Deora Frances Bodley: A Fallen Hero

On Thursday of this week we received our Flight 93 memorial ride package. In it was a short biography of the Flight 93 hero we are to represent, a pin, patch, dog tags, t-shirt, and flag with the hero's name. The t-shirt has the Flight 93 Let's Roll Ride logo on the front with the names of the 40 heroes who lost their lives in a field in Shanksville, PA on Sept. 11, 2001.

Biography, T-shirt, flag, pin, & patch

Pin, dog tags with hero's name, and patch.

Back of T-shirt with heroes' names

Me and Mike will be representing Deora Frances Bodley. She was the youngest passenger at just 20 yrs old. She was from San Diego, CA and attended Santa Clara University where she was studying in French and psychology with her major and goal to be a child psychologist. Deora loved children and spent her free time volunteering at the San Diego Zoo and the Special Olympics. Deora loved her family, reading, and writing. She was on her way home after visiting friends in New Jersey.

I ask that on Sept. 11th, you keep Deora and her family in mind and say a prayer for them. So sad to lose someone so young to such a tragedy, but she will be remembered forever as one of America's young heroes.

'Tis the Season

I know for some it's a little too early to be thinking about Christmas yet, but for we sellers and crafters, this is the time of year when we need to get our holiday items made and listed in our stores. I usually don't make a lot of Christmas items since I have never had much luck in selling them, but I think it was due to the fact that I listed them too late in the year (in November). So this year I decided to get a head start to see if I could perhaps make some holiday sales.

  To start off with, I have made some adorable (if I do say so myself) stockings that are made to resemble pajama bottoms--complete with a button flap pocket on the back! I think these would make unique first stockings for baby--as well as for children.  I have made some in baby flannel fabrics and will make others in traditional Christmas fabrics as well. I have already listed a few in my Lil' Bit Sassy store and some in my Lil' Bit of This 'n That store. I will be working on more this coming week and get those listed.

Those are just items I'll be selling. Now for some items you might also find great for Christmas. Comyc Gyrl has lots of cute items in her eCrater shop. Brooches and pins, ornaments, cards, decorations, kitchen items and more--so be sure to check out all her goodies! 

 Another great store to check out for Christmas goodies is Your What Not Shop  also on eCrater. You will find tins, ornaments, home decor and more in her Christmas section. 

Being There

My little great nephew Brody (whom I refer to as my little leprechaun)was born on New Year's eve two years ago. I didn't get to see him in person until he was 18 months old. It's very difficult when you live 750 miles away from your family and only see them once a year. Especially when the little ones seem to grow so fast!Because of living so far away, I don't get to go to very many b-day parties or family events. But, thanks to modern technology and the internet, I was fortunate enough to attend little Brody's 2nd b-day party yesterday. How is that possible you ask. Why the answer is just a download away--Skype. I had recently discovered this wonderful program shortly after I received my laptop. My laptop has a built-in camera and I was so excited to discover this because now, even though I can't be at family events and holidays in person, I can still "be" there.Niece Amy and my Brother (her dad) Bub.

So, thanks to Skype I got to visit with family and friends for two hours while they gathered together to celebrate the New Year and little Brody's second year of life. It was a lot of fun and I along with my family, enjoyed it. Now if only they could invent a computer that would let you give real hugs and kisses.Amy (Brody's mom) & her newest, Chase

What is Memorial Day?

I have just found out that someone had to do a Google search to find out what Memorial Day was all about. I cannot tell you how much that saddens--and worries--me. Is Memorial Day about a day off work and cookouts? No, it is not. It's about honoring those that served and died for our country so we could be free. It is not a "happy" holiday, it is a somber one. So, please don't wish anyone a "Happy" Memorial Day. And maybe, if you have time between grilling and playing games, remember those that gave their lives for this country. And if you happen to shed a tear or two for them, don't be ashamed of it. It shows you truly remember and appreciate what those brave men and women did for us. For our families. So we can have a day off work and cookout with friends and family. And if you do have a minute or two in your busy day today, maybe you could say a quick prayer for those that are still fighting for our freedom. Amen.

And PLEASE tell your children what this day is all about. Don't let them have to Google it to find out.

Ideas Needed

My niece has asked me to send some Valentine's items to sell in her massage shop. I'm not sure what to make. So far, I've only gotten as far as coasters. If anyone has any ideas, I'd be happy to hear them! If you give me an idea I decide to use--I'll even send you something as a Thank You!