Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Good for the Soul

I had so much fun giving this month, I almost forgot to blog.  With a few exceptions, I spent most of this month giving to those closest to me.  Here are some of the awesome highlights and fun happenings as a result:


I started the month off by attending the "Feeding The Soul" benefit concert.  It featured some of my favorite artists and went to benefit the Brother Benno's Soup Kitchen and Haiti Relief Fund.

The sound-man at the show, was none other than my favorite musician, Jason Mraz.  Though he was dedicated to his job running sound, he did get up and join his friend Billy (Bushwalla) on stage.  What a fun night raising money for a good cause!


 I also spent some more time at my favorite animal sanctuary, Animal Acres.  It was a crazy weather day with lots of hard work, but we had a ton of fun too. 


Ok, so all of a sudden I am on this jewelry making kick.  I gave 5 specially designed bracelets to friends and made a few pieces for myself.


 The bead store is now my new favorite place to hang out!


If you are my friend and you have yet to receive a piece of jewelry from me, it's just a matter of time...

Though I mostly doted over my friends this month, giving goodies and sweet treats, I did do some other great things for others.  Both human and animal.  I donated some shoes to Soles 4 Souls.  A wonderful organization that provides shoes for those in need.  They have drop-off locations all over and distribute a pair of shoes every 9 seconds.  Look for one near you.


One of the most important causes I've taken on this month is the annual slaughter of baby harp seals in Canada.  ...I don't even know where to start.  The slaughter got underway this past Sunday to a slow start, thankfully, as only one ship headed to the icy nursery.  Thanks to some countries banning seal products (our country is NOT one of them), the price of pelts has dropped significantly and less "hunters" have headed out.  Also, due to climate change, the ice is thin and a dangerous condition to both humans and animals.  I've been spreading the word and encouraging those with compassionate hearts to speak out on behalf of these beautiful creatures.  Read more about it and look up the heartbreaking videos and horrific pictures.  Which I won't post here.  Instead, these lovely sights:

"Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight."
Lastly, Operation Beautiful continues to grow throughout our campus.  More posters pop up all over the school everyday.  Amazing that a few post-its with some encouraging words can start a whole movement.  Proof of my whole mission!


So, I'm looking forward to a whole new month filled with opportunities to give everyday.  This month was so focused on giving to my closest that next month I will be (mostly) devoting myself to random acts of kindness.  More on that coming next month!

♥∞,

~B
"All your actions are echoes. What you give, you get back, but several times more. So, if you want to gain more, give more."  --Swami Satchidananda