Making a Difference

Hi everyone,

With Olympic spirit running through my veins, I have two patriotic cards to share.

I also have a favor to ask of my fellow OWHers. So, I'll start with that.

"Making a Difference" for Operation Write Home

I don't know how many of you are familiar with a regular feature on NBC Nightly News called Making a Difference. It's actually my favorite part of the newscast.

In brief, they are about 3-minute segments at the end of the broadcast that feature individuals and non-profits making a difference in the world. They are amazing stories that often bring tears to my eyes.

On more than one occasion, I've thought it would be great to have a feature about Operation Write Home. When I came across an online application, I e-mailed Sandy. Naturally, she said, "Go for it!"

Then, I did a bit more research. There was an article about these features that pointed out that non-profits are only mentioned once or twice in a feature. The article stated that the focus is typically on an individual.Thinking back to features I have seen, this is absolutely true.

So, this is the part of the nomination that will surprise Sandy. I chose to make her the focus of my nomination submission. (Sorry, Sandy -- hope you don't mind too much. I figured it was better to ask forgiveness after the fact...)

Now comes the part where I'm asking a favor of fellow OWHers. There is an option to submit replies to the online submission. I don't know the criteria for selection. Nor do I know if a large number of replies would improve the chance of being selected. But, if you'd like to join in this cause, there are two things you can to  help:

• Go to this site and share a first-person account of how Sandy has inspired your work for OWH and/or how she has made a difference for our heroes and their families. My submission is on page 5, under the name Sybrina K.
• Help spread the news to others who might like to leave replies. My blog doesn't reach a whole lot of people. But, all of our blogs combined -- now, that would be a lot of folks!

Thanks, in advance, to those of you who are joining this effort to sing Sandy's praises with the goal of bringing national exposure to Operation Write Home.

Now for the card portion of today's post. :)

"Making a Difference" for 2 Heroes: OWH Sketch #132

Julie is so right about the Olympics being the impetus to make some patriotic cards. Both of the following cards were inspired by today's sketch. In addition, both use a fabulous ribbon that I found at St. Marys Hobby Center in Northwest Ohio.

The first card is in response to this week's Midweek Throwdown challenge to make an Any Hero Card. The second is a generic, patriotic card for a hero to send back home. 

Paper: Core'dinations, Bazzill cardstock, AC Christmas collection cardstock; yummy ribbon; gems

Paper: Core'dinations, Bazzill cardstock; yummy ribbon; gems

On each card, I sanded above and below the ribbon to better pop the ribbon. I'm thinking of posting one of these at CAS-ual Fridays. It's probably not quite what they had in mind. But, you see stars and flags in the sky -- right?

Parting Thoughts

As always, thanks for stopping. And, special thanks to those joining the Making A Difference effort. Happy scrappin!

Go Team USA!