In My Heart On Thursday

-as seen this week on Blackpurl's Knitpickings

A Little Spoon Love

Barely a week until A Blogtastic Extravaganza...time to whet your appetite with a deeper look at my giveaway sponsors...

Petticoat Cachet and The Forking Queen

My sister Brooke has been designing and creating modern silverware jewelry for nearly 10 years. She will tell you that she got her start one night after bitterly losing a game of Scrabble to our mother (who has no problem gloating over that sort of thing).  In a moment of revenge, Brooke grabbed the family meat fork, bent it around her wrist, and wore it defiantly for everyone to see.  Innumerable compliments later an artistic business was born.

Over the years Brooke has developed a unique ability to look at a piece of flatware and mold it into exactly what it wants to be.  She never starts with a pattern and is pretty sure she's never created two pieces the same.  It's easy to believe that when you learn that she bends, twirls, curves, and rounds almost all of her pieces with just the strength of her hands and a common set of household pliers.  To add icing to an already impressive feat, there are very few pieces she's found the need to heat before using.  She loves to see the old men's faces when she finally convinces them she cold-bends everything.

Aside from simply being proud of my sister who has supported her family on an odd hobby, I LOVE working shows with her!  From small high school craft shows, to double-booths at the Iowa State Fair, Brooke travels around the central part of the country and every once in awhile takes me with her.  We eat terribly delicious food, laugh way too loud, and listen as new and repeat customer's rave about how excited they are to find jewelry that is so uniquely bold and wearable.

I hope you love Brooke's jewelry!  She gets bored quickly and is ALWAYS working on completely new designs.  Check out her Etsy Page to see what she's working on lately...

Petticoat Cachet/The Forking Queen

And, for an extra early entry to next week's giveaway from Petticoat Cachet, come back here to leave a comment on your favorite item she currently has listed!

In My Heart On Thursday

"You can have anything you want if you want it desperately enough.  You must want it with an inner exuberance that erupts through the skin and joins the energy that created the world."

-Sheilah Graham

When the Lord Calls You...

My parents moved to Alabama.  Two months ago my dad volunteered for a one-week missionary & construction trip serving an area devastated by last spring's overactive tornado season.  By the time he returned home, the Lord had spoken to his heart and he knew he was being called to dedicate more time to the work and the people in the hills of Alabama.  Everything else just fell into place...

Within weeks the finances to cover obligations at home had wondrously appeared, as well as the beginnings of what they would need to move from Iowa to Alabama and modestly survive while they are there.  Circumstances at my mother's job had been building towards an opportunity for long-term leave for quite awhile and made sense completely as soon as this opportunity was presented to her.  And another family member seeking a new beginning in her own life was right there to take over the day-to-day responsibilities my parent's would be leaving behind for an undetermined amount of time.

That's how they got to Alabama.  Here is what they are doing:  

Working directly with the organization Carpenter's House and the program Mercy Flows, my parent's find themselves working with volunteer labor and donated resources in an effort to help rebuild a rural area in northeastern Alabama devastated by multiple tornadoes during a one-week time period this last April.  My father's background as a construction foreman and owner of a small construction company have helped him seamlessly step into his new role coordinating the 10+ projects that Mercy Flows currently has in varying stages of the re-building process.  Along with getting her hands dirty right next to his, my mom has found her own niche getting to know the homeowners and community members personally by learning their histories, hearing their tornado-related experiences, and sharing encouraging moments of prayer with them and their families.  Together, they've left a house behind to live in a small camper trailer and serve wherever they are needed.

It's been an interesting few months for my family as we get used to the decision my parent's have made.  Even though I moved far away from home more than 10 years ago, part of me feels sad and alone knowing they are not there.  Some of my sisters were confused at the idea that they would just drop everything and leave; others didn't take it seriously until my parents had packed up and driven away.  Yet, in the first three updates we've received on the work getting done in my mom and dad's new home, it is impossible to deny that the Lord has important work for them to do there.

I hope you will visit my parent's website and learn more about the area in Alabama which they are working, more about the work that is being done, and opportunities for you and the people you know to share your support by getting involved.  Add the link for their blog to your reader.  And if it moves you, remember them, the people of Alabama, and the rest of my family in your prayers.


More information available at Built On Grace Alone.  Once on the site, follow the blog on the News page.  And if you do click over there, please come back to leave a comment on something you have learned.  I'll be happy to return the kindness with an extra entry for each of my upcoming Blogtastic Extravaganza giveaways. 

Three Great Prizes & Some Family

A quick post today to let you know I'm going to be participating in "A Blogtastic Extravaganza" in a few weeks. I'll have three great giveaway packages featuring some of my fabulously talented family.  Here's a sneak peek at what I'll be giving away...

For Mom

(or sister, or aunt, or grandma, or any woman who likes looking pretty)

Handmade Upcycled Silverware Jewelry by Petticoat Cachet

For the Little Girl You Love

Handcrafted whimsical fashion accessories by AalbersCreations

For Quality Entertainment with the Whole Family

5 Folk CD's by The Three D's

Throughout the month of August I'll share a few stories about how these family members found themselves in business and using their creativity.  And I'll introduce you to a few other people that are close to me.

The bonus is this:  Each of my readers are special to me and deserve a little thanks from me.  A Blogtastic Extravaganza beings August 17.  Check back often before now and then for extra entry opportunties....starting today!

Extra Entry Opportunity #1

Leave a comment on this post-any comment, Just say hi if you want.

~Only comment once on this post, multiple comments will not count.

~Comments on this post must be made before 8/16/11, 11:59PM

~Comment will count for 3 extra entries, 1 for each individual giveaway.