3 Mashable Reviews!

#1 Sewing Hope

Written for Mashable by JOHNNY LIEU on November 6, 2016

This article is sure to inspire…

This article will appeal to all ages, genders, and ethnicity, because it deals with kindness, giving, caring. It’s a true story of a 12 year old boy, named Campbell that sews bears for sick children.

What is so inspiring?

Campbell learned that stress makes cancer stronger, so he wanted to make a bear that could help relieve stress and bring a smile to sick children. When his dad contracted cancer, Campbell gave his dad a “magic” bear. His dad is still cancer free.

I can’t help but wonder…

Could Campbell inspire children and adults to do the same?
Would children and adults find joy in helping others?
Could kindness like this, become a trend?
Could kindness, collaboration, and love beat cancer?

My Response

I’m inspired by this young man and am very pleased that Mashable featured his story of giving and caring!

#2 A Circle of Gratitude

This story promoted by American Greetings #ThankList Campaign and featured on Mashable

This article is sure to inspire…

The video and article is more than just sharing, caring, and connections. It speaks to anyone and everyone that longs to be noticed, or has a loved one that has talents and gifts to share with the world.

It is a short story about growing through connecting with compassionate people that delight in the success of others.

What is so inspiring?

A gifted young man named Andrew, through loving and caring friends and family, helped birth a specialized school named Exceptional Minds. The school was created by an animation director whose life was changed and enriched by Andrew. Young adults with autism learn about visual effects, animation, and employment in the entertainment industry. Caring and sharing produces a domino effect.

I can’t help but wonder…

How to offer this program on every campus?
What other fields of interest might be offered?
How I might help to impact others?

My Response

Technically speaking, autism in itself is not addressed, however, recognizing that everyone has a talent worth nurturing and sharing, is!

#3 Here’s what happens when grandparents learn to use Snapchat

A Mashable Lifestyle article written by ARILYN LA JEUNESSE December 7, 2015

This article is sure to inspire…

This lighthearted article will likely entertain a majority of grandparents, parents, and grandkids old enough to use Snapchat. It might inspire others to give it a try.

What is so inspiring?

The article explains that DoSomething.org joined forces with Mentor Up for a campaign called Grandparents Get Wired which taught seniors how to use smart phones to prevent isolation by staying connected with their families. Their younger family members were coached on how to teach and encourage grandparents to use social media apps such as Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and even how to take selfies.

I can’t help but wonder know…

Some grandparents use Snapchat likely do it at the request of their grandkids
Grandkids that talked their grandparents into using Snapchat regret it after they get endless filtered snaps

My Response

Connecting with younger family members using unlikely media can be fun or awkward. But for sure, there is never a dull moment!

image of gramma using snapchat filter — yup I went there

November 18, 2016

VIDEO: From Idea to Accomplishment

November 7, 2016

Hero Podcast 1

Greetings!

There’s a new page in the main menu. It is named “Podcasts“, because well, that’s where I will post new podcasts as they are available 🙂

You can access the podcast directly by clicking the caption in photo link below:

image of a bowl of cherries — Click this caption to hear the podcast about a very young hero

October 2, 2016

Community Orchards and Gardens: A Growing Affair!

Give a man a fish. Teach a man to fish. Stock the pond for all. – Inter-Faith Food Shuttle

A “growing” affair

Picture a few parks, parking lots and sidewalks nearest to your home, work, or school. Now imagine fruit trees in place of the existing ornamental trees. Think about seasonal tree ripened fruit like, sweet figs, crunchy apples, juicy pears, thirst quenching oranges, tart pomegranates. Your mouth is watering. Maybe you skipped breakfast, or lunch. You reach up, pick one for now and one for later. Sounds great but how could that work? Glad you asked!

How it works

Publicly or institutionally maintained areas provide grounds that are already landscaped, watered, and cared for. Plumbing is already in place for drinking fountains and small wash stations can be installed nearby. Maintenance crews would use safe and compliant pest control. That reduces harmful pesticide exposure to humans and pets. It also reducing pesticide runoff. Planting fruit trees in place of ornamental trees would still provide shade and beauty. The edible resource is the ultimate benefit.

image of an urban garden — making use of decommissioned train tracks

Where it works

Public and neighborhood parks
Community gardens and orchards
Campus gardens and horticulture plots
Shopping and inner-city parking lots
Youth clubs
Parks and recreation facilities

image of a community garden with a large cityscape in the background — cityscape community gardening

Why it matters

Communities adopting and implementing this concept might be more open to urban gardening and promoting gleaning at nearby farms. It addresses the two main reason for food insecurity; the lack of income and access to healthy food. The model fosters community cooperation, and contributes to a beautiful, cleaner and more functional environment