For most of us, it’s almost impossible to comprehend what life would be like without any limbs; we can only imagine how unbearable it would be not being able to take care of our most basic needs or do the things we enjoy. That’s what makes Nick Vujicic such an amazing individual.

Born in Brisbane, Australia in 1982 without arms or legs, Nick came into the world with such an overwhelming disability that few people expected he could ever live a happy and fulfilling life. As he grew older Nick was subjected to the same bullying and taunting that most children go through, made significantly worse by his situation. These challenges, along with self-esteem issues, caused Nick to struggle with depression and loneliness. He constantly questioned why he was different and why it had happened to him. Like many of us, he questioned his purpose and why he’d ever been born.

Everything began to change when Nick learned to rely on the faith his family and friends introduced him to, and turn to God and Jesus for strength and wisdom. Through this acceptance of letting his faith guide him, Nick experienced a complete transformation in his outlook as he realized God did indeed have a purpose for him: to serve as a motivator and inspiration to others. “I found the purpose of my existence, and also the purpose of my circumstance. There’s a purpose for why you’re in the fire.”Soon after this miraculous transformation, Nick began his lifelong journey to motivate and encourage others to triumph over their struggles. In the years that followed, Nick traveled the world, sharing his story with people of all backgrounds, using his own story as inspiration and giving hope and encouragement to those in despair wherever he went.

A central theme of what Nick teaches is that each one of us has a unique purpose, and the struggles we go through are part of God’s plan to help us learn and grow. What most people don’t realize is that it’s not just about overcoming a major problem or challenge, but the attitude we have during these struggles that defines and demonstrates who we are. During these difficult times we need to rely on God and have faith that He will help us overcome the challenges we face. Nick firmly believes in the infinite source of strength that comes from God, and finding it is easy if you open your heart and allow God to come in.

In 2007 Nick moved to the United States and founded the non-profit organization he heads today known as Life Without Limbs. The Mission Statement of Life Without Limbs is to “cross boundaries and break down barriers, to build bridges that bring people to the love and hope found in Jesus Christ.” When you watch the videos below you will be inspired by who Nick is as a human being, and understand what a privilege it was for me to meet Nick personally at an event in March 2010.

The Life Without Limbs website is truly inspirational, filled with countless stories of people who have been transformed by Nick’s message. It is impossible to read each story without also feeling a sense of sadness and overwhelming joy – a sadness from seeing the tremendous hardships that countless people struggle to overcome every day, deepened by a sense of shame when we realize how we allow minor setbacks to cause us concern when others are struggling with real problems. And then, overwhelming this sadness is a sudden and overpowering feeling of gladness and joy, firmly rooted in a realization that has always been within us but only now has come to light: each of us has a unique purpose which we must fulfill, and the common thread that binds us is our duty to help one another whenever we can.

Nick explains: “If God can use a man without arms and legs to be His hands and feet, then He will certainly use any willing heart!” Let each of us be a willing heart which inspires and helps others in a way that fulfills our own individual purpose, just as Nick has inspired so many others to do!To learn more about Nick Vujicic and the Life Without Limbs organization, visit the Life Without Limbs website. And, pick up a copy of Nick’s book Life Without Limits, or his other inspirational products. If you want to see if Nick will be speaking somewhere near you visit Life Without Limbs.Nick, thank you for inspiring so many, and demonstrating the art of making a difference to the world. If you would like to be inspired daily, Nick offers a 2 minute podcast.

Videos

Perserverance:

More on Nick:

From a feature movie Butterfly Effect: –

One group of women who believe that people of different faiths can get along are the women of WISDOM (Women’s Interfaith Solutions for Dialogue and Outreach in Detroit Metro), which was founded in 2006 after the four founders met at an interfaith project sponsored in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Before WISDOM was born, however, these remarkable women – Gail Katz from Congregation Beth Shalom in Oak Park, Shahina Begg of the Unity Center Mosque, Peggy Kalis of the Unity Church in Farmington Hills, and Trish Harris of St. Hugo of the Hills in Bloomfield Hills, spent the day volunteering on behalf of Habitat for Humanity, and along with 55 other women of differing faiths helped to restore two homes in the Detroit area.

After the days’ work ended all the women assembled in a nearby park to talk about the day’s events and share their personal information with one another. As the women ended the gathering in a silent prayer for peace in the Middle East, the sun broke through the clouds for the first time that day, as if God was sending His divine blessing for their efforts. The women of WISDOM credit this spiritual moment with the launching of their organization. In a time when Metro Detroit communities of faith were becoming more and more segregated from one another, Gail, Peggy, Shahina and Trish felt it was important to connect spiritually with women of other faiths and to make an effort to listen to one another, respect each other’s differences, and take action towards change. Together these four women have shown that it’s possible for people of differing faiths to not only get along, but to work together to make a difference.

Founders of WISDOM. L to R – Trish Harris, Gail Katz, Shahina Begg, & Peggy Kalis.

The WISDOM Philosophy:

We at WISDOM hope to establish venues for community service projects to help “repair the world,” while having the chance to dialogue with women of different faiths whom we don’t usually meet in our sheltered circle of friends and family.  We also hope to arrange educational opportunities at our diverse places of worship to learn about each other’s religions with an empathy and spiritual energy that will strengthen friendships.  We invite you to join our journeys towards celebrating Detroit’s religious diversity.

WISDOM has wonderful events for women, families and the community. They also sponsor a program called Five Women Five Journeys: How Different Are We? By sharing personal stories of childhood and upbringing in five different religious faiths, the audience comes to understand and appreciate the richness of differing heritages.

What brought these women together has grown so much bigger than the Detroit Metro area, and is a role model for communities around the world. I have attended numerous WISDOM events and am always inspired by how an idea nurtured alters lives and ideas. Women of WISDOM you epitomize the art of making a difference. Thank you!

In addition the women have created a book called Friendship and Faith: The WISDOM of Women Creating Alliances for Peace and, is available on Amazon. To learn more visit Women’s Interfaith Solutions for Dialogue and Outreach in Detroit Metro WISDOM website.

Find out more information on WISDOM, attend events in the Detroit Metro area, and sign up for their newsletter and follow on Facebook.

Although she didn’t go into the experience feeling as positive, Beth slowly came to the realization that the very thing keeping her strong and helping her get through it was the same thing she enjoyed doing all her life: making people laugh. Beth now credits comedy and her ability to laugh with her ability to beat cancer, telling others that “If you don’t laugh and make the situation lighter, you’re not going to get through it.” Beth’s attitude during her battle has served as an inspiration to her daughter Danie. “I knew she was strong, but I didn’t know how strong. My mom wrote a lot of jokes during chemo,” says Danie. “Doing that was really good for her.”

Having won her battle and her cancer now officially in remission since May 2011, Beth has started a new chapter in her life by pursuing her dream of stand-up comedy, performing in clubs throughout New Jersey, in Philadelphia, and as far away as Woodbridge, Virginia. Beth has even given up her career as a sports attorney to pursue stand-up comedy full-time. “The pay isn’t as good but I’m having the time of my life!” she says.

Beth is hoping her battle with cancer and her experiences with hecklers while performing her standup act can be used to help others, so she’s bringing some of her comedy to local schools to help students overcome bullying and the insecurity that usually accompanies it. Heckling is a lot like bullying, says Beth, and as bullying becomes more widespread among school children it’s important to help these young victims cope with this tragic and stressful situation. Giving them the ability to tell a joke and use comedy to make people laugh can give kids the self-confidence they need, while at the same time empowering them to stand up to bullies.

So what can the rest of us learn from this inspiring story? First, that laughter and a positive attitude can help anyone get through mentally and physically stressful situations. Like Beth often says: “Laughter helps you handle life!” And, second, third and so on – get started today on living the life of your dreams. Thank you Beth for poignant reminder of living life to its fullest.

That’s what makes Operation Gratitude so important for the morale of American service men and women serving throughout the world, in places like Afghanistan, Iraq, Germany, South Korea and the Middle East. Founded in 2003 by Carolyn Blashek as a way to boost morale and show support for troops deployed in response to the September 11^th attacks, Operation Gratitude has delivered more than 786,000 individually addressed care packages to soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines overseas, and is well on its way to reaching its goal of one million delivered packages in the next two years.

Contained within each care package are food, snacks, toiletries, entertainment items, and letters of appreciation and encouragement personally addressed to an individual service member. Through collection drives, letter writing campaigns, and donations from both corporations and individuals, Operation Gratitude averages $11 million in donations of money and goods each year. The donated value of each package is approximately $125, but they cost only $15 to assemble and ship.

Responses from the troops have been overwhelmingly positive and even inspirational. With words like “Your cards and messages to help us get through the holidays with joy will always be remembered,” and “When I opened your package I was extremely grateful and moved at the thought of so many Americans taking time out of their busy lives,”it is easy to see what a difference Operation Gratitude has and can make to the men and women of the United States military.

If you know of service people that would enjoy a package, click here for more information.

In addition to sending care packages to deployed troops, Operation Gratitude also provides care packages for Wounded Warriors to let them know how much their service is appreciated, working with representatives at military hospitals and Wounded Warrior Transition Units throughout the country. Since many wounded service men and women are most concerned with the welfare of their comrades still on the frontline, Operation Gratitude also sends care packages to the wounded soldier’s unit, which helps the wounded soldier feel as if they are still contributing to the mission and supporting their buddies.

A new program underway by Operation Gratitude is Battalion Buddies, which provides special stuffed toys to the sons and daughters of U.S. military personnel as their units prepare to deploy, in the hopes of providing some degree of comfort to children while their moms and dads are away. This small act of kindness goes a long way by showing both the child and their deploying parents that there are people who care and appreciate the sacrifice they are all making.

You can help too in so many different ways. You can write letters, make personal donations, and shop at select partners vendors that donate a portion of their sales to Operation Gratitude. Artful Vision is a proud partner; our American artists, musicians and authors donate 20% of your purchase when you choose Operation Gratitude at checkout.

To make a donation to Operation Gratitude or volunteer to help during one of their collection drives, visit their site at http://www.operationgratitude.com/and sign up for one of their many opportunities to show members of our military that we appreciate what they are doing for all of us.

Memorial Day 2012 – we give thanks to all the men and women who bravely serve.

What makes Carolyn so special is that she actually tried to enlist in the military, an act considered quite brave on its own merits but even greater in Carolyn’s case since it meant leaving behind a son and daughter not even in high school. Although at 46 she was above the age limit set for active duty, Carolyn was not deterred, and instead volunteered at the Los Angeles airport military lounge so she could give her support to soldiers as they boarded planes bound for Afghanistan and the Middle East.

Over the next two years as she volunteered at the LAX military lounge, Carolyn met thousands of soldiers leaving for duty overseas, and began to realize what every soldier really needed was the knowledge that there were people at home who appreciated the sacrifices he or she was making on our behalf. Remembering how the care packages she had sent would boost the morale of her homesick children at summer camp, Carolyn came up with the idea of sending packages to deployed soldiers. So in 2003 when Carolyn sent her first care package to a soldier serving in Iraq, Operation Gratitudewas born and began its journey towards becoming the remarkable organization it is today.

During the early stages of Operation Gratitude, Carolyn used her own living room as a staging area and solicited friends and volunteers from her community to help. Soon the project grew so large that she enlisted the help of the National Guard in Van Nuys California, who graciously offered the use of their Armory to store and put together the thousands of care packages shipped every year. Over the years, support for Operation Gratitude has been so overwhelming that the number of volunteershas grown to the thousands, all of whom help to collect donated items, write letters of support to soldiers, or put together packages to ship overseas.

Contained within each care package are food, snacks, toiletries, entertainment items, and letters of appreciation and encouragement personally addressed to an individual service member. In the nine years since it began, Operation Gratitude has delivered more than 786,000 individually addressed care packages to soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines, and is expected to reach its goal of one million care packages in the next two years.

Carolyn’s efforts have received the full backing of the U.S. military; and the responses from soldiers receiving the care packages show that Operation Gratitude is a tremendous success. As Carolyn has explained, there are many ways to thank those who make personal sacrifices and put their lives on the line so the rest of us can enjoy liberty and freedom. For the deployed soldier who endures long deployments away from home and threats from hostile enemies, a personalized letter and package from someone who expresses appreciation for what they are doing can mean a great deal, and make a real difference in helping them to get through a very stressful time in their life.

A Sample Response

Even though you may not be able to see it for yourself, your love and support pushes so many soldiers farther than you could imagine

I am Specialist J.H.,  an Army Combat Medic and Female Engagement Team Member for the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. I am currently located in Southern Afghanistan and  recieved your package approximately a week ago. I just wanted to send you an e-mail to let you know how truly thankful I am for all that you do! Your supplies were extremely wonderful and useful. Also, even though you may not be able to see it for yourself, your love and support pushes soo many soldiers farther than you could imagine. Just to know that we are supported and appreciated by members back home, helps keep us motivated while we are here. Again, I just wanted to send you my true appreciation and gratitude!

Love Always, J.

On this Memorial Day, I consider it a real honor to feature Carolyn’s amazing story. Her journey has been one of resolve and dedication, and it shows us what one person can accomplish when they’re motivated to work for the greater good. Like the first rays of sunlight that pierced their way through the rising smoke and ash on that tragic September day, Operation Gratitude has become a shining beacon of hope by showing those who defend our way of life that their efforts and sacrifices are greatly appreciated, and that even in the most horrific tragedy the strength and goodness of man will always shine through and prevail.

Carolyn, your actions personify the art of making a difference in ways words cannot adequately express. Your desire to do something turned into the creation of one of the most successful support programs in U.S. military history.

Find out how you can help support Operation Gratitude.

Artful Vision thanks everyone who entered the “Thanks Mom” tribute contest. There were four winners – the grand prize goes to Debra Cox; the three honorable mentions go to Juliana Palmcook,  Evelyn Markasky, and Linda Landowski. Their entries are listed below.

Grand Prize Winner

Debra Cox

I found out just how special my mother was early on in my life. She had five children in the 1950’s when times were tough.

My dad held a job in the steel mill and my mom worked full time in the grocery store. In 1973 my next to the youngest brother had a diving accident that left him a quadriplegic. My mother quit her job and has been by his side since then. She has cared for him in only a way a mother could with so much love and compassion.

My brother has spent the past 38 years in a wheelchair with my mother by his side giving him the care he needs to remain as independent as he can in a loving home environment. She has been a role model to say the least in giving unselfishly of herself. She said she doesn’t even think about what she does.

This Mother’s Day I would like to thank her and tell her how much she is loved for all the sacrifices she has made in her life to her children and all the people who know her.

Honorable Mentions

Juliana Palmcook

Dear Rosemary,

Before I met your son I came from a cold, cruel place. I struggled and felt alone. When I met your son, he listened to me and made me feel loved by hugging me. He taught me to sew, encouraged me with my cooking skills and supported me through the toughest of times.

I owe my gratitude to you because you taught my husband to be real man in this world. I know we live far, but every time we traveled you had a great warm home-cooked meal ready for us and you even gave up your own bed in so we could rest peacefully. Thank you for all of your hospitality. Thank you for always making my favorite spaghetti sauce with grape jelly. Thank you for calling us every week to see if we are okay.

I wanted to tell you I love you looking at the walls and halls in your home filled with photographs of all your children and grandchildren. I hope one day all of us can be reunited with you at once. This is my Mother’s Day wish for you. I wanted to say I love you, not just because you gave birth to my husband but because I know how hard you try and what you have sacrificed. You are appreciated.
Happy Mother’s Day.

Evelyn Markasky

This pendant was made as a tribute to my mother. I remember when I was around 7 or 8 years old she would get all dressed up to go downtown. She would take the bus and when she came back she would usually bring me some kind of treat, like Nik-L-Nips (the juice in a wax bottle) or little candy ice cream cones.

She probably did every craft imaginable from knitting, crocheting, flower arranging, decorating, to sewing all of my clothes. She is an inspiration to me because not only did she do all of these things, but she did them all very well. She also passed down to me all of her wonderful Greek recipes for baklava, moussaka, spanakopita, etc!!

These are just a few things that made her a fun, passionate, loving & caring mother to me and my brother and sister. When she was dying we found that she hadn’t lost her sense of humor and sarcastic wit. She even yelled at us for having BBQ Wings and not offering her any. That didn’t happen again. She had pizza and beer the next night!

We had great conversations where she said the most perfect things in letting us know how she felt about us and how we felt about her. Sometimes you don’t really appreciate all of these things until that life is complete and I’m very glad I got to be with my mother all my life (even when I didn’t realize how good it was) and especially at the end when I fully did.

Linda Landowski

We located my Mother when I was 19 and pregnant. She was Dying from breast Cancer! She never shared if I had a dad or family. I didn’t share she’d be a grandmother. We had one short emotional visit and she died at age 46.

Skip to me being 49. Now I’m facing Triple Negative Breast Cancer! I fought very hard. Which is a understatement. My husband lost his job, and I wanted to see my children grow up! I want to meet and be there for my grand children! So here are my husband and I existing on Zero income! Living on Love & a prayer. But I’m honoring my mother by achieving what she couldn’t! I may have been a motherless mother. But I think I have an angel on my shoulder helping me fight!

Thank you Mom! I wish I had the chance to know you! Maybe one day when I pass on.. Until then please help me!

Grand Prize winner will receive:

$100 Artful Vision Gift Certificate

11×14 matted photo by Maxine Gardner

16 photographic note cards by Maxine Gardner

Honorable Mention winners will receive:

$25 Artful Vision Gift Certificate

8×10 matted photograph by Maxine Gardner

8 photographic note cards by Maxine Gardner

As an added bonus Artful Vision gave the Grand Prize winner an opportunity to choose one of Artful Vision’s non-profit partners to receive an additional $150 donation. The Grand Prize winner, Debra Cox chose Project Kitty Connect where  they humanely and effectively reduce stray and feral (wild) cat overpopulation through the non-lethal method of Trap-Neuteur-Return (TNR).

In Debra’s own words “I would like the 150.00 donation to go to your non-profit partner,  Project Kitty Connect. I have adopted two special kitties that have held a special place in my families heart for a number of years.  They have brought us so much joy to us I can’t imagine our house without them.  I know how important the spay and neuter program is to all animals so I hope this will help.  Again, thank you for putting this special Mother’s Day contest on through Artful Vision.  It’s a great place.“

Project Kitty Connect founder, Rebecca Godo was thrilled to receive the news of the added donation. To support Project Kitty Connect or Artful Vision’s other non-profit fundraising partners with your purchase of American made gifts, visit www.artfulvision.com.

For author Pamela Bauer Mueller, all these were certainly true. Pamela’s writing career began when she wrote a trilogy of stories centered on a brother and sister cat who moved from Mexico to San Diego, and then later to Georgia, encountering challenges and adventures along the way (The Bumpedy Road, Rain City Cats, Eight Paws to Georgia). After the success of these popular children’s tales, Pamela wrote several other stories which not only helped establish her as an accomplished writer, but which also earned her the Georgia Author of the Year award in 2006, 2008 and 2009. Pamela’s last two books fall into the historical genre, with the first called Splendid Isolation: The Jekyll Island Millionaires Club and her most recent effort, Water to My Soul: The Story of Eliza Lucas Pinckney, which tells the story of a seventeen year-old girl living in pre-Revolutionary War South Carolina, who single-handedly manages to introduce indigo as a cash crop to her area.

Pamela credits her success to several factors, beginning with a wonderful family who encouraged her storytelling as a child and a father who taught her she could do anything as long as she believed in herself. Later in life Pamela found inspiration for her first book from her two daughters, who supported her decision to begin a new life as a single mom, when she moved the three of them from their home in Mexico to the United States. Continuing to write stories for the next twelve years, it was her second husband who Pamela gives credit for helping her make the decision to quit her Customs Inspection job and pursue her dreams of becoming a full-time author.

One of the traits Pamela is most admired for is her commitment to the accuracy of the historical characters in her books. Although it would be much easier to take shortcuts and include information with little or no historical accuracy, Pamela feels a sense of duty to her readers and always tries to represent the subject matter as historically accurate as she possibly can. As Pamela puts it: “Writing brings a sense of connection for both writer and reader, and the offering of the story is my reward.”

Probably the most amazing thing about Pamela is her belief in giving back by freely sharing her experience and knowledge with other aspiring authors. Believing that “paying it forward” is a vital and honorable quality all artists should endeavor towards, Pamela regularly provides workshops for aspiring writers and participates in mentoring programs whenever and wherever she’s needed. Perhaps the most important thing Pamela has taught is that success is not measured in terms of recognition or popularity, but in the amount of service a person gives back, and the level of appreciation and creativity one inspires in others. Words we can all live by!

Artful Vision is thrilled that Pamela has been a part of our vision of giving back since 2010, and happy to share her answers to the questions we asked:

What does being an artist mean to you? I often feel a sense of amazement that I get to write for a living. With that said, I also feel an enormous responsibility to the readers. I write to the emotional center of my works and must always be available, vulnerable and truthful. My historical characters were real living people, and I am committed to write their stories as accurately as I possibly can, with forthrightness and honesty. Writing brings a sense of connection for both reader and writer, and the offering of the story is my reward.

How did you get started? I began writing twelve years ago while living in Vancouver, B.C. Canada, working on an assignment for the U.S. Customs Service. I intended to write one short book—The Bumpedy Road—as a tribute to my daughters. Two years later I wrote the third book in the Kiska Trilogy (The Bumpedy Road was the first), resigned from Customs and became a full time author.

What inspires you the most? I am inspired by integrity, honesty and beauty in all forms of art and writing. I’m inspired by writers I’ve read and enjoyed, and by those who have passed on knowledge through researching their writing. I present workshops, programs and mentor new writers when my assistance is requested. “Paying it forward” is a vital and honorable quality we artists should strive to achieve.

In Pamela’s own words: I am very excited to be involved with Artful Vision because I believe in sharing our talents and giving back. As Maxine Gardner stated, “economic recovery comes when we buy products made in the USA, and the creative sector has to be a part of the solution.” As entrepreneurs, we have the responsibility to learn, teach and give back to our nation.

Pamela thank you for being such an inspiration to others.  To purchase Water to My Soul, and Pamela’s other books – The Angry Drum Echoed, Neptune’s Honor, Splendid Isolation and more visit Pinata Publishing  or Artful Vision.  Contact Pamela at kiska@kiskalore.com.

When budget cuts forced the City of Troy Michigan to cut funding for maintenance of the trails and main building in May 2011, one of the local citizens decided that this nature preserve was too important to lose, and so John Ragan turned what should have been a quiet retirement into a quest to raise money to keep the Nature Center open.

John first introduced the idea of forming a non-profit group to save the Nature Center at the city of Troy’s annual Maple Syrup Volunteer Dinner in May 2010. With support from local citizens who joined John’s efforts and helped him to raise money, John was able to establish the Troy Nature Society, which has not only raised enough money to keep the 100-acre Nature Center from closing, but also offers educational programs on nature and the environment for children and adults all through the year. One of the Society’s main goals is to support the state’s No Child Left Inside Program, which engages children in outdoor activities to promote learning about nature and the environment.

Children and adults visiting the Troy Nature Center can sign up for nature walks that include seeing, hearing, smelling and touching the wonders of nature, including butterflies, frogs, small fish, and a huge variety of plants and insects. As they hike along the trails, visitors can also observe birds and wild animals that inhabit the sanctuary, stopping to explore ponds, meadows and streams along the way. Anyone who has been to the Troy Nature Center can’t help but feel like they’ve stepped back in time as they explore this beautiful natural area, and experience what it must have been like for those who first discovered this pristine area hundreds of years ago.

It takes a special kind of person to dedicate their time and efforts for a cause that benefits countless others and not just the individual who’s doing it. Thanks to the efforts of John Ragan and the many volunteers who’ve given up their precious free time and weekends to raise money and conduct nature tours, the Nature Center will remain open for nature enthusiasts to enjoy for many years to come.

Another way to support the Troy Nature Society is through Artful Vision, a proud fundraising partner. When you purchase American made gifts throughout the year, the artists, crafters, musicians and authors of Artful Vision will donate 20% of your purchase to this worthy cause.

Thank you John and the many other citizens for making a difference to your community through your involvement at the Troy Nature Center.

So, come on by, get a little exercise, hike the trails, visit the Nature Center and see for yourself this jewel of Oakland County. Click here for a detailed map of the trails.

Sign up to receive the Troy Nature Society Newsletter, and please consider supporting or volunteering directly with the Troy Nature Society.

The  Troy Nature Society  is located at 6685 Coolidge,Troy, MI 48098.

Mom will always hold a special place in your heart

So, when it comes to expressing love and gratitude on Mother’s Day, many of us turn to a traditional gift or dinner, which is nice, but not at all unique. How about doing something extra this year, that captures the special relationship we have with the woman who gave so much of herself for us – something like a written tribute! You don’t need to be an experienced or accomplished writer, just someone with a fond memory or unexpressed feelings about the bond between you and your Mother and willingness to put them on paper. If you think about it, what mother wouldn’t be absolutely thrilled with a written tribute from her child?

Artful Vision is sponsoring a “Thanks Mom” Mother’s Day Contest. Winning entries will be posted on The Art of Making a Difference blog, so you can share it with family and friends. A Grand Prize winner and 3 Honorable Mentions will be selected. Winners will receive the following special gifts from the Artful Visiononline store:

Grand Prize for funniest, most inspiring, or unique entry:

• $100 Gift Certificate to Artful Vision
• 11×14 matted photograph by Artful Vision founder Maxine Gardner (Value $60)
• 16 photographic note cards by Artful Vision founder Maxine Gardner (Value $44)

3 Honorable Mention winners will receive:

• $25 Gift Certificate to Artful Vision
• 8×10 matted photograph by Artful Vision founder  Maxine Gardner (Value $40)
• 8 photographic note cards by Artful Vision founder Maxine Gardner (Value $22)

Grand Prize Winner will choose one of Artful Vision’s Non-Profit partners to receive an additional $150 donation from Artful Vision

Contest Instructions: Upload a photo, and a 25-250 word tribute to the woman who guided, inspired, and shaped your life, and forever imprinted your heart with cherished memories. No purchase required. Tributes may be amusing or inspirational.

Prize Eligibility: Only persons residing in the U.S.A. who are at least 18 years of age can be prize winner.

Contest Dates: Submit Entries April 27-May 10; Public Vote May 10-May12; Winners Announced Mother’s Day May 13, 2012.

This Mother’s Day,
give a gift that will touches her heart and lasts forever:
a tribute expressing your love and appreciation.

What it really comes down to are those who believe in treating animals humanely, and those people who think of them as a nuisance that must be “dealt with.” Unfortunately, this latter group of individuals often view those who try to help animals as a nuisance as well, making it difficult or even impossible for these kind souls to help an animal in need.

Despite the obstacles and challenges, there are many dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to help the millions of homeless cats and dogs in our country. These compassionate souls understand that simply because an animal was born into a situation that has forced it to live outside and fend for itself, does not mean its life has no value.

One such compassionate person is Rebecca Godo, founder of Project Kitty Connect in the Detroit, Michigan area. After witnessing the terrible conditions that many feral cats in the Detroit area were faced with, and realizing that feral cats were not being treated with the care and compassion all living creatures deserve, Rebecca started Project Kitty Connect, a nonprofit dedicated to the care and protection of these unfortunate felines.

An important part of Project Kitty Connect is the Trap-Neuter-Return program, which relies on volunteers to help trap feral felines and take them to a clinic where they can be neutered or spayed at a reduced cost. After the cat has healed, he or she is returned to the area near where they were trapped and placed under the care of a Project Kitty Connect caregiver, who makes certain they have food, water and a means of shelter from then on. If a cat is friendly and considered adoptable, it is instead taken to a caregiver for fostering until a good home can be found.

According to Rebecca, Project Kitty Connect has made a real difference in reducing the feral population in areas where it’s been implemented. Even more important, these forgotten but worthy felines are now being cared for and treated with the kindness and compassion they deserve. Many cats once considered feral have turned out to be loving and affectionate companions, simply because the kindness and care they received helped them overcome their fear and allow their real personalities to come forward. For those who have already experienced the joy that comes from being greeted at the door by a happy feline winding itself around your legs, or snuggled next to a warm and purring kitty at the end of the day, you know how much love a cat can give and how wonderful it is to receive.

If you’re interested in contacting or donating to Project Kitty Connect you can email them at info@projectkittyconnect.org , make a donation through their website, or support them through Artful Vision by making Project Kitty Connect your non-profit of choice when shopping for American made gifts.

You can make a difference in the life of a kitty who needs help through Project Kitty Connect!