wednesday.

I apologize for not posting anything about the tour. I've been on VACATION (!!!) the past few weeks and my tour photos and videos are still in America on a friend's computer.

But it's okay. I've been crazy inspired this past week by some of my favorite artists and finally getting around to making crafts, writing letters, collaging, and even going on a jog or two.

I'm not a big fan of posting pictures of myself, but this is my new favorite hair piece (besides Laura's headbands of course...) oh, and I bought new shampoo today. It's nice. I also recieved my first letter from a supporter (besides my mom) and just finished replying. Sara, I hope this gets to you soon...


{inspired by: Promise Tangeman }

I stumbled across my old college design class files where I was greeted with an array of vintage fotos. This one seems unfinished to me. But I'm hoping one day I can use it for something.



Collaging is definitely my most gratifying form of art. Most of my collages have meanings. Some do not. I hope you can find a story in them. If not, then you can make one up. I'd love to hear them. I once received a letter that spoke of a few of my collages and I must say, the stories were almost exact to my original intent. And that meant alot.

I'm not really sure who reads this, but I hope you are inspired a little by our great King today.

A Walk Through The Field.

I walked through a field today. The view was as beautiful as always though I've never seen it in the summer. I'm used to trekking through deep snow and dodging pot-holes filled with icy water. I walked a half mile past the tall grain as dirt crunched beneath my feet. The path is off a winding German road which leads to villages beyond the forest. Windmills line the walk and nothing is in sight except the rolling hills of Eastern Germany and a herd of cattle to my side.

My mind raced back to the time I walked down the rocky hillside in Romania holding a gypsy child on my hip. We prayed over the city, the least we could do, as Josiah played the mandolin and we worshiped our great God.

The dirt path reminded me of how much we are all connected. We all make footprints in the sand. Some lighter than others. Some are heavier, carrying the burdens of laborious and dejected lives.

My heart sunk on my way back home through the forest. I thought of a mother I met in India who wanted nothing more than for me to take her child. She thought giving up her baby to a westerner would ensure that it had a better life - or at least a chance at life. These mothers don’t know if their own children will live to see the next day. They give everything just to feed them, but it’s still not enough. There is not enough for them to give.

It breaks my heart every time I think about it. I know I don’t have much to offer to the millions in need. A good friend of mine once said, “You can’t save everyone.” So I rely on the tiniest portion that I can offer which might well change a single life one day, because at least that’s one more life than none.

Home again, gone again

To the summer:

you will be missed
festivals
conversations
family
God's provision
fireworks
new hope
new friends
new inspiration


From PA to TN to IL this summer's Pick a Pocket tour was for sure a time to remember. So many people encouraged us along the way and I cannot wait to see what the future brings.







Where to next? Herrnhut, Germany for:
MARRIAGE OF THE ARTS!
http://motadts.showitsite.com/

This makes me so happy!

When I come across companies/non-profits like this, I get so excited about our future! So many people are seeing the importance of Fair Trade and helping to end extreme poverty, trafficking, and AIDS. TRADE AS ONE has scoured the globe to find people in need and provided them with the resources and know-how of creating items to sale. I know that we are a long way from totally becoming a fair trade nation, but this gives me a little hope: TRADEASONE.COM

[A fair trade artisan family]



[their recycled magazine bowl]



Check it out, but your next gifts here and join the revolution!

Because Fair Trade chocolate and Coffee should be essentials in everyone's life



Buy their products.
Read the stories.
See who you are helping.
Get pretty stuff.
See how you can get involved.
Celebrate!

Kelsey//PP Crew Posse #3

Kelsey is a roomate, a friend, a lover of unicorns, an artist, and an inspiration on so many levels



SE// What is your favorite part about being in PP?

K+ My favorite part about being in PP is the communal understanding that dance parties are a necessary part of a well-rounded day. Really though, life doesn't get much better than living all of your dreams in an exotic country with a group of people you adore. I'm encouraged daily that I can use ARTZ n' CRAFTZ to save the world and no one tells me I need to wear a business suit or ...ever.

SE// Why PP? Why not a PAYING job?

K+ The way I see it, PP pays me with good feelings. Ya know, the kind of feeling that I am being exactly who I was created to be. Although it would be nice to have some kind of legit monetary income, there's so much more to life than that and following money just isn't where it's at for me. I'm paid every day with most excellent adventures and a most excellent posse to share them with, aww.

SE// Favorite place traveled/why?

K+ My favorite place I've traveled would have to be Bardia, Nepal. Despite the electrocution and the near drowning experience, we got to ride elephants through the jungle and camp along a river-bed while rhinos loomed in the near distance. We were able to experience some of the world's most remote people groups and see what life is like on the other side of the Prime Meridian, definitely a solid adventure.


SE// People who inspire you (artists, authors, musicians, etc)

K+ Honestly, my friends coughStephanieEatherlycough are the most talented and inspiring people I can think of. Although my list of artists I am inspired by is ever changing, I'm currently awed by WIlliam Klein's unconventional approach to fashion photography, Anthony Burgess' obscure vocabulary and writing style,the audio fairy-tale vibe of "The Strangers" by St. Vincent, and nature...in general.

SE// Finally, 1 or 2 random/fun facts? Anything you want to tell the world?

K+ eek I don't know what to write here

SE// blog, facebook, twitter, email, flickr info

K+ facebook.com/kelsey.sloop
kelsey.sloop@gmail.com
flickr.com/basedonatruestory

some of her wok:

no computer = no new creations

Apology:

I am sorry to say that during our time on the road, my computer decided to not wake from its sleep. Luckily I have a 3 yr warranty and it's only a year and a half in great condition. It is on its way to the Dr. and should return happily in my arms in the next few weeks. Please excuse my time away from my blog. There is not much to post since i have no editing programs, but I will do my best to update everyone on the tour soon (because it's going oh, so well!!!).

I cannot wait to share our stories, photos, and videos of our amazing experiences on tour!

Prayer requests:

Tiana and I are travelling to Cornerstone (an 8-9 hour drive) and are lacking reliable transportation. We have purchased the booth space and cannot wait to share pick a pocket with the folks at the festival! More about it here: http://cornerstonefestival.com/

My computer (of course) has not yet been diagnosed and it is my main means of ministry (as a designer and new passion for film/video). I know God will show his grace on me and get it back to me in working condition in time :)

Team unity: we've been on the road, in the heat, and low on funds for a few months and it's taking a tole on us. We love each other so much but we really need your prayers to continue the final few days with as much enthusiasm as when we started.

I cannot wait to hear from you! SERIOUSLY! If you read this, please let me know :)
Comments are nice, oh, and so are letters! They can be send to:

Stephanie Eatherly
P.O. Box 130
Kingston Springs, TN
37082

Hasta Luego!
Stephers

Daily inspiration

This is OUR time:

Isaiah 61

1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners, [a]
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn

For some reason, I've just realized in the past few weeks that I am truly living out my calling. God has called all of us to take care of the widows and orphans, the poor and oppressed, the brokenhearted and captives. We are all called to bring the Kingdom of God to earth, it is just the means that we do so that is different for each of us. Mine is art. What is yours?

I'm so excited to see what the next few weeks will bring. My two worlds have collided. It has felt almost natural that all of my best friends from Germany are now in my hometown meeting all my best friends in TN. I've been so inspired by the creativity that looms over this city. The heart behind what people do here is so authentic and heartfelt.

My new friend Laura has a huge heart for the Lord, loves to serve, and is the most creative person I met in Nazareth by far :)



Visit her Flickr.

shows shows shows

Hello NASVHILLE!!!



I finally made it to the land of the free. It's been a crazy past 2 weeks trying to get things scheduled, posters made, bands booked, and traveling back to America. Communication has not been the easiest while on the road, so I apologize if you are wondering what the heck is going on?

Good question :)

The tour prep team arrives in a week and we will begin to get the gallery, merch, and designs finished. We're heading to PA to visit a few churches, play some music, talk to folks about dreams, and serve the poor. Our time is booked but we hope to return to Nashville with another week of non-stop shows and events.

These two am particularly looking forward to:



So mark your calanders and ask off work. I'll see you then!

Hands-on help!

From my missions pastor:

As most of you already know, The Anchor Fellowship is a church in downtown Nashville TN meeting the needs of their local community. The Anchor Fellowship has also founded a (501C3) Non-Profit called Anchor Mission, USA. The Anchor Mission, USA is church planting ministry that has planted churches in New Orleans, LA, Chattanooga, TN, Baltimore, MD, and two churches in Nashville, TN.

Today, The Anchor Fellowship has a new challenge to resolve. They are coordinating efforts in Nashville to be the hands and feet of Jesus, by helping families in his community clean-up and re-build from this weeks devastating floods. Many of you have expressed the desire to help out. This is how you can help.

1. Provide money-There is a pay pal link at:
http://www.theanchorfellowship.com that you can securely donate cash to help
out. You will receive a tax-exempt letter for your donation.

2. You can organize a team, church group, or neighborhood party to travel to
Nashville to assist with The Anchor's outreach team for clean-up. (contact office@theanchorfellowship.com)

3. You can pray for Joshua to have grace, administration, and patience as he
coordinates a new outreach in his community.

4. Sign up for our facebook group to stay in touch with needs as they come through. The name of the group will be, "Anchor Response Team".

Thank you so much,
Anchor Staff

Contact for Anchor Mission USA
521 Gallatin Rd. Ste 6
Nashville, TN 37207
615-733-0522
Joshua@theanchorfellowship.com
Pastors@theanchorfellowship.com
http://www.theanchorfellowship.com

Make checks payable to: The Anchor Fellowship
Or Anchor Mission USA
(Memo Flood Fund)

The South needs you!

Hey guys,

TENNESSEE NEEDS YOUR HELP! CALL YOUR LOCAL NEWS STATION, WRITE YOUR GOVERNOR, EMAIL OBAMA...

Millions and probably billions of dollars worth in damage has come to middle TN in the past few days because of the flood that started Saturday night (May 1, 2010). We need your help! This is urgent but no one seems to care about us. National media won't cover this because they are more worried about a car bomb attempt or an oil spill (important stories, but this is something worth sharing too)

1st ave. under water :*(


by photomagnon


by rachaelmoore

hundreds of houses (without flood insurance) under water

by Eric Hamiter




I just got off the phone with my brother who lives in my home town Kingston Springs, Tn. He and his wife were finally able to get out of their neighborhood do to the flood waters. Their house and belonging are fine, but unfortunately the rest of the city cannot cay the same. 4 houses at the end of their street were wiped away from rushing waters. Youtube search for Nashville flood and you'll find hundreds of videos of people's properties, cars, houses, everything, being washed away. It's heart-breaking to know that so many friends and family have lost so much. Most people do not have flood insurance since this is such a freak catastrophe and are now left with nothing

I say this all with absolute remorse. My prayers go out to everyone who has lost so much.

If you would like to give a monetary donation to someone in my community, you can send it through my PayPal: ibhrmonizn [at] yahoo.com

or make a donation to Nashville flood relief:




For donations of clothes, tents, blankets, etc, please send or drop them off at:

The Anchor Fellowship
629 3rd Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37210

Hours Of Operation:
Tues - Thurs
7am - 7pm


Non-Nashvillians: please spread the word, in case folks don't grasp the severity of what's going on. Temporary shelters are at capacity, missing people are unaccounted for, many homes are under water, we're in a water conservation emergency, much of Nashville's economic base is threatened by flood damage, etc, etc. We're going to need help Text 'REDCROSS' to 90999 to donate $10 to disaster relief.

Here is a house floating away down the street from my brother (across from my old high school)



The most disturbing of them all :*(



we need your prayer guys...

Blessings,
Stephanie