one month, one mission

The Last Song

2010-04-03T06:43:00.000-05:00

Wow, I just read Nicholas Sparks' The Last Song from cover to cover. Yes, it was a good book. (No, I don't want to see the movie.) Yes, I bawled my eyes out. Yes, it's been years (yes years) since I've sat down to read a book cover to cover. And Yes, my own little voice, or whisper from God (as per the book) :), is becoming louder and louder...

A few months ago I decided to scale back, big-time, on my jewelry business. I also have, as evidenced here (by my lack of posts!), scaled back on my time on the computer. This is mostly in response to the need to address some physical and lifestyle changes that are now necessary to manage what can be a debilitating condition called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, or POTS. My physical strength can change from day to day, hour to hour. After a severe bout of the flu, I was diagnosed with POTS in March 2009, and Yes, it's taken me nearly a year to accept and give up my denial of it.

Has scaling so much back helped? Physically, yes, I think so. Or as much as I can report to my cardiologist so. Overall, definitely so. I have been less stressed, had more time to devote to my children and my husband, and finally returned to interests I used to think of as luxuries or things I somehow wasn't entitled to enjoy, like taking a whole night to read!

And, well, this book in particular, this one really hit home. I've got two babies. I have a super, fantabulous, how-do-I-deserve-this husband. And I've got my health, even with its new challenges. So what am I waiting for? This is my life. And it's time to embrace it.

A Bible passage that was a character's favorite in The Last Song, from Galatians 5:22, is at the essence of what I am feeling right now: "But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."

My lesson learned: when that little voice talks, don't fight it, listen to it. That voice is telling me my family and my health need me, more of me! So, I am ending my blog. Closing down another online shop. Turning down the next wholesale order. And it feels wonderful!

May we all continue to listen for these little whispers from God. Thanks for joining me in my journey and today, as I write my last song, er... blog post.

xo
Susie

January Mission Update

2010-01-17T22:49:00.004-06:00

Well, I had the January Mission all planned out. Here was Plan A: Every year during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, much attention is paid to many and varied charities. Like retailers, many charities receive most of their monies during these last months of the year. So for January, I had planned to try to wrap-up the wish-list of one of our local non-profits. There is such a drop-off in donations come January that I thought we could help fill a few of these gaps.
However...
I have been learning a lot these past few months. Of those being to just jump in and also to go with the flow. To make a long story longer, both my community service efforts here and my hard work on my jewelry business, in October, November, and December, resulted in wonderful successes. We were able to make a difference in the lives of those without adequate footwear, those serving our country abroad, and the youngest among us suffering from childhood cancer. With my jewelry designs, I was also was able to find my creative voice, which was seen in print, online, and even on TV this past fall.
However...
Even though this all sounds wonderful, and it is wonderful, it didn't come without a price. My health and my kids and husband were often not made priority. Yet actually, they, along with my faith, deserve to be my Priority Number One. So, I would be a fool not to recognize this unbalance, and even more of a fool not to do something about it. So I'm not just clearing time for them - I'm redirecting my extra efforts to them. Huh? Basically, all that extra effort I put into my jewelry and community service efforts, I'm going to be putting into making the days of my family a little happier. Now that all the craziness that can be the holidays is over, perhaps we can all use a little extra time and effort to reconnect with those that are closest to us. ❤

Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do... but how much love we put in that action.

~ Mother Teresa

Love begins by taking care of the closest ones - the ones at home.

~Mother Teresa

See you soon in February with a brand new mission and a Valentine's Giveaway!

DECEMBER MISSION: ACCOMPLISHED! $188 to help in the fight againt pediatric cancer!

2009-12-29T02:44:00.000-06:00

The totals are in! Being sent in the mail tomorrow is a check for $188.00, to Alex's Lemonade Stand, in memory of Tate Begger. THANK YOU to everyone for every single purchase you made in support of this fundraiser. All of the profits (and most costs!) have been allocated to ALS.

Due to the popularity of "Tate's Lemonade Necklace" and "Tate's Pink Lemonade Necklace", I have decided to keep these two necklaces available for sale, with $10 from every sale being designated to Alex's Lemonade Stand. So, if December 28 (and 2009!) came and went for you, don't fret, you can still participate in the fight against pediatric cancer and sport a really neat necklace at the same time.

Also, I want to say I had planned to do a lot more for this fundraiser - I still have oodles of materials sitting in my studio just waiting to be made into something special. However, the daily life of being a mother and wife and business-owner during the Christmas rush got the better of me. So, instead of feeling badly, I've come to the realization that SOMETHING is better than nothing. Often, we stop right in our tracks because we believe "we can't do enough" or "what can I really do". Do something. Do anything! You don't have to save all the starfish on the beach, just one at a time. God bless you all this holiday season!

I'll be back soon to announce the January Mission... Thanks everyone!!

More items to be listed this Saturday & Sunday (Dec 12-13) for Alex's Lemonade Stand fundraiser!

2009-12-12T13:24:00.000-06:00

Thanks everyone, for your patience in waiting for the full line to be available for the fundraiser for Alex's Lemonade Stand! I've been swamped in Christmas orders for my jewelry business and have been burning the candle at both ends. But now that the international shipping deadline (Dec. 11) has come and gone (a vast majority of my market is overseas) - my little fingers will have time to finally get back to work on this awesome December Mission!

Stay tuned this weekend for more repurposed Lego minifigures such as Harry Potter and NBA guys, some pretty flower drop earrings (yes lego makes adorable little flowers!) and even some sewing projects with this great Japanese fabric I found with a lego-theme!

Back to work for me now... round 2 of the December Mission coming soon :)

Book, DVD, CD drive for US Troops - October MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!

2009-12-06T21:35:00.019-06:00

BOOK, DVD, CD DRIVE FOR US TROOPS (October Mission)

Sitting back and thinking about this drive, and the idea that we might just make the day of 156 soldiers serving overseas this holiday season - the idea that we help to achieve this literally moved me to tears. Collectively, we have gathered 888 books, DVDs, and CDs, for the Holiday Care Packages being sent to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. That comes out to over 5 books, CDs, and/or DVDs PER SOLDIER - just based on our donations alone!! That - is - INCREDIBLE! On December 16, MSOE is going to pack up 156 individually-addressed Priority Mail boxes that will include handwritten letters, books, DVDs, CDs, candy, and a variety of other items the soldiers themselves have requested. This is an amazing project, but not NEARLY as amazing as what each and every soldier gives of him or herself every single day.

Special thanks to the Maple Dale - Indian Hill School District (723 items!!), the Schlitz Audubon Nature Preschool in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (109 items), and the Milwaukee West Chapter of Mothers & More (45 items). Once again, thanks too, to my family and friends who donated what they could as well.

MSOE (the Milwaukee School of Engineering) deserves noted recognition and a very sincere thanks for their ongoing efforts in recognizing the dedicated service of our troops. This is the second drive that I've had the opportunity to assist with, and I hope to assist with many more in the future as it keeps me connected to the reality of war and the sacrifices so many men and women make for the safety of each and every one of us.

But wait..., you might be asking, what about this business of the Maple Dale-Indian Hill School District Superintendant kissing a pig if at least 500 items were collected?! Well, they blew past that goal with a whopping 743 items!! So, the task now is to find that lucky pig... and of course I want to get local new coverage of it! Stay tuned for any updates on could be the next Must-See-TV!!

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED!

And THANK YOU to each and every service man and woman who is serving, or has served, for the freedom of our country!

Soles4Souls - November MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

2009-12-06T21:05:00.007-06:00

Well, the first two months of missions (which both ran October - November) are completed and the final totals are in!!

SOLE4SOULS (November Mission):
Are you ready for this? With our Thanks4Giving drive for Soles4Souls, 213 men, women, and children will be receiving a pair of new or gently used shoes. Yes, that's TWO HUNDRED & THIRTEEN pairs of shoes! Boots, sneakers, dress shoes, you name it.

Special thanks to the Milwaukee West Chapter of Mothers & More (40 pairs), Bonaventure Senior Residence in Billings, Montana (52 pairs), and the Schlitz Audubon Nature Preschool in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (99 pairs). Many thanks too, to my family and friends who donated what they could as well.

And again, a very sincere note of appreciation to Stan's Fit for Your Feet footwear in Glendale (Milwaukee) Wisconsin. They have generously accepted ALL our donations and will be sending them to the Soles4Souls warehouse for us. Please keep in mind Stan's as a year-round drop-off location for Soles4Souls, and of course as a great please to shop for when YOU need new shoes!

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED - you HAVE made a difference!!!

DECEMBER MISSION ANNOUNCED! Exclusive line for Alex's Lemonade Stand!

2009-11-27T01:57:00.008-06:00

December is just around the corner (believe it or not!), and so is our December Mission!

Starting November 28, and running through December 28, exclusively-designed jewelry, accessories and notecards will be available for sale online. Profits will be donated to Alex's Lemonade Stand. Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation was created by 4-year old cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott, who had a vision to find a cure for all children with cancer. When asked how she would do this, she replied, “...if people all around the country hold lemonade stands and send in their money, I think I can do it.” While Alex lost her battle to childhood cancer, the mission of the Foundation remains:

To raise money and awareness of childhood cancer causes, primarily research into new treatments and cures.
To encourage and empower others, especially children, to raise money for childhood cancer by holding their own Alex's Lemonade Stands.
To expedite the process of finding new cures and bringing them to children with cancer now.

Find a link to the fundraising event page here, and watch a video about Alex's Lemonade Stand here.

This fundraiser is in loving memory of Tate James Begger, who, this summer at age 7, returned home to God after his battle with Neuroblastoma, a rare cancer of the bones.

❤

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE ALEX'S LEMONADE STAND FOR THE DECEMBER MISSION?
I chose Alex's Lemonade Stand to be the "December Mission" for One Month, One Mission (www.onemonthonemission.blogspot.com) because of the courage and strength that one child was able to share with so many people. The dear nephew of a very good friend of mine was diagnosed in May 2008 with Neuroblastoma, a rare cancer of the bones. After a brave and difficult fight, Tate James Begger returned home to God in July 2009. Even though Tate and his family lived on the other side of the country, he and his family remained close in my heart. And despite the fate that God had planned for him, he was never mad or upset, he just kept fighting and cheering others up when THEY got sad about his cancer. Tate's spirit in the face of such adversity was simply remarkable. I would like to dedicate this fundraiser in memory of Tate. Together, we can keep his spirit alive by raising funds for this excellent organization that helps both families to find comfort and researchers to find a cure.

TELL US MORE ABOUT THE DECEMBER MISSION.
The December Mission is a line of exclusively designed and handmade (by me) jewelry. I have been designing and making jewelry since 1997 and sell online and in boutiques and galleries both in the US and abroad. Tate, the child of whom this fundraiser is in honor of, his favorite toys were LEGOS. So, I thought that I would create a line of jewelry, accessories, and notecards using new and/or used LEGO parts and/or LEGO-themed fabric. Some will noticeably be made of LEGOS, others will incorporate them more conspicuously. There will also be two designs with specially chosen lemons and "pink" lemons. Most designs will be priced at $5 - $25, with one-of-a-kind pieces being priced accordingly. All designs are limited quantities, and all jewelry and accessories are intended for adults. Best of all - the profits will be donated to ALEX'S LEMONADE STAND! The designs can be shipped both in the US and internationally, and will be available for purchase starting Nov. 28 online at:

www.susanmariedesigns.com

www.susanmariedesigns.etsy.com

OCTOBER & NOVEMBER MISSIONS wrap-up

2009-11-27T01:27:00.001-06:00

The October & November missions will be coming to close this week. I'll be making the rounds for final pick-ups this week! I'll have the final totals posted to the website by Saturday December 5. Stay tuned!

A Shout Out to Stan's Fit for Your Feet in Glendale, WI!

2009-11-23T14:42:00.001-06:00

The November mission for the Soles4Souls Thanks4Giving drive has already garnered more shoes than I ever expected - how grateful I am, and how grateful the many, many men, women, and children receiving these shoes will be!

Along with the growing amount of boxes in our garage has been my concern that the cost to ship the shoes might take up a week or two's worth of my family's grocery budget. Enter Stan's Fit Your Feet in Glendale (by Bayshore Mall on the NE side of Milwaukee). Stan's has an ongoing partnership with Soles4Souls, where they accept donations for them year-round. And, on par with their reputation for excellent customer service, they have have very graciously agreed to include our collection with their next shipment!

So, here is a much-deserved shout out to Stan's Fit for Your Feet in Glendale at 505 W Silver Spring Drive, Glendale. THANK YOU!!

Drive for US Troops: Superintendent to Kiss Pig if students collect 500 items!!

2009-11-20T13:20:00.003-06:00

Now that's a headline!

Mrs. Dean, the Superintendent / District Administrator of the Maple Dale - Indian Hill School District in Fox Point, Wisconsin has agreed to KISS A PIG if the area's students collect at least 500 items for the Holiday Care Packages being sent to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan! C'mon students and families - you may get a chance to dunk a teacher in a water tank at a festival someday, but kiss a pig? This is a once in a lifetime opportunity! Any new or used books, CDs, or DVs, and any handwritten letters or cards are welcome!

Have fun, good luck, and THANK YOU!!

Soles4Souls Drive: New Drop-Off Location Announced!

2009-11-20T13:10:00.002-06:00

This Thanksgiving, the residents of Bonaventure Senior Living invite you to step up and help us harvest shoes for the poor. Drop off your new or gently used shoes at:

Bonaventure Senior Living

4001 Bell Ave

Billings, Montana 59106

Thank you to Bonaventure and the Billings community!!

Collection Drive Updates!

2009-11-18T15:37:00.001-06:00

Thanks for the outpouring of generosity to-date!

Totals collected as of Wednesday, November 19:

For US troops: 111 books, 5 CDs, 2 DVDs

For Soles4Souls: 107 pairs of shoes

A special thanks to:
Mothers & More, Brookfield, WI for hosting the drive in conjunction with their annual winter rummage sale. 43 books, 2 DVDs, & 40 pairs of shoes collected!
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, Milwaukee, WI, for involving the preschool and families to participate. 62 books & 45 pairs of shoes collected! (as of Nov. 19)

We have two more weeks left for the collections (roughly the end of November) - keep 'em coming!

OCTOBER and NOVEMBER Mission Details HERE!

2009-11-04T23:32:00.005-06:00

Here are the details for October AND November missions:

Public donation site:

Saturday, November 14, 2009 9:00 - 12:00 noon

St. John Vianney School Gymnasium

1755 N Calhoun Road, Brookfield, WI 53005

click here for map

Held in conjunction with the Mothers & More annual winter rummage sale.

Individual pick-ups in the Milwaukee Metro area:

I am available Sunday November 15, and Saturday November 21 to schedule pick-ups at local residences in the Milwaukee Metro area. Please comment on this post if you would like me to pick up your donation and I will contact you.

We also have two schools that are working with their students and families, and two private organizations, that are helping us with these missions.

I will be shipping all shoes to the Soles4Souls' main warehouse in Roanoke, Alabama on Wednesday, November 25.
I will be delivering all books, CDs, DVDs, and letters for the troops to MSOE the week of November 30.

Any questions or comments please contact me or add a comment to this post and I will reply! I will also occasionally post updates to the blog with the number of books, CDs, DVDs, and shoes collected to date.

About the collection for the troops:

Any used or new paperback books, CDs, and DVDs are welcome.

Some suggestions from MSOE on what to INCLUDE in a note, letter, or card to the troops:

- Tell them about yourself

- Why you are writing

- Thank them for their service

- Wish them to remain safe

- Share a funny story or joke

- Share a positive or motivational story or poen

And some suggestions from MSOE on what to AVOID in a note, letter, or card:

- Do not state "wish you were here" or "see you soon"

* Yes, it is okay to tell the soldier your thoughts on the war; however, we ask that if you do share your comments in the letter, PLEASE make sure you let the solider know you support them as individuals. It is through such letters, notes, care packages that we are able to help our soldiers through this experience.

About the shoe collection for Soles4Souls:

What types of shoes do you accept?

Soles4Souls accepts all types of shoes: athletic, running, dress, sandals, pumps, heels, work boots, cleats, dance, flip flops, just as long as they are new or gently worn.

How do I know what is gently worn?

We define gently worn as shoes that you would still wear. They should have solid soles with no holes, laces if applicable, clean (no mud). We never like to see anything thrown away, so please, if there is any question, send the shoes along and we will sort and utilize the best possible way.

Do you take half pairs?

Yes, we accept half pairs. Hopefully, we can match them up one day!

Where my collected shoes sent after you receive them?

Visit Where We've Been.

How do I obtain a tax receipt?

If dropping shoes off at a participating location, please contact us via email or phone with the number of pairs donated, name, and address, and we will issue a receipt from our corporate office.
If shipping, please include your name and address on either the inside or outside of the box. With that information upon receiving the shipment we will mail out a tax receipt.

Thanks everyone!

Calling all possible donation sites!

2009-10-23T22:37:00.001-05:00

So far we've got 3 confirmed organizations / businesses wiling to take on a collection box for the book drive, and three for the shoe drive. Several more are in the works.

Please contact me if you are interested or know of someone who might be willing to give home to a collection box for either or both drives. Collection deadline for the book drive is December 4; for the shoe drive it's December 1, so we've got plenty of time to get the boxes delivered and filled up!

Locations need not be local to Milwaukee; I will coordinate to cover postage for any out-of-town donation sites!

All confirmed donation locations are expected to be posted to the blog by November 3rd. In the meantime, pass on the word and start cleaning out those bookshelves and closets!

OCTOBER MISSION: Holiday Care Packages for US Troops

2009-10-20T02:30:00.010-05:00

Run, don't walk, to your stash of books, CD's, and DVD's! Grab a few (or a lot) that have been collecting dust, and then read on...

For our October Mission, I am honored to be partnering with MSOE (the Milwaukee School of Engineering) with their on-going program for collecting and sending care packages to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. This past summer, I worked with them on a toy drive for the children of Iraq and Afghanistan, and longed to do more. Mr. Richard Gagliano, MSOE's Director of Student Activities, said what they could use and what the troops would like is simple: paperback books, DVD's, and CD's. I thought, there are so many of us who either have, or have access to, a plethora of books and media! What a wonderful way to share a bit of what we have - with those who share all of what they have... so that we may have freedom.

So, here is what we are looking for:
1. Troop Names. MSOE has a list of troops' names that will be receiving these care packages. If you have any friends or families that you would like to include with this mailing, please let me know. I will need the Troop's Name, Unit, and mailing address; e-mail address if you'd like as well. Please also let me know if you would like them added to MSOE's list for ongoing care packages.

2. Personal Letters & Notes. Nothing makes my day like getting mail! No, not the type that comes from a credit card company or the like - real mail, with a real, handwritten letter! Imagine being thousands of miles away from your home and your family, in an area that doesn't always communicate "we love you". Now, imagine how it would feel to get a personally written note, telling you that you are loved and important, how thankful others are for you, and how you are not forgotten.

3. Any paperback books, CD's, and DVD's. We all know that listening to the same music over, and over, and over again can get... well, boring. Doing the same thing in an area where you can't just run out to grab a bite to eat or go to the mall or kick back and watch Monday night football, well that gets really boring! So let's all grab some books! CDs! DVDs! Just have MP3's and no CD's? No problem, make a mix CD! Don't have books? (shame on you, ha ha!) Again, no problem, just grab a $5 and head to Half Price Books or your local library for some used books (and buy yourself one while you're there). No DVD's? Try craigslist.com or ask a friend or co-worker. Hey, I even have some still in the wrapper. Yes, dust on the wrapper counts as one that can find a better home!

We will take your help on any or all of the above! All donations are accepted - nothing is too small or too big of a donation, ANYTHING will help. With the Holiday Care Packages this season, MSOE expects to hit the 1,000 mark of care packages sent. Let's help them meet that goal!

OK, just how do I do this you ask? Where do I send my books to? Do you have a drop-off location? What do I write in my letter? How do I buy a pre-made package? Can I volunteer my time? All the details will be posted in the next few days... but for now I must bid adieu, and get this nasty head cold to bed...! Feel free to contact me in the meantime! (and get those books, DVD's, and CD's collected in the meantime too!)

Watch a video about the MSOE program here!

We love Facebook Fans!

2009-10-17T02:06:00.000-05:00

And voila, One Month, One Mission has a new Facebook Page! Become a fan today!!

No Twitter yet, sorry - I'm trying to learn one thing at a time (how to add photos to the blog, anyone?)

October and November Missions Confirmed!

2009-10-17T00:35:00.001-05:00

What a day! Who doesn't love getting mail? Well, I LOVE getting mail - and my trusty UPS, FedEx, and USPS delivery men and women all know me too well with all the packages I get related to my jewelry business. But nothing compares to the two, yes TWO pieces of special mail I got today! They both got my heart racing like you can't believe (shh... don't tell my cardiologist!)

First is related to what will be our (better-late-than-never) October Mission. I received an e-mail confirming our joint sponsorship with the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) for preparing holiday troop care packages for our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Second, my favorite brown truck delivered a BIG box of goodies for our November Mission. We are working with Soles4Souls Thanks4Giving Program, whose goal is to collect 250,000 pairs of new and gently-worn shoes for distribution for the needy both here in the US and abroad. I have already partnered with a local Mom's group for a city-wide drive concurrent with their winter rummage sale on November 14, and am hoping to work with my church and daughter's schools as well. If you are interested in having your congregation or school also participate in the November Mission, please contact me and I'll get you all set up!

More information on these missions, what and when to give or help, and all other details will be posted frequently over the next few days and weeks.

Oh boy, here goes the heart palpitations again! How wonderful it feels to get this all underway!

Ready or Not, Here We Come!

2009-10-04T13:33:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, my two children and I walked through the grocery store, carefully picking out food to give to the local food pantry, one box of mac & cheese and can of princess-shaped noodle soup at a time (the kids got to pick!). Each of them have saved part of the random coins that feed their piggy bank every few days, and with a grand total of $24 and change between them, we proudly filled a paper grocery-bag full of kid-selected, yet nutritious food for the hungry in our city. We walked up and down the check-out lobby, unable to find the donation barrel. Upon asking a manager where the donation barrel was, we were told they are only out "at the holidays". I was dumbfounded.

The rest of the day I couldn't stop thinking about how many people WANT to give, how many people NEED what we have to give, and the chasm between the two. That night, I woke up with the idea of, what if, just what if, I could help facilitate a link between those in need and those who have - and not just at the holidays, but all year long.

Over the past few weeks, I've taken baby steps towards starting this blog, letting self-doubts about my knowledge of blogging (or lack thereof) and my own abilities to get these ideas off the ground get in the way of actually launching the blog. Well, after another restless night waking up thinking about this blog, I decided, it's now or never.

So here it is. One Month, One Mission. If we can even make one human connection between someone in need and someone who has enough to share, then I will consider this blog a success. Thanks for joining me in my mission today - and please, send me any comments along the way!

xo
Susie