We had our very first Chicago Radio Airplay of ' Out Of The Blue' this past week, and we are very excited about it! So, We uploaded the entire interview in 3 parts onto YouTube so you can hear it. Special thanks to Mike and Julia of WCPT's ' OUR TOWN radio show for taking the time to hear about Out Of The Blue USA and our unique Partnership with Northern Illinois Food Bank. We have posted the first part on the blog- if you are interested... You may look at the other two at your leisure.
Keep on Keeping On...
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
A Wonderful day at the Zylstra Harley Davidson!!
Im beginning to think, Every day is a Wonderful day there at that Zylstra!
We had one amazing turnout for the food drive, and one story that was shared with us really hit home for me, why the cycle of helping others is so important.
This man came over to our tent at about 12 noon, and he was clearly on a mission. He hopped off his Bike, and opened up his side satchel on his ride, and pulled out a black garbage bag filled with a collection of cans. As he made his way over to our tent- you could see it in his eyes that this act of giving was far more meaning FULL than even we could take in.
He began to tell us that when he was younger, his family gathered cans to take the food pantry and they wanted to put their initials on the bottom of the cans in permanent marker. So the people who got the food, could tell it was from people who cared.
Flash forward a year or so later- his family was struck with hard times and a knock on the door brought some Love into their lives when they needed it most.
The person at the other end of the door, had a basket, and in it was some canned goods, cleaning supplies, and most of all a spirit of Goodwill. As the family was looking thru the basket and excited about the contents, that child- Now man- actually found himself looking at the bottom of the cans with a faint hope that maybe he would see one of his family members initials on the bottom.
And he did. He saw his initials.
That experience has stayed with him for many years. And although he did not have cases of food to donate, or a hand full of crisp $20 bills to toss in the jar, what he shared with us was priceless.
For it is the gift of his humble offering with a joyous heart, and holding onto that feeling of being lifted up that matters the most.
This week, I pray that we all find ways we can lift each other up.. even if it just is the crabby man or women at work that seems to find a negative thing to say- that you reach out to in love and show him/her in some way that things really aren't that bad...
or the neighbor that hasn't gotten around to mowing the lawn in weeks, and what a surprise it would be for you to knock on the door with lawnmower and a smile on your face and do a good deed...
or taking the time to tell the Nurse at your Dr's office that always is there for you, How much you appreciate their service...
Saying ' Have a Great Day' to The stranger standing behind you at the grocery store,..
or to the mailman that comes round every day to deliver your bills, bills, letters and more bills- being there at the mailbox to offer a refreshing thank you with a cold bottle of water.. I could go on, but I hope you get the picture.
Enjoy this week, We all have a way we can leave our mark behind.. in initials on the bottom of the can, or in the hearts of those we come in contact with.
Together- We'll Make it Through..
Julie
We had one amazing turnout for the food drive, and one story that was shared with us really hit home for me, why the cycle of helping others is so important.
This man came over to our tent at about 12 noon, and he was clearly on a mission. He hopped off his Bike, and opened up his side satchel on his ride, and pulled out a black garbage bag filled with a collection of cans. As he made his way over to our tent- you could see it in his eyes that this act of giving was far more meaning FULL than even we could take in.
He began to tell us that when he was younger, his family gathered cans to take the food pantry and they wanted to put their initials on the bottom of the cans in permanent marker. So the people who got the food, could tell it was from people who cared.
Flash forward a year or so later- his family was struck with hard times and a knock on the door brought some Love into their lives when they needed it most.
The person at the other end of the door, had a basket, and in it was some canned goods, cleaning supplies, and most of all a spirit of Goodwill. As the family was looking thru the basket and excited about the contents, that child- Now man- actually found himself looking at the bottom of the cans with a faint hope that maybe he would see one of his family members initials on the bottom.
And he did. He saw his initials.
That experience has stayed with him for many years. And although he did not have cases of food to donate, or a hand full of crisp $20 bills to toss in the jar, what he shared with us was priceless.
For it is the gift of his humble offering with a joyous heart, and holding onto that feeling of being lifted up that matters the most.
This week, I pray that we all find ways we can lift each other up.. even if it just is the crabby man or women at work that seems to find a negative thing to say- that you reach out to in love and show him/her in some way that things really aren't that bad...
or the neighbor that hasn't gotten around to mowing the lawn in weeks, and what a surprise it would be for you to knock on the door with lawnmower and a smile on your face and do a good deed...
or taking the time to tell the Nurse at your Dr's office that always is there for you, How much you appreciate their service...
Saying ' Have a Great Day' to The stranger standing behind you at the grocery store,..
or to the mailman that comes round every day to deliver your bills, bills, letters and more bills- being there at the mailbox to offer a refreshing thank you with a cold bottle of water.. I could go on, but I hope you get the picture.
Enjoy this week, We all have a way we can leave our mark behind.. in initials on the bottom of the can, or in the hearts of those we come in contact with.
Together- We'll Make it Through..
Julie
Monday, June 15, 2009
SUMMER DATES ANNOUNCED FOR ZYLSTRA HARLEY DAVIDSON FOOD DRIVE !!!
I now have the dates for the Zylstra Harley Davidson Food Drive- Food Assistance Outreach Events all firmed up.They are as follows...
ZYLSTRA HARLEY DAVIDSON has three locations, but we will be out at the ST. CHARLES, ILLINOIS location on the dates and times below. AND FYI- there is a CostCo right next door : ).
June 27th Saturday
July 18th Saturday
July 25th Saturday
August 22nd Saturday
** August 29th Saturday- With Live Music from some special musical guests TBA.
Note that all dates are Saturdays - from 12 noon- 5pm. RAIN OR SHINE!!!
Come bring the family, some non -perishable food items if you can spare some to donate to Northern Illinois Food Bank at the event.. and come out to see some Killer Harley Rides, Clothing, and Accessories.
http://www.zylstrahd.com/illinois/ for more info on location/directions.any more questions, Please email Julie at outoftheblueusa@gmail.com or call 630-699-2583
ZYLSTRA HARLEY DAVIDSON has three locations, but we will be out at the ST. CHARLES, ILLINOIS location on the dates and times below. AND FYI- there is a CostCo right next door : ).
June 27th Saturday
July 18th Saturday
July 25th Saturday
August 22nd Saturday
** August 29th Saturday- With Live Music from some special musical guests TBA.
Note that all dates are Saturdays - from 12 noon- 5pm. RAIN OR SHINE!!!
Come bring the family, some non -perishable food items if you can spare some to donate to Northern Illinois Food Bank at the event.. and come out to see some Killer Harley Rides, Clothing, and Accessories.
http://www.zylstrahd.com/illinois/ for more info on location/directions.any more questions, Please email Julie at outoftheblueusa@gmail.com or call 630-699-2583
Saturday, June 6, 2009
OUT OF THE BLUE- MAXI SINGLE AVAIL. NOW ON ITUNES !!!
Yep, Its true.. The Whole Remix Album, as well as individual tracks are available for downloading now on I- TUNES. We will start to do some press in the coming weeks, and look forward to raising funds and awareness for the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
A little help can go a LONG WAY... and as always.. Together.. We'll make it Through...
A little help can go a LONG WAY... and as always.. Together.. We'll make it Through...
Friday, May 15, 2009
Pfizer to the Rescue...Please share this info with others in need.
Well, just when things seem to get a little grey like the skyline in view- A little sliver of sunlight pears it way into my heart and hopefully yours.
I just read in the AP news, as well as two major Chicago newspapers that PFIZER will be starting a Prescription Assistance program for people who are unemployed.
It makes me feel optimistic since I have spent most of the day in tears over my new found Unemployment, and wonder how I will pay for my medicines I am on.
With insurance- I pay about $ 150- 200 a week. I have resorted to cutting my pills in half, or skipping doses- which I DO NOT RECOMMEND by the way.
Proving yet again that as you feel you are rolling down a river of pity and anxiety over things you can NOT control- Hope does float along with you for the ride.... It just takes a willingness to open you eyes and read about the goings-on in the world... then you somehow dont feel so bad or helpless about your own struggles.
Pass on the link to people in your life that are jobless since Jan 1, 2009, and encourage them to apply. I will keep you posted on my success with my application for the Assistance program.
http://media.pfizer.com/files/pfizer_maintain_fact_sheet_051409.pdf
Together- We'll make it through....
I just read in the AP news, as well as two major Chicago newspapers that PFIZER will be starting a Prescription Assistance program for people who are unemployed.
It makes me feel optimistic since I have spent most of the day in tears over my new found Unemployment, and wonder how I will pay for my medicines I am on.
With insurance- I pay about $ 150- 200 a week. I have resorted to cutting my pills in half, or skipping doses- which I DO NOT RECOMMEND by the way.
Proving yet again that as you feel you are rolling down a river of pity and anxiety over things you can NOT control- Hope does float along with you for the ride.... It just takes a willingness to open you eyes and read about the goings-on in the world... then you somehow dont feel so bad or helpless about your own struggles.
Pass on the link to people in your life that are jobless since Jan 1, 2009, and encourage them to apply. I will keep you posted on my success with my application for the Assistance program.
http://media.pfizer.com/files/pfizer_maintain_fact_sheet_051409.pdf
Together- We'll make it through....
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Out Of The Blue- Together We'll Make It Through...
OUT OF THE BLUE- NOW AVAIL ON CD BABY!!
http://cdbaby.com/cd/ootblueusa
The next phase of FoodRaising is set to begin. I-Tunes will be to follow in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned for upcoming promotions, appearances, and ways we all can help each other.
http://cdbaby.com/cd/ootblueusa
The next phase of FoodRaising is set to begin. I-Tunes will be to follow in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned for upcoming promotions, appearances, and ways we all can help each other.
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