Remember

Today marks the seven year anniversay of the most terrible attack on US soil in history. For those of us old enough to remember what happened, the images of that day are deeply etched in our minds. After the attacks in 2001, September 11th was designated as Patriot Day, a day of prayer and remembrance. To honor the meaning behind this day, I hope everyone takes time to remember the nearly three thousand men, women, and children who lost their lives that fateful day. Remember those who risked their lives to save others. Remember our fallen troops and pray for the safe return of those who are still fighting the war against terrorism.

In honor of those not with us today, I want to share with you a truly unique organization that as crafters, we can contribute our talents to their cause. You know, some people belittle our fun scrapbooking hobby and think that many of us are wacky, stay-at-home moms with very little matter between our ears. Truth is, scrapbookers are the kindest people I have ever encountered (and hey, we're pretty darn smart, too). Their hearts are always open, and they never hesitate to help out those in need. Recently, Hero Arts and Jennifer McGuire teamed up with Cards for Heros in an effort to spread the word about this wonderful organization. Their mission statement is beautiful:

"CARDSFORHEROES.ORG is a group of hundreds of private citizens - artisans, paper crafters, card makers - who have come together through our common love of our craft and our desire to honor our armed forces serving on our behalf. Regardless of what we think about the conflicts currently going on around the world, we can agree that our heroes are brave, honorable, and deserve our support! The cards allow them to keep in touch with their loved ones, and thus we get to also bless the families who bravely keep the candle in the window at home. We also support Operation: Quiet Comfort by providing thank-you and get-well cards for them to send to those injured on the battlefield. "

(Picture borrowed from Cardsforheros.org)

What better way to combine our love of paper crafts with our love for our troops! I sent a box of personalized Christmas cards last season to a Marine troop over seas, and I cannot tell you how much joy it brought me just knowing that I had helped brighten a soldier's day! A small gesture of kindness and goodwill can truly go a long way.

So what does all of this have to do with us wacky scrapbookers? In a world filled with innumerable uncertainties, I am thoroughly blessed to be part of a community of women (and some men) who open up their hearts so readily to those in need or to those who need a little cheering up. Recently, one of our very own beloved scrapbookers, Stephanie Nielson, and her husband, Christian, were in a private airplane crash. Both suffered serious injuries. Scrapbookers have united in an effort to raise funds to help defer the costs of their medical treatment. How awesome is that?

(Photo borrowed from Stephanie's blog)

Click here to read more about how you can help the Nielson family.

On a much smaller scale, I recently posted a question as to where I could obtain some acetate to try my hand at this whole clear/transparent scrappin' revolution. No sooner did I post than one of my faithful blog readers, Nancy, sent me an e-mail asking if I would like some sheets of acetate. What a sweet-heart! A couple days later, I not only had a few pieces of acetate, but a wonderful handmade card and some gorgeous paper, too! Thank you, Nancy, for the lovely act of kindness :)

This past weekend, I received a package from my friend, Anne Marie. I was surprised as I wasn't expecting anything from her. I opened the package to find a beautiful card and an accordian album made just for me! She wanted to brighten my day, and she certainly did.

The front of the mini book (the little metal tag says "friendship"):


The inside:


The book has little tabs that I can lift up and put journaling on. She stamped each card with a beautiful bird image:

You simply must check out her blog as she is the QUEEN of mini books! She also wrote the most lovely story of how she met and fell in love with her "Country Man." It's a good read, so go check it out! Thanks, AM, for the thoughtful gift!

In wrapping up, I would just like to give thanks for all the beautiful people I have come to know through my blog. One act of kindness simply leads to another and another. I encourage you to check out the Cards for Heros site and make a few cards for our service men and women to send home to their families. If you can donate to the Nielson family, that would be lovely, too! Lastly, don't forget today, and remember, "no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted" ~Aesop.