One Sight

Do you have good vision? If so, you are blessed! There are literally millions of people globally who have poor vision, optical diseases, or little to no access to eye care. This is where global charity OneSight comes into play.

From their website: Each year, OneSight’s trained volunteers and doctors travel to countries worldwide to hand-deliver free primary vision care and eyewear to thousands of adults and children in need. Patients receive a thorough optical exam by licensed eye doctors and eyewear is dispensed. Sunglasses are dispensed to those not needing a prescription. To provide the best quality, complete care, we also partner with local ophthalmologists or international doctor outreach organizations to perform optical surgery for those patients referred from our Clinics.
Our trained volunteers distribute both recycled and new prescription eyewear and non-prescription sunglasses during Global Clinics.

• Recycled eyewear is collected in Luxottica retail locations and Independent optometrist’s offices around the world. Trained volunteers then clean and prepare the eyewear for Clinics at one of 15 Global Eyewear Resource Centers in Australia, Italy and the United States. Two million pairs are needed annually to support our Clinics. Donate yours today at any LensCrafters, ILORI, Optical Shop of Aspen, Pearle Vision, Sears Optical, Target Optical or participating local practitioner. Find the donation location nearest you!
• New eyewear is manufactured at Luxottica plants to help fill more complex prescriptions during Clinics.

In 2011, we will conduct 15 Clinics in 7 countries, including a first time visit to Gambia. To date, OneSight has completed close to 200 Clinics in 37 different countries, helping more than 3 million people.

Your gently used eyewear could make a world of difference to someone in need. Clear vision could enable a child to see clearly to learn in school. Clear vision could help an adult maintain a job and support their family.

I have been blessed in my life, thus far, and have never needed glasses, contacts or corrective vision surgery. I know many people that could not survive without their glasses, though! If you are someone who has old perscription glasses hanging around, or are considering vision correction for Christmas and will no longer need your glasses, please consider donating your used frames and lenses. Do you see that you can drop them off at many local optical centers, even Target and Sears?? Next time you head over to Tarzhay...take in your used perscription lenses!

Lessons in Forgiveness, Part 2

"Never does the human soul appear so strong as when it forgoes revenge, and dares forgive an injury."

--E. H. Chapin

Once again synchronicity has occurred in life. When I notice synchronicity happening, I feel it is important to stop and listen to what the universe is trying to tell me.

A couple of weeks ago I had to write a paper for a class called a "Family of Origin" paper. I had to analyze my own family growing up, and how I experienced conflict within that dynamic. I then had to reflect upon how my experiences impacted me and influenced my conflict style as an adult.

In writing the paper I began to realize that even though I had to deal with some pretty horrific stuff as a child, in many ways what I was exposed to ended up being a benefit to me in my adult life. It showed me thing things I did NOT want in my own life. It showed me things I would NOT tolerate in my own life.

The next day I saw the quote I referenced in my last post, from Oprah Winfrey.

"True forgiveness is when you can say: thank you for that experience."

I came to some level of awareness that I was open to the idea of forgiveness.

You see, the first time I was told, several years ago, that I could forgive the person who trespassed against me, I was violently opposed to the idea. The very thought angered me.

Because.

Because this person will never apologize.

Or accept responsibility for their actions.

They will never acknowledge the hurt they caused.

So I wrote the paper. I came to some realizations about my past experiences. I was open to the idea. Then I went to class and we spent an entire class period talking about what forgiveness is.

The process of forgiving.

And more importantly:

What Forgiveness Is Not.

The process of forgiveness begins with being ready. A step I have achieved.

Then moving on to deciding to forgive.

Then forgiving.

And in some cases, mine included, the process of deciding and forgiving happens over and over. I decide to forgive and forgive and then I may be reminded of the transgression. I may feel anger, hurt and resentment all over again. In that moment I have to re-affirm my decision to forgive. And then practice that forgiveness. I do not believe that forgiveness is one, single linear act.

Here is what forgiveness is not:

Forgiveness is not condoning.

Forgiveness is not forgetting.

Forgiveness is not reconciliation.

Forgiveness is not excusing.

Forgiveness is a way to move YOURSELF beyond the pain and anger of the act.

Forgiveness is a way to expunge the hurt and poison from your own soul.

Forgiveness requires nothing of the trespasser. They do not need to apologize, explain, acknowledge or accept responsibility.

Because.

Because forgiving is not about them. Or what they did.

Forgiveness is about you.

Forgiveness is about repairing your own soul and heart.

Forgiveness is about letting go of something that is not about you and creating room for healing within you.

I do not believe that the trespasser has any part in the equation of forgiveness. They do not need to be informed of forgiveness. There does not need to be reconciliation.

Forgiveness is for you.

Synchonicity brought these successive ideas into my realm. And I listen. I process. And now I share this with you. I think the message is something the universe wants us all to hear.



Holiday Appetizers - Mom's Famous Cheeseball

It's that time of year! Holiday parties! Pot-lucks! Get togethers! They all have one thing in common: snacks!

This recipe is a handed down tradition in our family. It is not holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter) without Mom's Famous Cheeseball gracing the table.

My mom started making this recipe when she was in Junior High. I probably started making this recipe around the same time...I have always loved it.

This recipe has an odd mix of ingredients, but trust me, they come together deliciously! In fact, over the past couple of years I have shared this recipe with some of my best girlfriends. It has been a hit! They have taken it to their own family gatherings and it is now being requested for holiday gatherings in their families!

Mom's Famous Cheeseball

2 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened

1 8 oz can crushed pineapple, drained

1/4 cup diced onion

1/4 cup diced green olives

1 teaspoon Lawry's Season Salt

2 cups chopped nuts, divided (I use cashews), 1 cup chopped fine, 1 cup chopped coarse

Place all ingredients, except the 1 cup coarse chopped nuts, into a bowl.

Using a potato masher, mash the ingredients together until well mixed.

Spread the coarse chopped nuts on a paper towel. Depending on how large you want your cheese ball (I usually use about 1/2 the mixture at a time), scoop out the cream cheese mixture with your hands (I use little sandwich bags to keep my hands from getting messy) and shape into a round-ish ball.

Take the ball and roll it around on the coarse chopped nuts. Use your hands to pat and shape the ball and ensure the entire surface is covered with nuts.

Forgive the chipping nail polish. Once you have the ball nicely shaped and covered in nuts, place it in the center of a pretty serving plate. 

Add crackers. I like Wheat Thins, but you can use whatever you and your guests prefer! Voila! You now have a delicious cheese ball to serve as an appetizer or snack for your holiday gatherings!

You can make this ahead and refrigerate it (wait to add the exterior nuts to maintain best texture). The flavors tend to meld and come together even better after a few hours in the fridge. Plus, it only takes about 5 minutes to put it all together.

Are your December weekends packed with Holiday festivities and get togethers? Let me know if you take a cheeseball!









Cell Phones For Soldiers

Cell Phones For Soldiers

From their website: Cell Phones for Soldiers is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing deployed and returning troops cost-free methods to communicate with family while serving in the United States military.

Since 2004, Cell Phones for Soldiers...

• Raised more than $7 million and provided more than 114 million minutes of free talk time
• Mails approximately 12,000 calling cards each week
• Recycled more than 8.3 million cell phones, reducing the impact on landfills
• Anticipates the launch of a new program, Helping Heroes Home, to provide returning troops with 30-days of free phone service following deployment.
• Has remained a family-run, non-profit organization operated almost exclusively by Bob, Gail, Brittany, Robbie and Courtney Bergquist.

Since its inception in 2004, Cell Phones for Soldiers has worked to keep military families connected by providing FREE communication tools to those serving overseas in the United States military. In seven years, the registered 501(c)(3) has provided troops with more than 2 million pre-paid calling cards, equating to 114 million minutes of FREE talk time.

Cell Phones for Soldiers hopes to continue its mission to provide troops with FREE calls home through generous monetary contributions and the recycling of used mobile phones. Used mobile phones from all service providers are accepted. Each $5 contribution, or donated device valued at $5, will provide troops with 2.5 hours of FREE talk time.

Cell Phones for Soldiers was founded by Robbie and Brittany Bergquist of Norwell, Mass., at the ages of 12 and 13(!!). The organization has raised more than $7 million in donations and collected more than 8.3 million cellular devices.

Do you have an old cell phone, or two, or three sitting around your house? Or maybe Santa is bringing you a new mobile phone for Christmas? Instead of letting those old phones languish in that overfilled junk drawer, please consider visiting the Cell Phones for Soldiers website to print your free shipping label and donate your old phone.  

Donate Your Dress

Donate My Dress

One thing I want to remind people about, as I highlight these various charities, is that there are more ways to give than just giving money!

A few of the charities I will be highlighting will have a variety of ways that you can support them, and in so doing, help others.

Today's charity is donatemydress.org.

Many of you may have heard of the Cinderella Project, or various other prom dress projects. These organizations are fragmented throughout the country and not affiliated with each other. They often have names like "so and so's closet". They are located throughout the country, and also have locations in Canada and Europe. The goal of these organizations is to collect gently used special occasion dresses, like prom dresses, and either sell them at reduced prices or give them to girls who otherwise would not be able to afford them.

Donatemydress.org is "The first national network to bring together local dress drive organizations across the U.S., we help you find one in your area so that once you've had your dream night, you can give another girl hers!" (from their website)

Donatemydress.org facilitates the donation of prom and special occasion dresses to these various dress drive organizations.

Dress drive organizations hold "princess parties" at high schools throughout the country, or have various other dress try-on events for girls who would love to have the once in a lifetime experience of prom, but cannot financially afford the expense of dresses, jewelry, shoes and makeup.

The princess parties give these girls the opportunity to dress up and get ready for a magical and fun filled night.

Do you have a gently used special occasion dress hanging in your closet? Maybe one of those bridesmaid dresses, or another formal event dress? Perhaps even the Holiday dress you buy this year...if so, consider contacting Donatemydress.org to locate dress drive organization in your community.

The Friday Five #4

The Friday Five was created by Laura Virginia...check out her blog here.

1. What I Am Reading:

I finished Wicked. I thought it was great...but so different than what I thought, and from the play. I had to re-read The Help for a paper for school, so I did that over the weekend. And now...? I don't have anything on my to-read pile, but I need to get something because I am almost done with school for Fall!! What about this? I don't know anything about it other than there is a ton of hype and people claim it is awesome. Thoughts? Do I pick it up? Is it worth the hype??

2. What I Am Listening To:

Mr. Hankey's Christmas Classics

Chris bought this CD several years ago, and at first I was skeptical. Now, it has grown on me and I find the songs to be hilarious. They are religiously irreverant, funny and totally South Park.

3. What I Am Watching:

The Closer is back for a short winter season! I will be SO sad to see this show end next summer. I *am* looking forward to the spin-off show starring Mary McDonnell in her role as Capt. Raydor. This show is honestly one of my favorite "cop" shows. They don't take the easy way out on the story lines, the character dyanamics are awesome and I just find the whole thing to be engaging.

4. What I Am Eating:

Leftovers! Good grief we had/have a ton of leftovers! I am hoping to finish them off tonight for the most part because I want to make something different!

5. What I Am Pinning Thinking:

I am almost done with school for Fall! Somehow, though, I have a whole lot of homework to finish up before next week. I'm not sure how that happened exactly, but my weekend is going to consist of lots of studying.

I am also thinking about holiday baking, blog posts, charities to highlight and gift ideas! There is lots on my mind peoples!

What is your Friday Five? Link up your blog or post in the comments. Happy Friday!

The Month of Giving - American Red Cross

Happy December Friends!

So many of us look forward to December all year long! It is the HOLIDAY season! The season of giving, and receiving. The season of cookies, parties, and egg nog! Even if you are not religious or a Christian or a Christmas celebrator, December is still a festive month, full of colored lights and good will towards each other.

This morning, as I was preparing to head to my last full day of classes for Fall term (I still have a couple of finals next week) it hit me what I wanted to do for the month of December on my blog.

For the months of October and November I was posting on my Inspire the Light Facebook page a daily gratitude. Something that I was thankful for. I did a pretty good job of keeping it up and posting almost daily. I was thankful for lots of little things and big things and funny things and sweet things.

For December I want to do something a little different. I am going to post information daily about  charitable organizations that I think do good work. There will be a variety of organizations highlighted. I will provide some information about the organization and about the need they address. This is a way for me to "give" to these organizations by giving them a little free publicity. I will post a link in each blog post about the organization so you can find them easily if you are moved to donate. If you have a favorite charity you would like me to highlight please send me a message with some information about the organization. I will be highlighting local, national and international organizations. Some you may have heard of and hopefully some you have not.

Many folks give charitable contributions instead of gifts. Many folks are thinking about taxes and wanting to get some final tax deductions for 2011. Some folks just want to do something nice during the holiday season. If I highlight a charity that tugs at your heart strings, please consider making a donation. It is a tough time for many and if we all help just a little then the times will be a little less tough.

Merry Christmas!!

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The first organization I am going to highlight is the American Red Cross.

The American Red Cross offers assistance to displaced people after natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina, provides education about CPR and First Aid to groups, and coordinates blood donation drives.

Why you should donate to the American Red Cross (from their website):

• Because the Red Cross provides warm blankets to cold disaster victims.
• Because 11-year-old Allison Wengerd was able to save her 3-year-old sister's life using skills she learned in a Red Cross babysitter's course.
• Because the Red Cross coordinated blood and platelet donations to help keep volunteer Bruce Bahr alive.

When a disaster strikes, Americans depend on the Red Cross. In fact, families, friends and neighbors right near you depend on the Red Cross 24/7!

More than 200 times a day, families who have lost everything need our help. Every 60 seconds, 250 people are helped by Red Cross volunteers. And none of this would be possible without your financial support.

Donate today, and your gift will allow us to continue to be there when the next person needs us most.

Many of you recall that my mom was hospitalized last year for 10 weeks. During that time she was given lots of blood. Blood that is available for hospitals and trauma centers to use based on donations from people like you. Maybe you don't have a lot of money this season, but perhaps you are eligible to give the gift of life. Hospitals and trauma centers use blood every single day. Platelets have a shelf life of only 5 days, which means that there needs to be a constant re-supply of blood platelets throughout the country. The American Red Cross hosts blood drives throughout the country and also takes appointments at your local American Red Cross chapter to donate blood.

Please consider visiting the American Red Cross Website to find out more about cash donations, blood donation opportunities or volunteer opportunities in your community.