Lenawee United Day of Action & Kinetic Affect

So what does Lenawee United Day of Action and Kinetic Affect have in common?  They both know that one person can make a difference.  That feeling like you are too small or too insignificant to do anything about some of the issues we face as a society is not true.

As I sat in a room of individuals today for Lenawee Counties United Day of Action, I was reminded that I can make a difference, and the person next to me could make a difference, and the person next to me and so on.  Together, we can create amazing results.

I have heard Kirk and Gabriel before with their high energy performance.  When I asked them how they are able to have such energy at 7:30 in the morning when most of us are just waking up, Kirk answered, "We love what we do".  So simple. 

Over 600 volunteers were thinking about people other than themselves and loving what they were doing to help people in the community who needed a house painted, or gardening done, or work done on a home or business.

I couldn't think of another place I would rather be than around such an amazing group of individuals working together to create amazing results.

Pat Deere 

Giving To A Good Cause

As an artist, we are often asked to give.  Because I know many women who have been affected by breast cancer, the Art Bra Auctions are always something I participate in.

This is my entry for this year.  I just have a few tweaks to make on it before turning it in.

What is your favorite way to give back?  I'd love to see your photos if you have them or hear your stories if you have one to share.

The Art Bra Auctions are held all over the place and you can google it to see some pretty amazing artwork.  Also, if you want to check out my stained glass web site, and search Art Bras, you will see more of my submissions from past years.

Make It A Fabulous Day!

Pat Deere

LINKS:
Pictures In Glass, PLDeere Studios Art Bra's From Years Past
Art Bra Lenawee information including date, time, and location.

A simple Thank You goes a long way.

Have you ever had somebody go out of their way for you?  Maybe you thought you should thank them, but didn't because it was too much effort, or you thought you would do it later and forgot?

During this past snow storm we had a customers check get lost in the mail.  It was a check we really needed to pay our business bills.  She had two small children and was working at home because of the weather.   Despite the conditions outside, Stacey was nice enough to offer to meet us so we could pick up the replacement check.  Mind you, she stayed home from work because of the weather, but was still willing to meet us so we could get paid.

So, I sent her a thank you card, and two brownies.  Just a small gesture but I really felt like she needed to be thanked. 

Yesterday, I got this message in my email:

Good Morning Pat,

I just got back in the Wixom office today and found the most wonderful (and yummy looking) present.  Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness, it is always a pleasure to work with a great vendor.

Looking forward to working together again soon!
                                         Stacey

Was it necessary to thank her in this manner.  Absolutely not.  Will she remember us the next time they need a job done.  Well... I am betting that the answer is YES.  How do you feel when somebody recognizes the small things you do every day in your job?

Have a fabulous day,

Pat Deere
Pat.PLDeere@gmail.com

Could I Possibly Be More Grateful?

Last night I watched Lone Survivor with my husband and was so overwhelmed with emotion, I couldn't sleep until about 2am.  I have an appointment at 9, so my alarm was set for 7.  When I reset the alarm for 8 so I could get a little extra sleep, my mind wouldn't let me.  I could not get my thoughts away from what these men did for our country, and so many other men and women just like them.

Have you seen the movie yet?  Do you know somebody currently in active duty?  Maybe you have a loved one serving now.  Maybe it's your neighbor, or friend, or somebody you know by association.  I wanted to go on record and let you know I am so grateful from the bottom of my heart.  Nothing I write could express exactly how I feel.

After reading the book, 365 Thank-Yous, by John Kralik I made a committment to send 365 Gratitude Cards this year to people I am thankful for.  How can I possibly thank all of these people, their families, and their friends for what they have done for me and my loved ones?  One card, one thank you at a time.

I encourage you to email me the name and address of somebody you know who has served our country.  They don't have to be the kind of heroes these men are.  In my eyes, all who served are heroes.  Having lost family members young, I know the grief.  I also know how it felt to get contacted, sometimes years later, by people who cared about my brothers.  I would like to bring that little bit of an emotional lift to as many people as I can through this blog.  I won't hound them, won't send any marketing material.  Just one simple card letting them know how grateful I am for the sacrifices their family member or friend has made on my behalf.

On this post, I would love to hear you share your story.  Maybe it is yours.  Maybe it is the story of the servicemen and women you know.  But, this is a place they can be recognized.  It's a small gesture I know.  But, it is something I am able to do.

My deepest gratitude, one more time,

Pat Deere

Links:  John Kralik, Lone Survivor