As 2014 Comes To An End

One of my goals for 2015 is to "put a face" to Alzheimer's and dementia of all forms.

If you have followed my Facebook pages, you know this year (2014) I donated 1/4 of all of my sales proceeds to the Alzheimer's Association. I picked the Alzheimer's Association because they are one of the few organizations who actually put their pie chart of where the monies go on their web site. You can find them here: http://www.alz.org

ONLY 6% of all donations go to administration costs, with 17% going to fundraising and 77% going to Alzheimer's care, support, research, awareness, and advocacy. This is what I was able to donate this year.

Thank you to my friend, Tammy (who sent me several donations this year), the ladies at Scarf It (who also made donations), and all who made purchases this year. This only happened because of all of them!

I'd like to end 2014 with this Alzheimer's Prayer that I have seen from time to time. A friend of mine posted it on Facebook the other day and it just struck "home" for me. In the next few weeks, I will be "introducing" you to my mother-in-law and my second mom, who both suffer from Alzheimer's.

For 2015, my focus will be on creating Christmas ornaments and a portion of those sales proceeds will be donated to the Alzheimer's Association. If anyone would like to share their story of dealing with Alzheimer's, do not hesitate to send me a note!

You can follow me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/melissarosarypage
https://www.facebook.com/melissabeadedmakes

I've also recently signed up for Tsu:
https://www.tsu.co/MelissaMT67

Goal for 2015

Next year, 2015, I am going to focus on "putting a face" to Alzheimer's. I don't know exactly how I'm going to go about doing this, other than continuing to educate myself and sharing information. Through my crafting, which I will be sharing here as well as on my Facebook pages, I will be saving money to donate to the Alzheimer's Association at the end of 2015. I'd like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas with this amazing video! May you have a prosperous 2015!

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152617748023717&pnref=story

Here is the origin of the above video: http://www.memorybridge.org/video9.php

More info: www.memorybridge.org

If any of you would like me to share your story of dealing Alzheimer's (dementia), feel free to contact me at either of my two Facebook pages:
https://www.facebook.com/melissarosarypage
https://www.facebook.com/melissabeadedmakes

... or on my personal page
https://www.facebook.com/melissamt67

Together, we can "put a face" to Alzheimer's!

The Opportunity House

The Opportunity House, here in Vacaville, California, had their first annual craft bazaar this past weekend, December 13, 2014. While this was not the most successful craft bazaar, I would do it again in a heartbeat! The purpose of this craft bazaar was to give the clients of the Opportunity House an opportunity to sell their crafts to earn Christmas money.

I met two phenomenal ladies, whom I will call Asia and Wendy. Wendy had some cards for sale and Asia had some wreaths she had made. The outlook on life these two women have is just phenomenal! They greeted everyone who came in that they knew with a hug, a smile, and a thank you for being here. Totally amazing! They were also very conscientious of the time as they each had jobs to get to, Asia working two jobs and Wendy working one job ... how often have we dreaded going to work? These ladies look forward to it! We could all learn a lot from just watching and interacting with them.

The Opportunity House has a motto - It All Starts With an Address. The new shelter was built within the past couple of years, through the hard work and dedication of many volunteers. You can find them here: http://www.opportunityhouse.us/. They also have a Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vacavilles-Opportunity-House/125173278111. To go along with their local shelter, they run a secondhand store, which you can find here: http://opportunityhouse.us/thrift-store.php.

That is just some background and a bit of my experience. I 100% support the Opportunity House here in town and their efforts. Not only do they help people get back on their feet, but they do NOT "abandon" their clients who move on into transitional housing. I cannot say enough about this shelter and here is just one reason why ... this is above and beyond!

I don't know when he walked in, but all of a sudden I heard a man talking on the phone. I believe he was from the mid-west. He was in need of a place to stay. T, the lady who was in charge that day, did all she could for him. She offered him lunch; it was provided in a heartbeat. She was then trying to figure out how to get him to Mission Solano in Fairfield, California. She knew nothing of the bus system here. A random person said that her mom worked for the transit system and she'd call her to get the information. She went outside and made her call. After, T was on the phone to Mission Solano doing her best to find out how to get this man where he needed to be. He had no money. While, honesty here, I was sitting there thinking I should give this man some money, I really should (for whatever reason I just am not that bold, but I should be!), T said - "B give me my envelope." Ohmigosh! Out of her own pocket, T, gave this man the money he needed to get him where he needed to be. To me, this is an overwhelming act of kindness that was done without question, without expectation. Maybe, lunch and enough money to get to Mission Solano aren't all that much in the whole scheme of things, but to this man on that day they were everything.

When I saw this Leo Buscaglia quote floating around yesterday, I knew it was appropriate for the story I am sharing.

I am certain that T's unselfish act has helped restore this man's faith in humanity and has helped to get him on the right track once again.

Craft Bazaar!

The Kindness of Strangers

I want to share a story of strangers being kind to strangers. This story involves my friend, Alicia (remember, the one whose family lost their home due to a fire on November 30), and Mary M.

Some background - I met Mary through a Facebook post of all things! Mary is a graphic designer and had posted in one of the groups I am a member of that she wanted to give back to small businesses, which is where she got her start. She offered her graphic design services free of charge to 5 small businesses, all we had to do was send her an email and give her our “pitch.” I am a horrid writer, so I hemmed and hawed and went back and forth. Finally, I sent her an email ... I was picked! Not only did she offer to help 5 small businesses, but she increased that amount to 12 total! Wow! The offer was for brochures, business cards, logos, etc., etc. By this time, I had known Alicia, through Facebook, for quite some time. She has become one of my dear friends ... it breaks my heart she and her family are going through this.

I had posted Alicia’s GoFundMe account. I had also posted a “feel good” post from Alicia about the kindness that she and her family have been experiencing from total strangers. I shared this post to my page (see below). Mary commented that she wanted to help Alicia’s family, so through the miracle of technology I connected them via the PM system on Facebook to keep things private.

Alicia’s post: “I am so overwhelmed with the love and support of everyone of you! Please remember to keep us in your prayers. The boys are wanting to go to school tomorrow. Please pray that the other kids are kind to them and that the boys have the strength to make it thru the day. I've been there once when I was in 7th grade and it felt overwhelming at times. I will be going back to work on Thursday, so same prayer for me. Our big dumpster will be delivered tomorrow and Daniel will continue to tear the remains down. We are giving our deck to our neighbors since they were the only ones without one. Today, a woman who lost her home to the tornado last year donated a suitcase to us...she gave us a brush, deodorant, pens, a notebook for me and ibprophen...you'd be amazed at how those were some of the main things I was missing and really wanting! And, I am assuming it's because she had been in this same situation and those were the items she needed too! A friend gave me a pair of slippers, that too brought a smile to my face. Though this is very hard for me, it's always in the back of my mind about how difficult it is for my boys. I've been dishing out extra hugs! Anyhow, we are so very thankful to Mike and Kay Davis for allowing us to stay with them, they are a true blessing and very kind, warm hearted people. We are also very thankful for each and everyone one of you...your prayers mean a lot to us! Your kind words mean a lot to us. It's truly amazing. sorry for the rambling on. Time to get some sleep. God Bless!”

Mary’s response: “I don't know the circumstances, but having been there myself, ten years ago when we lost everything to a house fire I can relate. How can I help? I would love to send them some things to help get them by and even brighten their holidays if possible.”

Alicia posted about a contest that some organization was running, with the prizes being 2 guitars and a drum set. She was hoping that if her son, Zach, was chosen he could have a trumpet instead ... his trumpet was lost in this fire. Music does matter! I re-posted this content to my personal wall, send an email nomination, and posted Alicia’s request on my page as well. Mary, in turn, re-posted this information on her personal page asking if anyone had a trumpet they would be willing to donate to Zach.

God in all his goodness know the people to bring together in this situation. Mary has been able to secure a trumpet for Zach! As of today, December 10, 2014, Mary’s daughter was taking said trumpet to school and the music teacher there is going to give it a good once-over ... off it will go to Zach.

Through Alicia’s family’s tragedy, it has been an amazing process to me to watch so many people come together to help the West family get back on their feet. Though they are dealing with a lot, they are banding together ... all in good time will they have a new home and all the things that were lost.

Always remember to be kind to one another.

 

 

 

As of yesterday, December 9, 2014, the GoFundMe account was up to 1310.00 in just a little less than 2 weeks’ time with the goal of 2500.00. I believe this can happen! This is the link to the GoFundMe account: http://www.gofundme.com/i0wn1o

A picture of Alicia and her family.

Grandma's Rosary

I received the following email from a young lady, Amanda.

"Hi Melissa. I am looking for a very special gift for my 97 year old Grandma. She means the world to me, and I think a handcrafted rosary would do the trick. Her favorite color is green. Have anything in mind?"

 

And she sent me this picture as well ...

 

 

Amanda then went on to post on a couple of green rosaries I have ready to ship, one Utah Jade and the other a simpler green traditional rosary with clover beads.

 

My gut reaction when I read Amanda's original email was "the green onyx." This is what I responded:

 

"I'm just throwing this out there, as this was my gut reaction when I first read your email, I have an awesome green onyx I can put together as well."

 

Our conversation continued. Amanda:

 

"That's my son in the picture with my grandma :) We drove straight from the hospital after having him to go see my grandma. She is just over the moon having him around...melts my heart! He's now two months old and she just adores him. Everything my grandmother has is Irish, green, or religious related. Having a rosary that combines all three would be so awesome! Thank you so much!"

 

The pictures I sent her.

 

 

Before I create any rosary, I lay out a pattern and send it to my customer for approval. Amanda requested a much simpler crucifix for her grandma.

 

 

 

Amanda picked the crucifix on the far left - "Far left!! Perfect for her. Let's go with the light and dark green onyx! With the clovers. She'll love it."

 

I showed Amanda the bottom part of her grandma's rosary.

 

 

 

After receiving final approval from Amanda, I went ahead and created her grandma's rosary.

 

 

Amanda, thank you for the opportunity to have created this for your awesome grandma!

 

 

If anyone were to ask my why rosaries are my joy, my peace, my passion, I would have to say it's the stories I am honored to hear and be told. It is an honor to be given the opportunity to create something so special.

 

For your own customized rosary visit me here: https://www.facebook.com/melissarosarypage

My friend, Alicia

December 5, 2014 - update - the first goal of 1000 has been met ... on to the second goal ...

My friend, Alicia, and her family lost everything yesterday in a house fire. This is their gofundme account.

This is devastating, especially at this time of year. Their fund is currently up to 385.00 - can we make it go higher? I know we can!

http://www.gofundme.com/i0wn1o?fb_action_ids=10205296463712582&fb_action_types=og.shares

To add a family picture ...

History of The Rosary

Have you ever wondered about the history of rosaries, how it all started? Fascinating article found on Wikipedia.

"There are differing views on the history of the rosary. The exact origin of the Rosary as a prayer is less than clear and subject to debate among scholars.

Prayers with beads like the rosary may have begun as a practice by the laity to imitate the monastic Liturgy of the Hours, during the course of which the monks prayed the 150 Psalms daily. As many of the laity and even lay monastics could not read, they substituted 150 repetitions of the Our Father (Pater noster in Latin) for the Psalms, sometimes using a cord with knots on it to keep an accurate count.

According to tradition, the rosary was given to Saint Dominic in an apparition by the Blessed Virgin Mary in the year 1214 in the church of Prouille. This Marian apparition received the title of Our Lady of the Rosary. In the 15th century Blessed Alanus de Rupe (aka Alain de la Roche or Saint Alan of the Rock), who was a learned Dominican priest and theologian, is said to have received a vision from Jesus about the urgency of reinstating the rosary as a form of prayer. Blessed Alanus de Rupe also received the Blessed Mother's "15 Promises". Before his death on Sept. 8, 1475, he reinstituted the rosary in many countries and established many rosary confraternities. Despite the popularity of Blessed Alanus's story about the origins of the rosary, there has never been found any historical evidence positively linking St. Dominic to the rosary. The story of St. Dominic's devotion to the rosary and supposed apparition of Our Lady of the Rosary does not appear in any documents of the Church or Dominican Order prior to the writings of Blessed Alanus. St. Dominic and Blessed Alanus are separated by 250 years."

I suspect that when Mary gave those first rosary beads to St. Dominic, they were just a simple string of wooden beads. Over the last many years, rosaries have changed into some magnificent creations. Personally, I find that a simple, if you will, traditional rosary is quite beautiful. This is a wooden rosary I created ... in a new home.

I think creating wooden rosaries, sadly, has become a lost art. I haven't seen many of them in my meanderings around the Internet.

You can find more rosaries here:https://www.facebook.com/melissarosarypage

Calling all florists! I have been told by a florist colleague of mine that you are unhappy with the rosaries you have been ordering, as the flowers do not fit on them. I can help!

There is nothing more humbling than making a Memory Rosary for a loved one.

This is one I recently created; I call it "Essence of Grandpa."

The colors requested were red, pink, and purple for Grandma's favorite colors and the light blue was Grandpa's favorite color. The second request was for a deer or a wolf charm. I found these fantastic deer charms for just this purpose. I am hoping Grandma enjoys this rosary for many, many years.

You can find me here - https://www.facebook.com/melissarosarypage

Holiday Gift Shoppe

 

 

Do you have someone on your list who is difficult to shop for?

 

Looking for something unique?

 

Wanting to shop handmade this year?

 

 

Join this event!!

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/454534758020646/

 

 

Some amazing and very talented artisans have come together to offer you -

 

 

 

 

 

Happy shopping!



Are you on Facebook? Crafty Likes USA will be hosting a Walking in Winter Wonderland event, beginning on November 21, 2014, at 7PM, and ending on November 23, 2014, at 10PM (I am unsure of the time zone). Melissa A's Rosary Page will be participating!! I am super excited for this event!

Feel free to add yourself to the event!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1482102582077878/?notif_t=plan_user_joined

 

(You can find and follow me here - https://www.facebook.com/melissarosarypage.) These are the 3 rosaries I have chosen for this event.

This is my glass-based coco brown and white pearl rosary completed with gold-toned crucifix and centerpiece. The Ave beads are 8mm white and coco brown beads and the Pater beads are 12mm white and coco brown beads. This picture really does not do this lady justice at all. She will be 45.00 plus shipping at the time of the above-noted event.

I went out and tried to get a good picture of this fellow. He is what is called a "Fireman's Rosary" and is complete with a St. Florian Charm (St. Florian being the Patron Saint of firefighters). He is made with some gorgeous red jasper beads and is completed with a silver-toned crucifix and matching centerpiece. He will be 45.00 plus shipping at the above-noted event.

Last, but certainly not least, is "Utah Jade." This lovely lady is made with some gorgeous green jade that I was lucky enough to find on our last trip to Utah coupled with black glass-based beads; the Pater beads are 12mm beads that are green and black variegated. She is completed with a sterling silver crucifix and Mother Mary centerpiece. She will be 45.00 plus shipping at the above-noted event.

I am located in CA and offer shipping within the US, Canada, and the UK. Shipping is 3.00 within the US and 10.00 within the UK and Canada.

I hope to see you at this event! There will be 50 amazing vendors and I am delighted to have been chosen to be one of them!

Definition of Rosary

Do you know the definition of the word "rosary"? I found this on Wikipedia - it is a bit lengthy.

"The Rosary (from Latin rosarium, meaning "Crown of Roses" or "garland of roses"), in its most commonly known format as the Dominican rosary, is a form of prayer used especially in the Catholic Church or a string of prayer beads used to count the component prayers. When used of the form of prayer, the word is usually capitalized ("the Rosary"), as is customary for other names of prayers, such as "the Lord's Prayer", "the Hail Mary", "the Magnificat". When referring to the beads, it is normally written with a lower-case initial ("a rosary").

The prayers that essentially compose the Rosary are arranged in sets of ten Hail Marys preceded by one Lord's Prayer and followed by one Glory Be to the Father. During recitation of each set, known as a decade, thought is given to one of the Mysteries of the Rosary, which recall events in the lives of Jesus and Mary. Normally, five decades are recited in a session. Other prayers are sometimes added after each decade (in particular, the Fatima Prayer) and before (in particular, the Apostles' Creed), and after (in particular, the Hail, Holy Queen) the five decades taken as a whole.

The rosary as a material object is an aid towards saying these prayers in the proper sequence."

I think a lot of people have become confused over the years as to who prays the rosary. As the last sentence suggests, rosary beads are a material object to aid in saying prayer. Personally, I don't believe a person has to be of any specific religion to own and/or pray using a rosary. Sometimes, a material object itself provides a sense of comfort. I know when making rosaries, I feel an extreme amount of peace doing so. As my dear friend is wont to say, "It's a God thing."

I say that because I firmly believe we all tend to believe in something, whatever title we put on "it." I personally believe there is a Higher Power. How could there not be? Let your mind become quiet and listen.

New Hope Church - Craft Bazaar

Come out and see us if you're in the local area!!

"Holiday Shop for a Cause" - Hosted by Mainely Cole's

 

"Holiday Shop for a Cause"
 

November 13, 2014, 9AM EST thru

November 15, 2014, 12PM EST

 

25% of All Sales Goes Directly to Our Friend Marie Walker Riddle
 

Amazing Craft People have come Together Offering some of their Best Work

Sterling Silver & Gemstone jewelry
Christmas Wreaths
Candle's
Skin Care
Handmade Mittens and So Much More!
 

This is in no way affiliated with Face Book.
Hosted by Mainely Cole's

 

 

You can find the event to join on Facebook here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/704008639687446

 

 

 

My sister page has donated 2 bookmarks for such a worthy cause!

https://www.facebook.com/melissabeadedmakes

Breast Cancer Rosary #2

This is another of my Breast Cancer rosaries ... A friend of mine, Colleen, had suggested that I use pink beads and roses to represent St. Therese of Lisieux Novena, also known as The Little Flower. The lady I purchase my beads from, Pam, has these amazing pink beads ... I mean amazing! I then went on a hunt for rose beads and found these awesome Japanese ones with a pink rose. This particular style of crucifix I struggled over, until I asked my "fans" on Facebook what style of crucifix they preferred ... this one or a fancier one. Their responses opened my eyes to a whole new way of seeing this particular style of crucifix. I must say, I truly like how this rosary turned out, don't you?

This lovely will be going to her forever home soon.

You can find more rosaries here: https://www.facebook.com/melissarosarypage

My Breast Cancer Rosary

As we all know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I am working on creating a "line" of breast cancer rosaries, this being my first one.

I saw these fantastic pink beads and just had to have them! I also had some pink bi-cone crystal-like beads that I used to surround the Pater beads in this lovely. In my research, I found that St. Agatha is the Patron Saint of Breast Cancer, so I went in search of a St. Agatha charm. I put them all together and here is the final result. Gorgeous, yes?

You can find more rosaries here: https://www.facebook.com/melissarosarypage

My Alzheimer's Rosary

Hello, my name is Melissa. I have wanted to start a blog for quite some time now, so here goes! My one true passion is making traditional rosaries. I just love making them. Through my Facebook page, Melissa A's Rosary Page, and my sister page, Melissa A's Beaded Makes, I am generating money to donate to the Alzheimer's Association at the end of 2014. My original goal was 250.00. My next goal was 500.00. Through some very kind donations and many sales, I have surpassed that. Alzheimer's affects 3 very important ladies in my life, Nancy who is like a second mom to me, Anne who is my late pen-pal's wife, and Faye, my mother-in-law; this I do in their honor. I have decided to start a "line," if you will, of Alzheimer's rosaries in purple. This is my first one.  I hope you enjoy her! https://www.facebook.com/melissarosarypage?ref=hl