#3 Tithing : Louisiana Flood Relief

In August, much of southern Louisiana was designated as a federal disaster area by FEMA due to flooding in what was called the worst natural disaster to the area since Hurricane Sandy in 2012. So, this month's tithing went to recovery and disaster relief efforts in the affected areas of Louisiana.

Half of the tithing amount went to The Salvation Army - to the local Gulf Coast Floods program through the Mississippi affiliate. The Salvation Army's mission statement is:

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

The other half of this month's tithing went to the Red Cross - specifically to the Louisiana Flooding efforts. They typically provide shelter and emergency supplies to people affected by disasters. The mission statement of the American Red Cross is:

"The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors."

More about them, from their website:

   The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

KJets

#11 Photography : Pregnancy Announcement

In August, I had the privilege of being the photographer for my older brother and his wife for their pregnancy announcement photos!  

I love those smiles!

Being a bit of a Pinterest junkie, I had a lot of fun sharing and discussing ideas of poses and shots. There's such a fun, never-ending supply of portrait ideas on there. They already had most of their ideas set though, and I hope I was able to help them capture what they wanted!

I, personally, have a bit of a soft spot for baby shoes, and may have gone a bit overboard in getting baby shoe photos 8-o 

This was my first attempt to do something with photography for a project other than just personal enjoyment, and I had a blast! I would love to do more photography like this, especially if I had better editing software than the automatically loaded Microsoft photo program (if y'all have a free/inexpensive editing program that you love using on your computer, let me know in the comments! I'd love to get some ideas!).

Story time!

I am overjoyed for these two! They've been working towards this for a while, and it's so beautiful to see them achieving this dream of theirs. I can't wait to be an aunt and... have a legitimate excuse to buy *all* of the baby shoes ;-) 

"Behind the scenes," before we went inside (there's a baby!! yay!) 

KJets

July Review (Month 7 of Quests)

July 2016 Questing Report

Quests Completed

Eek!  None this month :-o

Quests-in-Progress

Quest # 1: Biographies

I didn't complete a biography this month (that was disappointing... I got halfway through though and plan to finish it in August). I did, however, read an idea-inspiring book on how to start your own business, "The $100 Startup" by Chris Guillebeau (click the link to check out this, as well as his other books).  I plan to pay off car and school loans before I start on my big, dream jobs/businesses. But, this book inspired me to think more about potential "side hustle" ideas.
On a side note: Chris Guillebeau's website/blog is great for those who like to travel and live full on less.

Quest # 3: Tithing

Although I have been wanting to put money toward a cause to help with civil rights in the country,  it wasn't until I saw that the KKK was doing some of their own marketing in my State that I decided for sure I would donate to Black Lives Matter.  Because,  frankly, they do matter,  and the way many of us behave now - automatically and often unintentionally -  indicates that deep down in our culture,  we somehow feel like they matter less. Here in the South (because I can't speak for elsewhere) I feel like racial inequality is a problem often overlooked by white people until someone of color points out the injustice,  and then they are labeled as whiny and ungrateful (at best). I've heard more than once here that "they should stop complaining so much! Life here is way better for then then in many parts of the world."  I'm not going to say there isn't some truth to that. But,  as a woman - who also happens to hear that line a lot in reference to women - I get sick of that comeback.  I *am* grateful that I live in a country that allows for more equality than many others. But,  no,  that does not mean we sit back and rest on our laurels now,  y'all.  There is always room for improvement,  and we can be so much better than we are now.  So,  I do support the Black Lives Matter movement,  because they do.

Quest #5: Performance

Grandfather Mountain Highland Games (GMHG)  is the largest Highland Games/Scottish Festival in North Carolina (my blog post about it here).  It's held on Grandfather Mountain,  in the beautiful western North Carolina. Although it was roasting down in the Piedmont,  the weather on the mountain was a heavenly low-80's with a cool breeze.  If you've never been to a Highland game festival,  I recommend checking one out. The bagpipes and men in kilts alone are worth the ticket money.

Quest #27: Family

My younger brother and I did a road trip up to the mountains again,  to pick up some furniture and to help him and some other friends move. He's a good road tripping buddy! 

Coming up next:

Quest # 1: Biographies

Finish my July Biography, Michelle Obama: A Life by Peter Slevin.

and... continue with ongoing Quests!

KJets

#13 Garden

August Update: Although waaaaaaaay smaller than I was originally intending, I have created a little herb and veggie garden for myself on the back deck. I have successfully *not killed* at least half of the plants. So, I consider this a win for this year -_^

The herb garden started off as mint, basil, and sage, but when the sage died I tried lavender (which then, also perished). I now have mint (top) and thyme (bottom). I'm learning that, for now, I need to keep trying until I find a plant I can really jive with. Like, some plants take way too much care that I can't give them, and others are resilient enough to survive my negligence (I'm getting better! I've started getting into more of a routine for watering and checking on them. Everything takes practice, right? -_^). The basil has been revived more than a few times. I keep forgetting to water it on these sunny, summer days. I am pretty impressed with the plants that have survived.

My veggies have been peas and tomatoes. My pea plant got root rot, but did not officially bite the dust until after it produced its first pea pod. So, I count that as a partial success with a learnable moment: make sure that you put rocks at the bottom of the pot before putting in potting soil; the drainage is apparently absolutely necessary for plant health. My tomato plants were grown from organic seeds, and have been really flourishing, with very little assistance from me. Somehow it keeps getting caterpillars though... not sure how that happens on a screened-in porch. I have had several cherry tomatoes at this point, and have a couple more maturing now. Not necessarily a bountiful harvest, but it's been more than I've ever been able to cultivate in the past. Huzzah for progress!

KJets

#5 : Performance - Samantha Fish, blues singer

On July 29th, I met up with friends to eat food truck foods and enjoy the music of a local blues performer, Samantha Fish, at the Durham Central Park.

Our evening ended with drinks at the rooftop bar of the the historic hotel The Durham. It was pretty swanky! 

KJets

#5 and #6: Performance and Exhibit "Destination Dix" festival

On July 23rd, Raleigh put on the Destination Dix festival at the newly acquired Dorothea Dix Hospital grounds - now the "Dorothea Dix Park." 

'twas a hot and sunny day...

The hospital used to be owned by the state and was a hospital for patients with mental illnesses. It is now (well, as of July 2015) owned by the City of Raleigh. The buildings are used now as the headquarters for the Department of Health and Human Services, and the rest of those 308 acres are being transitioned into being a "destination park." 

It was so hot, the hot air balloon had trouble lifting off. The temperature of the air inside the balloon was too similar to the temperature outside (lack of differential? Wasn't sure if that was the right word choice, but if it is... yay!) . :-o No rides for us! T-T

The balloon was pretty on the inside!

I'm assuming that means they want to put on more festivals and events here in the future, which I'm cool with (although, from what I understand, the patients who used to be here are now located outside of Raleigh, sort of out in the countryside. I'm not sure if that's so great, but I'm sure it's cheaper for the taxpayers? Must be hard to visit family now though...). 

The bubble pool! This is near the end of the day, but it was overflowing the bubbles earlier.

Gypsy Jule is a local vendor with awesome stuff! If you get a chance, check out their wares!

Potato Bombs from Stuft, a food truck specializing in baked potatoes. These were sinfully delicious! While my taste buds were being serenaded by a beautiful orchestra of flavors, my ears were buzzing with joyful tunes from a fun, folky, local band, Bombadil. 

Despite some recent laws by the current Governor, Pat McCrory, there are many in NC who are supportive of equal rights here. I love seeing positive art like this in my city!

KJets

#5 Performances : Grandfather Mountain Highland Games (GMHG)

The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games is one of the largest Scottish highland game festivals on the east coast and the largest in North Carolina. Nestled in the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina, the historical home for so many Scottish immigrants in early US history (anyone read Outlander...??? Great way to learn history haha.  Gabaldan puts a ton of research into her books to make them historically accurate).

My games band, and my shuttle band - I felt like a legit festival goer!

Even while the Piedmont to the Outer Banks of North Carolina is experiencing sweltering July ("JOO-lye") weather, up in Linville it was cool breezes and shady trees - never got above mid-eighties (Fahrenheit). It was absolutely dreamy! Walking through the crowded booths hosting each Scottish clan (they are still around folks!), the air was thick with a delicious combination of fire wood smoke and meat-and-veggie style foods - pasties, meat pies, turkey legs, and Carolina BBQ platters to name a few.

Walking to the games after disembarking from the shuttle; making our way through the campground.

About midway through the day, we needed a rest, so we climbed a grassy hill, laid out our picnic blankets under a tree, and dozed to the sound of bagpipes and snare drums playing on the fields below. The "cherry on top" for these heavenly experiences is the plethora of men in kilts - burly, skinny, button-downs, bare-chested, long hair, short hair, no hair - all absolutely swoon-worthy.

The last time I had been to this event was ten years ago, and it was exciting to see how much it had grown (although the line for the shuttle back down the mountain to our car was not appreciated). Now, the forest surrounding the field is packed with RVs and tents, as participants and fans choose to forgo the hassle of parking and reparking during the event. Instead, they are able to meet like-minded folks, and have story telling, singing, and jam-sessions around the campfires at night (so jealous!).

K Jets

My ancestors were part of the MacLeod clan??! Who wants to live forever?? -_^ (Highlander,  anyone?)