This stunning piece is part of the GIVING......but first, my thanks to all of you. When each of us that blogs wrote our first post, we had no idea where this would lead. If you were like me I thought "how on earth do i compete with so so many well established blogs out there?" Would there ever be room at the "table" for me? The answer; yes a resounding yes, I was not entering a competition (that's the old sports player in me) but a warm and welcoming family. Blogging and it's interactions, are now a large component in my life and I am thankful for each of you. Not one to start out too slowly, I went to the top........Eddie Ross and Jaithan Kochar. I nervously reached out with an invitation to host a party in their honor when they were coming to the Kane County Flea market in Illinois. Imagine the screaming when I opened Jaithan's response....."Yes, we would love to..........." Two years on these dear men are wonderful friends with a special place in my heart. We have shared much. Deep in my soul I know they are the lifelong brothers I always wanted and I treasure them immensely. Could this have happened without blogging? This world I joined has been life changing. What a privilege meeting many of you; the talented people whose words and ideas have inspired me. Deep bonds have formed with many others that I hope to meet someday I am a better person, designer; landscape and interiors, possess a keener eye for those bits begging to be re-purposed, even becoming a newly re-ignited crafter (thought that was long over) and striving for honing any skill i possess as a writer and hopefully.........an emerging photographer. Certainly my new SLR camera will solve all my issues............once I learn to use it! donated to Marija's family by Patricia of PVE blog And then there was Marija of Holding Court, my new BFF. The joy of meeting this brilliant and funny individual behind the blog which resulted in instant magic, we were "forever soul sisters" Anyone who reads my blog knows about the car accident which took Marija's life and left me scarred emotionally My local friends, family and precious clients reached out. The blogging community had lost one of our own and rallied to Marija's husband, family and to me. note; a memorial blog called Holding Forth has been created for Marija's children. We would love to hear your story of interaction with Marija. But since I rarely responded to those gestures of kindness at the time,(too buried deep within) I remain truly And now for the giving............ As most of you are aware another "one of ours" remains in need. Valorie and Alberto of Visual Vamp In brief Valorie and Alberto flew to Toronto for a Tango event. Upon exiting the plane, Alberto suffered a life threatening heart attack. The Canadian Health Care system is not particularly "foreigner friendly". Conferring with their Doctor in New Orleans he concurred that their method of treatment would be detrimental and Albreto needed to get home immediately for surgery. Not so easy.............. Alberto was not allowed to take a commercial flight, he needed a Medi-Vac The Medi-Vac must be paid in full, up front The hospital had to be paid in full in order to secure a release We are talking huge sums and Valorie reached out for her beloved Alberto. Friends, family and her blogger community reacted. Funds were borrowed and donated. The borrowers lent their credit card and the payments are due. Having met and bonded with this darling couple, I would be honored to help. So I will stop rambling and get to it! Art for a Heart Another on-line auction. With the opportunity to both give and to receive. Seeking those of you that have something artful to donate. With the help of Laura Ingalls Gunn of Decor to Adore, she is guiding me on how to host this endeavor. Laura's generous auction can be seen here with all of her participants. The lovely sister duo of Providence Design opened their new on-line shop with a big gala. Did you see? We were all invited! And.........10% of the sales are being donated to Val and Alberto A long winded back to this gorgeous piece of jewelry. Our first donation by a reader of the Visual Vamp's, wrote me about being honored to donate her art; this stunning piece was made by the generous Carla Fox. I have a feeling Carla will be in demand, don't you love this?!! Second up, a painting by the generous Karena of Art by Karena........can't wait to see what she chooses! Third: I will be donating a beloved antiquity, a French playing card from the late 1700's lovingly framed and matted, can't wait to show you! Who can participate? Everyone, you can be an artist and showcase your work, I will credit you and provide a link for your new fans. And any art form; painting, sculpting, jewelry, knitting, glass, mosaic.......... from your heart. Want to help but are not an artist? Consider donating an item of art, however humble, in your possession or an object in honor of your favorite artist,something that speaks to your heart. Just send me an email Together we are strong. And......I detect a pattern here, do you? Bloggers and readers of blogs all belong to this amazing community and we will know where to turn should the need arise. Thankfully, to all those that visit, comment and extend your hand in friendship, loving you all Debra PS; By accident I deleted all my fav blogger reader list. If your blog is missing, still re-building .