in support of community theater

Just to set the record straight: I don't usually buy raffle tickets.

Part of the reason is that I don't have that kind of luck.

Better that someone else should try for, and win, whatever the prize.

However, during intermission at the show tonight, something clicked.

I didn't need to win the prize for me, but for my brother, Smitty.

And just what was the prize?

Well, there were three possibilities.

Each was an artwork crafted from a book, and there would be three drawings for these donated items.

My photos don't really show them well, but the first was of several candles, the second was a reindeer, and the third is a mysterious woman in a hat.

My thought was this: if I won, my brother would be able to figure out how to craft these for his grandkids for Christmas.

He's retired now and needs something as a creative outlet.

So, I bought five raffle tickets, spending $20 in the process.

Even if I didn't win, I knew the money would benefit the troupe... but I did win, not once, but twice!!!

I chose the "reindeer" art-book, then had them draw again so someone else could receive a prize that night.

One was all I needed. 

(smile!) 

in support of music education

One of the surprise benefits of the "Broadway To Bourbon Street" concert?

It was a benefit for the Equinox Global Missions.

What is the purpose of this group?

"[It] is passionate about using world-class music to restore good wherever it's lost and to revive joy wherever it's fading."

That sure sounds a lot like the credo for the Nerdfighters.

That's why I ponied up the $35 for the ticket and the $5.25 for fees.

If that's all it cost to help "revive joy wherever it's fading", that's a deal.

I'm so glad I had the opportunity to help others on this 25th anniversary of a very dark time in US history.

i thank You, God.

love in the mail from Scotland!

"Oh, my! JinHi did get to go to the Festival Fringe after all??"

Yes, she did! Indomitable as ever, not even a recent round of chemo treatments could stop her! She is a force of nature, she is! This is her, on the stage for her last performance of her one-woman show. I'm so glad she has had a great run there, and I am so proud to have been a kickstarter supporter for that travel.

"Oh, my! Is that the postcard from the Fringe???"

Yes, yes it is! Some of those sites have been posted on fb by her and her entourage, but others have not. What a perfect choice to share a bit of the trip with me! I've already sent her a message to let her know it's arrived, but I have a big hug waiting for the next time I see her!!!

"Oh, my! And she even wrote you a personal message???"

Yes, yes, she did! "We couldn't be here without you!" Isn't that marvelous? All I can say is: Thank you, JinHi!  (smile!)

helping aarp help others

Dear Faustina,
I’m so grateful for your generous contribution of 4,000 points. It’s friends like you who make it possible for AARP Foundation to create and advance effective solutions that aim to help older adults secure the essentials they need to thrive.
Thank you for choosing to use your AARP Rewards points to help those in need. We truly value your support.
Warm Regards,
Claire Casey
President, AARP Foundation
 

--------------------------

I'm glad to know my points are helping make wishes come true!

wedding salon for uzbek women

This 35-year-old woman is Odina and she has operated this wedding salon in Qorgontepa, Uzbekistan for more than a decade.

Her work provides an income for her and her three children, including the fees for them to attend school.

Now, she has applied for a loan from Kiva because she wants to expand the selection for her clients, to help provide them the wedding day of their dreams.

After all, a woman's wedding day is a day of dreams for the future, dreams of a life with children, dreams of creating their new family.

Having a choice in the wedding gown for that day is part of the dream.

I remember that for my wedding in 1992, I could not find the gown of my dreams, so I created it myself, with my aunt's sewing machine.

Of course, I live in the USA and electricity is everywhere.

Many homes in Uzbekistan do not have electricity unless they are in big cities, so many new brides depend on wedding salons for their special day.

As a Nerdfighter, of course I supported Odina and her mission to help others' dreams to become reality.

Fortunately for me, part of the money I loaned her was supplied by Kiva.

The rest of the money for her loan came from funds repaid by other borrowers to whom I have loaned money this year.

Full circle.

My thanks to them all.

(smile!)

time for watermelons!

I've been aware for a while that I've had some funds to re-lend at Kiva.

Usually I find a suitable  recipient as a birthday gift for myself, too.

However, I finally jumped at all that tonight!

That's because Kiva will grant me another $20 for making a $25 loan.

Buy one, get one means I get to help two people's dreams come true!

 

I chose Siri, the member of the Benkadi group there in the middle.

Yes, she's the one holding the huge bowl of peanuts!

She's 50 years old, and has been farming for over 30 years.

I wouldn't say that Mama was a farmer, but she certainly enjoyed tending to her gardens for as long as I can recall.

I think that perhaps she guided by eye to this loan.

(smile!)

There are two reasons that I really liked it, though.

"Peanuts! Watermelons! Summertime foods that are favorites!"

That's the rationale I left in the comments section of her page.

And the other reason this loan makes me smile?

 

The country looks like a party dress that's been left on the floor!

Mali is a landlocked country in northwest Africa, with some lush green areas in the bodice, but also lots of desert there in the skirt portion.

I think that would be a fun dress for dancing!

What a sight it would be, twirling around to the music!

"Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me...!"

(smile!)

aarp and food

I hadn't realized it before, but I think there's a pattern going on!

Every month, the AARP Foundation includes in the Points Rewards redemption list an option to donate to a charity, rather than purchase gifts cards.

Two months ago, it was the Make-A-Wish option.

Last month, it was for computer education.

This month, the cause was food to alleviate senior poverty.

Whatever the cause, I'm glad to use my points to help!

 

------------------------------------

"Dear Faustina,
I’m so grateful for your generous contribution of 4,000 points. It’s friends like you who make it possible for AARP Foundation to create and advance effective solutions that aim to help older adults secure the essentials they need to thrive.
Thank you for choosing to use your AARP Rewards points to help those in need. We truly value your support.
Warm Regards,
Claire Casey
President, AARP Foundation"