How have you been? Things have been crazy around here, very little crafting going on. I had plans to add new items to my Etsy shop for the holiday season, didn't get around to it. I had plans to start and finish a baby album for one of my best friends, didn't do it. It just seems like I go to bed and wake up and months have gone by. But you aren't here to listen to me complain about my ordinary life.
Yesterday I spoke with one of the girls that I met at the local crop spot. She was effected pretty badly by Hurricane Sandy that churned up the East Coast at the end of October. She lives in Seaside Heights, NJ. Her and her husband did evacuate as instructed and took very few items with them when they left to stay at her dad's house. Once they were allowed back, they realized that their home had been completely flooded by the storm.
Let me tell you a little about Mary.
From the moment I met her, I knew that I had met someone who's soul is truly genuine. Her and her husband have been together for about 20 years. No children, other than their dog Kiwi. Mary is a devoted scrapbooker and crafter. She makes albums for all of her nieces and nephews, neighbors, etc. She had an album for every vacation her and her husband have taken. She never hesitated to help anyone. Mary is unable to work, due to medical issues, and spends her days crafting when she can. At the crops, she volunteered her time to help the owners of the store, when their staff fell short. She would help customers visualize their next project. She helped fellow crafters, whether it be cutting something from her Gypsy to gluing die cuts together. Everyone I've met, speaks so highly of her. A true selfless person.
Luckily when she evacuated, she took her Cricut Expression, Gypsy, and some paper. However, she lost everything else in the storm. All of her paper, Sizzix and Slice cartridges, Cricut cartridges, punches, even her albums. There was mold already growing on everything and rust had already started forming on everything metal. I can only imagine what it's like to lose everything. All your memories, photos, etc.
I want to gather a few things for Mary. Just some things to help her start her collection over again. As scrapbookers, we know how much goes into the things we purchase. All I'm asking is that you take a look at those items you've had FOREVER and maybe decide to part with them. If you want to make a card to give her some encouragement and remind her that life will move on and fall back together, that would be fine too. I'm going to be doing this instead of my annual blogiversary. I'll accept donations until December 21st. If you are interested in helping, whether it be donating some of your own stash, making a card, a gift card to Michael's/AC Moore/Jo-Ann's, or just words of encouragement please email me at natashacrafts[at]gmail[dot]com and I'll give you more details and an address.
Thank you for taking time to read, have a blessed day, and as always stay crafty!
Natasha
