08.23.08
Shopping and Raising Money for Charity…
It was pretty difficult to choose something to be the first “favorite thing” in this new category. So I decided to choose one of the most recent things I have come across (and loved) to share with you…
Vera Bradley bags are great. I think they are just adorable, and with so many styles and colors to choose from they are pretty practical, too. It seems like there is a bag for everyone’s taste and for all occasions.
Well, my appreciation for the bags (and the company) has just increased tremendously. Recently, while I was at dinner with girlfriends, I learned about the bags that are designed specifically to raise money and awareness for the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer. “50% of net proceeds from the sale of these items will be donated to the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer.” A lot of times you hear that a “percentage” or a “portion” of proceeds will go to a cause being promoted (and even though it is not 100%) I still think that 50% is pretty good!
This is a picture of the current fundraising pattern, “Pink Elephants.”
If you are looking for a new wristlet or like the colors pink and black anyway, why not make a purchase that will also help a good cause?
This link will take you directly to the Vera Bradley Foundation items.
~Melissa 
New Category – “Living in a Material World”
I’ve added a new category to post in, called “Living in a Material World.” (And yes, it is a reference to the Madonna song.)
In this category I will share some of my favorite “things.” The posts in this category will focus on shopping, fashion, and beauty products as well as other great ideas for gifts. Books are often favorite items for me to give (and receive) as gifts, so be assured that there will still be plenty of posts about books, reading, and writing in this category.
I do believe it is true that money can’t buy happiness…but sometimes it certainly can buy things that make us pretty darn happy! It is just really important to remember not to get too carried away when it comes to material things…that being said, there are just some things that we have to have and this is the perfect place to talk and write about them!
~Melissa
“THE WAY IT IS”
THE WAY IT IS
There’s a thread you follow. It goes among
things that change. But it doesn’t change.
People wonder about what you are pursuing.
You have to explain about the thread.
But it is hard for others to see.
While you hold it you can’t get lost.
Tragedies happen; people get hurt
or die; and you suffer and get old.
Nothing you do can stop time’s unfolding.
You don’t ever let go of the the thread.
-William Stafford
These lines came to me today in a back to school letter. Now, I am sure that the intention was for the “thread” to symbolize our reasons for teaching and dedication to the profession. I can certainly perceive that in the poem and can of course apply it to my interpretation because there are many obstacles and challenges that teachers face all the time. One must be dedicated to teach; it is a given.
However, I can’t help but also think that a more appropriate explanation for what the “thread” in the poem is, is really love – true love, unconditional love, unwavering love. I believe that love can carry you through any tragedy or difficult situation. It isn’t easy for others to always recognize it or understand it if they aren’t a part of it, and I feel those people are the ones to whom you might have to “explain about the thread.” People who have never experienced this kind of love may not know how to handle the explanation, but I think that anyone who has ever known true love will understand.
The thread is what gives you hope when to everyone else there appears to be none.
The thread is what makes the pain hurt a little less and the joy heal a little more.
But, then what about the people who don’t have a “thread” (whether the thread is a dedication to their career or true love or both)? What happens then, with each tragedy and difficult situation when there is no thread? How can those people get back on track when they don’t know where the track is? What if you are still holding on to the thread, but it breaks? Is it ever too late to spin a new thread?
What do you all think? What is the “thread” in the poem to you? Please share your thoughts.
~Melissa
