Quilts of Love: New fiction line from Abingdon Press

Quilts of Love: New fiction line from Abingdon Press

I am so honored and excited to be part of this new fiction line from Abingdon Press. They've unveiled the line at the Giftmart in Atlanta this weekend. The above logo will be represent the line of books. Scroll down to see an actual Photo Memory Quilt made for my son's graduation by his grandma.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Beginning October 2012, Christian publisher Abingdon Press will launch a new series, the Quilts of Love, as part of their growing fiction line. Based on the idea that behind every heirloom quilt is a story of how it came to be, the Quilts of Love series will focus on the romance and adventures of the women who quilted a part of their family history.

Senior Acquisitions Editor Ramona Richards believes there is a strong connection between storytelling and quilts. “More than a creative art, quilts have been passed from one generation to another as precious heirlooms. They tell our family history, and they have brought communities together,” notes Richards.

As a reflection of Abingdon’s diverse fiction line, the Quilts of Love series will feature contemporary and historical romances as well as women’s fiction and the occasional light mystery. The series will draw from some of Christian publishing’s best-known authors and new talent. Authors involved in the project include Sandra Bricker, Loree Lough, Christa Allan, Barbara Cameron, Lynette Sowell, Lisa Carter, and Angela Breidenbach.

Abingdon Press will release one book per month through March 2014 beginning with Carolyn Zane’s Storm’s Signal (Abingdon Press, October 2012). Richards says, “Each book in the series tells the story of one quilt, one family, and one unforgettable love.”

Montana author Angela Breidenbach’s book will be released April 2013. A Healing Heart is set in Bozeman, MT and tells the story Mara Keegan an uber-successful mother of three, widowed for three years. One year for every child. As she's making a photo memory quilt, a graduation present for her daughter, Mara experiences a heart attack. As Mara recuperates and learns how to heal her damaged heart, she also discovers how to release a bitter heart to God so she can love again. She's been chasing success and all the "good things in life" for her family to make up for the cruel whim God played on them by taking her husband. When released home, Mara visits the choices she's made that led her to this physically and spiritually broken heart. The memory quilt must be finished in time for Cadence Keegan’s big day, but Mara struggles with her burgeoning feelings for the man who must keep Mara's business going during her recovery, Joel Ryan. Can Joel find his way into Mara's healing heart and onto Cadence’s quilt?

So what is a memory quilt? Here's my son's from his graduation:

Graduation Photo Memory Quilt

Go Red For Women Luncheon 2010

The Go Red For Women Luncheon 2010 Volunteers

Photo by Laurie Lane Studio

You're invited to attend the American Heart Association's 

Go Red For Women Luncheon for women's heart health.

Feb.25th, 2010

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Hilton Garden Inn Missoula 

3720 North Reserve Street 

Schedule for Thursday, February 25, 2010

10:30 a.m. Registration and Mimosa Bar Open: South Rotunda 

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Silent Auction: North Rotunda 

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sponsor Booths, Displays & Heath Information: South Rotunda 

11:30 a.m. – noon Breakout Sessions: 

      “The Heart Hormone Connection” – Cathryn Powell, Parlor A 

      “The Heart Soul Connection” – Angela Breidenbach, Parlor B 

      “The Heart Brain Connection” – James Ramsey, MA, M.Div., Parlor C 

12:30 p.m. Silent Auction Closes 

12:30 – 2 p.m. Luncheon: Ballroom 

      12:30 – 12:50 p.m. Welcome – Dr. Jonathan Weisul, Ric Mussiett and Amy Hetzler 

      1:50 – 1:10 p.m. Open Your Heart – Jill Valley, and Carolyn and Chriss Mack 

      1:15 – 1:45 p.m. Keynote Address: 
“The Healing Power of Laughter” – Diana Jordan 

1:45 p.m. Closing Remarks – Jill Valley 

2 p.m. Silent Auction checkout: South Rotunda 

Menu
MEDLEY OF SALADS: 
• Beet Salad with Feta, Balsamic Dressing and Candied Almonds 
• Citrus Chicken Salad with Dried Cranberries and Pears 
• Baby Greens, Roasted Roma Tomato and Cucumber Ribbons 
• Herbed Lemon Tabouleh with Baked Pita Chips
 
DESSERT:
Angel Food Cake with a Fresh Berry Coulis & Port Wine Glaze


Breakout Sessions 11:30-Noon

The Heart Hormone Connection
It’s Getting Hot in Here … Hormones and Heart Health
Parlor A 

There are certain numbers every woman should know and they’re well beyond just your shoe size! Learn how your body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and lipid panel may factor into decisions on hormone therapy. There are risks and benefits of hormone therapy. Learn also about the various options in hormone therapy such as herbal, synthetic and bio-identical preparations.

Bio: Cathryn Powell has 16 years experience in women’s health. She is a board certified family nurse practitioner who emphasizes education, health promotion and wellness. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Montana State University and her Master of Science in Nursing from Case Western Reserve University. 

The Heart Soul Connection
Digging For The Treasure
Parlor B 

We have some amazing tools right at our fingertips to use to dig for

healthy treasures — to use when we recognize the way things are,

evaluate and decide things that need to change. But inner pirates create a battle on the adventure to reclaiming health. 

New habits, behaviors and choices to change begin with watching and learning, and culminate in acting on the decision. What inner pirates are keeping you from a powerful life?

You are a gem! Come fill your treasure chest with me. 

Bio: Angela Breidenbach is Mrs. Montana International 2009. A speaker and author, she is certified in mentor/peer counseling as a Stephen Minister and assisting minister. In addition, Angela is a confidence coach and teaches workshops and online classes in personal growth and powerful living. She works with the American Heart Association, the Jadyn Fred Foundation and Hope’s Promise Orphan Ministries, and draws awareness to Fair Trade practices.  

The Heart Brain Connection
Parlor C

Total heart health is more than just eating well and exercising. Your

relationships to others are also important. Our hearts are affected by

our emotions and our emotions are affected by our relationships. Learn how to become more aware and skillful in your relationships to provide a broader concept of heart health. 

Bio: James W. Ramsey is a licensed marriage and family counselor and a certified domestic mediator with more than 34 years experience. He has master’s degrees in clinical psychology and theology. He has received specialized training from John Gray

and was part of his “Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus” therapy team. James also is certified with the Gottman Institute Inc. and is currently the only certified Gottman therapist in Montana.

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A Courageous Beauties Interview: Mrs. North Dakota International 2008-Angela Smith

So this interview will be interesting for you because we both have the same name. I've put the last name initial in each time so I hope not to confuse anyone :-) A very inspiring interview!

Angie B: Angela Smith has held the title of Mrs. North Dakota America 2005 and now Mrs. North Dakota International 2008. Angela, What interested you in pageants?

Angela S: I have always loved watching pageants as a girl.

The grace and poise the young ladies showed on TV was something I aspired to have but never dreamed I'd actually compete.

Then just before my 16th birthday my family moved to Wisconsin and my grandpa suggested I enter the local fair pageant as a way to meet girls my age and get involved in the area. I had a wonderful time getting to know the girls and won the title of Miss Congeniality. Which won me a place on court and allowed me to spend the summer visiting area community festivals. 

 

I was so honored that my peers choose me as the one contestant they'd want to spend the rest year with. 

Angie B: What is your platform?

Angela S: My platform is titled Victims' Voices: Helping victims of domestic violence to find hope and healing through the power of  their voice.

Angie B; How do you build your platform and promote your work?

Angela S: Like most thing in life building my platform has been a journey and I take it all step by step. I have interviewed with area magazines, worked with the local YWCA, local Rape and Abuse Crisis and earlier this year was made a MADE state action leader to help parents and teen find the resources they need to avoid or get out of dangerous dating relationships. It all started with a single step and an single voice and has blossomed into more than I could have ever imagined.

I started my blog: thevictimsvoices.blogspot.com as a way for people to find the resources they need to find healing. Healing happens differently for everyone but regardless of the road taken every victim needs to know help is out there.

As a victim of domestic violence I know first hand how lonely the road to recovery can be and I never want anyone else to feel like they have to travel their road alone. I have been so blessed that as I have shared my story that others have reached out and allowed me to help them find the resources they need to heal. That is what Victims' Voices is about helping others. I have found that when your heart is in the right place the Lord will open doors that allow you to help others. That has been my experience over and over again.

Angie B: Why did you decide to compete?

Angela S: I decided to compete as a Mrs because in March of 2005 l learned I weighed 198 pounds and that on my 5'4 frame I was slowly killing myself. My doctor told me if I didn't lose and maintain a weight loss of at least 70 pounds I wouldn't live to see my youngest child, who was 3 at the time, graduate high school.

That evening I saw the Mrs. America pageant on TV and decided that the swimsuit competition would motivate me to lose the weight. So I contacted the National pageant via their website and they passed my information along to the state director. I never dreamed I'd be going to Mrs. America in a matter of months but in April weighing 194 pounds I was crowned Mrs. North Dakota America 2005. The pressure was on but I am happy to report when I gave up my crown in May 2006 I had surpassed my doctor's expectations and reached my goal of losing 80 pounds. 

It's been 4 1/2 years and I've kept  the mandatory 70 pounds off ever sense. Besides better health, the biggest benefit of this weight loss has been my work with the Go Red Organization and helping other women realize that small changes can make a HUGE difference in your health and life.

Angie B: How do you handle stage fright?

Angela S: I honestly enjoy being on stage so I find I don't really get stage fright in the typical sense of the phrase. That isn't to say I don't get nervous but I have found that if take a deep breath and focus on why I'm there and who I'm trying to help that the butterflies settle down pretty quickly.

Angie B: What personal fear did you have to overcome?

Angela S: Because of the negativity that was fed to me for so long as a victim of domestic violence, I still look in the mirror and see every flaw and question every thought or idea before I allow myself to voice them. I worry that I will do or say something that will hurt another or myself which sometime makes others question my confidence and creditability.  

I have had to relearn that 1) I am valuable as a human being and 2) as long as I temper my words with kindness that is it ok to share my opinions and more of share the truth.

Angie B: What did you have to learn to compete?

Angela S: I have had to learn that it is ok to be a strong confident woman and that apologies don't need to be made for being who I am.

Angie B: I love that! Please tell us about a goal, why it's been a goal, and what it means to you?

Angela S: The most visible goal I continue to have is maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight. The idea of my children growing up without me is heartbreaking.  The knowledge that I have the power and responsibility to make sure I am here for all the big and little things in their lives is sobering. I was blessed to be given a wake-up call at a time when I could make the necessary changes knowing how slippery the slope back to unhealthy is keeps me exercising and eating right and gets me back on track when I've taken a step or two off the healthy lifestyle road.

Angie B: I understand. After losing 35 pounds, I am very conscious of how easy it is to go back up. Who do you most want to emulate?

Angela S: My Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave his life to the service of others and I've no doubt that as we lose ours in service to others we will find that which we most need.

Angie B: Do you have a mentor?

Angela S: I don't have a mentor in the traditional sense of the word but I have blessed to have many amazing people in my life and an ARMY of women that teach and strengthen me with their examples and love.

Angie B: Very important point you make, that we can emulate different aspects of different people. How do you handle the feelings of disappointment?

Angela S: I have a couple very good friends and an amazing husband that let me vent to them and then look at me when I am done and say, "Ok now what are you going to do to change it?"  Their support to let me get whatever it is off my chest and then to be there to help me work to get the results I want are invaluable.

Angie B: What kind of an education do you have or are you pursuing? 

Angela S: I have my Associates of Arts Degree from the University of Wisconsin - Barron County. It is my goal to finish my degree in English and am currently taking some correspondence courses focused on writing for children and young adults. 

Angie B: I've found so many people discover that learning is a life time accomplishment and that as our goals change, we often go back to learn what we need for the new set of goals. Do you have other creative talents you pursue?

Angela S: I enjoy quilting and tatting, which is a form of lace making from the 1800s. I also love to read, write and collect children and young adult literature and am working to become a published author in this market.

Angie B: Very unique talents. Do you think it is important for a person to look their best?

Angela S: I do believe that when we put more time into ourselves that we feel better about ourselves but I also believe that a person can look just a fabulous make-up free and dressed in a cute yoga suit and sneakers as they can full make up and dressed to the nine. I think the most important thing for a person to be comfortable in their own skin.

Angie B: Would you share about your fashion favorites, flair, or a tip that makes you feel beautiful?

Angela S: It sounds cliche but I believe a smile is a person best accessory.  When you are happy with who you are and feel good on the inside that shows in your smile and warms others. 

Angie B: What compliment do you receive most often?

Angela S: "You are nothing like I expected." or "You don't look or act like a Beauty Queen" I love making people question stereotypes because in my experience very few people fit into molds.

Angie B: So true! What are you most confident about?

Angela S: The power of my voice and the reality that one voice can and does make a difference.

Angie B: How did you earn that sense of confidence?

Angela S: I have earned this piece by piece. Every time I share my story and speak out against Domestic Violence or on behalf of the Go Red Organization I have the opportunity to help someone and more often then not I have had someone  tell me "Thank you for sharing your story, it made all the difference." I've seen God use my experiences to help someone make needed changes in their lives far too many times to question why I lived through what I lived through or why I am where I am I am.

Angie B: What would you like to share with interview readers?

Angela S: I want them to know that where ever they are and whatever they are dealing with they aren't alone. If they look around and take a small step into the darkness I think they will be surprised by the number of people waiting to help them. Regardless of what you are dealing with in your life healing happens but it can't happen if you aren't willing to reach out or work for it.

 

Websites:

http://thevictimsvoices.blogspot.com (there is a more comprehensive list of domestic violence helps on the right hand side of the blog.)

http://nnedv.org/

http://www.loveisnotabuse.com/made

http://loveisnotabuse.com/

http://gorednd.com/

http://www.goredforwomen.org/index.aspx

 

AngieB: Thank you so much for being with us today, Angela Smith! 

Angela Smith: Happiness Always.

A Courageous Beauty: Mrs. Utah International 2009-Michele Weeks

Angie: Michele and I met at the Mrs. International 2009 pageant and competed with and against each other. I enjoyed her very much and am so happy to bring her interview to you today. Let's hop right in :-)

How did you learn about various pageants?

Michele: When I was young. I participated in the Miss Maryland America program. I learned about the Mrs. Pageant through the internet.

Angie: What is your platform?

Michele:The “The Art of Being Grateful”. So many people have been able to take a piece of this talk and apply it into their lives. The subject is worth sharing, in our world of constant demands on us; we can easily find ourselves depleted and unthankful. I've had an opportunity to speak to numerous groups on “The Art of Being Grateful” throughout this wonderful state. By breaking down the word GRATEFUL: G-Grateful, R-Rock and Role, A- Attitude…. I’ve been able to share my story and other inspirational stories on overcoming adversities in our lives. I have given my speech to different religious organizations, social groups, and have been ask to be the Keynote Speaker for the Heart Association’s Go Red Luncheon. I have scheduled interviews with channel 2 and 13 where I'll be discussing Utah's number one cause of death, heart disease, and the ways to combat it.

Angie: How did you build your platform and promote your work?

Michele: I know that from personal challenges I suffered in the past as a struggling teen, and in to early adulthood, with bouts of low self-esteem and depression that I can now share and make a difference. It is from these personal difficulties in my own life, and being able to overcome them, that created my desire to help. I wanted hard facts and started to do doing some research on how many people in this area suffers from depression. The numbers are twice the national average, so I decided to take an active role and give people some working tools in helping them find contentment. I wove a short speech together that has all the elements of finding a way for absolutely everyone to be GRATEFUL. I have broken the word down into 8 subheadings; G-Grateful, R- Rock and Roll, A- Attitude, T- Tenacity to Successes, E -Exercise, F -Family Fun, U- The U factor, L -Love, Laugh and Live. It is from this premise that I share my story and hope I inspire others to overcome adversity and depression, seeking a renewed desire to find their own self-worth and personal greatness.

Angie: Why did you decide to compete?

Michele: After I had my 2 children I moved to Utah. I wanted to be more involved in my community. I wanted to meet other women with similar interests (public awareness and involvement.) Women who were passionate about their community. I just had my second son and needed reasons to spend time on myself. I reconnected and discovered what made me uniquely me.

Angie: I think that's a quest every woman should go on. Was this your first pageant?

Michele: No. my first pageant was when I was 16. Junior Miss

Angie: Was/is competition scary?

Michele: Yes and No. I set goals for myself and I am scared I will not reach my goals. My Goal is not always to win.

Angie: What personal fear did you have to overcome?

Michele: The disappointment at the end of the pageant was one. My biggest fear is not fulfilling my soul purpose. I have traveled to or 35 countries and have been involved in numerous international humanitarian projects. I truly enjoyed every moment I experienced overseas. I have been very active in pulling this community together despite religious difference with my speech “Love thy Neighbor.” I am active with the Heart Association and teach individuals the “Art of Being Grateful.” I have been a spokes person for the Orton Dyslexic society and have helped raise awareness about programs available for individuals who suffer from dyslexia.

I love raising my 2 children and enjoy seeing them grow and discover new things. My biggest fear is that I will pass away before I complete my soul purpose. I am still searching for truly why I am here on earth. I just hope when I meet my maker, he will say good job and give me peace in my heart.

Angie: What about your first competition, were you super confident?

Michele: No not at all. Every pageant I entered I walked away with a new knowledge of things I had to work on. Finding out what I think about a situation or how to walk or even a better way to do my hair and make up. Over the years I have become more confident in the way I look and who I am.

Angie: What did you have to learn to compete?

Michele: How to walk. How to show the judges who I am in a short amount of time. And that we are all equals, the judges are my equal, the other contestents are my equal even the people running the pageant are my equal. I will win only if they are looking for someone like myself for the crown.

Angie: Tell us about what you have been able to do as Mrs. Utah International 2009:

Michele:Wow so much. What a great experience. Being Mrs. Utah International truly has given me the chance to help they community to be more Grateful. Please check out my website at MicheleWeeks.net

Angie: What do you still want to achieve?

Michele: I have worked as a local news report, assistant lobbyist, an actress in New York, and now a full time Mom (which I love). My Dream job would be to become a motivational public speaker helping others enjoy this adventure called life. There are many topics I would love to speak on: "The Art of Being Grateful", "Finding your Soul Purpose", and " Is it Really One World Under God?"

Not only would my dream job include speaking to others, but also listening to people. I truly believe we are here on earth to connect with each other and help each other on this Adventure Called Life. I have not given up on my dream of getting "What's America Up To" produced and help people feel more in control of this government.

Angie: There's an idea in society that pageants are just skin deep. How would you answer that?

Michele: They have never been in a pageant. I remember one pageant I asked a fellow contestant why she entered the pageant. Her answer was “I entered the pageant to show my 10 year daughter to get involved because you want to without the fear of winning or making the team, but just because it is something you have always wanted to try."

Another young lady entered because she was shy and wanted to push her self out of her comfort zone. If she could walk on stage in a swimsuit, talking to a new friend would seem like a peace of cake. May be the people who think pageants are just skin deep and not taking the time to get to know the contestants.

Angie: The media has given Americans the idea that pageant girls/women are not intelligent and accomplished. What kind of an education do you have?

Michele: I have a BA in Communications from Towson University. I was nationally ranked in College Debate and Public Speaking. I have traveled to over 35 countries and have done numerous community service projects overseas.

Angie: Do you have other creative talents you pursue?

Michele: I love public speaking and raising community awareness. I have a program I would love to get produced call "What’s America Up to!” this program is designed to educate the average American what the government is doing and how to be an active member of society with out spending to much time out of their day. I love coming up with new ideas for companies and truly love problem solving.

Angie: Why is it important for a person to look their best?

Michele: I don’t think a person has to look their best all the time. Many times I go out of the house without any makeup. I think it is important for a person to be healthy and exercise and eat right so they can live a long healthy life. I like the challenge to see if I can get my 40 + body to look better then I looked when I was 20. I think it is important for a person to be comfortable with who they are so that they can get the respect they deserve and if that means you feel you have to look your best all the time, then do it.

Angie: What do you hope to achieve with your title long term?

Michele: Bring awareness to how truly blessed we are. Change people's point of view to being more grateful and less needy. To embrace our lives and learn how to be happy.

Angie: Would you share about your fashion favorites, flair, or a tip that makes you feel beautiful?

Michele: When I am eating right and exercising, I feel beautiful. When I am helping others find joy in their lives, I feel beautiful. Plus I love wearing Hats. Hats can cover up bad hair days and adds joy in my life.

Angie: I love that you love wearing hats. I don't look good in them and wish I did. :-) What are your plans after your title ends?

Michele: My title has ended. I plan to raise my kids to be smart, active members of society. I hope to have a strong loving marriage. I want to continue to speak about the Art of Being Grateful and help the American Heart Association develop more awareness about preventive measures to prevent heart disease. I have a company I want to form and 2 short books I want to write. I am teaching skiing to children this fall at Snow Bird and will continue to do my part time acting career.

Angie: What compliment do you receive most often?

Michele: I am very real and easy to be around. People feel like they can be open with me and I find that to be the best compliment of all.



Angie: What are you most confident about?

Michele: Who I am and what I believe. I love learning about other religions and cultures. I am confident enough to have an open mind and listen to another person's perspective. Life is a long journey of learning and revelation where we fit in this world. I am happy with who I am and eager to learn more.

Angie: How did you earn that sense of confidence?

Michele: Soul searching. I spent most of my teens and early 20’s depressed. But I stop playing the victim and took responsibility for my life and its direction. I started to work hard to become the person I knew I was. And working hard at parts of my life that I knew was not my true authentic self. I became happy with who I was, and after I recognized my great gifts that I had to offer the world, I began to recognize other people's gifts. Instead of feeling threatened or jealous of what my friends had, I rejoiced in their talents and blessings. I know I have more life lessons to work on but I am confident I am where I need to be today. I am equal with my fellow man not better not worse. Not more important or less important then my neighbor. . . I now value my unique gifts I can offer in this world and hope everyone finds their own unique gifts that make them who they are. From this place my quiet confidences grew.

Angie: Wow, you are an inspiration. Thank you so much.

Start-American Heart Association Heart Walk

What's a fun thing to do on your day off? Walking with friends to help others. The Mrs. International Pageant System and the American Heart Association have partnered so that all the state and national queens support the Heart Walk and the Go Red For Women campaigns. How awesome that they've married the programs for married women to promote in their communities!


This is the RSVP representatives from the Missoula Aging Services.




U of MT dancer and musician. Can you tell which is which ;-)




I met Ms. North America Galaxy 2009 at the Heart Walk. The ladies with us at the START line are from the Montana Rail Link walking team for Heart Walk.



Check it out...the U of M resident hall assistants all joined the Heart Walk.




Even the men's and women's basketball teams showed up to walk the 3 miles for the American Heart Association Heart Walk! I was so pleased to meet them and have fun with Ms. North America Galaxy too!

I met a new friend and sister-queen, walked with people I admire, and enjoyed great exercise!

Do you like the idea of group fund raiser walks?

Q & A with Mrs. Montana International

Tosca asked: I missed the teleseminar interview with you. Can I still hear it somehow?

Angie: Thank you so much for wanting to hear it! Yes, it is available on my website by following this link.

Another link is here.

Randy asked: Why did you want to be Mrs. Montana or Mrs. International?

Angie: This was an easy one :-) I think the Mrs. International pageant gives women a voice and the ability to reach out and leave a legacy with their work and the things we believe in. I want to help people discover the gems of wisdom from their experiences and turn around to use them as building blocks and gifts for others. I use my gems of wisdom to write, speak and support children's causes around the world through Hope's Promise and the Jadyn Fred Foundation. That's why I wrote my book and started life coaching (you can find more about that at MyGemofWisdom.com. In the process, I commissioned a line of jewelry that helps support two of Hope's Promise Orphan Homes in Kenya. So it was a natural charity to include in my life. My slogan is Personal Growth = Powerful Living!

Rosy asked: How can we help?

Angie: There are several ways to help depending on your own heart's leading.
There is a special fundraiser right now that the Mrs. International Pageant is involved with specifically for the American Heart Association. Since my mother passed away from congestive heart failure and my dad has had a quadruple by-pass, I feel the research and life style guidance the AHA provides is essential. Please visit the Mrs. International Contestant page and scroll down to Mrs. Montana to vote for me. It doesn't sway who wins the title, but it does help the American Heart Association continue their work while it also helps me continue my work for the charities I represent. Thank you if this is also a passion for your heart. A fun aside, there are 5 questions each contestant answers. So you have the opportunity to get to know the ladies before the pageant. I like this unique aspect!

Another way to help is by donating toward the financial needs of the Hope's Promise Orphan Ministries. You can donate online and it is very simple. I urge you to take a look at the website and get familiar with the international organization. Pray about it and consider how you might touch a life and leave your own legacy.

One very simple and fun way to help is how you shop for presents! Please visit MyGemofWisdom.com when you need a gift for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas or just to enjoy the beauty of natural gemstones. We'll have purses and small bags from Kenya late summer or early fall. The jewelry not only helps support the orphan homes but the purses and bags will support the single moms with AIDS. These hidden victims are in the Taraja Project. The project helps mommies stay with their children as long as life allows. Consider buying a gift with immense value outside of the beauty, you'll be offering hope as well. Who wouldn't love a gift like that?

Each gem in the jewelry has a significant meaning. The pendant is interchangeable. This one is the snowflake obsidian and the meaning is--courage! Each piece is a one of a kind and has a registration number as well as a map to the meanings of the gems (they correlate to each chapter of my book, Insanity Rules: Gems of Wisdom.) We send you the treasure map for your piece so you know which stone is which and the affirmation statements of each gem.

And I'd love to have your support at the Mrs. International Pageant! If you are in the Chicago area on July 17th and 18th, tickets to attend are available from the Skokie Performing Arts Center.

Thank you so much for the great questions!
Angie
PS I'll post some photos of the Biga Pizza for a Biga Cause-building a well for the Neema Children's Home after the event today. If you are in the Missoula area, it's from 2-6p.m. at Biga Pizza, downtown Missoula, on Main Street. I hope to see you there!