Peace Through Music

I ran across this today and I just love it. It made me so happy. Not only does it sound amazing, but it shares a great message around the globe. I really can't say any more about it that the music and these quotes don't say. Check out the website www.playingforchange.com for more information. There are lots more videos on the site and also ways to participate and donate to the great cause. 

Playing For Change: Peace Through Music

Playing for Change is a multimedia movement created to inspire, connect, and bring peace to the world through music. The idea for this project arose from a common belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people. No matter whether people come from different geographic, political, economic, spiritual or ideological backgrounds, music has the universal power to transcend and unite us as one human race. And with this truth firmly fixed in our minds, we set out to share it with the world.

Stand by Me

Four years ago while walking down the street in Santa Monica, CA the voice of Roger Ridley singing “Stand By me” was heard from a block away. His voice, soul and passion set us on a course around the world to add other musicians to his performance. This song transformed Playing For Change from a small group of individuals to a global movement for peace and understanding. This track features over 35 musicians collaborating from all over the world. They may have never met in person, but in this case, the music does the talking.

Spirit Jump

I am so excited about this new program that I’ve joined.  It’s so amazing that I just couldn't wait any longer to share it.

Over ten million people in the United States have cancer right now, and I’d be willing to bet that they could all use something to raise their spirits. That’s just what this program aims to do. And it’s so simple. They let us know about people who need a jump and we respond. It can be with some sort of gift, or even just a card. It’s a way to uplift people, and give their spirit a “jump”. 

It’s just a collection of people who care. We all have different reasons for joining and caring, but I find it uplifting just to know that there are so many other people out there who want to do something like this.

I already have at least one person that I am going to send something to.  I’m going to send one of the Snuggle Monsters that I make to a 3 year old battling cancer. You just know that a 3 year old going through this can use all the encouragement and comfort that he can get. So it seems perfect to send a stuffed animal monster to him. It’s something he can hug when he’s sad or scared. I’m not sure yet what kind of monster to make him, but since he is 3 I am leaning towards one of these small ones that his small hands can grab on to easily. We’ll see. I’m sure I’ll write more about this great program in the future and share the monsters (and other things) that I send.

It’s responses like this that make it evident that what we are doing makes an impact:  "I have been overwhelmed by the heartfelt cards and beautiful gifts complete strangers have sent me."

Spirit Jump is a program that directly connects the gift giver with a person battling cancer. It was founded in November, 2008 by two young women who have both battled cancer.

If you’re interested in more information about this great program or already know you want to be a part of it just send an email to spiritjumper@spiritjump.com and they’ll send you an email telling exactly how the program works.  

If you need a spirit jump or know someone who does send an email to needaspiritjump@spiritjump.com

Take a look for yourself at their website www.spiritjump.com and follow them on twitter @spiritjump

 

It's time to start a blog

It seems like a good idea to start a blog. I'm not exactly sure what direction I'm going to take it. But I'm thinking it'll probably end up a little mix of things including information and thoughts on the Snuggle Monsters that I make, charities I'm involved with, personal stories and musings, links to things I like online, and anything else I feel like. We shall see. 

Here are some of the monsters I've been making. You can find more in my shop.