Harper Valley

Wolf Shirt

 

This post is dedicated to B.Govern aka "Bee-Dot-Govern".  If it weren't for his Amazon.com review of a wolf shirt on that brisk November day, my life would have never changed. 

In case you're not familiar with wolf power, I'll give you a quick rundown.  It's mystical.  It's enigmatic.  You don't question it.  Rather, you embrace it and tuck it away in your soul. Or wear it on your chest in this case.   

B.Govern along with The Mountain Men have generously shared the wolf power with the world through their unique Three Wolf Moon cotton tee.  Sure, maybe it's a little itchy.  But isn't a brand new life worth $16.75? 

HERE'S THE REVIEW THAT STARTED IT ALL...

"This item has wolves on it which makes it intrinsically sweet and worth 5 stars by itself, but once I tried it on, that's when the magic happened. After checking to ensure that the shirt would properly cover my girth, I walked from my trailer to Wal-mart with the shirt on and was immediately approached by women. The women knew from the wolves on my shirt that I, like a wolf, am a mysterious loner who knows how to 'howl at the moon' from time to time (if you catch my drift!). The women that approached me wanted to know if I would be their boyfriend and/or give them money for something they called mehth. I told them no, because they didn't have enough teeth, and frankly a man with a wolf-shirt shouldn't settle for the first thing that comes to him.

I arrived at Wal-mart, mounted my courtesy-scooter (walking is such a drag!) sitting side saddle so that my wolves would show. While I was browsing tube socks, I could hear aroused asthmatic breathing behind me. I turned around to see a slightly sweaty dream in sweatpants and flip-flops standing there. She told me she liked the wolves on my shirt, I told her I wanted to howl at her moon. She offered me a swig from her mountain dew, and I drove my scooter, with her shuffling along side out the door and into the rest of our lives. Thank you wolf shirt.

Pros: Fits my girthy frame, has wolves on it, attracts women

Cons: Only 3 wolves (could probably use a few more on the 'guns'), cannot see wolves when sitting with arms crossed, wolves would have been better if they glowed in the dark."

AND A FEW MORE FOR FURTHER CONFIRMATION....

"I accidentally spilled a glass of Tuscan Whole Milk down the front of this shirt, and my soul was torn from my body and thrown into heaven by a jealous God."

"If Jack Bauer were to don the Three Wolf Moon T-Shirt, '24' would simply be renamed '1'."

"I ordered this to be cooler than I am already. Not a very tall order. This shirt is well-made of comfortable fabric and the printing is high-quality. If you look closely at the moon, you can see the shadow of the lunar lander. I named the wolves Brad, Kiki and Shoshone. Dogs cower in fear when they see me. Cats run. Women swoon. Children laugh."

While you're browsing the 1300+ customer reviews on Amazon, check out the 190 customer images uploaded by regular folks, just like you and me.   

 

Rumors of the wolf shirt's power quickly spread throughout my work office.  Naturally, we wanted in.  We wore our shirts in unison today to multiply our wolf power.  I can say without a doubt that it definitely worked.  I had a great day at work with the numbers to prove it. 

 

Here's the wolfpack striking our unique poses.  From left to right: Mary and I throw our best wolf gang signs {notice that my fingers form a W, with the middle two joined}.  Larry has pointy ears.  Rich is scratching his head as wolves often do. Chris and Josh's hands form the numbers 3 and 1 to symbolize three wolves, one moon.

 

 

 

Here's the pack again, happily welcoming our new lives.  We believe.  Do you?

 

 

Red, White & Blue from Bajalia

 

...from Bajalia Trading Company

Dress up this 4th of July with some of their beautiful red, white and blue items. Celebrate by wearing America's colors while supporting those without the same freedoms and luxuries that we are graced with here in the United States.

RED

This Scalloped Red Brooch is handmade by the women in the West Indian delta region, which has been famous for lace-making for more than 100 years. These women use their crochet skills to improve their lives and provide food and care for their families.  Price: $10.00

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WHITE

 

Bajalia tries to preserve the purity and dignity of the ethnic crafts by supporting the handicraft techniques that have been handed down from generation to generation. These are key to each artisan's individual heritage.

Warli painting is one such technique. Spark conversation with this ancient Indian form of art. Made by artisans struggling to survive. Each vase is hand crafted and painted and combines simple geometric designs and ethnic art. Use as part of your centerpiece or set in a special place. Every whimsical set of 3 will make you and your guests smile.   Price: $30.00

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BLUE

 
These turquoise hoop earrings add a simple splash of color to any outfit. Made by incredibly brave women fighting for a new life. Each set of these earrings are created by those who were lured into the sex industry by deceit and then held there by shame. Bajalia partners with groups throughout Asia to help provide shelters, medical care and avenues of escape to these women trapped in this spiral of abuse.  Price: $14.00

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Help those around the world who aren't as lucky as you and I this 4th. Wear your red, white and blue and share the stories of those behind them.  If you haven't had a chance already, check out Bajalia's website and the beautiful new products that have been added.  www.bajalia.com

Valentine's Flowers That Last

 

These beautiful flower broaches were designed by Bajalia Trading Company and hand made by the women of Godavari, who live in the small town of Narsapur, India.  Most of the rural and urban women in this area belong to poor communities, and seek a livelihood by lace making.  Over 100 years ago, an Irish missionary introduced a lace-making technique to the women.  This community has been famous for it's lace ever since!

Click here to find Valentine's flowers that last, and more gifts that will make a lasting impression on someone's life.  Flower Broaches are only $10.00 each.  Such a deal!

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of others.

 

Snow Sabbatical

Hellooooo out there!  Just wanted to let you know that I'm taking a little break this week -- a Snow Sabbatical, if you will.  On Tuesday, I'm heading up North to spend three days in NYC...and then over to PA to play in the Pocono Mountains.  Yes, I am leaving this absolutely gorgeous Florida Winter to experience a real Northeast Winter.  The predicted highs in NYC are in the 20s, and down to the teens in The Poconos.  Yowzah!

I finally broke down and invested in some decent snow boots.  After traipsing around Colorado in Skechers tennis shoes, I learned that falling, sliding, and fear of frostbite can really put a damper on one's fun.  Imagine that!  Check them out...I fell in love with this shade of green!  Aren't they cute? 

I'll be back soon, so don't stay away too long.  Y'all come back now, ya hear?

Jasper is my trusty packing assistant....

 

....while Stella supervises the whole operation.

Bajalia: Finishing Well Sale

Most of y'all know that I'm a big fan and advocate for the work of Bajalia Trading Company.  They've grown by leaps and bounds in just a few short years.  I just read their latest newsletter and learned that they surpassed the million dollar mark in sales!  They have aggressive plans to double their growth next year, and in order to pass the two million dollar mark...they need our help!  They're seeking $125,000 to finish the year well.  Meeting this shortfall in operating expenses will help next year's starting numbers. 

In order to meet this goal, Bajalia is offering an online Finishing Well Sale.  From now through January 20th, you can receive 50% off your entire online purchase!!  Click here to start shopping and take advantage of this fabulous savings.  At checkout, use the coupon code - Finishing Well.

Bajalia Trading Company is a 501c3 and all donations are Tax Deductible.

Cuffs link us to India

 

A little hope goes a long way.

 

This hammered henna brass cuff bracelet normally retails for over $20.00, but Bajalia Trading Company is offering this to their customers for a great price --$16.00.

The sale of these bracelets support whole families in India, allowing the youngest siblings to complete their education. In 2008, with increased orders and earnings from these bracelets, families were finally able to bring fresh water straight into their home.

Because this India producer group provides business advice and grants to purchase equipment to increase productivity and reduce cost of production, family businesses are thriving in India. Simple measures are allowing destitute families to have a future. Future generations are being impacted by the opportunities  of sustainable incomes and education.

To order: click Hammered Henna Brass Cuff  

Use coupon code FREE SHIPPING to get this order in time for Christmas. 

Offer Expires: December 15th

Unique Christmas Gift Ideas

 

Are you looking for unique and special Christmas gifts this year?  Look no more, my friends!  Check out Bajalia Trading Company @ www.bajalia.com.  I traveled to China with Bajalia last year and had the privilege of meeting many of the folks who make these products.  They are the sweetest and most humble people!  Bajalia partners with artisans around the globe from places like India, Morocco, China, Africa and Afghanistan.  They offer them business and marketing skills, then take their products to the US market for sale.  Many of the artisans that Bajalia painters with have experienced super difficult lives, but because of Bajalia, they have the opportunity to create a new legacy for their families. 

 

And....calling all teachers!  Ever get tired of seeing those school fundraiser catalogs full of overpriced wrapping paper and cookie dough?  Bajalia recently joined forces with Great American Opportunities, a well-known school fundraising company.  Check out the flyer Download HelpingHands and contact helpinghands@gafundraising.com if your school might be interested.

 

 

Every purchase through Bajalia is another turning point in someone's formerly hopeless life.  I know this for sure because I saw them in action.  I'm heading up to GA for Thanksgiving, but I'll try to post while I'm there.  See y'all soon!