Do you know me?? GIVEAWAY

So it is time for a new GIVEAWAY

HOORAY - We've reached 2200 fans on Twitter 650 ♥ on Etsy and we're almost at 1400 "Likers" on Facebook (if you like as a page it counts as -0-)

Each person that enters will have a chance to win my camera necklace, a hand stamped Tree of Life necklace, and an ImageBlok from Magnetic BlokHaus 

Once a winner is chosen for one item then everyone gets another chance for the next item :)

There are several chances for you to enter and some people have already earned 1 entry via last week's game  called "What is this Creation?"

Here are the rules:  1 items from each category = ONE entry 

Example: Category #1 item #3 and Category #2 and #2 = 1 entry

You can choose any combination and as many times per day.

#1 DO YOU KNOW MY SOCIAL SITES & STATUS?? 

(post reply on Facebook or  Twitter or Blog).

1. Become a fan on Facebook or  Twitter and repost/retweet this blog post. (Don't forget to TAG me or POST link below or I won't know you did it)
2. Visit my Etsy Store and post what is you favorite item.
3. Visit my ArtFire Store and post what is you favorite item.

#2 DO YOU KNOW ME?? (post replies on Facebook or  Twitter or Blog).

1. Tell me what Branch of the U.S. Armed Forces I served in.
2. Name at least 1 Organization I support and donate to.
3. What is my 1st name?
4. What other language (s) do I speak??
5. What was the answer to "What is this creation"

Most of the answers you will find on my bio on social sites or by just "listening in" 
Many of you are fans already so that is easy just add from category #2 and you have an entry, :)


Good Luck----oh and it will run until I reach 1400 "Likers" on Facebook (if you like as a page it counts as -0-) then a winner will be chosen by Random.org.
So hurry spread the word and hope you answer faster then most. (Entries will not be accepted after 12:00afternoon or 12:00midnight the day we reach 1400 (central US time) -this is to help the delay with international posts and new fans)


and Thank You!!!

Anna

In need of Donations-Crafters-Celebs-Designers

As your kids open their gifts this Holiday....please remember that there are the children that will not open even one gift.  It is not the "item" that makes the difference but the thought that no one is thinking about them.  Kids don't care or worry about money all they know is that on days like their birthday and during the Holidays it is the only time they are Oh SO SPECIAL.

Some children that receive the toys collected or money raised are from low-income families as well as in hospitals, foster care or just going through a rough time.  Maybe you are one of these families -please consider signing up at your local organization (Church, DCFS, or local T4T area)

All items that are donated by you (100% of the proceeds) will go to the cause.
I am running this fundraiser with the help of our Marine Corps League which will be on Nov 21, 2010 in Chicago suburbs which will be at The handmade Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories Show (All info in previous posts)

I am still in need of donations of hand crafted (or other) item.  If you make jewelry, clothing, accessories, blankets, pillows, aprons, hats, purses, photographs, quilts or have extra supplies to spare (gift boxes, bags, bows, ribbon, etc).  It will all be used for this and only this reason.  If items do not sell at this show i will carry it over to the next show and online and still 100% of the proceeds will go to buy toys.

Any celebrities interested in mailing in an autographed picture, a signed item, or if you are crafty ... a craft - please do so.  It is greatly appreciated.  Monetary donations are also welcome and can be made out to Marine Corps League 1009 mailed to addy below as well

Deadline to mail in items is Nov. 15th, 2010

ARTIBILITY
PO BOX 7213
Algonquin, IL 60102-7213

Thank you,
Anna M. Sourile
ARTIBILITY

Donations are coming in - still looking for more items

Hello Everyone,

It is still almost 2 months before my fundraiser & Toys for Tots dive at the HJFAS (show) but I have a big goal-very BIG.  I want this to be the largest collection of donated items, toys and funds by an individual ever! Ok at least in our Marine Corps League LOL.  Yea I am a bit of an overachiever. :) 

I have big plans for the items that will get donated too.  I have received many beautiful and creative things and will post pics and links as well.  There is a surprise though.  I will take some awesome pics of your items - as best as I can - original and maybe edited and I will send them to you to use in your Etsy shop, ArtFire shop or Website or just for fun.  All I will do is write my name on the bottom so that I copyright the images for your use.  What do you think of that?

I am hoping more people will be willing to donate items if they get something in return and then there are the ones that just want to because well.....they want to.  Either way I just wanted to do something for you all!

I will be a vendor at this show and so the Show producer donated an extra table just for your goodies.  I really need to just get a P.O. box opened to make it easier as well.   If you are interested in donating a craft or item you made just let me know.

So far we have items coming from all over the US & the world.  Some from TX, VA, CA, NJ, NY, Chicago, MI, MT, FL (4 diff. items), as well as Canada & Estonia.
I just can't believe it.

Challenge - Here it comes

Hello,


Having a family and getting things done can be challenging.... but when you have a chronic illness or a handicap it can be even more challenging as well as debilitating (not just physically but mentally as well).  I have had 2 TIA's (strokes) and have SLE/Lupus and Hashimoto's (thyroid disease).  There are also signs of MS but ruling it out for now.  They are all auto-immune related and so it might just be 1 thing in the end.  I am also a USMC veteran so it is also called GWS (Gulf War Syndrome if symptoms are not actually diagnosed)

Today and over the weekend is just one of those times when I really see how challenging it can be....not just to work on my craft and being a Mom & wife but just to function doing daily tasks.  From nausea to muscle weakness and cramps from headache to full blown migraine and vomiting--extreme pain--purple fingers--hair loss--stomach pain--swelling--vertigo--dysphasia--insomnia-tremors and on and on and on.  It can be so belittling and heart breaking when i have to rely on my husband to feed the kids or me.  Trying to create something out of these crappy times is not even on my mind but...at times I use those moments just to lay in bed with my family and enjoy a good movie and snacks.  Or I'll just sit there and color with my 4 year old.  

That is when the magic happens and I get a vision (no not a crazy vision-like I see dead people-that is another blog LOL) and i create something with them or through those moments.  Even if i have to ask my pre-schooler to hold the pliers for me ..... it no longer makes me feel small but like I am teaching him a craft that one day he might teach his children.  Even just the notion of being with Mom and helping out eventually makes him a better man......then I have done my job.

Share your challenges big or small and always know that there is meaning in it.
Anna