A Sleepover with Friends

 

 

There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.

Nelson Mandela

YAAAAY!

Gooo Eagles!

Bryan and I took Jack to Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah.  They had a surprising amount of animals: Red Fox, Alligators, Sandhill Cranes, Cougars, Bobcats, Farm Animals + so much more ... including Bison and Wolves ... which I thought were rather out of place. It was nice to get out of the house and get to know our area a little better.

We saw a couple of eagles and Jack was super excited. I asked Jack what an eagle said - expecting him to squeal like Lindsay taught him - he replied with a yell, "Georgia! ... Southern! Goooooo Eagles!"

Spring Pictures!

One of teachers at Jack's school is a budding photographer and has been asking me since the fall to take pictures of Jack to help build her portfolio. However, our bustling schedule hasn't really allowed it. As a creative myself, I am all about helping someone build a portfolio. Finally, we were able to meet up with Natasha - before the weather got horribly hot!  We had a fun morning at the Mad Potter Garden & Florist and downtown Statesboro. She's added a sneak peak on her blog. I must say the one on the VW is my favorite.

© Natasha Williams Photography

See more on her blog.

A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.

- Buddha, Indian mystic and founder of Buddhism

Heal Caleb

I don't usually solicit money from my family and friends unless I think the cause is absolutely commendable. 

In one week, the most inspiring - and selfless - family I know will be hosting a fundraiser to find a cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

I am thankful my amazing cousins introduced me to our friends, Kari & Kanaan whose son, Caleb, was recently diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

It's been an honor to know them. In an unjust summary ... What seems like a decade ago, when I met Kari she was a Big Sister for the Boys & Girls Club - allowing her 'little sister' to experience a world she might otherwise have missed. Kanaan was a Ranger in the United States Army. While deployed, he was seriously injured and two of his friends were killed. Airlifted to Germany - Kanaan's carotid artery had been severed by shrapnel and part of the left frontal lobe of his brain had been damaged and had to be removed in a craniotomy. Kanaan was medically discharged and he focused on family and his road to recovery. What no one had planned, however, was that part of that road was a successful appeal of his medical retirement and completion of the RIP course for the second time (Ranger Indoctrination Program ... a requirement for all 75th Ranger Regiment candidates). Their  story goes on ... Kari and Kanaan were blessed with sweet Caleb. Once discovering he had SMA, they are doing all that they can to raise awareness of this horrific disease; their altruistic service for the greater good of our nation and our world never stops.

If you have a dime or two to spare, please help the Merriken's meet their goal - God has great plans for them.

Tell your coworkers, tell your family, tell your friends - please help Heal Caleb.

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No More Monkeys!!

Jack's favorite new song is No More Monkeys Jumpin on the Bed - & I mean FAVORITE.  So favorite he now climbs into his bed to jump. The song has a couple new versions, too - they are called: No More Monkeys Jumpin on the Couch, No More Monkeys Jumpin in Mama's Truck, No More Monkeys Jumpin on Daddys Bed, No More Monkeys Jumpin on the Cat ...

2010 ADDY Awards

Saturday night was the annual Club (local) ADDY Awards hosted by the Savannah Advertising Federation.  Sponsored by the AAF (American Advertising Federation), the ADDY® Awards honor excellence in advertising and cultivate the highest creative standards in the industry.  I entered a piece of student work and 2010 Artsfest campaign. I am happy to say that both of the entries received recognition!

The Artsfest Campaign (HJ Dawson as the Designer & Trish Carter as the Creative Director with me as the Art Director) received a Bronze for a Campaign promoting the Arts. HJ's design skills are top notched - I wish it had received something higher - but recognition for the Department is awesome.

Jermaine, Trish & myself

I submitted one of my Semiotics pieces - reworked into a recruiting poster for graduate/higher learning  at University of Northern Colorado - I am proud to say it came home with a Gold ADDY and will be moving onto the Regional ADDY Awards where it will compete with other student winners from Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Southeast Louisiana.

Go North

All in all, it was a great night. I met some awesome people, saw some great friends (including Lil' Steph) and did a little networking as well.  Students from the Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art were awarded over half of the Student ADDYs (including a Juror's Choice Award and a Best in Show).

Me & my supportive date!

The MFA Crew - down two.

(One of the judges was VP Customer Marketing from Coca-Cola)

Oh Jack ...

Spring has Sprung!

Jack got a fun water table for his birthday from Josh, Brandi and Nathan - he loves it! Not to mention ...
He's able to play with it seeing the weather had given us 80+ degree days!!