A Heartwarming Story.....

Quite a few of these stories are being posted at the Wishadoo blog, but I wanted to post this story here. I may post it as many places as I can, as it has such a great message and spirit to it.

Plus, I'm a big football fan, so this is a beautiful message conveyed through a simple high school football game.

Enjoy. Like the movie Rudy, I have no doubt I will will cry every time I read this.



If 2009 can be filled with more and more of these simple acts of kindness and empathy, it may not be nearly as dismal a year as many anticipate.

Happy New Year!

Fifteen Minutes a Week: An Appeal for Help

(reposted from JeffR, link below)


They are children and they are seniors.

They are minorities and they are white.

They are straight and they are gay.

They are college graduates and high school dropouts.

They are disabled or sick without insurance and they are healthy.

They are jobless without benefits and they are working one or more low-wage jobs.

They are mothers and fathers and they are sons and daughters.

They are devout believers in God and they are atheists.

They are conservatives and they are liberals.

They are recent immigrants and they are descendants of Mayflower families.

They are strangers and they are friends, relatives, neighbors.

They are invisible, yet they are hidden in plain sight.

They are the poor. They are one in eight of us nationally, but in Milwaukee, Philadelphia or Newark, the number is around one in four. In Detroit or Buffalo, the number is closer to one in three.

For middle class Americans today, a rapidly worsening economy threatens foreclosure, unemployment, lost health insurance, ambitions deferred, dreams abandoned. For over 36 million Americans, however, the crisis is already here.

The media, mainstream and alternative alike, have paid shockingly little attention to poverty in America. The same can be said of all but a few of our politicians.

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development has declared January "Poverty in America Awareness Month" with these stated goals:
· Releasing a powerful public service campaign to raise awareness of poverty in America.
· Encouraging the editorial media to focus on poverty.
· Educating the public to be sensitive to the needs of those in poverty and to treat poor people with respect.
· Holding events in Catholic schools and public settings to make sure poverty is top-of-mind for all Americans.

Whatever one's religious beliefs, or even if one has no religion, it's difficult to imagine anyone committed to social justice being unsympathetic to these aims.

On behalf of a group of DU members (all of whom, I hope, will add their comments here), I'd like to urge everyone to follow the example of the CCHD and devote some time in January to help raise awareness about poverty.

What can be done in fifteen minutes a week for four weeks?

Write to your local newspaper, write or call your elected representatives and, perhaps most importantly, contact President Elect Obama to help ensure that his vision for change includes addressing poverty, hunger and affordable housing as the urgent issues they are.

Can fifteen minutes a week of our time really help? There's only one way to find out.

Please consider making this effort your resolution for a truly New Year. January marks a new beginning for the nation after eight long, terrible years. Let's do what we can to make it a new beginning for the poor as well.



Original post by JeffR

Karma Capitalism

This is what I'm talking about. ;) Karma Capitalism...I like that phrase. A lot.


http://www.cobizmag.com/articles.asp?id=2459

By Sarah Wolfgram

Corporate responsibility. Community relations. Philanthropy. These terms are used across the business sector to describe partnerships between businesses and charities.

In 1983, American Express spearheaded a revolutionary marketing campaign in partnership with restoration efforts for the Statue of Liberty. For three months, American Express donated one cent from every cardholder transaction and one dollar for each new card member signed up to the effort.

The campaign resulted in $1.7 million dollars for the restoration, a 28 percent increase in card usage, and a 45 percent increase in new card applications. A new marketing tactic was born: cause-related marketing.

Cause-related marketing is touted as an effective, cost-efficient way to build customer loyalty, increase sales and visibility, enhance company image and gain positive media exposure, all proven and valid results. But the view on cause-related marketing can also be narrow, and may not include the full system within a company’s operations or overall corporate responsibility.

And let’s be honest here: Corporate responsibility should never distract from the fundamental economic role of businesses. A business’ role is to make useful, quality products or deliver services that fulfill a consumer need, and these goods and services should create added value from both a consumer and economic perspective for the company to be successful.

I first saw the term karma capitalism in a BusinessWeek article in 2006 that discussed Indian strategists using the "Bhagavad Gita" to educate and transform Western businesses. But karma is a simple enough principle that you don’t need to delve into ancient philosophical or religious texts to put it to work.

Capitalism is an economic system in which investment in and ownership of the means of production, distribution and exchange of wealth is made and maintained chiefly by private individuals or corporations.

Karma is an action in which all deeds actively create past, present and future experiences, thus making one responsible for one’s own life, and the pain and joy it brings to oneself and others.

So karma capitalism would be an economic system in which the action of choosing to do good in both one’s individual position, the company and the world may result in the creation of wealth for oneself, the company and the world.

Case Study: HomeAid Colorado is a nonprofit organization that works with the homebuilding industry to build transitional housing for the temporarily homeless. Creative Touch Interiors is one of the nation’s largest premium interiors partners to the building industry with 80 design centers in 17 states.

In 2000, Creative Touch Interiors participated in its first HomeAid Colorado project, donating 100 percent of the materials and labor for the interior finish of a boys’ home. CTI has since participated in eight of 12 completed projects. In addition, CTI has sponsored the annual HomeAid fashion show fundraiser since 2005 and, in 2008, was presenting sponsor of the event for the first time.

In an economic downturn where others are shrinking from charitable giving as an integral part of business, Creative Touch Interiors strategically attached itself to a cause that matches its skills and passions, and in doing so, meaningfully placed itself in front of and even above the very companies who give CTI business. CTI increased its giving this year, and is strategically acquiring failing businesses, promoting employees and expanding services.

Creative Touch Interiors has not lost sight of its purpose as a business: offering turnkey supply and installation of multiple interior finish options for residential and commercial construction, along with comprehensive design center and interior care services.

What CTI has done is transform its Colorado office to a place where karma meets capitalism to produce economic value. Creative Touch Interiors is only one example of how a holistic approach that integrates doing good into the overall company system can result in increased exposure and revenue.

It’s more than just a marketing campaign. It’s a good way to do business.

Sarah Wolfgram is a development director for HomeAid Colorado, a statewide organization that builds housing for the homeless.

An Interlude

I still want to share my observations on one magnificent effect of Obama's win, but in the meantime I wanted to share something I found over the weekend.

I'm clearing out boxes and stumbled upon journals (I never succeeded in keeping one for more than two months, as evidenced by the lack of commitment to this blog...lol). I found a short story I had written about 14 years ago, to assure my then 2-year-old daughter that it was okay for adults to cry when they're sad. Her older brother, Joshua, was stillborn, so I was going through the intense grieving process while she was still a very small child. I didn't want to hide it, yet I didn't want it to frighten her, so I wrote Mommy, Why Are you Crying?.

I also found a poem I wrote at least 20 years ago; sadly, it still applies today, perhaps more so...and in the words of this poem lie the seeds of Wishadoo, the vision for which is to connect...person to person...and reawaken the best of humanity.

We're suspended in a culture of isolation, while drowning in a sea of souls;
like millions of pieces of an unseen puzzle, seeking to become part of a whole.

Our hearts reach out in love and compassion when we learn of the suffering of others;
yet somehow our actions and words are stifled, our feelings unknown to our sisters and brothers.

We are assaulted with a barrage of daily news, from local news to global weather;
but how many of us can say we know the names of our own next-door neighbors?

It's easy to despair and feel overwhelmed in this time of such uncertainty and chaotic growth,
but I believe we can find ourselves...by discovering others...always remembering the power of hope.

Do you know your neighbors?

This Rainy Saturday Morning...

I have a hundred things on my to-do list, but I want to actually write something about my thoughts and feeling here for the first time in months. I've encouraged my friends to start blogs recently, telling them how it's a wonderful venue to share of yourself, yet I only pop in here from time to time to "announce" something, rather than share my thoughts as I said I would. I was never successful at journaling; this is no different. Too much commitment. ;)

In the last few months I have been consumed with the elections here in the U.S. I was neutral about Barack Obama earlier this year, and in spite of his weird Stepford kind of transformation over the last few years, I tried to have an open mind that John McCain would reappear...the John McCain of 2000. When he chose Sarah Palin, well, that was it. I was pissed. And when Sarah Palin signs (no mention of McCain, mind you) started popping up all around me, I got more pissed, and I got solidly behind Barack Obama.

You see, Obama himself never bothered me; it was that "rock star" image that OTHERS were following that concerned me. I had never seen people be so enamored of a politician, so I was skeptical...it felt too crazy.

I had paid very close attention throughout the primaries, and felt confident that, especially on the Democratic side, if there is dirt to be exposed, it all came out during the primaries. Democrats eat their own. LOL. But that's good -- there wouldn't be any surprises during the general election.

As I observed the campaigns, I saw Obama staying steady - the "no drama Obama" thing was certainly lived up to; on the other hand, I think I witnessed the most chaotic, discombulated campaign ever with the McCain-Palin ticket. It was pathetic, really.

I was really becoming a "fan" of Obama (for lack of a better word). Yes, he is a magnificent speaker, but it was much more than that. In spite of the absolute assault by the right-wingers nonstop with blatant lies (oooooh, the black man is gonna ruin this country! Be afraid! ughhhhh), he stayed steady. Didn't bring race into this. Stayed focused on the people, on the country. (read www.profanepundit.blogspot.com, who shares my views on the racism and religous aspects of this election)

THAT is the difference with Barack Obama. It isn't about him. He engaged the people. I was only three months old when JFK was killed, so I had never witnessed this phenomenon before. In fact, ever since that time politics has been a nasty word, with everyone jaded and critical, assuming the words "government" and "politics" are evil, and thus becoming completely apathetic about the process, and thus handing over their power as citizens.

But Obama reignited something that has long lain dormant in America: hope, and integrity. Every time that man spoke in those last few weeks, I was brought to tears. I got involved in the campaign. This was an historical event. We all knew it. This was our chance to shift the horrible tide of corruption and destruction that built to a tidal wave in the last eight years.

I voted early and was surprised at how emotional it was for me. I expected to be relieved, and certainly proud to cast my vote, but when I walked out of there, I had a smile that I could not suppress!!! I wanted to hug everyone!!! Then I started crying about an hour later...and basically didn't stop until November 5th.

Dear God, if you heard Obama's speech in Grant Park ~ especially knowing he had just lost his beloved Grandmother ~ and if you saw the colorful sea of people joined together and you WEREN'T affected, you must be one of those who will follow Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity over a bridge and believed all the hate-filled lies.

Again, it wasn't/isn't about Obama -- it's about US! He got young people involved. He ignited passion! And, he is smart; he knows everyone is watching and will hold him accountable, not give him a free pass. In fact, he is not only going into one of the worst situations ever as president, but he will be scrutinized probably more than any other president in history. But if he runs his administration as he did the campaign...he's good, people. Really good. We CAN have hope. Finally.....

There is another element about this that I want to write about, but I must remember to keep these as short as possible. LOL. So, I will come back with that, as it is very emotional as well.

Wishing you all you wish for yourselves!

Almost There: An Announcement :)

I have been so very negligent in keeping up this blog. You know, "the best laid plans..." and all.

However, even though it's not quite ready, there is a site for a new project which a dear friend and I have been working on for months that I'd like to post here. It's keeping the "space," until the official website is ready to launch.

I invite you to please visit www.wishadoo.blogspot.com. :)

And check this out: www.wishadoodle.com

Until next time....wishing you all you wish for yourself.

Good grief and an "oy vey"

Geez, you can stay busy 24/7 developing a web presence at the myriad sites nowadays. It's all uber cool for those of us who enjoy reading, writing, and researching. But, there is the real world beckoning as well, so I have to take one baby step at a time. :)

I've got the myspace thing going (but REALLY need to update it) http://www.myspace.com/onevoicerising , now there is Squidoo http://www.squidoo.com/onevoicerising (can't wait to dive in!) . Gotta do ning and facebook for a big upcoming project - can't wait to share this!

So much to say and do, so little time. :)

A shout out to new friend, David Korus, at Live Internet Talk Radio http://www.liveinternettalkradio.com/.

Also check out Wishable Creations' CafePress store http://www.cafepress.com/wishables, and keep an eye out for SmartAss Universe and Downscale Americans!

Again, so much to say, so little time.

Whew............

Have a great day!

Perspectives, Perceptions

While my first intention in starting a blog was to document my daily thoughts and reactions to life around me, it is increasingly depressing to do so. Economically, things are dismal indeed. The rich are getting richer while those working hard get further into debt due to the rising cost of EVERYTHING. The money issue impacts the vast majority of people on a daily basis and creates so many other challenges.

There's a lot of blame to go around for the current state of things, and I certainly hope some truths – hardcore truths – come out in the U.S. general election. Whoever kicks ass the most instead of pandering gets my vote. And, whoever takes steps to hold accountable those in power who have gotten us to this point (in my opinion intentionally) gets my vote. Sadly, it seems 98% of those holding office, and nearly all corporate media, are complicit in the current State of Our Union.

The Internet may have its own cesspool, but at least if one puts forth effort and uses some brain power you can get to some of the truth.

I don't know, people. I fear it's gonna get a whole lot worse before it gets better. But, sometimes things have to break wide open before the healing can begin. Speaking of which…

I'm fascinated with the potential for learning and healing involved with the Obama nomination. I am the consulting editor for the novel, The Book of Obeah (www.bookofobeah.com - see video below). One of the key messages in this novel is "a different perspective can change your perception of reality." I see this message coming into play on a daily basis as I follow U.S. political and economic news, global news, etc.

It's a fact of life that women have a different perspective than men, based on their life experiences; financially wealthy people have a different perspective than those with little money, based on their life experiences; people with certain challenges (physical, mental, etc.) experience the world differently than those without such challenges; and, in general, black people and other people of color have a different perspective than "white" people based on their life experiences. (The whole label thing drives me crazy. I'm going to rant about this soon...black, white, liberal, conservative, working class, tree hugger, blah, blah..oy.)

I never thought about it until this very moment, but this presidential election is bringing several conflicts to the surface: men vs. women, black vs. white, young vs. old, and even east vs. west (Obama's heritage). Interesting, VERY interesting when you look at it all in this light. From this PERSPECTIVE. ;)

Now, none of this means one should embrace a victim mentality or lay the blame for life experiences wholly on another. I'm real big on accountability and being responsible for one's choices in life. But, it seems wise to keep in mind that our life experiences and perspectives affect how we react to things and how we view life. Even little phrases or actions that some find completely innocent can strike someone else as offensive, based on their life experience. The ladies of "The View" started this dialogue a few months ago. Whoopi has done an excellent job, and I hope she continues this enlightening dialogue.

I think we're going to see more and more of this as the different racial groups (at this point white and black) are exposed to the others' perceptions and perspectives through Obama's candidacy. Not right or wrong necessarily, just different, based on life experiences. And, it's often not the individual person's life experience which has shaped their perspective; often it's been shaped by their ancestors' beliefs and perspectives based upon their direct life experience.

For example, how one views the pitiful aftermath of Hurricane Katrina can be traced to one's life experience and perspective. It's like those ink-blot tests. Two people look at one image; one person sees a beautiful flower, while the other person sees a mutilated corpse (that's extreme, but you know what I mean).

There's a lot of healing to be done. Perhaps it's time for it all to rise to the surface, even if painfully, to finally be healed.

The black-white healing is the beginning. That's a powerful underlying message in The Book of Obeah. There are other ancient conflicts ready to come to the surface to be healed before any true balance can be achieved on this Earth. There are indeed four pivotal conflicts throughout human history to be exposed in the Obeah four-part series. Four conflicts…four years…. 2012. I believe this series is a mirror of what shall occur - or what has the potential to occur.

Believe me, I realize putting one foot in front of the other at times is a huge challenge, let alone wrapping one's brain around the bigger picture – and the underlying foundation of the bigger picture. Yet for something to TRULY be healed, not only is truth and transparency required, but you have to get down to the core of the problem. The symptoms are often the focus in our society, but we must get to the root cause of the pain.

I hope you care. I do. We can't hide from these root causes any longer; we can allow ourselves to be distracted, but it will continue to fester under the surface until it's fully exposed.

I care. Even if I don't know how to DO anything just yet.

Controlled Chaos

On a personal note, the good news is that my visit with my grandmother went VERY well! :) Her situation was indeed very dire the week of my visit, but she is, thankfully, improving. Visiting her and my aunt was one of the best things I've done in ages. There is something nurturing to one's soul to be around those who have known you your entire life - the good, the bad, and the ugly. There are a plethora of emails going around about staying in touch with loved ones, as any of us could be gone in an instant. It's true...and we should. Let's do better.

So, on the political/current events front, Scott McClellan's book is sure causing a stir, eh? After watching the news coverage today, one thing is painfully evident: these people have taken "political operative" to a new level. On both sides of the aisle. It has gradually become okay to make decisions affecting millions of people based on pure politics. PARTISAN politics. Heck, it's become EXPECTED. I call bullshit. Another thing is painfully evident: those who are in power need to be held accountable. It's way overdue. It's going to keep happening if they aren't held accountable. Whether it's at a corporate level, local political level, all the way up to federal executive level. We haven't had accountability in this country in a long time. Is there a certain percentage of this country who will blame Bill Clinton for eternity rather than those who have had extraordinary executive privileges for the last eight years? I'm not a huge Clinton fan, but geez....it's time for a reality check rather than the constant diversion from what's important.

Finally, I've been in a CafePress frenzy! Some people get lost in a meditative state when they run, or paint, or knit. I get lost in designing unique creations; be it actual giftware ~ a tangible item conveying a message ~ or an innovative, creative way to market a concept or a product. As is the case with everything right now, it's not totally done. I feel as though I'm 90% done with several products. Oy. I should have named this blog "Oy."

Anyway, please check out http://cafepress.com/wishables. I'm developing a marketing plan for national partnerships regarding the customization of several of the original designs. This is the fun part. :) . And, it is really, really, really in the early stages, but please check out http://www.wishablecreations.com as well while you're at it.

http://www.vimeo.com/1012536

I just discovered this site and wanted to share. The quality of the video is rather extraordinary.

:)

With Grace and Ease....

My thoughts are focused on my grandmother today, as she is very near passing. With such tremendous loss of life in China and Myanmar so recently, my wish ~ my prayer ~ is that each soul's passing be one of grace and ease. No suffering.

Grace and Ease.

Genesis

No, I'm not religious (I am spiritual, however). I'm calling this first post Genesis simply because it's fitting.

My approach is to deal with what's on my mind each morning. No doubt it will be a hodge-podge of ideas floating around like popcorn in this brain.

This morning it's authenticity, and how white lies can or cannot be part of authenticity. I have a teenage daughter and her father (my ex) is VERY difficult. Oy. How can I stay true to myself without getting sucked into their energy - into anyone's energy? That is my dilemma this morning.

I'm also thinking about words in general and how, in this election year, it's become evident how words have been corrupted - often intentionally over the years, decades - and the original meanings have been lost. Think about it: do you really know what the words liberal and conservative mean? Progressive? The powers that be (lower case on purpose) have used words and phrases to denigrate anyone threatening that power. And it's worked.

As I peruse the news headlines two things come to mind this morning: how most of us cannot conceive of the loss of 100,000 lives at one time...even 10,000 (does anyone really know the final death toll from Hurricane Katrina?); and how celebrity marriages always trump authentic news events. Unfrigginbelievable. A cyclone wipes out potentially 100,000 people and I see more stories about Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon. Distraction? Does the media feed us nonsense because that's what we really want, or do they feed us nonsense because that's what the powers that be have instructed in order to distract the masses?

We really need a revolution. An authentic, grassroots revolution to take our integrity as individuals and a nation back. Well, now, that is certainly worthy of a tome of its own. :)

I didn't say I'd have answers to anything...I'm simply throwing thoughts out there to come back to and elaborate upon later, to trigger other thoughts and, when you find me, to perhaps trigger discussion.