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| MaryAnn Carroll |
Hi, Today I was going to write about how I get some great materials for very little. I will save that for another time. I can, however, offer a quick tip regarding sheet copper. Call around to roofing companies and find out if they have scraps. You, obviously, will only be able to get smooth sheets (mine are about 5 inches x 10 feet), but it might end up working out for those who would like to save some money and still create copper jewelry.
Okay, so I did manage to get some TERRIFIC deals on all kinds of chain while stopping by garage sales along the way to Canandaigua, NY yesterday. Once we got to our destination, Bill, my husband noticed a small yard sale sign. We stopped by. It looked like mostly clothes so we were not going to get out, but Bill saw something that he wanted to look at further. So we got out. The house was an very large, old house under renovation and the couple (with teenage girls) were very pleasant while I picked through their games that I might want to use in my classroom. The woman's name was Lisa. She was sitting and chatting and it was hard not to notice the bird she was holding. I then looked around and noticed two other birds outside in a a very large cage enjoying the nice day. I inquired about them and she told me that she had a bird sanctuary. Me, being an animal lover, and the "inquisitive type" asked more about it.
So, what does this have to do with jewelry? Well not a whole lot except when I went to take out one group of chain to clean up last night for today's post, here is what was in the bag...... If you look closely, that is an earring that accidentally got caught on the chain that I had been digging through hours earlier at one of our first stops while still in Homer. Now, call me crazy.... I've been called worse ;o) but when I saw that bird, I definitely felt compelled to change the direction I was going to take with today's post.
While there, Lisa asked if I was interested in seeing more. She led me inside and met the birds in her very clean, very playful, very organized, very healthy sanctuary. These birds, some abused, some just in need of a new home, have found their last stop. They will be with her for life and if some outlive her, she has a plan for that as well. It takes a very special person to do something like this. We often hear about animals that are living in extreme conditions, but not about people like Lisa who have made a commitment to making a difference.
Here is one that I met. His name is Romeo. I got this from Lisa's website and this must have been when Romeo was new to her. When I met him, he was proudly perched in an outdoor screened in area taking in all of the surroundings, which included a perfect temperature, other birds, toys, food and more. Romeo is missing an eye due to the previous owners abuse. You can read more about him by checking out the website.
I also met Peyton. Peyton had (and still is experiencing some) a history of feather plucking which led to mutilation. She had been with Lisa since November 2011 and looks like a very healthy bird. I could see the signs of her past behaviors, but, more importantly, could see the signs of present behaviors which indicated to me that this bird is in the right place.
And lastly, this is Lisa and Samson. I took this outside of their home. And to think, I wasn't going to get out because I only wanted chain.
So.... jewelry? Not so much so today. But I will leave you with this. It is a picture of the earring that I plucked from the tangled nest of chain that I was going to write about. I think when I return at the end of next month for their monthly sale, I will have to find the other one and pay for the pair...... or.... at least pay for just the one :o) .... whoops!
Coincidence? I don't believe in them.....
Isn't he cute? He even ate (unplanned, of course) a walnut for me. Perfect! Check out Lisa's website to learn more about her sanctuary and if you can donate, it is easy to do through Paypal. Never think small donations cannot add up to bigger things.
As always,
Thank-you for supporting those who create handmade with handmade.
MaryAnn
9 comments:
Sweet story Mary Ann, we hear daily of the needs of many animals, it's nice to hear of someone doing good for them. Birds are beautiful! and so is the one in the earring :) good luck with finding the other one.
I used to have birds MaryAnn...they are beautiful, intelligent and special creatures. I've been down to quarantine stations in L.A. and I hate the way they are treated. I'm glad that Lisa is doing the work she is...it's important stuff.
this is a beautiful story - thank you for sharing it...
and i will be calling roofing companies tomorrow! thanks...
We have a Military McCaw Named Max. He is great. His owner was older, and he needed a home because he was a lone all day and needed more love. Plus, she knew he'd outlive her and she said she'd rather see him go to a new home now, so he'd have time to adjust. He is so funny, and the kids love him. He's a biter, but he love affection just the same. They sings to him and play with him, and teases them and screams when they do. I am happy he's an addition to our family! They are wonderful creatures, who need lots of love. Hats off to this amazing lady!
That's so nice, Staci! I had birds when I was younger, but when I started having kids, they were way too much to handle. My mother-in-law at the time took them in. The birds that she had were amazing. She has cockatiels, parrots, love birds, a macaw, and many others. I hope people take the time to check out her website. Also, she makes their food daily. It was really clean and you could see how well cared for they were. I'm happy your bird found you and your family :o)
I really enjoyed your story and took a look at their website. Amazing stories...it hurts to hear some were treated so badly. They are very smart animals! Having two birds of my own (conure and cockatiel) I told her the difficulty I had placing my birds when I went on vacation. I asked if she knew of any place I could send them when I was away. She promptly replied and even offered to watch them herself! She told me she really enjoyed your article! Maybe over the summer we could take the grand girls and pay her a visit! I would love to meet her and see those beautiful birds! Thanks for the info!
Sound like a plan..... They will LOVE it!!! You will too :o) I knew you would like hearing about it. I still laugh thinking of Ricky with the cars whizzing by yelling, "Rrriiicccckkkkyyyy.......!" Good thing it had a happy ending.
What a wonderful story Mary Ann! Thank you for sharing it. I spend some time yesterday looking at her site! What a wonderful thing she is doing, especially solely for birds. It is my understanding that many of these more exotic pets (birds, snakes, rabbits and other small animals, often are dealt a bad hand because they take more specialized care and there are many fewer organizations that are equipped to care for them.
What a great story. Thank you for sharing. I actually just made my very 1st blog post with a little tribute to the sanctuary. Please check it out if you have time. http://travelingsideshow.blogspot.com/2012/05/in-beginning-who-do-you-love.html
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