Sad on the inside, flying on the outside

This would be the title of my book right now. 

I'm frustrated.  It's not happening fast enough. I'm not doing it right. I can't communicate well. I feel like a failure.

And yet, I'm flying on the outside because my life is really really good.

and now adding to the resume... writer?

13,000 homeless kids in San Diego last year.

This number is shocking to me.  I found this out when I had a meeting at San Diego Youth Services (SYDS).  This means that throughout 2011 13,000 kids came though their system.  Some live in group homes, some get placed with Foster Parents, but they are all AT RISK.

I met with the CEO and Program Director of SDYS last week to discuss hosting art classes for the at risk youth that they serve.  I want to get programs going even before we open the art center. This will not be the only group that benefits from the Art Center.  There will be many others and we plan to use technology to be able to reach anyone anywhere!

This is how I see it:

If you don't have a Mom or Dad, who is taking photos of you and documenting your life?

I want to do "About Me" pages/art with these kids.  They can come to the Charity Wings Art Center and we can take their photo and print it if they like, then guide them through an "About Me" creative project.

Here is my "About Me" page today...

I think ideally it would be something like a scrapbook/art journal page/canvas, something like that.  But I really want it to be something that they might keep through their life journey and be able to look back on when they are older.

Who knows what talent a child might discover if they just have the opportunity.

or what skill they might find for coping with the life they are living today.

But ultimately, i hope it will be something that they keep through their life journey and be able to look back on when they are older.  I hope they will remember who they were today.

We learn so much when we look at where we came from.  It reminds us how strong and resilient we really are.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CHARITY WINGS ART CENTER AND WHAT IT IS HERE 

sometimes you can't shake the ugly crap that happens to you.

I truly believe that our experiences shape who we are, why we do what we do, and most importantly our personalities.

The things that happen to us, good and bad create "thens"...

What is a "then"?

Its the other half to the "if"...

I learned about "if, then" in 5th grade at Flora Vista Elementary school in 1982 at before school computer class.  Yep, my mom put me in computer class in 5th grade. She really had high hopes for me.  Actually it was me and my little brother who was in 3rd grade I guess.  We will just say we were gifted and lucky to have an incredible mom.

Ok, so back to "if, then"

If A then B

It's crazy but our lives are all about reacting to the "if,thens"

If I want to buy a dress, then I need to make money.

If I want to see my friends, then I need to make plans with them.

If I need to make time for art, then I need to .... You get it!  :)

Sometimes the "if, then" is something we just have in our head and its totally wrong. It's something that someone in our lives has made us believe is true but really, it no longer applies.

To be less cryptic. Here is a just scratching the surface example:

In my past relationship I felt like if I went out with my friends, then I would have to deal with an upset significant other.

Now I don't have that relationship anymore but the "if, then" still applies. 

why? It's not fair!  And unfortunately it works both ways.  We react to others and other react to us.

"if" I want to change this reaction, "then" I need to understand it and "then" I can work on fixing it.

See how many "if,thens" you are automatically succumbing to and make a change!

U B U. This is my new favorite

So I really get things stuck in my head. Don't you? 

If you know me at all, you know I am a HAPPY PEOPLE.  This came about several years ago when my friend Brooke called me and said she heard on the radio a list of ten things Happy People do.  I was like, "I'm a Happy People!" and Brooke said she was too. So that is what we set out to be.  Now, this was a tough time in both our lives. Crappy relationships and such but through it all, we just kept remembering that we are Happy People.

So now, I was at a neighborhood party with a dear sweet friend Rachel and her daughter showed up wearing a figure skating/gymnast/synchronized swimming/baton twirler/who knows what else outfit.  She is a super cute little girl so it just worked and Rachel said, "I saw her leaving the house wearing this and I just said, you go girl.  You be You."

So that is my new thing. 

You Be You.

Or U.B.U.

In fact, there is a whole bunch that has spawned off of this....

• U.B.U.2
• MeBMe3
• WeBWe3
• HeBHe4

I know the numbers dont make sense, they are kind of a funny we went with!  But anyway.

Smile, be a Happy People and U.B.U.!

Me and the Queen of Craft Wars :)

I am going to make cards with the world!

Well, Andrea and I are going together.

 Lisa (on the left) is just a bonus in this photo :)

On October 6, 2012 We will travel to the land of Los Angeles.  We are going to be at CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles

playing with people who love what we love

HANDMADE STUFFS!


If you will be in the area, please come see us in the Hydrangea Hippo Booth.

I will be teaching a 2-card make and take by Flower Soft. Make one for yourself and one for us to send to troops overseas!

and we will be LIVE STREAMING during the Creative Cynchronicity World Cardmaking Day event! 

And because we love  good raffle we will be pulling a winner each day for a basket worth $400!! in the

"Stop to Smell the Flowers with Charity Wings" Raffle

SO PLEASE CLICK HERE TO BUY A TICKET!

and support your favorite Traveling Princess Charity Fairy :)

muah!

I'm really very selfish.

People gravitate to what they enjoy, what excites them, and what makes them feel good.

For me, it feels good to give.  That is why I do it.

It is the best feeling for me when people tell me how happy something I have done makes them.  Not just other charities, but my friends, family, co workers etc.

When I can go out of my way to do something for someone, when I can make something happen even though I have to get really resourceful and stay up late and not pee and not eat...  well, that part kind of sucks... but when I can make a sacrifice to do something for someone else...

Well, it is the best feeling for me.

So it is selfish. (shhh! don't tell) It's more for me than for anyone else.  Everyone else just gets a little bit of the happy that I feel.

Disney Squared!

Last week we went to Disneyland for Jakey Pants' 3rd Birthday. It was so fun! Our main goal was to see the renovations of California Adventure and Cars Land! Disney did not disappoint.  Although I think Walt would roll over in his grave at all the places to buy alcohol in the park now!  Wow.  It's kind of every where!  Interesting... Oh, not that I'm complaining :)

So we

Don't tell me you can't. What you really mean is you won't.

Don't hate me for being frank. I'm not angry.  It's just another way to look at it... It's not meant to be a knock on people's ability to give, Its meant to be my perspective on the excuses people make.

I have a hard time with excuses. I mean, I get that they exist and that sometimes they are real and get in the way, but I really just have a hard time swallowing them sometimes.

Can't- hmmm... are you sure?

As in you can't afford _____________  but you will afford ___________.

I get it.  Money is tight. But when you stop to think about it, isn't it really just prioritizing/deciding where you want to spend your money?

I get it.  Most of us only have so much to spend.  We choose to spend it on the things that make us happy. On the things we want to spend it on and of course the things we need to spend it on. Whether or not we can afford it often times is not the deciding factor.

So "can't"?  Is that really what it is?

Maybe it's really "won't" or maybe "don't"

So for the people who do not have a choice and for the people who really need it.

I can, I will and I am grateful for others that have a hard time with excuses too.

It feels good to give.

I promise :)

My Art for Charity Gig....

My mind does not stop working.  Do you have one of these?

In the shower is the worst.  Or trying to fall asleep.  I have taken to listening to audio books just to give my brain a rest (yes, in the shower and when I go to bed-remember being read to sleep? I love it!)

And! I really love being able to present opportunities to the Arts and Crafts Community to Give.  I love that they respond in kind and let me know that they appreciate what I do.

Really though...  It's so not just me.

I have an amazing team that works with me and takes the madness that I make in my head (cause my brain does not stop working) and help to me make it all come to fruition.

Charity takes a village...

So let me introduce my team:

Since 1/2011 Sarah Han - (aka Sarah H or "Walk fast Sarah") Sarah came on as a research assistant and then became the administrative assistant but she does so much more.  She keeps me organized, grounded, and reigned in.  She is definitely the other half of my brain especially at events.  She and I have worked closely many many long hours to keep Charity Wings growing.  It's because of her commitment to the cause that I will be able to really make my dream for Charity Wings happen.  eek!  just wait. it's coming!

Since 1/2011 Robyn Olszowy- (aka Robyn MOD)- This amazing wonderful woman is our Volunteer Coordinator for events. She schedules and communicates with volunteers and moderates all of the LIVE from CHA events. She always takes time to add special touches of her handmade art and gifts to the events.  She is an incredibly generous sweet person that we all love.

Since 7/2011 Leslie Bass- (aka eBay Girl)- Leslie found us at Scrapbook Expo Del Mar and then she steeped up to be our eBay Girl! Talk about dedicated. If you have ever listed a single eBay auction, you know how much work it is.  Because of Leslie, we have been able to raise $5673 through 117 auctions.  Yep, that is amazing!

Since 1/2012 Paul Nguyen- (aka Paul the intern or Mr. "That's what she said.") Paul really started in 8/2011 helping with photographing the wing art but then he signed on as an intern beginning of this year.  Paul does the newsletter each week, makes signs for us, is our techie guy and is now learning how to update the website.  He keeps us all on our toes with his "That's what she saids".  I can't say much without those words following me around.  Yes, it's nice having a guy around sometimes. He took all the glass out of a huge broken picture frame for us too :)

Since 1/2012 Sarah Nedtwig (aka Sarah N. or "Talk fast Sarah") Sarah like Paul volunteered for a few tasks back in September of 2011 but as we got to know her and she got to know us and we knew she would be a great member of the team.  She coordinates the schedule for LIVE from CHA and is a wiz at getting us to where we need to be!  She is also the administrator for Club TLC and like everyone else pitches in for whatever needs to be done.  Her incredible attention to detail and follow up skills are what we really needed and have added so much to help us grow!

Since 6/2012 Cynthia Gagen (aka The Twitfacer)-  This is a term of endearment I swear! You may have heard it has a fancy hand gesture that goes with it too!

Rina Gonzales aka (Twitter Girl) and Wendy Crafts (aka Crafts)- Rina Tweets and Wendy makes tons of digi art for us! They are both super super super awesome1

Since 1/2011 Michele Ciola- (Techie Girl)- How many hours are you willing to work? Oh my has this girl put in some serious volunteer time. From making us blinkies to taking on editing all the footage from LIVE from CHA to being a moderator at the last event to being willing to take on all the editing again!  We really would be a techie mess without her!

Did you see my couture?

cou·ture

noun /ko͞oˈto͝or/  /-ˈtYr/ 
coutures, plural

1.  French word for dressmaking, it generally refers to extremely individual and unique hand-made garments.

 This is what 4 awesome designers made for me to wear for LIVE from CHA.

I am so flattered to be able to show off their creations....

Here are photos of Day One wings by Kendra Wiggins, White Dress by Stephanie Liu, Paper Dress by Candy Rosenberg

good shot of the amazing wings by Kendra Wiggins!

Bernie Berlin and Claudine Helmuth interview for A Place to Bark.  Bernie is willing to do ALMOST anything for her cause. Hence the doggie hat :)

Donna Salazar, Sherry Mendoza, Bernie Berlin and Claudine Helmuth all support Charity Wings and our efforts to raise money and awareness for great causes!

Jacqueline from Le Blanche is always a big hit of the show with her amazing demos! I love translating her German English for her! If you watch, you will know what I mean :)

Jim Scatena from FloraCraft was the first one to really support and get behind what we do. I will always be grateful!

Sharon from Prima showed us all the great stuff!  Here is a good shot of the paper dress.  I was only able to wear it for about an hour because I couldn't move in it! :)

This is what it looks like behind the scenes...

Steve and Cathie Mod Podge goodness!

King Sam from Le Blanche gets a new crown every show.

Designer Chat day one making funny faces!

 This is just day one and just a snippet of the amazing people and interviews we did.  I will post more in the coming days.  I am truly a super super Happy People!

If you feel like a good read....

I have to do this... I have to tell you...I want to be understood...

My job gives me Wings to Fly!

It's a whirlwind of emotion trying to raise money these days. I tell you every time I plan an event I ask myself, I say "self... :) are you going to spend hours and hours planning and marketing an event to just raise a few hundred dollars?"  Seriously, that is what happens a lot these days. And, when that happens it is such a blow because I AM GOOD AT THIS!!  I am a good fundraiser, I could go door to door in my neighborhood and raise a few hundred dollars in a couple of hours!  Really! Ask anyone! And I don't even live in a nice neighborhood...

I have been doing this for 8 years as a volunteer. Don't misunderstand... I LOVE WHAT I DO.  

SO THE POINT OF MY POST IS THIS:

www.CharityWings.org

I want to raise $5000 for A Place to Bark.
When I started the whole LIVE from CHA adventure 2 years ago.... I tried to add lots and lots to the event to make it all enticing for people to sign up.  Whew did I almost work myself and the volunteers to their graves! It was crazy.  The kitting, the videos, the ebay. Oh my! the amount of work that went into raising a couple thousand dollars was extraordinary.

But I thought to myself.  This is also to raise awareness for the charities, as well as for Charity Wings.  So its still a very good thing.

The next show we improved but still waaaay to much work for the amount of money raised...

The next show even better. but still... the money just was not coming in.  So this time we eliminated a lot of the work (kitting and ebay) and we stuck to prizes.  People love to win stuff.  So now we have all these amazing prizes  ($4500 worth) and a really fun LIVE show so what is missing?

THE SIGN UPS

Not to say there are not alot of sign ups, there are, but my goal was to raise $5000 for A Place to Bark though this amazing raffle and show. So back to the whirlwind of emotion. WE ARE ONLY 1/2 WAY THERE.  :( AND THE EVENT IS LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY.

THE PROBLEM

I know people say its the economy.  THAT IS SUCH A LOAD OF C*#%! People spend money on what they want to spend money on. I totally get that and it is their right to choose where they want their dollars to go.  But it's not the economy.  You can walk into Starbucks any time of day and know that I am right.  There are thriving events out there. They are just not for CHARITY.

So here is what I want to leave you with...

The charities and organizations that help people/animals less fortunate than you and I need our help even more now. With the world tightening it's belt, charitable giving has been hit hard.  For so many their budgets and abilities to keep operations going have been cut dramatically.  AND THE NEED IS EVEN GREATER!

My friend Bernie Berlin runs a wonderful rescue called A Place to Bark.  They rescue all kinds of animals from puppy mills, hoarder dwellings, abandoned buildings and more.... They have a great need right now for supplies to take care of the animals, medical bills, and general maintenance.

I want to raise $5000 to help them.

Buy a raffle ticket for $10 or buy 5 raffle tickets for $20.  Even if you don't care a lick about crafting or winning a prize, I know you care about others and I KNOW YOU HAVE THE MONEY because you have a computer and are on the internet! HA!

You can be sure your money is going to help a creature that is truly in need.  3000 animals saved so far says it all.

Learn more about A Place to Bark here:

BUY RAFFLE TICKETS HERE

  NOW BEFORE YOU FORGET! 

Thank you for reading and for your support :)

Am I industrial Chic?

I know I want to be!


I got this package of goodies from Susan Lenart Kazmer's peeps with some really really cool pieces from her new Industrial Chic line that is launching!

 I was asked to make something in my style and share it here.  I just fell in love with all the pieces but if you know me, I had to deconstruct them to make them my own.  So I took apart the biggest piece to make a center piece for my necklace. Then I tore a paper heart from book paper and ICE Resined it on.  Yes, that is a a verb. :)

I love the way the piece came out!

 We are  blog hopping so please check out the other artists! There is one per day! and Don't forget to visit the Industrial Chic Blog for lots of updates and ideas!

July 6              Ken Oliver                           

July 7              Vicki O'Dell                          

July 8              Cindy Cima Edwards       

July 9              Elena Lai Etcheverry (me !)   

July 10           Jen Osborn                        

July 11           Wanda Eash                          

July 12           Terri O                                  

July 13           Susan Weckesser             

July 14           Tracy  Weinzapfel                                

And leave me a comment below. I will choose one person to win a ticket to LIVE from CHA!

and please like Charity Wings on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter! To keep up with all the great ways we use Art for Good!

********************

The fun continues in August with ANOTHER Blog Hop for Industrial Chic.  Here are the artists participating in the August Blog Hop:

August 10th -  Barbe St. John   http://barbesaintjohn.blogspot.com/

August 11th -  Cheryl Bodkins Waters   http://blog.artsyfindings.com/

August 12th -  Cindi Bisson   http://fatcatcreations.blogspot.com/

August 13th -  Gretchen McHale  http://readingartworks.com/beta/?page_id=964

August 14th -  Jenny Barnet Rohrs  http://www.crafttestdummies.com/

August 15th -  Kari McKnight  http://backporchartessa.blogspot.com/

August 16th -  Lindsay Obermeyer  http://loops.typepad.com/

August 17th -  Seth Apter  http://thealteredpage.blogspot.com/

August 18th-   Suze Weinberg  http://suzeweinberg.typepad.com/

August 19th -  Tami Bayer  http://www.tamibayer.com/

August 20th -  Theresa Cifali  http://theresacifali.com/

August 21st -  Tracie Stivers Lampe  http://www.radicalrecycks.com/BlogRetrieve.aspx?BlogID=7528

August 22nd -  Traci Bautista  http://kollaj.typepad.com/

August 23rd -  Jen Crossley  http://amarkintime.blogspot.com/

August 24th -   Eileen Hull  http://www.eileenhull.blogspot.com/

August 25th -   Pam Carriker  http://pamcarriker.com/blog/

August 26th -  Sandy Martin  http://sweetpeajewelry1.blogspot.com/