Bring Change To Mind

Originally I was going to share this site Bring Change To Mind in my January Charity section, but in light of what has happened recently in Newtown, Connecticut, I am posting it earlier.  My blog site is not meant to be political or opinionated about big issues.  It's to show the wonderful lives of the children, families and our pets enjoying our ZEN Lifestyles.  I think this tragedy has touched so many in our world that I feel it important to share a site that a friend had recently posted on Facebook.  Her son, like so many other sons, daughters, parents and grand parents struggle with mental illness. My own mother suffered for years with bi-polar disease, so I know first hand how difficult it is to be the helpless one trying so desperately to find the right help for your struggling loved one.

Like most, I am heartbroken for the families who lost their children, worried for the first responders who will never forget what they saw, but did their jobs to help save others and get answers as quickly as possible, and saddened that those with a mental illness have such a difficult time getting help when they need it, before their illness takes over and hurts others..


Bring Change To Mindhttp://bringchange2mind.org/
Adults and kids alike are dealing with mental illness in our world. Unfortunately, most people do not look at it as an illness. Bring Change To Mind is working to erase the stigma of mental illness. You can help by reading their website, having an open mind as to how this illness takes over someones life and how you can help to understand what someone dealing with a mental illness is going through. With this kind of understanding, you can bring awareness and and help remove misconceptions for others. Consider holding a drive or even send a donation their way to help us Bring Change To Mind.

May we find a way to make a positive change for everyone.

Many blessing to you all

Janice K. Nelson

Miss You, Dad

In August of 2009 I took this photograph of my dad leaning against the gate of his garden. He worked so hard throughout his whole life, and his garden was something that he was always proud of, something that you had to take a walk through every time you came to visit. If it was harvest season, you could be sure to take home lots of fresh vegetables.

It turned out that this would be the last photograph that I could ever take of my dad. In November of that year he fell, while cleaning his chimney and died of severe injuries. This photo means so much to me because it's how I remember my dad throughout his life. I'm so glad I happened to capture him in his ZEN moment.

Happy Holidays!

THANKSGIVING 2012 - St. Joseph, MI.

Twenty three family members and friends-like-family came together at my in-laws' lake house to celebrate Thanksgiving 2012. Many of us meeting for the first time, we enjoyed getting to know one another, spent time walking the beach and eating lots and lots of turkey! Lots of fun was had by all!

Family Slideshow