Angels Who Come Into Our Lives

Recently I received a phone call from a friend I met on a Caribbean cruise several years ago. She told me she is dying and wanted to speak to me before she left this world. She sounded very weak and couldn't talk for very long. When we hung up the phone I felt numb. How could someone I had only known for 5 days have such a strong effect on me?

At the end of the cruise her husband made a comment to her that we would never see each other again so why keep in touch? It was important; however, to each of us that we do keep in touch and we have...

I think she has impacted me so much because we have been each other's angels over the years. We have laughed together, cried together, celebrated each other's successes, and mourned each other's sorrows. We've listened when the other just wanted to vent and offered advice when it was requested. We've prayed for each other when things were at their worst.

She is a person who loves to write letters, just as I do. Yes, email and Facebook are easy and get out to everyone in seconds, but there is nothing like a letter handwritten with love revealing our most personal thoughts.

Yesterday she called me again. I thought it was a different person or that Sunday's call was just a dream. Where I could hardly understand her on Sunday, she was lucid, spoke clearly, and had her sense of humor back! So, we have a few more days, weeks, months, or years to be there for each other from a distance. I'm so glad. She is a very special person!

This experience got me thinking about all of the people who have come into and left my life over the years. Some have stayed, some have left and come back, and some have never left. Some have brought out the best in me while others have brought out the worst in me. Through each one I have learned and  become a better person. I am grateful for them all!!!

― Flavia Weedn

Thank you to all who have been a part of my life. I wouldn't be the person I am today if not for your influence...Diane

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More of the new designs and beads I've been experimenting with. Let me know what you think! Click on each link to order the style you like the best today!!!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/193353702/chocolate-brown-beaded-knitted-waterfall?ref=shop_home_feat_4

https://www.etsy.com/listing/193345296/lacy-green-beaded-knitted-necklace-or?ref=shop_home_active_1

https://www.etsy.com/listing/193354574/fun-neon-orange-beaded-knitted-necklace?ref=shop_home_active_4

https://www.etsy.com/listing/193352848/chocolate-brown-knitted-beaded?ref=shop_home_active_3

https://www.etsy.com/listing/193353257/purple-beaded-knitted-necklace-with?ref=shop_home_feat_3

https://www.etsy.com/listing/193346576/golden-yellow-knitted-beaded-38-inch?ref=shop_home_active_2

Until Next Time...

Diane

Helping Our Youth

My husband and I had the pleasure of attending a benefit for the Cohoes Connect Center For Youth at Michael's Banquet House last week. The event was well attended by many involved with and many who want to support the center. We participated in a silent auction of a wide variety of items to suit all tastes and a live auction of some rare pieces that sold at very reasonable prices! Those involved are so dedicated to this cause and tirelessly devote many hours of their time to help children and to fulfill the vision of a center for kids to go to! 

The vision of the Cohoes Connect Center For Youth is taken directly from their website, "an urban youth center that is both a community resource center, and a safe and secure environment for the children, youth and families of the City of Cohoes and the Greater Capital Region.

We are committed to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We believe in making a positive impact in the lives of children, youth and families through:

• Mentoring
• Tutoring and educational resources
• Vocational & life skill development
• After-school programs
• Nutrition, exercise and healthy food choice education

As a “Destination Center” and a community outreach organization, we desire to remember the youth and give them hope for their future by focusing on education, community enrichment & cultural empowerment. The responsibility to reach out and provide guidance, support and direction to the youth and families of our community falls on us particularly during this time of social and economic need.

About Us

Wendell and Dona Williams have always had a passion for working with young people. From time spent as volunteers at Vanderheyden Hall to being dorm parents at a private boarding school in Massachusetts, Wendell & Dona can best be described as "kid magnets." Their most current undertakings have included Harvest Parties at Halloween and an after-school program for local youth in 6th-12th grade. They have also recently hosted a breakfast to honor the Cohoes High School Football team.

Wendell was born in Las Vegas, Nevada & attended college at Sothern Utah State College. He lived on the west coast until he joined the Navy. Wendell was stationed in Boston during the Vietnam Conflict and it was there that he met Dona, a Boston area native. Dona holds a B.S. in Theater from Skidmore College and has worked with students in the secondary and post secondary settings. She has also been working with women's groups for over 15 years, and along with her husband, Wendell, has co-hosted the popular "Breaking Ground" radio program broadcast on area stations.

Wendell and Dona have been married since Christmas Day 1975 and have 3 adult children.

They both strongly believe in the future of Cohoes and the surrounding communities and feel that youth need a sense of purpose and their basic needs must be met. Helping the youth in these local communities is a social responsibility to which Wendell & Dona are committed.

All staff and volunteers at The Connect Center for Youth are screened and fully adherent to the philosophy of building, strengthening and inspiring youth with a hope for their future.

Getting Involved

If you have a heart for young people and want to make a difference in their lives, opportunities abound for you to get involved.

• If you are a skilled tradesperson with a working knowledge in building, plumbing, HVAC, electrical or carpentry then we invite you to come on Saturday mornings and lend a hand. The workers scheduled for that day meet at 8 a.m. and work until about 2 p.m. Any time you can give is welcomed and appreciated.
   
• If you own a business that specializes in building materials – drywall, concrete, paint, carpeting, flooring, sound and video equipment or anything else, donations of materials are ALWAYS welcomed and appreciated.
   
• If you'd like to help through monetary support, either a one-time donation or a planned giving opportunity, we invite you to either click the link on our website, http://connectcenterforyouth.org/ or mail in your donation to The Connect Center for Youth, PO Box 35, Cohoes, NY 12047. We also have naming opportunities available for any individual desiring to make a significant financial donation. Please call The Connect Center at 518-687-1999 to set up an appointment to meet with us to discuss your naming selection."

You can contact The Cohoes Connect Center For Youth at:

PO Box 35
Cohoes, NY12047

518-687-1999

info@connectcenterforyouth.org

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I've been working on some new items and experimenting with some new styles and beads. Check them out and let me know what you think.

Click on this link to order this style: https://www.etsy.com/listing/193213177/brown-black-and-gray-beaded-knitted?ref=shop_home_active_1

This link will take you to the page to order this beautiful necklace! https://www.etsy.com/listing/193218038/royal-blue-48-knitted-necklace-with

Our next stop is the Shaker Heritage Society Craft Fair on July 12 & 13!

Until Next Time...

Diane

Profiling Women In Business

Cara of Early Bird Stitches from Allentown, PA loves to craft and make things. Her family's encouragement is the reason she set up her Etsy shop. Cara creates fun and unique items and is best known for her keychain/ID wallets. She loves unique fabrics and loves to upcycle fabrics she finds at thrift shops and yard sales. Cara stands by her work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee! Please purchase items from Cara's shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/EarlyBirdStitches

Emily of Wish List Art from Dublin, Ireland likes to paint in places of beauty and peace. Her art is a place she can go to get away from the challenges of the day. She focuses on Nature, Simplicity and Peace and enjoys the way colors, and images can calm the mind and create a positive outlook on life. You can view and purchase Emily's art at https://www.etsy.com/shop/WishlistArt

Deena of Daisy Kay's Soaps and Gifts from Ludowici, GA started making soap in 1990. She came upon a recipe for lye while researching herbs, vitamins, and minerals and got hooked on the process. Her first soaps were made for family and friends who have sensitive skin so she made sure her soaps are gentle and moisturizing and made from all natural ingredients. The molds she uses are fun for children as well as adults. You can shop for soaps at www.etsy.com/daisykays

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Just signed up for The Shaker Heritage Society Christmas Craft Fair that is held at their facility, 25 Meeting House Road, Albany, NY 12211! This was a fun event last year so I am excited to be invited back this year! It is amazing how the meeting room transforms from an empty room with bleachers on one end to a Winter Wonderland with items from many crafters throughout NYS! 

The dates for this event have changed so that it will end closer to Christmas this year. You can visit the Christmas Craft Fair daily from November 1 - December, 20 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. They are closed on Sundays. It's a great way to shop for unique handmade gifts for Christmas and support small business. Everything at this craft fair is handmade by the owner of the business!

Until Next Time...

Diane

What Do I Do If...

The beauty of Cruisin' Creations designs is that they are so light and airy you hardly know that you are wearing them. That being said they make quite a statement because others can see how beautiful they are!

Sometimes; however, these creations can get caught and the yarn will pull. In fact, the bracelet I was wearing yesterday got caught on a clasp on my wallet. All is not lost when this happens. Do not panic. Simply take off the item and begin pulling the yarn in all different directions as you work away from the pull. In no time the loose yarn will be back in place. All fixed!

These scarves, necklaces, and bracelets may look delicate but they can withstand a lot!

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June Birthstone Necklace

The alexandrite colored Swarovski crystals used in this necklace are stunning against a light or dark colored top!
Click on the link to purchase yours today!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/173955406/18-birthstone-necklaces-made-with?ref=shop_home_active_2

Mother's necklaces are also available!

Choose the birth month beads and I will design a one of a kind piece.
Perfect for yourself, Mom, or Grandma!
Click on the link to order yours today!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/174133342/design-your-own-mothers-and-grandmothers?ref=shop_home_active_4

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The month of June is reserved for celebrating fathers, and birthdays in our family so we will not be involved in any shows. But you can visit us next month at Shaker Heritage Society on July 12 & 13! 

Until Next Time...

Diane