Shine For Others

Want to bring a little bit of Sunshine to someone else's life? Want to get creative while doing so?

As many of you already know, I work for a non-profit in Utah called SPLORE. SPLORE is an organization that I truly adore and I believe in their mission statement of providing life-enhancing experiences to people with disabilities through outdoor recreation.

Every fall, SPLORE holds a benefit auction to raise funds to provide life-changing outdoor recreation experiences to people with disabilities and special needs. At the auction we sell artwork, crafts and other made-from-the-heart goods. One of the activities at the auction is called "Dart for Art" and it's when guests have paid extra for a ticket with a different sporting event listed on the back. The ballroom where we have our auction is lined with beautiful works of art...made by you! Throughout the evening, we will announce what sporting event is supposed to "dart" for their favorite piece of artwork that is on the walls.

Dart for Art is a fun event that raises a lot of funds for SPLORE and our participants. If you'd like to donate some art to the SPLORE Auction, please contact me at: susanjanae8@gmail.com. It's a great way to shine for others and it's also a great tax write-off!

What's your inspiration?

I'm a Nature lover. It so greatly inspires me. I often find myself wondering, "Is there anyone not awed by the power and beauty of nature?" I'm serious about this question; I know nature inspires me, but does it inspire everyone? It takes a whole menagerie of folks to make the world go round, so what's are you inspired by? I want to know.

A few weeks ago I was camping in the deserts of Southern Utah. I woke-up at 5:30 in the morning, took a glossy-eyed look around me and saw one of the most beautiful sunrises in my life. The cliffs and buttes of the desert canyons were a rich black color with their tops aflame by oranges and yellows of the rising sun. The rest of the sky faded from a very pale green, to light blue to dark blue with nothing else in the sky except a brightly shining crescent moon and a few lone stars. I love sunrises, what a beautiful way to start the day...with a beautiful gift from Mother Nature! The sunrise inspired me to paint a picture from the morning and the results are below.

Last weekend, I had some time to retreat to the mountains and enjoy a hike of beauty and solitude. I hiked to a wonderful place called Donut Falls. I sat along the shores of the waterfall and enjoyed the scenery around me and dazed off into the bubbling water to let all of the other "noise" in my head be washed away with the sound of the waterfalls. On the hike back, I saw a moose grazing in some marshy lowlands and another near-by creek. I was so excited to see the moose, I think it's the first moose that I've seen in Utah!

Yeah, there's no question about it, I'm inspired by nature; but I'm also inspired by good music, volunteers, and 1000s of other tiny little moments that enrich this wonderful journey that we call life.

So, I ask again, what inspires you?

SPLORE

So, some of you that know me know that I work at an amazing organization called SPLORE. SPLORE is a non-profit that provides outdoor recreation to folks with disabilities. The Story below is from a local news station doing a story on us. This is just a tiny example of what we do. We've been around for 30 years this summer and there are several other stories that can be told, but I wanted to show an example to all of you. My job rocks and I'm soooo happy that the news finally put a positive story out to the public instead of all of the negative "stuff" we hear all the time!

The direct link to the story is: http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=1149049

(Watch the video!)

Audrey Rae

Audrey Rae was born April 17th weighing 7 lbs and 8oz. She was 21.5 inches long. Mom and Dad are fine and happy. Big Brother Colin was ready to welcome his baby sister home.
Congratulations Forsyth Family and Welcome to the World beautiful Audrey!!!

TOMORROW IS...

EARTH DAY!!!

In Celebration of Earth Day, You should....

GO HUG A TREE:

MAKE SOME BEAUTIFUL ART:
(thanks Amber!)

OR, READ THIS BEAUTIFUL STORY BY A VERY INSPIRING WOMAN: http://christinekane.com/blog/take-a-walk-in-your-heart/

Poetry Poker

A friend of mine went to a coffee shop in Salt Lake City and she learned a cool new game that I wanted to pass along to everyone. It's called "Poetry Poker."

Poetry Poker is when you are handed a random set of cards. These cards all have an eclectic group of words on them and with those words you're supposed to write a poem. The poem doesn't have to be "good," the poem doesn't have to follow any specific order, but the purpose of the poem is to force you to write and be creative; to see what you come up with.

I thought the idea of "Poetry Poker" was a Great idea (obviously, otherwise I wouldn't be writing about it, now would I?) I want everyone that is reading The Sunshine Journal right now to give a try at Poetry Poker. I'll get you started with the words: Sunshine, Happiness, Trees, Hands, Colors. Let's see what you come up with; this is meant to be a fun exercise. When you're finished with your Poetry Poker, send me a copy at susanjanae8@gmail.com and I'll add it to The Sunshine Journal. I know there are some creative folks out there, spread what you created and spread a little sunshine (I'll even let you remain anonymous if you really want to!).

Welcome Baby Maria!

I am pleased to announce we have a beautiful girl! Maria Clare was born on 2/22/07. She came out quick and healthy at 5lbs. 14oz., 20 inches. Sarah and Maria have been doing great! Sarah performed birth like a pro. Maria has been breastfeeding, pooping, peeing like healthy baby. She has been adapting well to her new home. She's been sleeping a lot but is quick to awaken,squirm, and scream. I think we'll have our hands full. I can't express how precious she is. We hope you can meet her soon. (Sent by John Andres, proud Daddy)

Welcome Baby Orin!

Orin Echo Easley was born on February 7th to proud parents Robbie and Tabitha Easley. Big brother Kelton also welcomed him home... he was very ready for baby Orin to come play with him! He is shown above with his "big" cousin Jameson, who was almost exactly 3 months older than Orin. We hope they will grow up to be great friends. Congratulations and welcome Baby Orin!!!

Welcome Baby Jordyn!

Jordyn Nicole Kraml was born on February 18th to proud parents Nora and Larry Kraml. She is welcomed home by 2 sisters, Lexi and Sky, and 1 brother, Micheal. What a beautiful baby girl! Congratulations... she will be well loved!

Spring Wonders

I love to see the newborn flowers when I go bike riding in the spring.

I love to see the pretty showers and watch the silver bells ring.

I love to hear the clock ring the hours and hear the birds sing.

I love to watch spring come to life and hear the sounds it makes.

By: Sarah Knapp, age 10

Jacob Thomas Nagel

Jacob Thomas Nagel was born February 15th, weighing 8 pounds and was 21 inches long. Proud parents are Jess and Charles Nagel.

Welcome to the world, Jacob!