Influence

"Blessed is the influence of one true, loving human soul on another." -- George Eliot

Two packages arrived from Crafty Angels in the past couple of days -- both of which were full of love and brightened my spirits!

Angel Cathy Falkenstein from Loomis, CA is so very faithful in making things for the Angels -- in fact, she is one of the very first Crafty Angels from outside the Chicago area!! Take a look at what she crocheted for the women we serve at Cornerstone Community Outreach's homeless shelters:

"Mom, I really like this Christmas-colored spa cloth -- do you think Angel Cathy would let me put it on my pillow in the closet??"

I agree, Supervisor Cowboy, that the Christmas-colored spa cloth (right by Cowboy's paw) is lovely, but Angel Cathy made those for the ladies we serve! So no, the spa cloths must go to them, not you. And the ladies will indeed like these -- in her note Cathy said that she really likes doing the spa cloths because they are fun and quick. And that is why Angel Birgit Yacoub calls spa cloths and baby hats "potato chips" -- because you can't do just one!!!!! Thank you, Cathy -- you will be making someone's Christmas much brighter this year!!

Angel Alexis Lueth from Winter Springs, FL also sent in a package -- and inside was a charming book of quotes, just perfect to use on the blog! And, yes indeed, the quote up top by George Eliot is from that book. Thank you, Alexis, for providing inspiration -- and more quotes for what Frank calls my "quote addiction!"

Last week I got an email from Angel Helen Watson from Wadsworth, IL that just cracked me up -- Angel Helen has the most fun sense of humor! She told me about "places" she had been visiting based on the colors of yarn she was using for her Crafty Angels projects. For example, in my email back to her, I told her that: I just came back from "Burgundy" where I worked on my Red Scarf Project scarf, and before that I had been in the Arizonan "Painted Desert" working on a prayer shawl, but I was looking forward to going to a "Fiesta" where I was going to wind yarn for another prayer shawl. I had been on a trip around the world! Who knew?!?!?!? Where have YOU been? Let me know, and I'll share your "trip" with the Angels!

If you think back over your life, I'm betting you will find that the quote up top is very true. The Crafty Angels are some of the most loving people I've ever met, and believe me, your influence is far greater than you can ever imagine.

I'll never forget the time I was at one of the groups we serve and a teenager, a recipient of your gifts, pulled me aside and told me that he still had the hat an Angel had made for him three years previously. He told me no one had ever made anything for him before, and he treasured it so much that he wanted to say thank you. I told him I hoped he felt the love that was added to that hat, and he said he did -- and it was a wonderous feeling that someone cared for him so much they made him a hat. He was still amazed about that.

A simple hat, made with love, given to a teenager in need. Three years later he is still amazed by that gift. Oh yes, Angels, you have influence beyond your wildest dreams!