throughout my home. The mobile hanging in the window in front of my kitchen sink is a collage of repurposed glass, rings, beads and wire all connected to a piece of driftwood. My daughter’s artwork resides on the window sill below. Earthly tones color our home. Dark stained grain shows through the wood of the quarter-sewn oak cabinets, reaching high almost reaching the ceiling. The lights and darks of our hickory wooden floor are a beautiful display of nature’s contrasts.

I speak of my own healing and realize that I take all of this too much for granted most days. It’s a shame considering many, who due to circumstances, find themselves in a place that may only be a meager refuge from the abuse of others or from the abuse they put on themselves, not believing they would even be worthy of such a healing sanctuary such as the place I myself call home.

Prepare your sanctuary. Invite others in. Your life will be infinitely enriched.

Kitty Kats Rule the Red Carpet

2009-09-17T17:55:00.000-07:00

EM Crew Reporting from the Red Carpet

Chippy Cottage Charm House Steals the Spotlight

chippycottagecharmhouse.blogspot.com

The Kitty Kats commanded our attention on the red carpet. A small entourage, which included Miss Piggy and Rainbow Brite, trailed behind. We are reporting from the kick off event for the annual Beloved Vintage Treasures World Festival. Miss Piggy, wearing yet another Henson design, was a display of pink flowing taffeta, obviously trying to show her more sweet side. She might as well stop trying to fool us. That gig was up a long time ago. The array of colors certainly fit Rainbow Brite's personality, but was a bit too 80's. She didn't reveal her designer, but we suspect Bob Mackie may be trying to make a come back with this younger client. Bob has never been known for toning things down.

We all agree, designer Rachel Knoblich stole the show. The Kitty Kats were so well coordinated as they perfectly gave presence to her new Chippy Cottage Charm House line. Rachel hand selects the chenille for each piece and adds such a special touch with each hand sewn embellishment.

Blue Eye Kat, Garden Kat and Sunshine Kat

Sassy Kat puts the sass in sassy with this number. She's the leader of the Kitty Kats.

Ok, I was having just a little fun with this donor feature post, so thanks for humoring me a bit. The real story is that Rachel Knoblich of Chippy Cottage Charm House hand made 20 of these lovely little kitttens in support of this year's Vision Project. Each girl will have one of these kittens resting on their beds, in their new enchanting bedrooms. Love is in each little detail and these kittens have the love of thousands of hand stitches.

Miss Piggy and Rainbow Brite entered the scene as we learned this about Rachel.

EM - Tell us about your favorite childhood toy.

Rachel - My grandmother would knit/crochet everything. She made our toys. She made me a doll for my 5th birthday. I remember a knitted ice cream cone. She also knitted me Kermit and Miss Piggy for Christmas one year. That same year she made Bert and Ernie for my little brother. She made me a knitted Rainbow Brite as well. Everything she made I loved. They were my favorite gifts.

We couldn't leave out Miss Piggy and Rainbow Brite. They definitely played a significant leading role in the success of the Kitty Kats. We'll have more on Rachel as Halloween approaches.

And This Too Shall Be HOME

2009-09-14T19:09:00.000-07:00

Wherever you hang your hat ...

And rest your beautiful head ...

May you feel like you are home.

Wherever you are and wherever you go, love yourself enough to welcome YOU home.

Whether you rent or own the walls that surround you, embrace the time that you have been given in your special House of Now.

Use your key, not only to unlock the door, but to open your heart and let your spirits soar - by celebrating the precious days that you will LIVE there. For this we all know, we are not given days to live over again.

Fall in love with your surroundings, even if they are dark and dreary. Bring light to your sweet abode with the stamp of YOUR personality. Romance every corner with layers of love and gifts of YOU. Celebrate the hot soup that you made in the kitchen and break fresh bread with a special friend or two.

Light your candles every day! Turn the television OFF and the music ON. Deck your halls with all things YOU and breathe in beauty as deeply as you breathe in air …

EVERY shelter that is loved can become a home.

Don’t keep joy from filling your heart EVERY day because you aren’t where you want to be. You WILL be THERE too.

Dreams do come true.

But in the meantime - go ahead, play, and fall in love today! Decorate your life NOW for you will have plenty of glorious love to go around for tomorrow.

Love,
Kim

http://www.deardaisycottage.com/

It Doesn't Serve Us To Compare

2009-09-13T18:05:00.000-07:00

It was 2007 in a small chapel and I felt like a little girl wondering into my new classroom mid-year. The first time I met the women pictured above I gained a lifetime worth of determination and vision of what God has called me to do. On that day in 2007 I stood in front of these women and pushed through my fear as I presented them the plan to transform their "depressing" temporary home, into a place of peace and possibility.

On that day I had one answer, which was to give hope. I knew the what. I didn't yet know the how. I had no volunteers or money lined up as I presented this plan. I saw girls who had their hopes and dreams crushed so many times. If I didn't do what I had promised it would be another disappointment. The stakes were high and sometimes that is exactly what we need to find the strength to allow our power to emerge.

Each day, as women, we face challenges and fears that can mask our purpose and joy. Yes, the details of our challenges differ and some stakes are higher than others, but it really doesn't serve us to compare. The weight of life and its joyous lifting is here for all to share and reap its reward.

The photo of women that grace this place in cyber space smiles upon us and shares a reflection of all women. We will stand together, confronting our fears, and surround each other with love, support, and acceptance. Oh what wonderful things we will create together.

In Loving Memory of Lynn

2009-09-10T07:21:00.000-07:00

The Vision Project is in loving memory of

Lynn Marie Ligenza

June 12, 1987 - October 23, 2008

Message from Terry:

Lynn's sister Beth, my sister-in-law, will tell you that drug addiction is not prejudice. On October 23, 2008 Lynn tragically lost her way on this earth, leaving behind a lesson that we are all only a few unfortunate decisions and circumstances away from loss. Friends and family did not foresee this outcome, especially for Lynn.

The day after the one year anniversary of Lynn's passing, October 24, 2009, is our goal to complete this years Vision Project, which will be dedicated to Lynn in her loving memory. In the midst of her personal struggles, her giving spirit and unconditional love continued. It was the essence of her and she never gave up sharing this part of herself. She had hopes of recovery and expressed an interest in working at Vista Maria, knowing her experiences could be used to help girls.

We will present a plaque to her family upon the project completion to be displayed in the Myriam House. Her spirit lives on through our project.

With a total of $1000 in monetary support the completion of the project can be secured by obtaining the necessary supplies and paint. An in-kind donation for the memory plaque is also sought.

Thank you for your support and for passing this message along to others who could also find it in their hearts to bring hope to many girls in need.

"God doesn't require us to succeed; he only requires that you try" - Mother Teresa. Lynn never stopped trying and neither should we.

In Lynn's short time with us she shared her love, smile and giving spirit. She was gentle as the little lambs she is pictured with as a young girl. Always the shepherd.

Friends and family share their memory of Lynn..

"Contagious smile"
"Heart of Gold"
"A heart like Jesus"
"Sunshine on a gloomy day"
"Naive"
"Innocent"
"Selfless"

"She reached out to everyone from all walks of life with no prejudices."

Strength Among Women In America

2009-09-06T08:05:00.000-07:00

(Above photo is the famous "Migrant Mother" taken by Dorothea Lange in 1936)

"Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still." - Dorothea Lange

It was during long walks through downtown Manhatten to meet her mother after school that Dorothea Lange discovered a wealth of visual imagery and decided that she wanted to take photographs. She was fiercely independent. Instead of becoming a teacher as her mother, Joan, wanted, she went uptown to the studio of a famous portrait photographer, Arnold Genthe, and asked him for a job. She was hired, and her life's work began.

Dorothea Lange (1865-1965) was an influential American documentary photographer, best known for her Depression-era work. Her photographs humanized the tragic consequences of the Great Depression and profoundly influenced the development of documentary photography.

"I had to get my camera to register things that were more important than how poor they were - their pride, their strength, their spirit."

Dorothea Lange was born May 26, 1895, in Hoboken, New Jersey, where two painful events left indelible marks on her life. When she was seven years old, she contracted polio, which left her with an obvious limp. The neighborhood children made fun of her. And even her mother acted ashamed of her crippled daughter. Then in 1907, when she was twelve, her father walked out on the family. They neither saw or heard from him again.

Although she was never able to get rid of the vestiges of polio, Dorothea dropped the memory of her father almost completely. She took her mother's maiden name, Lange, as her own last name, and refused to speak of her father. Even to her own children.

Dorothea Lange was a natural photographer in the truest sense because she lived, in her words, "a visual life." She could look at something: a line of laundry flapping in the wind, a pair of old, wrinkled, work-worn hands, a bread line, a crowd of people in a bus station, and find it beautiful. Her eye was a camera lens and her camera - as she put it - an "appendage of the body." During her last illness, as a friend sat near her bed, she suddenly said to him, "I've just photographed you." (From "Artist Heroes" by Susannah Abbey)

"One should really use the camera as though tomorrow you'd be stricken blind. To live a visual life is an enormous undertaking, practically unattainable. I've only touched it, just touched it."

Lange's best-known picture is titled "Migrant Mother." The woman in the photo is Florence Owens Thompson. In 1960, Lange spoke about her experience taking the famous photograph.

"I saw and approached the hungry and desperate mother, as if drawn by a magnet. I do not remember how I explained my presence or my camera to her. But I do remember she asked me no questions. I made five exposures, working closer and closer from the same direction. I did not ask her name or her history. She told me her age, that she was thirty-two. She said that they had been living on frozen vegetables from the surrounding fields, and birds that the children killed. She had just sold the tires from her car to buy food. There she sat in that lean-to tent with her children huddled around her, and seemed to know that my pictures might help her. And so she helped me. There was a sort of equality about it."

She would walk into camps, where homeless pea-pickers and refugees of the Oklahoma dust bowl were scraping by, sometimes starving to death, and talk to them until they felt comfortable enough to have their pictures taken. Her limp, she thought, created an instant rapport between herself and her subjects. She said that people trusted her more because she didn't appear "whole and secure" in the face of their poverty and insecurity.

"You force yourself onto strange streets, among strangers. It may be very hot. It may be painfully cold. It may be sandy and windy and you say, 'What am I doing here? What drives me to do this hard thing?'"

Wherever there was social upheaval, or quiet suffering, Lange was there with a compassionate eye to record and report. She took pictures of the labor strikes in San Francisco. She photographed out-of-work sharecroppers and their families. She went to Oklahoma to take pictures of dust-bowl emigrants. During this time, she took "Migrant Mother" in 1936, which was to become her most famous picture.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady, Maria Shriver announced on May 28, 2008 that Lange would be inducted into the California Hall of Fame, located at the California Museum for History, Women and the Arts. The induction ceremony took place on December 15, and her son accepted the honor in her place.

"Artists are controlled by the life that beats in them, like the ocean beats on the shore."

- Brenda Kula

Feminine Power Transcends Gender and Gives HOPE

2009-09-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

Some months ago I was asked by my daughter Kim, The Dancing BAG Lady, if I would build a hope chest for Enchanted Makeovers, so young girls could have a pleasant place to keep some treasures. Recalling from my youth when I was in the same situation, after my father passed away, I said "yes". I was blessed as my extended family were caring and loving people who helped us. I considered it a privileged and honor to have been asked and decided to build all 20 hope chests. "Whatever you do the least of my brothers, that you do unto me." - PaPa Norm

Hi There,

Its Kim here and that is my dad, Papa Norm. Now one might say, or maybe not say, "what is a man doing on a blog about women standing together powering the feminine?" My answer in this particular instance is this, "The power of the feminine transcends gender."

My dad mentions his father's passing. He was 6 at the time of his death and recollects his mother, my Grandmother Veronica, fainting upon hearing the news.

Veronica couldn't have imagined the power she possessed as a young woman. The power that would transcend from her, to her son, to her granddaughter and, through the grace of God, to many more to come.

My dad says that I remind him of of my grandmother. I talk to her and ask for her guidance. I can feel her presence. I remember the day of her funeral. It is the only time I can remember seeing my dad cry.

Grandma Veronica did not have power over others. She did not have an abundance of money and had more than her share of hard times, which required her to reach deep inside to access her power. Her life and well being of her 3 sons depended on it.

I am the benefactor of my grandmother's feminine power, handed down to me by my dad. I must do my best to honor this gift and share it with others. This is the first post in a series, bringing light to and celebrating feminine power. Sometimes Grandma Veronica and my dad will find their way into these posts. Can't wait to share more soon.

What does Feminine Power look and feel like to you?

Jennifer Gets Her Hands Dirty

2009-09-01T22:30:00.000-07:00

Let's get to know a little bit about Jennifer Cameron of Caroline Alexander, an enchanted creator of fairy houses and other things whimsical.

carolinealexander.net

What is your favorite creative outlet? "I love to work with clay. I go down to the local pottery studio, Mudslingers, and have time all to myself. The pottery wheel is not my thing but hand building with clay is my art."

Places you may find Jennifer: Mugslingers Pottery Studio, daughter's 2nd grade classroom, garage sales, flea markets, home with family, places with friends

My sisters love to hang out with me because I am just a regular girl with a crazy life. I always spread myself too thin, but always find time for my friends.

"My mother has always been an inspiration to me and to the evolution to our business, for which we are partners. She paints, makes beautiful flower arrangements, does calligraphy and a slew of other talents. We have always been a mother-daughter team, each with our own strengths that blend together perfectly."

"My inspiration has come from my girls. We got a book from the library called, Fairy Houses and spent the summer building a fairy house. Everything has to be natural. If you are using leaves and sticks you must find them on the ground and not take from nature what you don't need. We worked hard and then we thought... why not build it out of clay. Clay is natural and we will use natural bark from the trees and leaves on the ground to embellish each house. Well, I learned to hand build flowers, that get better each time I make one. Each house is unique and could never be duplicated. I love to make them. I never know how each house will turn out. They take me on an inspirational journey. Each house takes hours of work and when one sells, I am a little sad. It was so nice to enjoy it sitting on my fairy shelf for a brief time. My heart has gone into making each and every one, so they are me." (Jennifer has donated one of her fairy houses to Enchanted Makeovers)

Jennifer worked with her daughter's second grade class to make cards for Project Traveling Sanctuary as part of teaching the children about community. Mrs. Murphy made some pillowcases to hold the cards. The children's messages were so insightful and beautiful. Their messages of hope will accompany pillowcases and be delivered to women and children in shelters.

Jennifer Inspires Us To Get Our Hands Dirty

Through the love and inspiration of her mother, daughters and friends, Jennifer nurtures herself, her creativity and others around her. Learning how Jennifer and her mother work so closely together gladdens the heart. We commend both of them for giving such a great example of MOTHER & DAUGHTER.

Now get out there and don't be afraid to get your hands dirty.

After Awhile

2009-08-27T12:20:00.001-07:00

I want to share this poem and video with you all. I found it some time ago, and just today found the video. I think it was written by Veronica A. Shoffstall back in 1971. But there have been others who have come forward online claiming authorship, so I suppose that can be debated. However, it is beautiful and so moving. So I wanted to share it.

Brenda Kula

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMmaVk3BYVg

After A While

After a while you learn
The subtle difference between
Holding a hand and chaining a soul
And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning
And company doesn't always mean security.
And you begin to learn
That kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes ahead
With the grace of a woman
Not the grief of a child
And you learn
To build all your roads on today
Because tomorrow's ground is
Too uncertain for plans
And futures have a way
Of falling down in mid flight
After a while you learn
That even sunshine burns if you get too much
So you plant your own garden
And decorate your own soul
Instead of waiting
For someone to bring you flowers
And you learn
That you really can endure
That you are really strong
And you really do have worth
And you learn and you learn
With every good bye you learn.
-Veronica A. Shoffstall

Making Moments Count

2009-08-24T22:48:00.000-07:00

The transient nature of what I’m doing at Vista Maria hit me hard today when I learned that another one of the girls had left. I didn’t even get to say goodbye or wish her well. I don’t have a way to stay in touch with her. She has moved on in her life, and the few hours I spent in the Myriam House kitchen with her and the other girls making zucchini bread was the only time our lives intersected. For those fleeting moments, I had the opportunity to make a difference in her life. Did I? I’ll never know.

We take so much in our lives for granted. We make plans and fill our schedules with meetings and activities as if we know what the future will bring. It’s easy to forget that our time here on earth is temporary. Every encounter we have with another person is an opportunity to reach out and share Gods’ love. But how many of these moments have I wasted because I was in a hurry or had too many other things going on? If I’m honest, the answer is far too many.

The next time I return to Myriam House, other girls will have left. Some that I’ve befriended will still be there, and new girls will have arrived, but I don’t know how much time I’ll get to spend with them. What I do know is that I need to take advantage of every chance to share kindness. I have to make these moments count.

It Takes a Village

2009-08-20T23:25:00.000-07:00

M’s birthday was on Monday. I had planned to visit her that day, but between project deadlines and other responsibilities, I just couldn’t make it. She wasn’t expecting me to be there—I hadn’t told her I was coming—but I still felt like I was letting her down.

Fortunately Monica McLeod, the other woman who has been involved in the garden, came to the rescue. She took time out of her day to stop by Myriam House, and she brought a spider plant that M had asked for. Although I was disappointed that I couldn’t be there, I was glad to know that someone else was reaching out to M on her special day. When I visited this evening, M was eager to show me her new plant. The gesture had meant a lot to her.

This sharing of responsibility to reach out to one another on a personal level is what we’re really trying to accomplish. Enchanted Makeovers’ mission is admirable, and Terry’s work is having a tremendous impact. But she only one person, and she can only do so much alone. When the 2009 Vision Project is finished, Enchanted Makeovers as an organization will move on to focus on another shelter, another vision. The transformed hallways, bedrooms and living areas will leave a lasting impression on the girls who live at Myriam House. But a shelter by its very nature is transitional. Already I’ve said goodbye to several of the girls who were involved in the launch of the garden project, and several others I’ve met through the recent cooking events have moved on, as well. What will become of the next group of girls who enter the Vision Program—the girls who aren’t part of the 20 fortunate individuals to receive the pillowcases, jewelry, journals, slippers and other items that have been so lovingly handcrafted for this purpose? What of the girls who don’t get to experience the transformation as it is under way and therefore can’t fathom how many volunteers have generously contributed their time, labor and money to make it a reality?

The answer depends on each of us. Ideally, each Enchanted Makeovers project won’t just be a singular act of goodwill but instead will be the spark that lights a burning fire to continue the work far into the future. Wouldn’t it be great if each project found a champion in the local community who is willing to take the torch so that the light will continue to shine?

A Moment in Time

2009-08-12T03:17:00.000-07:00

There are 60 minutes in an hour, 24 hours in a day, and I am acutely aware of every one of them lately. As the numbers on the clock advance, I often find myself in a panic. There never seems to be enough time to accomplish everything I need to achieve. The more things I cross off my to-do list, the longer the list grows. As a business owner, wife and mother, I frequently feel stretched beyond my limits. It’s hard to carve out a few moments for myself most days, much less make time for volunteer work.

When I jumped into this garden project at Vista Maria, I knew it had to be more than just something I would do in my “spare time.” It had to be a commitment—a priority. No matter how stressed out I feel or how busy my schedule, I would have to make time for these girls. With that commitment, something amazing has happened. The precious hours I set aside to spend at Vista Maria recharge and energize me. I’m able to shift my focus from all my busy work and life’s mundane responsibilities to the things that really matter—faith, hope and love, and the firm conviction in each person’s worth.

I’m reminded of the biblical story about the widow’s mite. In a temple filled with rich people, a poor widow humbly tossed a few cents into the offering. It was all she had. The meager coins hardly made a difference to the temple. But it was a gift from the heart, and that alone made it priceless. It occurs to me that this story probably isn’t just about money. Whenever we give more than what we think we can afford—whether it’s our time, money or talents—that’s when it really becomes valuable.

I don’t know what impact, if any, my meager presence here will have on these girls. I would like to think that by reaching out, by showing them that there are people who care about them, that I will be able to help them see their potential. For me, these are just moments in time. But my hope and prayer is that God will use these moments to grow a garden that continues to bear fruit far into the future.

A Graduation

2009-08-10T22:35:00.000-07:00

One of the girls at Myriam House graduated from the program today. She was one of the most enthusiastic participants in the garden and our cooking events, and I will miss her. I attended her graduation ceremony and was surprised to learn that she was actually supposed to leave in early June but had to stay until a foster family could be found for her. If the original plan had worked out, I never would have met her. Other girls have been involved in the garden project, but she is the one who has tugged the most at my heartstrings and made me realize that this is where I need to be.

I am happy that she is moving forward in her life and hope that she stays in touch. She said she wants to come back to help with the garden. I think she has the potential to help cultivate lives.

During her graduation ceremony, she was given the opportunity to share a few remarks with the 15 or so girls in the room. She mentioned a few funny memories and shared moments, and then closed with this thought: “Just remember, they can’t keep you here forever. But don’t hold yourself down.” It was an astute insight for a 15-year-old.

The Vision Program is the last stage of many of the Vista Maria programs and is geared toward preparing the girls to live independently, return to their families or transition to an alternate community placement. By the time the girls get to this program, they’re ready to leave. Many of them have been here for a year or more, and it’s easy to resent the rigorous schedules, the seemingly overbearing counselors, the constant therapy. For many of them, their foremost thought is about “getting out.” But their newfound freedom won’t mean anything if they make the wrong choices and hold themselves back from achieving their potential.

These girls don’t realize it yet, but they’re the lucky ones. Other girls in Michigan and around the nation without the benefit of this type of program are slipping through the cracks. I admire the work being done here and am thrilled to be involved, even though it’s in a very small way.

I hope to be able to see “L” again. But even if I don’t, my heart is here. My work will go on.

Zucchini Bread and Fried Green Tomatoes

2009-08-07T06:30:00.000-07:00

Planting and tending to a garden can be a lot of work, but the payoff is well worth the effort. While the girls who have been helping with the garden have been excited to see its progress, they weren’t quite sure what to do once it started producing real food. “How do you eat zucchini?” they wondered. In zucchini bread, of course!

I organized an impromptu cooking event to put the abundance of zucchini to good use. The event was on a much smaller scale than the one hosted by Enchanted Makeovers in June, but the girls still had their handmade aprons and were proud to wear them. We trudged out to the garden to pick the fresh produce. The tomatoes were still green, and the girls were still impatient. “Can we make fried green tomatoes?” one of them asked. I had never made or eaten fried green tomatoes before, but I was game to try.

We returned to the kitchen with our fare and split up into groups. While four of the girls shredded and mixed various ingredients for the zucchini bread, three others got out frying pans and set to work on the tomatoes. There were a few minor arguments over who would crack the eggs or measure the cinnamon, but overall there was a spirit of teamwork and camaraderie.

Terry joined us and took photos while chatting with the girls about the first cooking event. “What did you like best about that day,” she asked one girl, expecting to hear something about the flowers on the tables or gifts each girl received, or the chance to work with a famous chef to make pizzas. While those were memorable, something else made a much bigger impression. “When you got up to gave your speech and couldn’t talk because you were crying,” the girl replied. “That showed us how much you care.”

It’s a good reminder with all the work we’re doing here, love is the most precious gift we can share.

It was a fun evening. The zucchini bread turned out beautifully, and the girls were duly impressed with their culinary skills. As for me, I’ve never tasted better tomatoes.

I’ll be looking for additional recipes to share with the girls as their garden continues to thrive. If you have any favorites, please post them below!

Bearing Fruit

2009-07-30T21:30:00.000-07:00

Our garden is bearing fruit! The girls have been diligent about weeding and watering, and their efforts are paying off. When Monica and I arrived at Vista Maria’s Myriam House this evening, we learned that several zucchinis and cucumbers had been harvested earlier in the week. A few of the girls went out with us to check on the plants and discovered more ripe vegetables. “Can we actually eat these?” one of the girls asked. “Of course!” I exclaimed. I couldn’t help laughing. It’s so exciting to see the progress.

The plants are large and healthy and are covered in blooms. Green tomatoes of various sizes dot the tomato vines, and small peppers are beginning to emerge. “Are these ready yet? Can we pick them?” they asked, eager to sample the fresh garden fare. “Not yet,” I advised, urging patience. The peppers look good but will be bitter if picked too early, and the tomatoes will require a bit more time to turn red.

We helped the girls pull weeds and stake plants as we talked about when to expect the bulk of the harvest. I’ve always found waiting to be the most difficult part of gardening. Just about anything can happen while the tender plants are taking root, and I can only do so much to nurture and protect them. Sometimes plants are damaged and need extra care to survive. There are life lessons growing in this small patch of soil.

I haven’t shared the following story with the girls yet, but I will soon.

I grew all of their tomato plants from seed before I knew this garden at Vista Maria would exist. I watered them, cared for them and transplanted the seedlings to larger containers as they grew. I didn’t have room for all of them in my yard, but I thought I would be able to give them away at some point. Several of the plants remained in their seedling trays, their growth stunted, as I pondered what to do with them.

When Terry asked me in late May if I would be willing to take on the garden project, I knew I had found the perfect home for my small tomatoes. I became diligent about caring for the young plants as we prepped the garden space at Vista Maria. The large trees in my yard make it a challenge to find sun, so I moved the plants around to various places on my front lawn.

Finally, the garden was almost ready! But a few days before I was able to take my young charges to their new home, I almost ruined everything.

My husband was mowing the lawn and had moved all of the tomato plants onto the driveway, directly behind my car. I had to run an errand with my son and was in a hurry. I didn’t see the plants and backed right over them. It was a disaster. When I saw the mangled mess of dirt, plants and pots, I was devastated. Surely they were all destroyed!

But they weren’t. A little damaged, yes. Some of the leaves had been torn off, and some of the fragile stems were bent. The dirt was scattered everywhere, mixed with torn roots. All of the seedlings had to be transplanted to new containers. But they survived. And once they were planted in the Vista Maria garden, they began to thrive. This evening, I couldn’t tell which plants had seen the most damage. They were all strong, healthy and bearing fruit.

It’s a good story.

--Posted by Kristi

Photos: Signs and stepping stones generously donated by Mary Stancyk of Etsy Sellers adorn the garden at Vista Maria and share messages of inspiration and hope.

Planting the Garden

2009-06-16T22:39:00.000-07:00

Today’s the day! Oksana Habsburg (pictured at left) and Emily Hodgins (below right), my little sisters and the volunteers for today’s work, were relieved to find out that we would be planting instead of turning the soil (though I applaud them for being willing to do the latter if needed).

I wasn’t sure what to expect when we arrived at Vista Maria—participation up until now had been fairly sparse. But when the girls heard that we would be able to plant today, seven of them (including C and L) headed outside to join in, along with a few staff members. C came up and gave me a hug, and I felt blessed to be there.

I have to admit, though, that I wasn’t prepared for such a large crew. Organization was a bit challenging at first, but after everyone claimed a vegetable and a row, we began to make progress. Some of the girls felt a bit crowded and headed inside after getting just one or two plants in the ground; others stayed through the staking and tying. By the time we were ready to apply the mulch, only one girl, “M,” remained. “How fast will the plants grow?” she asked me. I told her to be patient, that the garden will take time and some TLC. “Kind of like people,” she said. I didn’t disagree.

M took her time throughout the project, treating every “baby plant” with the utmost of care. “He needs a bit more dirt over here,” she would say as she gently propped up a pepper plant. “Oh, look at this little guy—he’s really thirsty.” She seemed to understand, intuitively, that a garden is a labor of love.

I'm thrilled to finally have all of the plants in the ground. The forecast tonight and tomorrow is for rain, which will get our little garden off to a good start. C, L and M have promised to tend it in the days and weeks ahead, and I feel certain that they’ll follow through. I’ll return soon to check on their progress and plant some more herbs. It’s a long-term project, and I plan on sticking around. I look forward to getting to know the girls better in the weeks and months ahead.

I’ve been studying the book of John in the Bible and just read through John 15. I’m sure I’ve seen this before, but it seemed especially timely this week: “‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.’” (John 15:1, NIV) It feels good to be following in my Father’s footsteps.

A Call from an Angel

2009-06-15T22:26:00.000-07:00

Would you recognize an angel if he walked past you on the street? What if one called you on the phone?

I spoke with an angel today—Brett Weiler, the local rep from Scotts Miracle-Gro. OK, so he isn’t exactly an angel, but there’s no arguing with the fact that he’s done an awful lot for this garden project by donating soil, mulch and fertilizer and providing assistance in general. Today, he called me to say that he was in the area and had some spare time—would I mind if he rented a tiller and finished turning the garden? Would I mind? Oh Brett, that was such a blessing! I was expecting to go back to Vista Maria tomorrow for more digging, perhaps make a little more progress. Now I can go out and help the girls plant instead! I’m eager for tomorrow to arrive.

Ideal Timing

2009-06-13T21:20:00.000-07:00

I have to admit I was a bit discouraged to learn that no other volunteers could join me to work on the garden today. We had made so little progress last time—how could I possibly accomplish anything by myself? But I had made a commitment to the girls, so I was determined to follow through. We could at least get the herbs planted out front, I decided (see photo below). I packed them into my car along with several shovels and headed out early in the day.

One of the girls, “C,” came out to meet me as soon as I arrived. She wanted to help but seemed distracted. As we worked, she explained that she was supposed to go home for the weekend. She kept glancing at the drive, waiting for her mom to pull up any minute. An hour went by, and she became increasingly listless. Finally she said she needed a break and went inside. I kept working and she returned a few minutes later, this time just sitting near me while I continued planting. Her discouragement was palpable. It’s a hard place to be, she explained, and she doesn’t have many friends here. The insides of her arms were scarred, perhaps from eraser burns or cutting—external evidence of a much deeper pain.

She glanced at the drive again, then suddenly stood. “Can we dig in the side garden?” she asked. I agreed, understanding her need for hard physical labor to channel her frustration. We worked silently for awhile, chopping and pulling at the grass. It had rained earlier that morning—a deep, drenching shower—so the ground was much more pliable than it had been on Thursday. We could finally see the garden landscape beginning to emerge. She took another break and left me alone with my thoughts. I couldn’t help reflecting on the fact that God knew I would be there by myself this morning, just as He knew C would need a shoulder to lean on. “All things work together for good…” I thought, and prayed once again that God would use me here.

Another girl came out to help. She had stayed in another place a few years earlier that planted a much larger garden, she explained, and they had turned it all by hand. She was eager to assist in this project. She told me her name, then said that some people call her “L.” She had just turned 15 and was in Vista Maria’s foster care program. “I’ll only be here until I’m adopted,” she said. “I’m just waiting for the right family.”

C came back out and stood nearby, still waiting impatiently for her mom. “Has she ever stood you up before,” L asked? C shook her head but was unconvinced. “Hey, at least you have a mom,” L said. “You should be glad for that.” My heart ached.

We had only turned half the garden, but I had to leave shortly after noon. I gathered all the tools and supplies and carried them to my car, then ducked into the building to say goodbye. C gave me a hug and said her mom had just arrived on campus. I was glad to hear it.

As I got in my car to drive home, I left a piece of my heart behind. I suspect it will be there for quite some time.

Breaking Ground

2009-06-10T22:50:00.000-07:00

Have you ever tried to dig up cement? That's what the ground felt like - hard, unyielding. There were five of us working on the garden tonight. Monica McLeod (pictured at left) and two of the girls from the Vision Program joined me and a young woman on staff at Vista Maria. After two hours of digging, all we had to show for our labor was a rough outline of the garden space. Clearly, this project is not going to move quickly. But that's okay. Breaking ground on new relationships also takes time.

Potential

2009-06-04T23:05:00.000-07:00

I met with the girls in the Vision Program today about their garden. Inspired by Michelle Obama's White House garden and sponsored in part by Scotts Miracle-Gro and English Gardens, the cultivated space at Vista Maria will nurture a variety of organically grown vegetables and fruit. Many of the girls are eager to participate in everything from turning the soil to planting, weeding and watering.

We're going to start with tomatoes, peppers, beans and zucchini, and the girls also want to try some watermelon, strawberries, rhubarb and raspberries. We might have trouble fitting this assortment in the 200 square feet of garden space that we've marked out as a starting point, but there's plenty of room to expand, and we can also creatively place some plants (like raspberries and rhubarb) near the building instead of in the garden plot. Since we're getting a late start, we'll have to wait on popular veggies like carrots, lettuce and broccoli, which prefer cooler weather - but that will give us a good opportunity to experiment with planting from seed later this summer.

I'm excited about the project on so many levels. I've been gardening for more than a decade, and I'm thrilled to be able to share my hobby with others. There's a significant amount of satisfaction in growing your own produce. But it's so much more than that. It's the idea that you can start with a small seed or a fragile seedling, and through a little effort and nurturing end up with a beautiful, fruitful garden. It's faith, hope and love. And it's realized potential.

We're hoping to break ground and begin planting next week. I'll continue to journal the experience here.

The Journey Begins

2009-06-01T20:55:00.000-07:00

Turning the soil, planting the seeds, weeding, nurturing and harvesting—a well tended garden creates abundance for many to share and savor. Everyone has a garden within their heart. When we tend to this garden the abundance that life offers emerges and is shared with others. Tending your garden feeds the hearts, hopes and homes of many.

This year’s Vision Project has been the catalyst for the talents of many to emerge and be shared with girls who need to see a glimpse of abundance, including the abundance of a garden.

The opportunity to have an actual garden at Vista Maria came somewhat unexpectedly, leaving us searching for an attendant. But God already had several women in mind. Among these was Kristi Grahl, a local mom, writer and gardener, who had been praying for a ministry working with children and teens. When she heard about the garden at Vista Maria, she felt God leading her to get involved.

Enchanted Makeovers’ mission is about tending to everyone’s hopes and dreams, including our sponsors and volunteers. To teach and share one’s craft is to master one’s craft.

We thank our generous garden sponsors: Scotts Miracle-Gro and English Gardens.