The stuff ya know but don't always want to...

As 2010 comes to a close, like so many other people, I am reflecting on the year and looking in to next year.
This past year was tough on so many people and my family was not immune to that fact. My aunt's breast cancer journey was awful, tough and inspirational all at the same time. I am happy to say, she survived it! Blessed be!

However, moving in to the end of the year, our family was hit with another blow. This one much closer to home and one I have thus far silently dealt with.
My Dad was diagnosed with lung, liver and colin cancer a few weeks ago and was given only1-2 months to live. Essentially, they have given him until the end of January...if then.

The family that could fly home (us) or was near home came for Christmas. It was wonderful, not sad at all but joyful. It reminded me of what Christmas was always like at home.

I stayed an extra week this week because I needed too. I needed to talk with Dad a while and clear the air for we had a tumultous relationship for a few years.We did talk, it was short but meaningful. Then I read him stories that he had written.

 I can say that forgiveness is truly a peacefulness to the heart.

I go home tommorow from here.  I can say it will not be easy to get on a plane knowing that I will never get to say hello, goodbye or simply, I love you,ever again. It is not easy to think I will never see him alive again. What I do know is he is my Dad and I will miss him.

What I also know is that 2011, although a new year,I am sure will be another tough one. However with faith, strength and an incredibly strong family, we will make it through.

I wish you peace and love this new year.
Happy New Year.

Naila Moon

Snowflakes...the paper kind that is

So, my loyal readers, by now you know I am in a couple of pen pal groups.


Oh, you didn't know...ok, well sorry...read on.

Anyway, these groups are attempting to bring back the old fashioned form of writing that many of us grew up with.  I personally had many pen pals when I was growing up. I now have 5 new ones.

Yesterday, in an attempt to get all letters sent out to my pen pals, I got this crazy idea.  I decided to make each of them their very own paper snowflake. 


Side note to said pen pals: If you are following me, be surprised ok?

Anyway, I thought it would be fun to share with you not only how to make a paper snowflake but I actually made a video (which is following) as a fun way to show you how.
It is great to do with kids or if you just want some snowy decor.  Believe me, I do not think my paper snowflakes came out as good as these photos I am sharing with you but aren't all real snowflakes different? hee hee


Here is also a photo of how to make them simply.

I would love to see what you have done! Post them on your blog and link back. I'll go check them out. In fact, I will feature them here!  Happy snowflake making!

Peace...Naila Moon

Inspiration-Butterflies

Sometimes I get inspired by the simplest things. Tonight I have been inspired by a butterfly (and another blogger). Well, not an actual one but by The Butterfly Project. You can click on the link for more information.


This project speaks to me for a couple of reasons on the knowledge that of the 6 million Jews who were killed in the Holocaust, 1.5 million of them were children...CHILDREN!


The second reason is that the one thing that my Dad has known about his biological parents was that they were Jewish immigrants. He knows nothing much else about them.  I have always wondered if they came to the U.S. to flee persecution? Did their families perish along with so many others?  In essence, this is personal.

I have visited the Holocaust Museum of St. Louis and I met face to face with a survivor and heard her story. In fact, I worked for a survivor by the name of Barbara Grossberg.


This project puts focus on the children. These children who did not grow up and who did not get to play like other children. These children who were torn from the arms of the parents and never seen again. It pains me to think of the atrocity bestowed upon them. The least I can do (and you can too) is remember that they existed, remember that they were live human beings and make a butterfly.

Peace...Naila Moon


PS>The site says to e-mail a photo of your butterfly. If you do this project please post a photo on your page and link up here and I will showcase all of them here.

 

Pencil, Pen, Marker or Crayon...We can do it!

Many of us here in Bloggerville and around the Cyber World actually write letters. Yeah, you know, that thing done with a pen and paper (or if you prefer crayons hee hee!)

I have received some wonderful cards and letters from people I have never met and I appreciate everyone of them. Do you know what it is like to receive good mail? My loyal readers, I promise I will have a follow up about that at another time. 

However, today I want to talk about some other people who need to hear from us. The people who have served our country proudly need to receive the written word from us.




As in the past, the American Red Cross is collecting holiday cards for those soldiers and families who are in the military hospitals.

They need to hear this holiday season that we still care, that we appreciate them and we thank them for their service to us and our country.

I am asking you today to write a letter or send a card right now, right this minute.

Here is the address:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD
20791-5456
Please note the rules for sending per the Red Cross: 

• Make sure you address as indicated above and no other way, otherwise the cards will be returned
• Must be sent BEFORE December 10th
• Do not send any other gifts or insert because they will be removed from your card or letter
• Write generically eg. "Dear Soldier"

We can do this my friends. It only takes a moment and will brighten the lives of others.

Peace....Naila Moon