{palestine} the gaza conflict

Though I try and bring light to the many wonders of life on this blog, there are unfortunately things happening in this world that aren't so lovely. Events that cannot be ignored. Today, I am referring to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the current occupation in the Gaza Strip. This past week I attended a bridge vigil for Palestine and was inspired by the support from non-violence advocates of all ages.

The conflict is no longer about the "religious rights" of Israelis or Arabs--it has transformed into violent racism and terrorism. Neither government wholesomely represents the true sentiments of its general population, and instead they are advocating the hatred and oppression of the other. I do not pretend to know every detail about the current situation in Gaza but I have intensely studied the history of Arab-Israeli tensions (which go back hundreds of years) and do my best to stay updated.

Protests like these are not held to insult either religion or ethnic identity, but rather to bring awareness to the horrific results of the fighting between these two governments: the unnecessary suffering of innocent civilians. 

time for a change // welcome to Finding the Lovely

The new blog is finally here! Rather than starting completely from scratch, I've decided to give a new name and a new face to my old blog "Write. Sing. Coffee."
The title Finding the Lovely embodies everything I want to blog about and I thought it was time for a change as I embark on this new path in my life: COLLEGE. This fall, I will be starting my post-secondary education at Mount Holyoke in South Hadley, Massachusetts. I can't wait! Filled with some of the most intelligent & fierce females I have ever encountered (yes, it's an all girls college), I know I will make wonderful memories and long lasting friendships. The staff is renowned and the campus is absolutely breathtaking.
With reference to blogging, I want this space to be a place where I can not only update family and friends on my life out east, but track all of the beautiful people I meet and insightful adventures I have on this journey. Wish me luck and keep reading!

daycare day | a relay fundraiser

Last Sunday was our Golden Valley neighborhood's second annual summer Daycare Day. I created the event last year as a small team fundraiser for my school's Relay For Life event. Since our suburban blocks are filled with kids and a fairly equal number of teenage babysitters, I thought it would be a great idea to take advantage of those assets and turn it into a community fundraiser. This year's group had 11 kids and 5 awesome volunteer babysitters. We had a very successful day despite the chilly weather; the fun-filled afternoon almost doubled the profit from last year's event! Needless to say, the CHS Magenta Minnows made a great start to our fundraising and are working hard towards our new team goal of $3,000! I mean what better way to fight cancer than with water balloons, face paint, games and a sing along?

Then...

And now...

self lovin' [gala darling: radical self love]

This should go viral.

Too many girls and women today lack love for themselves. It's time for that to change.

This new and amazing role model of mine shares her story and inspiration on starting the movement.

Caroling for Cancer

This holiday season my neighbor and good friend Shelby, along with her little sister Skylar, and I went caroling through the streets of Golden Valley. I am on the Relay For Life committee at Cooper High School and Shelby and I have begun a team, and we were out to do some fundraising. I chose to participate in the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life because I want to make a meaningful difference in the fight against cancer.

Almost everyone has been touched by cancer, either through their own personal battle or through someone they love. 1 in 3 people are diagnosed with cancer at some point throughout their lifetime. Cancer can affect any part of the body. These facts and statistics are shocking, and something needs to be done. 

Every day, the American Cancer Society is helping us stay well by preventing cancer or finding it at its earliest, most treatable stages. They assist families in finding the best resources to help their friend or loved one deal with a diagnosis and their journey to get well. The American Cancer Society is also rallying communities (like ours!) through events like Relay For Life, to fight back and find cures for this disease.

The people were generous this year, and we raised a whopping $230.00!!! Our repertoire consisted of "Frosty the Snowman", "Walking in a Winter Wonderland", "Jingle Bells" and "Silent Night" in two-part harmony. Attached to this post and onto the new 'Singing' page are a few of the songs that we sang. We had a fantastic night, and the time was well spent. It was an amazing feeling to know that something we love some so much-- something so simple as a song, could touch so many people and help contribute to finding a cure. Emotions were high; it really was a Christmas miracle. :)

PROUD OF IT.

 

 Silent Night sung by Sonia and Shelby

Soprano: Sonia

Alto: Shelby

 If you'd like to take a gander at our team page, or make a donation, visit the following link:
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY12National?px=21609633&pg=personal&fr_id=41914

~Sonia