A Standing Ovation for the Silver Notes

I owe the members of the Silver Notes a huge THANK YOU! The members of this all female chorus in Indiana collected pencils, glue sticks, notebooks, books, paper, crayons and markers to donate to the Sangam. The supplies will be used for the Sangam's outreach projects within the Pune community. I am overwhelmed by the generosity of each member who found the time during the busy holiday season to gather a bag of supplies. Many children in Pune will feel the impact of their kindness. 

So, how did this wonderful group of musicians know of my trip and the need in India? Guess who strikes again? My Mom! My mom has been a member of the Silver Notes for as long as I can remember. My mom absolutely loves music. She especially enjoys singing and performing. 

My Mom, the Swap Making Queen

My Mom is a swaps pro! She has created all of the swaps I have shared with other Girl Scouts for at least the past 10 years.  For all of you non-Girl Scout readers, swaps are small handmade items that Girl Scouts share with one another. Frequently these are patches or similar mementos that represent your home state or home country. 

Thanks to my Mom, I am armed with my swaps for India. She made beautiful beaded pins for me to share.

After my Christmas vacation in Indiana, where a blizzard disrupted my travel plans, I think these swaps are an appropriate gift from my home country. Thank you, Mom! 

For more on swaps, click here.

Cheers & Thanks Roaring 20s

I am from a small town in Indiana. My parents have lived in C. for nearly 40 years. In that time, my Mom has developed some very special relationships with some incredible women. These women from her home-ec club, The Roaring 20s, are the most dynamic and I would say sometimes crazy in that pie-making-flower-arranging kinda way one would ever meet. They have been the best kind of friends to my Mom during some of the toughest times in her life. For that alone, I will forever love every single one of them.

Why would I mention these ladies here? Well, they recently surprised me with some unexpected funding for my trip. In the words of my Mom, the club raises money to give back to the community and they wanted to invest in the community this way.  

In all honesty, I was a bit overcome by their generosity. I haven't been a part of my hometown for nearly 20-years. Well, maybe Bon Jovi and Sugarland were correct when they sang "...there's only one place they call me one of their own."

Cheers & Thanks Roaring 20s! 

Ill stay true to your pay it forward tradition.