Start Something That Matters

A few weeks ago I was alerted to some "contest" that TOMS SHOES founder, Blake Mycoskie, was having.  I of course entered!  I had to tell about myself, my blog, how many people follow me, my facebook, twitter and other social media I utilize!  The contest was for a book... two of them actually... one for me & one for me to give away in a contest of my own!!  There are some "catches"!  I have to READ it & write a review both for Blake & for Amazon.  No biggie.. I've glanced at the book & it looks like a GREAT read... and I of course am a HUGE proponent of his mission... so I am excited to read it!! 

And I have an idea for something that matters... I've had it for a little while... but haven't acted or said anything about it.  Because it means some work for me... and some reaching out to people (potters particularly)... But its an idea... one that my sisters may get on board with... one my delightful babysitter may get on board with... one I may convince some friends to help with... but it requires work and thought and planning and I'm not sure I'm ready...

Now that you are in suspense.... I pay loose attention to the hungry in our society.  I notice them.  At the holidays I am reminded in particular of the plight of the hungry (how can we not pay attention there is a food drive on every corner).  I can help most likely.... but I don't want to do a food drive... I don't want to just give some canned goods away and forget about it until next year.  I want to make a million mugs (or little bowls)... I'd like to have some events that are fundraisers..... purchase a mug of soup, have a good time, keep the mug and the $$$ goes to the hungry that need it in that local community.... Making a million mugs could take me a freaking lifetime... but I can make lots of them!  And I think I could get some other potters in some local places to get on board with that... And it could happen anytime... not just the holiday season!  How do I think my sisters can help... well they live in small communities and both are actively involved in something (an audience!)... And can probably pinpoint some hungry areas that need some help.  Same as Hannah (plus I'd need occasional help with Espen!!)  but the school she goes to could help too!  But its a loose idea... one that needs some flushing out still.. its rolling around in my brain for months now and it will keep rolling until I decide what to do.. or I change it and decided I can do something else that matters!! 

We can all do something that matters... a small handful of change in the red bucket, a coat that was collecting dust, the gift of a donation, a group that makes blankets for the needy, buying a pair of shoes... the act of DOING may not be your thing.. but there is still something you can do that will matter to someone! 

So my contest... START SOMETHING THAT MATTERS is inspiring... and has pictures... I think pictures tell a whole lot... If I didn't have pottery, I might have chosen photography...  Use a picture to tell us all what inspires you... what you love... what makes you smile... what gets you going... ONE picture can say so much... The picture must include the word INSPIRE!!  You have to be creative in more than one way .. by determining how you will get inspiration in your photo and by getting the perfect shot!!!  I realize we all LOVE our kids, significant others and pets ... and they are an inspiration, but if you want this book there needs to be more...  I am not wanting your kids sitting with a sign that says "INSPIRE"!  Don't steal pictures from pinterest or stock photos... TAKE THEM YOURSELF!   

I have set up an account just for this contest.  Upload your photo at www.shellysinspirations.shutterfly.com.  After the 30th, there will be way to enter!  The winner will be chosen on November 30th and I'll send the book & a mug!!  (Gotta start somewhere!!)  Start taking pictures... get them uploaded!!

(I've never used shutterfly so if there are problems uploading your photo, let me know... we'll figure it out!)