tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876999908337257022024-03-05T05:15:58.073-07:00The Happy Sprinkle live life happy...nicky nash http://www.blogger.com/profile/07455631658119885136noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387699990833725702.post-4385148742267557962013-05-22T17:01:00.001-06:002013-08-29T17:46:22.686-06:00The NEW Happy Sprinkle!<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Check out our "Tabs" with cool new content!</span></b><br />
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<br />nicky nash http://www.blogger.com/profile/07455631658119885136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387699990833725702.post-22143780339872197512013-05-22T14:23:00.001-06:002013-05-22T15:47:54.007-06:00Pay It Forward Day!I love Christmas but you know what I love even more? Pay It Forward Day!!<br />
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Many countries have been doing this for years and for the first time in 2013 Calgary officially has a "Pay It Forward Day" on April 25th. Thank You Mayor <a href="https://twitter.com/nenshi">Nenshi</a>!!<br />
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I was in a great mood right from the moment I remembered it was PIF Day. My mind started racing with ideas of how I could pay it forward and here is what I was able to accomplish yesterday:<br />
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<li>I started the hash tag <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23PIFYYC&src=typd">#PIFYYC</a> and it seemed to catch on quite well, event the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/alberta/">Huffington Post </a>Alberta used it!</li>
<li>I gave praise on Twitter to those who completed acts of kindness and texted friends encouraging them to PIF</li>
<li>I bought over 25 chocolate bars and gave them out to the homeless men and women on cash corner, to people in my building and to co-workers and they all had little signs on them reading "It is Pay It Forward Day" in Calgary today! If you complete an act of kindness please tweet us and use #PIFYYC</li>
<li>I walked to the Esso on the corner near my work where there is a built in Tim Hortons, I left $10 at the register and told them to cover the next few coffee's that came through, the Esso employee seemed quite confused and a man who had just walked in expressed "She is paying it forward!" and then got on one knee, looked at me and smiled while saying "Namaste". </li>
<li>While at the Tim Horton's I bought 6 delish doughnuts for <a href="http://calgaryreads.com/">Calgary Reads</a> (our next door neighbors in our building) who always offer us coffee and treats so I thought I would pay it back!</li>
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After a full day of kindness I felt so content and happy, I walked through the door when I got home and my phone started going crazy! I quickly logged into <a href="https://twitter.com/happysprinkle">Twitter </a>and realized that some of my tweets and my acts of kindness had made it into an article in the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/04/25/calgary-pay-it-forward-day_n_3158072.html?utm_hp_ref=calgary">Huffington Post</a>! Wow, what an ending to my day :) My friends, <a href="http://wildrosegypsy.wordpress.com/2013/03/20/welcome-to-wildrose-gypsy/">Wildrose Gypsy</a> and T<a href="http://www.themagicassistant.com/">he Magic Assistant</a> also made it into the article! What a fabulous day!</div>
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Feeling refreshed,</div>
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Nicky </div>
nicky nash http://www.blogger.com/profile/07455631658119885136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387699990833725702.post-81903261918697884812013-04-18T10:03:00.000-06:002013-04-18T10:03:10.879-06:00Love Is Louder<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: pragmatica-web, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><i>"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of 'disaster,' I remember my mother's words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers--so many caring people in this world." -Mr. Rogers</i></span><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: pragmatica-web, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />When I learned of the tragic events in Boston, like most people I was so frustrated and hurt. But I remembered the quote above from <a href="http://fredrogers.org/">Mr.Rogers</a> and it comforted me. There will ALWAYS be helpers. There will always be good that rises above the evil. </span></span><br />
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<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: pragmatica-web, sans-serif;">Tragedy</span></span><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: pragmatica-web, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> brings us together like nothing else can. It makes us more patriotic, more caring, more sensitive, more human. It makes us play harder, love stronger, sing louder and embrace longer.</span></span><br />
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<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: pragmatica-web, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">So rather than focus on the negative and the evil that happened a few days ago and happens around the world everyday. Let us focus on how much good there is and how events like this often bring out the best in people and that love is always louder!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: pragmatica-web, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Boston is not only known for its' marathon but also the famous </span><a href="http://bruins.nhl.com/" style="line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">Boston Bruins</a><span style="line-height: 19px;">. They played for the first time after the tragic incident on April 17th. Fans & Bostonian's came together with a message: "We are Boston Strong". They proved it in the heart warming tribute to their city before the puck dropped...</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Good things are not only happening in Boston but all over the United States and the rest of the world. Here in Calgary many people are rising up and doing great things in light of tragedy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.calgarysun.com/2013/04/17/calgary-man-offering-free-rides-to-prevent-drinking-and-driving-after-close-friend-perishes" target="_blank">Hogar Rasheed</a>'s best friend died from drinking and driving on April 12th here in Calgary and instead of letting his death be in vain, he is offering free rides home for people who have been drinking and cannot drive home. He has placed an ad on <a href="http://alberta.kijiji.ca/c-community-rideshare-Free-ride-home-Please-dont-drink-and-drive-W0QQAdIdZ474276154" target="_blank">Kijiji</a> reading "I am offering free rides home for people who are planning on drinking and driving in Calgary". What an outstanding way to pay tribute to a friend and give back to the community ensuring that this doesn't happen again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">SAIT student <a href="http://metronews.ca/news/calgary/636331/calgary-runners-rally-in-response-to-boston-marathon-bombings/" target="_blank">Trevor Hofbauer</a>, member of the Trojan's cross country running team, was inspired to do something positive in light of the negative events in Boston. He has planned <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/499557023426176/" target="_blank">"Run For Boston (Calgary)"</a> on Saturday April 20th at Edworthy Park. He will be accepting donations for the Red Cross and it all starts 11:00am at Angel's Cappuccino and Ice Cream Cafe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Even Google helped set up a "People Finder" and a spread sheet of people offering their homes in the Boston area. To read more of the good that is happening check out this article from <a href="http://bit.ly/YrxhkG" target="_blank">Buzz Feed</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 18px;">"The good outnumber you, and we always will."-</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pattonoswalt?fref=ts" style="line-height: 18px;" target="_blank">Patton Oswalt</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In hopes that we can always find the good,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-Nicky </span><br />
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<br />nicky nash http://www.blogger.com/profile/07455631658119885136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387699990833725702.post-24085949075880581912012-12-03T21:02:00.002-07:002013-05-22T15:27:18.809-06:00One For OneWhat is ONE FOR ONE?<br />
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Well that is exactly what I am going to explain!<br />
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One of the things I am going to try and do this Christmas is to buy one for one products and support local stores. I think if you are going to buy stuff anyway that you may as well do some good!<br />
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A one for one company is where you buy a product and in return the company gives the same product to someone around the world who needs it. One of the best examples of this is <a href="http://www.toms.ca/">TOMS</a> shoes which I am sure most of you are aware of. <br />
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But I wanted to give some other great examples of one for one companies...<br />
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In no particular order:<br />
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1.<a href="http://www.baby-teresa.com/"> <strong>Baby Teresa</strong></a>- is an organic baby clothing company who for every product you buy they donate clothing and formula to babies in need around the world.<br />
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2. <strong><a href="http://www.visionspring.org%20www.warbyparker.com/">Warby Parker</a></strong>- Approximately one billion people don't have access to affordable glasses. If you buy a pair glasses they will give a pair to someone who needs them. They have distributed over 150,000 pairs through Vision Spring.<br />
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3. <strong><a href="http://www.everythinghappy.myshopify.com/">Happy Blankie</a>-</strong> all about making people happy. For every product purchased the same product is donated to a child in need. I must say their stuff is very cute and affordable!<br />
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4.<strong><a href="http://www.whittengrey.com/">Whitten Grey</a>-</strong> is a very cute little girl's dress company. When you buy a dress from their site you get to send a dress to another girl around the world who is in need. With your purchase you get a code to enter on the website and you can choose the country and also the message you want sent with the dress. It is a great way to teach your child about giving and let her experience it first hand. They don't sell dresses on their website for sale but they do list several where you can buy them online and still get the code.<br />
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5.<strong><a href="http://www.b1g1.com/buy1give1">B1G1</a>-</strong> this has got to be one of my favorites! This is a site that helps you or your business give back with every transaction you or your business makes. You can create your own one for one company with B1G1. It allows you to have 100% control of where the money goes, who it helps, which cause it supports and more. They have causes that help with clean water, clothing, education, health and environment! very cool and a must see!<br />
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Check out these awesome videos below, one of my faves Ten Tree Apparel (a Canadian company).<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Vo415EiyNXI" width="560"></iframe>
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Some other one for one companies worth mentioning as well are: Roma Boots, FIGS, One Million Lights, Blanket America, One World Futbol Project, BoGo Lights, Ten Tree Apparel and Smile Squared.<br />
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Hope this has given you some good Christmas gift ideas or even stocking stuffers!<br />
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Feeling very holly & jolly,<br />
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Nicky nicky nash http://www.blogger.com/profile/07455631658119885136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387699990833725702.post-76173176443259175732012-11-08T13:08:00.001-07:002012-11-08T14:49:38.855-07:0020 ways YOU can pay it forward this holiday season!Greetings everyone, <br />
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Hope you are all managing to stay warm out there today!<br />
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Today's post is all about how you can pay it forward. I have had many requests and questions about paying it forward and where I get my ideas from. Truth is that it is quite simple and I will list 20 easy ways you can pay it forward this holiday season. You can also follow my pinterest page where I have neat and exciting ways to pay it forward, check it out by clicking on the photo below.<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/nickynash/happysprinkle-blogspot-com-paying-it-forward/" target="_blank"></a> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/nickynash/happysprinkle-blogspot-com-paying-it-forward/" target="_blank">Ripple Effect</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/nickynash/happysprinkle-blogspot-com-paying-it-forward/" target="_blank"></a> <br />
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1. Buy someone a coffee or pay for the persons order behind you in a drive through.<br />
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2. Offer a homeless person a hot meal on you.<br />
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3. Going on a winter vacation this year? Bring a few extra pairs of flip flops (you can ones for under $5 at Old Navy) and give them to some of the locals.<br />
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4. Help start a community garden in your area or just volunteer to help take care of one. Another awesome idea is to plant flowers and plants in bad/ugly areas of your city/town. There has been a huge movement called "Guerrilla Gardening"-google it and you can find some really cool stuff!<br />
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5. Send a good ol' fashioned thank you card to someone. One of my fave ideas: when you get really great service somewhere or someone went out of their way to help you-send them a thank you card or make sure to really highlight it to their manager to make them feel noticed and appreciated.<br />
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6. Give a gift to someone who least expects it (mail man, delivery person, a teacher, local fire or police department etc.)<br />
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7. Pick up garbage when you see it or take 1 hour on your weekend to collect garbage in your area.<br />
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8. Volunteer somewhere, only if it is only for one day.<br />
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9. Give blood. If you are not afraid of needles-people are in desperate need of blood and you could save someones life.<br />
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10. Help your parents, roommate etc with cleaning/chores that they would usually do themselves.<br />
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11. Give 10 compliments a day for a week to strangers or people you know.<br />
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12. Donate used clothing, canned goods or your time to a charity who needs it. A great idea is to hang all of your hangers backwards in your closet, then after 6 months, all the hangers that are still backwards and have not been moved...those clothes get donated.<br />
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13. Buy from companies that are doing the right thing. Examples: Ten Tree Clothing & Toms Shoes. They are called one for one companies. You buy from them and they give back to a cause or people in need.<br />
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14. Go into a movie theatre and purchase tickets from the automated machines and leave the tickets there with a note saying- enjoy the movie!<br />
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15.Buy local or handmade. Challenge yourself this Christmas to buy from only local stores, local products. A great site for this is etsy.com they have many handcrafted items. <br />
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16. Open the door for people, say please and thank you. Smile-it goes a long way.<br />
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17. When driving in rush hour or winter conditions, let people in, be polite-it might just make their day.<br />
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18. Parked near a lot of other cars when it has just snowed? Brush off their vehicles for them.<br />
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19. Shovel all the walks for your elder neighbours or rake their leaves.<br />
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20.Get passionate about a cause and spread the word! Nothing better than word of mouth.<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">Challenge yourself to do 5 out of 20. Comment on this post or on my Facebook page and tell me which ones you love or which ones you have completed!! Facebook</span>: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/thehappysprinkle">www.facebook.com/thehappysprinkle</a> <br />
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Hoping these have inspired you,<br />
<br />
Nicky<br />
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For those that like photos...<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="356" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" scrolling="no" src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/15090165" style="border-bottom: #ccc 1px solid; border-left: #ccc 1px solid; border-right: #ccc 1px solid; border-top: #ccc 1px solid; margin-bottom: 5px;" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="427"> </iframe><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 5px;">
<strong><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/nickynash/20-ways-you-can-pay-it-forward-15090165" target="_blank" title="20 ways you can pay it forward!">20 ways you can pay it forward!</a> </strong>from <strong><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/nickynash" target="_blank">nickynash</a></strong> </div>
nicky nash http://www.blogger.com/profile/07455631658119885136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387699990833725702.post-43212913841785763932012-10-17T21:36:00.001-06:002012-11-08T15:04:56.078-07:00Sprinke Everyday!<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well hello there...it has been a while!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have been a bad bad blogger! I was in a bit of a slump but...I'M BACK.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So much has changed since my last post. I have moved to a new town (just outside of Calgary), have done a ton of renovations, got a kitty (named Ope) and the biggest one I changed jobs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am now the Chief experience officer at Kids Up Front. Kids Up Front provides children and teens with experiences that foster possibilities, passions and dreams … one ticket a time. This is such an amazing opportunity and I am so very happy. I have been there since October 1st and I have loved every single day. I enjoy getting up and going to work every day and I have a HUGE smile on my face. I think I have found where I am meant to be and it feels so good. I really do know what people mean by "do what you love", great advice. </span><br />
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Shameless Plug in 5,4,3,2,1...<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Kids Up Front takes unused, donated, last minute tickets to sporting events, theatre, events/concerts, ballet-really anything that a child/teen 0-17 can attend. Since the year 2000 KUF has given 280,000 tickets to awesome kids and families in Calgary. We partner with registered agencies in Calgary and help to get some amazing and deserving kids to experience something they might not have otherwise.With the ticket donations, Kids Up Front can alleviate their stresses and challenges by opening doors that let them safely explore the world around them and gain new experiences.</span> <br />
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I feel like I get to sprinkle every single day and it is so awesome! So my sprinkle challenge today is to explore and learn more about Kids Up Front or even just look into a charity that you are interested in and donate something...your time, money, tickets, swag (jersey, tshirts etc), movie tickets or whatever it is that the charity needs. <br />
<br />
<u>Kids Up Front Wishlist:</u><br />
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We are in need of Zoo Passes-they are a hot ticket and we are all out. Also, Boo @ the Zoo. <br />
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...and I will leave you with that.<br />
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Happy & excited for my new adventure,<br />
<br />
Nicky <br />
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Website: <a href="http://www.kidsupfrontcalgary.com/">http://www.kidsupfrontcalgary.com/</a><br />
Twitter: @kidsupfrontcalg<br />
Facebook: Kids Up Front Calgary, like our page!<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.kidsupfrontcalgary.com/" target="_blank"></a>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kidsupfrontcalgary.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Kids Up Front Calgary!" border="0" height="194" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4eiGj4paPOuYYgk3N7QV5exJaqmlw1ADEOpH74vmvkkiWOBNctOPXWP66CoJNM25jxtA9of6fWLZ8xyFvUj0ISFF1r1xJ5ix4iO61h3eXXqA6weyRTynL7v5rwe9fYMSV6OPviy5ZR8/s320/New%252520Image1828.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Kids Up Front Calgary!" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kidsupfrontcalgary.com/" target="_blank">One Little Ticket...One Big Lift!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.kidsupfrontcalgary.com/" target="_blank"></a>
<br />nicky nash http://www.blogger.com/profile/07455631658119885136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387699990833725702.post-76084487494603567192012-03-11T21:50:00.000-06:002012-11-08T15:00:16.129-07:00Kony 2012 - TinglesAlright so I am back from Cabo well rested and I finally got to watch Kony 2012, at first I had no idea what it was about but by the end I was completely inspired. The really interesting/neat part is that I actually started blogging because I saw the founders of Invisible Children on Oprah. I was so inspired after the segment I ordered the DVD and it came in mail a few weeks later. I started my blog that evening and decided I would focus on local projects at first...and I do feel like it has come full circle because it is a year later and I am now inspired again by the same people but this time to join their cause and start making a difference internationally. I will let all of you watch it for yourself and make your opinions but if you aren't feeling at least a bit inspired to do something good even if it isnt the same cause then I really do feel bad for you. My biggest take away from the video was that we now live in a world where we CAN change things for the better on a large scale. If #projectkris can trend on twitter and have more than 800,000 people/tweets about a high school student in Calgary wanting to throw a party then that means we can have 800,000 people to do something good and start a buzz..I think one of the best arguments I have seen about Kony were simply these: newsfeed filled with Kony2012 > newsfeed filled with Snooki and the second was this: " when I was little I asked my grandma about the holocaust and why it wasn't stopped and she replied we just didn't know what was happening". Well we do know what is happening now and we have a chance to stop it. I challenge you to find the "Kony" in your life and make a difference. Volunteer, make a donation, pay it forward, start an event, start a charity or simply just try and be a better person in general. I plan on being part of the Kony 2012 Calgary campaign on April 20th 2012, will you? <br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Y4MnpzG5Sqc" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Inspired,<br />
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Nickynicky nash http://www.blogger.com/profile/07455631658119885136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387699990833725702.post-3562403884432406942012-01-24T15:00:00.000-07:002012-11-08T15:05:58.732-07:00Amazing Feedback<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So it has been almost a month since I did the big sprinkle bags and I have heard from quite a few people. Here are some of the amazing things people had to say:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. <span style="color: black;">Good Afternoon, </span>I wanted to tell you what a nice surprise</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/" target="_blank"></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> it was to be stopped by you on the street today. My colleague and I were on a mission to get our gifts for the office, and in our own world when you stopped us. I have to say I was startled. When we opened our bags, we were shocked at your kindness. Someone of your age I would have thought would have kept the money! I am all about "Giving" this year, and not toys to my kids or an Ipod</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/" target="_blank"></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> to a family member. I have donated my time, and have recently sponsored a child in a third world country. This really warmed my heart and made my day. My colleague and I switched bags that were handed to us. I had the Warm hands and Music Sprinkle bag. We walked around Stevens Ave for a bit, and found a lady who really looked like she could have used the gloves. She looked so grateful</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/" target="_blank"></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> when we gave them to her. :) The itunes</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/" target="_blank"></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> gift card, I will be passing on to my friend, who is going on a long trip, and would need the tunes. I am blessed with enough, and feel the gift card would help her on her journeys. I wish you a Merry Christmas! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. <span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">thanks Nicky! hey we got two of your sprinkles in Calgary. one was a box of monopoly chocolates that you gave to my 6 year old son. he was so excited to get a gift. he gave some to a man who was whistling/busking instead of money and the man then let him whistle with him and gave him a flashing star which made him so excited! he also gave some to a policeman and offered them to lots of other people. our 8 year old daughter was given a subway voucher from you. she then looked very carefully to see if there was someone who could do with a decent meal and found a lady knitting who looked cold. she was so thankful for the meal card and it really made my daughters day to give a present to a stranger. it was such an unexpected thing to receive a present from a stranger on our first day in Canada (we are Aussies and have only just got home). We tried to spread the goodwill around by buying second hand warm clothes from a thrift shop in Canmore and then we donated them back to another charity in Vancouver. keep up the great work! it really made our very first ever white christmas a really memorable one!</span></span><br />
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<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3.<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">Brilliant Nicky! Keep rockin' it!</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. <span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">This is so awesome! I had so much fun frolicking around downtown Calgary today giving candy to strangers. I traveled from the Glenbow Museum to Kensington sugaring up homeless people, construction workers, and random strangers. The last few girls I encountered were headed to Trend Fashion, and it just so happened that I had $20 worth of gift cards for there so I passed them on to the little ladies. They were bursting with joy! More than anything, this experience reminded me how kindness can break the ice with random strangers, and how nice it is to just smile at one another (and make jokes about the candy having poison in it). Because I'm a jewelry artist, I thought it would be appropriate for me to pay it forward to you, Nicky! I want to give you a complimentary piece of my work. Let me know what you like the best and I can mail it to you, or we can meet up for the exchange. Whether you keep it, or pay it forward is up to you. Cheers! </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. <span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">The happy sprinkle rules</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6.That's AWESOME! Congrats on reaching your goal and for the wicked cool BIG FINISH! </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7. Our colleagues took part in your initiative today! Thanks for reminding </span><a class=" twitter-hashtag pretty-link" href="https://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23yyc" rel="nofollow" title="#yyc"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><s class="hash">#</s>yyc</span></a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> what the holidays are all about. </span><a class=" twitter-hashtag pretty-link" href="https://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23payitforward" rel="nofollow" title="#payitforward"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><s class="hash">#</s>payitforward</span></a></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8. Out with the </span><a class=" twitter-atreply pretty-link" data-screen-name="happysprinkle" href="https://twitter.com/#!/happysprinkle" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #2d76b9;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><s>@</s>happysprinkle</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> initiative today, </span><a class=" twitter-hashtag pretty-link" href="https://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23payitforward" rel="nofollow" title="#payitforward"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><s class="hash">#</s>payitforward</span></a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a class=" twitter-hashtag pretty-link" href="https://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23christmastime" rel="nofollow" title="#christmastime"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><s class="hash">#</s>christmastime</span></a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> thanks </span><a class=" twitter-atreply pretty-link" data-screen-name="nickydundas" href="https://twitter.com/#!/nickydundas" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><s>@</s>nickydundas</span></a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">!</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9.Just received a random act of kindness from a stranger </span><a class=" twitter-atreply pretty-link" data-screen-name="happysprinkle" href="https://twitter.com/#!/happysprinkle" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #2d76b9;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><s>@</s>happysprinkle</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a class=" twitter-hashtag pretty-link" href="https://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23payitforward" rel="nofollow" title="#payitforward"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><s class="hash">#</s>payitforward</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><div class="tweet-text js-tweet-text">
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10.<span style="color: #2d76b9;">happysprinkle</span> thanks for the </span><a class=" twitter-hashtag pretty-link" href="https://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23randomactofkindness" rel="nofollow" title="#randomactofkindness"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><s class="hash">#</s>randomactofkindness</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- I will be passing on the Tim Horton's love. Happy Holidays!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Awesome to see that people like what I am trying to do and that they do pay it forward :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Nicky</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">htt </span><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/nickynash/happysprinkle-blogspot-com-paying-it-forward/" target="_blank"><img alt="Amazing Feedback!" border="0" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsfJVKNNsjm_JOi-NGrdJ709uIFO4U-9XRu5eYxB36vS3wPYhTIXw0CP0RsAgczZjQl9uW27PL6OW896U3cLWnLZyYFybZEOJppJyViSV6JrIj0AIX6zK5GkkpmOcH6P0R3JoVoDZpf8/s1600/amazing-feedback.jpg" title="Amazing Feedback!" /></a></div>
<br />nicky nash http://www.blogger.com/profile/07455631658119885136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387699990833725702.post-80912735960705014272011-12-22T14:05:00.000-07:002012-10-04T15:48:25.264-06:00The BIG Sprinkle!!!!So it is finally here, my vision came to life! I received my $1500 cash plus $500 to Mark's on Monday from Virgin 98.5 and the planning and shopping began. <br />
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1. I bought 70 toys for The Magic of Christmas-which gives toys to families who cannot afford to buy them<br />
<a href="http://www.themagicofchristmas.org/">http://www.themagicofchristmas.org/</a><br />
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2. I donated a bin full of food to the Calgary Food Bank<br />
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3. I bought 100 winter socks for the homeless shelter which I will deliver tomorrow<br />
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and finally the big one...The Sprinkle Bags:<br />
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The idea behind this is that random people get a gift to brighten their day and they can share with their friends, family or co-workers. I bought all the items, put them in gift bags, made little cards and also included information about The Happy Sprinkle.<br />
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The bags are all different and here is the total:<br />
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25 Tim Hortons gift cards<br />
16 Subway gift cards<br />
1 city swim pass<br />
1 Empire Theatres gift card<br />
1 Chapters gift card<br />
1 iTunes gift card<br />
4 CO-OP gift cards<br />
and a ton of bags with chocolates and tons of candy!<br />
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In total, 75 complete strangers received a random act of kindness today and lets hope all of them pay it forward somehow...I hope to hear from some of them (I gave my contact information). <br />
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Highlights:<br />
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-I got many hugs, specifically from the first lady who got the 1st bag she was so excited and gave me a big hug<br />
-I gave one of the Subway gift cards to a homeless man and a few minutes later he came up to me and gave me a dream catcher in return-almost made me cry<br />
-A family from England got a box of chocolates and they opened it and immediately went into a store to buy another box of chocolates for a stranger to pay it forward!<br />
-I had many people say things like "this is awesome" "good for you" "It is so good to see that there are still good people out there"<br />
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Man, what a rush. I had so much fun doing it and want to do it again so bad!! I need to win another contest or get some donations ha-ha. A HUGE thank you to Marc Leclair and Jennifer Potts for being my helpers, I really appreciate it.<br />
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What an amazing day,<br />
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Nickynicky nash http://www.blogger.com/profile/07455631658119885136noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387699990833725702.post-79240784131181795092011-11-17T15:31:00.001-07:002012-10-04T15:49:59.044-06:00Contest LinkHey everyone!!<br />
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Here is the official link to the contest write up that I won:<br />
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<a href="http://calgary.virginradio.ca/Contests/Register.aspx?ContestID=142545">http://calgary.virginradio.ca/Contests/Register.aspx?ContestID=142545</a><br />
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Still so excited :)<br />
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-Nickynicky nash http://www.blogger.com/profile/07455631658119885136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387699990833725702.post-15532497882389980362011-11-16T12:35:00.000-07:002012-11-08T15:18:25.160-07:00Karma...and a big foot in my mouthSo my last blog post was very whoa is me ha-ha...and I spoke too soon. Apparently there ARE people listening and it has paid off BIG. This morning I got a call from Virgin Radio 98.5 and they left a message saying I had won a prize package of $500 to Marks and $1500 cash for my work on this blog, it is part of their reMarkable Wednesdays. I was in complete shock! I literally emailed every radio DJ, called them a billion times, tweeted them and Facebook-needless to say I was a bit excited. I got a call back about an hour later from a friendly girl named Amanda, she explained that I had for sure won and that they would call me when my prize arrives. WOW I just cannot believe that I won...I kind of think Karma has a bit to do with it.<br />
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Now it is time to start planning...how to use this prize for the greater good. I have some great ideas already for the Mark's card and I want to use some of the money to start my Sprinkle Bags!! Finally some cash to get this idea going...it may just happen before Christmas like I wanted. It is all coming together and I am so thankful and blessed. I am going to keep you posted on how every last $ was spent (not going to lie some of it will be coming to Mexico next week to have some fun and maybe take my friends out on a fun adventure).<br />
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-Nicky, beyond excited and thankful to live in such a great city!<br />
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nicky nash http://www.blogger.com/profile/07455631658119885136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387699990833725702.post-30106342052357960582011-10-27T14:10:00.000-06:002011-10-27T14:10:08.459-06:00Hello, is anyone out there?So, I am sitting here in my local Starbucks...and I feel like a real blogger. The aroma of coffee beans, the sound of jazzy music all around me and random people doing who knows what sitting at these tables. I will admit I am not a big Starbucks person (I don't drink coffee, Tea sometimes) but I have to admit that the atmosphere is growing on me and do I dare say...it is kind of inspiring (it has taken me right out of suburbia and transported me into downtown Seattle). I feel like I am in a scene from a romantic comedy (you've got mail kind of thing) and at any moment Richard Gere or Tom Hanks is going to walk in and sweep me off my feet...<br />
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Ha-ha well before I get too caught in the moment...I am actually here doing interviews for my day job...but one of my interviews was a no show, so why not do a quick lil blog while I wait for the next one?<br />
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I have been feeling a bit uninspired lately, a little like I have no voice or people are not paying attention. I get frustrated at local media and news when all we hear everyday is: "Shooting" "Drugs" "Protest" "Occupy" "Economy" blah blah blah blah...why can't the news have more light hearted inspiring stories about how citizens both locally and globally are doing good things and trying to make a difference. I am not saying it needs to be me but I do think we need to focus more on the positive, I cannot watch the news anymore because I get too depressed. <br />
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But enough of my pity party here in expensive coffee land...<br />
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Good news/bad news...I don't think my story in Avenue is going to make print :( but it will potentially make their web stories YAY! I am trying very hard to complete my idea of "Sprinkle Bags"(giving out bags to give people tools and ideas to pay it forward) but I need money and unfortunately did not win the $1000 from Awesome Calgary. I also entered a contest for people doing good by Marks(work warehouse) but I have not heard anything back. I need to find another way to come up with some money to create these Sprinkle bags before Christmas (it is the time for giving). <br />
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I also want to complete this project because the concept aligns with Mayor Nenshi's recent launch of "3 Things Calgary" the idea that every citizen complete 3 things(to better the community) and then tell 3 other people about them to inspire them to do another 3 and it goes on and on creating a better city/community. I love that the Mayor has called on the people to take responsibility for their own city and to create a city they are proud of and stop complaining about the city (I argue with people all the time about these types of things when they say "Calgary has no culture, Calgary has rude people etc etc) well if you don't like something then change it! Help a tourist with directions or recommend a cool local spot, create a new event or volunteer at an ongoing one...it is the exact argument when people don't vote and complain about the government...so I am VERY happy about this recent announcement by the mayor. <br />
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The Sprinkle bag idea is going to be one of my "3" things...but I have to think of 2 more. I want to think of some big ideas. If anyone has any ideas please let me know. I am also in need of some fundraiser ideas for the Sprinkle Bags (I am thinking I need $500-$1000) to actually make an impact. Who knows maybe I can partner with the city to promote the "3" things idea....now I'm thinkin! ha-ha<br />
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Well, before this blog gets too long and my ideas get even more confusing/scrambled I bid you adieu<br />
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Signing off from Starbucks and in need of funds,<br />
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-Nickynicky nash http://www.blogger.com/profile/07455631658119885136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387699990833725702.post-32170369889664603912011-09-27T13:27:00.000-06:002012-10-04T15:43:49.288-06:00Edible Life in YYC: Berries, berries, berries. Making 'em Last.<a href="http://ediblelifeinyyc.blogspot.com/2011/09/berries-berries-berries-making-em-last.html#comment-form">Edible Life in YYC: Berries, berries, berries. Making 'em Last.</a><br />
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I know this has nothing to do with my blog...but such a good tip from a fellow blogger...My neighbour in fact!<br />
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Check her out @ <a href="http://ediblelifeinyyc.blogspot.ca/">http://ediblelifeinyyc.blogspot.ca/</a>nicky nash http://www.blogger.com/profile/07455631658119885136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387699990833725702.post-64630701858600074022011-09-19T16:09:00.000-06:002011-09-19T16:09:54.859-06:00#27 The Great Canadian Shoreline CleanupHello again fellow Sprinklers,<br />
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So I know I have been ranting and raving a lot lately about how much garbage there is around the rivers in Calgary and I am sure in other cities/provinces too...well I finally put my money where my mouth is and I became a team lead and organized a cleanup for the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup which runs Sept 17th-25th <a href="http://shorelinecleanup.ca/">http://shorelinecleanup.ca/</a> it is country wide and put together by WWF and the Vancouver Aquarium. The stats are impressive from last year: close to 50,000 participants 2200km of shoreline cleaned and close to 12,000 bags of garbage collected! This is the perfect example of what happens when several people pay something forward and how big it can get! The top item picked up last year was cigarette butts (227,830 to be exact) how crazy is that? <br />
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Thank you to Dan and Lindsey for being on my clean team on Sept 18th! Together the 3 of us were able to collect a half ton truck full of garbage( about 8 bags) from the Highwood River near Nature's Hideaway Campground. The most interesting find you ask? A CAMPSITE! Yes that is right we found a tent, pillows, sleeping bags, clothes, food, coolers, a BBQ and more all left behind by campers right on the rivers edge...it made me sick to think people would leave that much behind and we could tell it had been there for months. Also, to think if our group had not removed it and the next spring when the rivers get higher all of that material would have ended up in the river and really affecting wildlife etc. <br />
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It was a fantastic experience and I cannot believe what a difference only 3 of us made (only took 2.5 hours). I guess the disappointing part is thinking about how many people carelessly dumped their garbage and belongings without thinking twice about it...and the worst part is that eventually we could be banned from these beautiful areas because of the idiots (sorry for the lack of a better word) who are too lazy to bring what they brought with them back home again for proper disposal. <br />
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If anyone is looking to join a cleanup they will be going until the 25th and you can find all cleanup sites on the website above or you can register a site as well. <br />
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In other news, I am going to be really putting a lot of energy into what I can my "Big Project" which are called Sprinkle Bags (bags with items that people can pay forward)...if anyone has any ideas or wants to help please email me at <a href="mailto:nicole.dundas@hotmail.com">nicole.dundas@hotmail.com</a> or Tweet Me @nickydundas <br />
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The Garbage Picker,<br />
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Nickynicky nash http://www.blogger.com/profile/07455631658119885136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387699990833725702.post-26492569241191324582011-09-07T14:52:00.000-06:002011-09-07T14:52:09.833-06:00#26 Start Something That MattersSo over the long weekend a bunch of friends and I went floating down the Highwood river just south of Calgary. It is a beautiful float but again people are leaving their old rafts, beer cans, garbage etc on the sides of the river and in the river. NOT COOL! I was so frustrated by all of it because there is nothing better than a float down the river on a hot day in Calgary and soon we will be banned from all of the rivers because we are being selfish and leaving so much waste behind...If you brought it with you, you can take it home!!<br />
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Another interesting video/movement came to my attention today from a co-worker (Thanks Grace!) called Start Something That Matters, just a simple concept started by a ground breaking entrepreneur Blake Mycoskie who founded TOM shoes. The idea is one for one, you buy a pair of shoes and then in turn a pair is donated to children in need, he also recently started TOM eye wear and he gives eye wear, eye surgery etc to children in need as well. His new book "Start Something That Matters" looks like an amazing read and I am going to purchase it soon, with every book sold he donates a children's book to children in need...what a simple way of giving back and really what I have been trying to do as well. Pay it forward because if everyone pays it forward those small acts can become really big!<br />
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You can check out more information here: <a href="http://www.startsomethingthatmatters.com/about/">http://www.startsomethingthatmatters.com/about/</a><br />
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<strong>Love your work, work for what you love, and change the world—all at the same time.</strong><br />
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Inspired,<br />
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Nickynicky nash http://www.blogger.com/profile/07455631658119885136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387699990833725702.post-27503004790330902072011-08-30T12:28:00.000-06:002011-08-30T12:28:36.273-06:00The Art of Surprise! #25So I have been planning Trent's (my fiance) surprise birthday for quite a while! It is his big 3-0 this year and I wanted to make it special. So I had conspired with his family, my family and all of our friends and decided they would all come to our house for a BBQ. <br />
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The plan was set! Then a few days before the big day Trent says "why don't we just have a BBQ at the house on Thursday...I had to think quickly and said oh man well this was supposed to be a surprise but I made dinner reservations for just us two that night and your mom is planning something for Sunday...and he looked pleasantly surprised and didn't say another word. <br />
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The big day arrived and I was up early cleaning the house, making sooo much food, picking up the cake and decorating it and setting up the chairs etc. People started arriving and Trent showed up to me alone in the garage...I said "SURPRISE!" and he looked confused. Then I opened the garage door to the deck and there was everyone and he was so shocked! It went perfectly!<br />
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I loove surprising people, I think I get more enjoyment out of it then the person being surprised. <br />
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Challenge to you- surprise someone this weekend, doesn't need to be big just something to remind them how much you love them.<br />
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-Nicky, planning my next surprise, who knows maybe you are next!<br />
@nickydundas on Twitter The Happy Sprinkle on Facebook<br />
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Oh, P.S I also tipped a busker downtown, $5 bill and he was so happy and we had a company BBQ the other day and we collected items for the food bank!nicky nash http://www.blogger.com/profile/07455631658119885136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387699990833725702.post-75712991804089187622011-08-19T14:47:00.000-06:002012-11-08T14:56:04.800-07:00#24...124 RosesHey everyone, the big announcement is now here!!!<br />
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Watch and you will understand why...<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3or2MwjHagY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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I have wanted to do something like this for so long! It literally only cost around $50 and it impacted so many people for the better. Oh, and P.S I might get interviewed for Avenue Magazine about my blog :)<br />
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Loving this vid,<br />
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Nicky nicky nash http://www.blogger.com/profile/07455631658119885136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387699990833725702.post-8885816224685092182011-08-16T15:17:00.000-06:002011-08-16T15:17:46.248-06:00#23- Mosaic CaresHey everyone! Long time no see...<br />
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Lately a lot of my Sprinkles have been through work (Mosaic). Currently at Mosaic we are challenging ourselves to complete 2500 acts of caring across the country to celebrate our 25 years as a company! I think this is one of the best ways to really make a difference it to set up a charity within a company! <br />
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A few weeks ago we had our annual summer mixer where we invite new and alumni candidates to get together, meet managers, socialize and talk Mosaic. Well this year I really wanted to include an act of caring so I asked all people who planned on coming to bring 1 canned food donation for the food bank as their admission to the event. We got over 40 donations and it was so simple and easy. I strongly suggest doing this at your next company function or personal party, birthday etc it is such a great way to give back and really is not asking much of other people.<br />
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Stay tuned for a big act of caring tomorrow....THIS IS THE BIGGEST ONE YET!<br />
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Excited for tomorrow,<br />
Nicky nicky nash http://www.blogger.com/profile/07455631658119885136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387699990833725702.post-26660297151263065102011-07-25T12:15:00.000-06:002011-07-25T12:15:55.577-06:00Sprinkle #22-The little things cont'dSo I have been doing several little things throughout the city, things that I just happen to run into in my everyday life. So here are a couple of them:<br />
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- One of the best things to do in Calgary on a hot summer day is to float on of the rivers. We usually float the Elbow because it is easy and chill. We always make sure to bring an extra grocery bag to pick up garbage or bottles that others have left behind. Usually we don't see too many but the other day we got off at our finishing point and I could not believe the amount of garbage, popped rafts etc left in the trees. So we picked up as much as we could and threw it in the garbage. It is stuff like that, that will get floating banned forever and that would be very unfortunate. To those that are going rafting this summer, bring a garbage bag with you and try and counteract all the idiots who are leaving their rafts behind.<br />
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-Trent and I were going to Canadian Tire to look at some new rafts for the summer and on our way in there was an elderly lady pushing a shopping cart full of potting soil. She had it put on the cart very oddly so it ended up tipping over and she was not strong enough to correct it. So Trent and I helped pick up the cart and the soil as well as her purse and helped her on her way.<br />
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Like I said in the previous post, it is the little things that make a city great!<br />
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-Nickynicky nash http://www.blogger.com/profile/07455631658119885136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387699990833725702.post-81560048546871581052011-07-13T13:34:00.000-06:002011-07-13T13:34:11.718-06:00Sprinkle #21 The Little ThingsSo I have been busy as a bee, not only at work but with wedding stuff, going to weddings and Stampeding! But I have been sprinkling here and there. <br />
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<u>The most recent Sprinkle was this:</u> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">I got home from eating out and it was pouring rain, I noticed our neighbors were not home and their down spouts were up and there was a huge puddle accumulating near their basement window so I ran over and put it down to avoid a potentially flooded basement!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I also would like to highlight 2 amazing websites that I really love!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1. People For Good.ca or like their Facebook page! They are all about people doing good in the world</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2. The company I work for (Mosaic) has been doing this amazing initiative called 2500 acts of caring to celebrate 25 years of business all Mosaic employees have been submitting acts of caring to try and reach 2500 in a certain amount of time. Please check this out for some really cool acts of kindness <a href="http://2500acts.mosaic.com/">http://2500acts.mosaic.com/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What will be your next act of kindness?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-Nicky @nickydundas on Twitter The Happy Sprinkle Group on Facebook <a href="mailto:nicole.dundas@hotmail.com">nicole.dundas@hotmail.com</a> </span>nicky nash http://www.blogger.com/profile/07455631658119885136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387699990833725702.post-54106351136638757942011-07-05T17:10:00.000-06:002011-07-05T17:10:08.931-06:00Sprinkle #20 Stampede Love!Hey everyone!<br />
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Hope you had an amazing long weekend, I know I did. Well I have not done too much lately but today I went downtown to be part of a flahsmob on Stephen Avenue, I paid for my parking but when I got back there was 45 minutes left on my parking ticket so I offered it to someone at the pay station but they had already paid so what I did was leave it in the little open hole with a note that said "I have 1 hour left, please use me before buying one". I am hoping someone was able to use it!!<br />
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The other thing I wanted to talk about was The Calgary Stampede! I absolutely love this time of year and one of the reasons I love it so much is because of how giving the city becomes. The Stampede Breakfasts alone feed thousands for free!! How much better can it get? I cannot wait to eat some of those pancakes and see the city comes alive! I might also volunteer for my local stampede breakfast in Mckenzie towne if I can.<br />
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Nicky, ready to boot, scoot and boogie!!nicky nash http://www.blogger.com/profile/07455631658119885136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387699990833725702.post-129503562283484962011-06-28T15:50:00.000-06:002011-06-28T15:50:21.401-06:00Sprinkle #19- Updates and Awesome Awards!Hey everyone,<br />
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I am so sorry that I have not been writing lately, I have a throat and ear infection and I have not been feeling very well...<br />
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The Awesome Awards were last Thursday and they were just that...Awesome. I had no idea what to expect but it was such an honour and an amazing experience. I pitched my idea (my blog, paying it forward and the ultimate plan to give out Sprinkle Kits to other people). I did not win but I was in great company and I don't think anyone lost. I met some really great people and I plan to submit my idea again in August. Be sure to check out the awesomefoundationcalgary.org<br />
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I have Sprinkled a bit during the last week, my first was my bag of clothing is being picked up tomorrow for the Diabetes Foundation and the most recent was today at the Doctor's office:<br />
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I was sitting in a walk in clinic today in McKenzie Towne, there was a very sick little boy who kept crying and just looked awful. I felt so bad for him! I watched as more and more people went in to see the doctor and when it came to my turn I let the little boy go ahead. The doctor, nurse and the mom thanked me for letting them go ahead. I hope he gets better soon!<br />
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I am working on a big project that will hopefully happen soon! I will give more details in a little while!<br />
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-Nicky, feeling ill but hoping the antibiotics kick in soon!!nicky nash http://www.blogger.com/profile/07455631658119885136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387699990833725702.post-85179571537762309012011-06-17T11:31:00.000-06:002011-06-17T11:31:01.380-06:00Sprinkle #18 Clean Your Closet!!<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hey everyone!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am sooo excited to say that The Happy Sprinkle has been nominated for an Awesome Calgary Award! Please check out <span class="messagebody"><span style="font-family: 'Franklin Gothic Book','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.awesomecalgary.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple;">http://www.awesomecalgary.org/</span></a> </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="messagebody"><span style="font-family: 'Franklin Gothic Book','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today's Sprinkle is all about giving without spending a dime. Cleaning your closet is usually something all of us do a few times a year so why not use that to help someone in need? Today I am donating 3 bags of clothes to Diabetes foundation! They will come right to your house to pick up the clothes which is the best part. A very simple and easy way to give back. The donations are collected by the diabetes foundation and given to Value Village and then they are compensated on volume which all goes to Diabetes research!</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="messagebody"><span style="font-family: 'Franklin Gothic Book','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Please take a look at those old items you have not worn in years and donate them! It is a win win situation...cleaner closet = money for diabetes research! </span></span><br />
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<span class="messagebody"><span style="font-family: 'Franklin Gothic Book','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Have a great weekend everyone.</span></span><br />
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<span class="messagebody"><span style="font-family: 'Franklin Gothic Book','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Nicky, Awesome Calgary Award Nominee :)</span></span>nicky nash http://www.blogger.com/profile/07455631658119885136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387699990833725702.post-89336546211974178382011-06-14T11:48:00.000-06:002012-10-04T15:18:07.171-06:00Sprinkle #17 Patching Up Our Wounded Soldiers!Hey everyone! Today is all about using what you are good at to help other people and I have the perfect example of that today...Operation Peace & Comfort. This is a project that was started here in Alberta by a group of women who were not only passionate about quilting but also helping wounded soldiers (one of these awesome women happens to be my mother in law Robyn). They started making quilts that were "Canadian" themed and sent them through military channels to get them to wounded soldiers that served in Afghanistan (many of the soldiers received their quilts in hospitals located in Germany). They have sent many quilts and continue to make more and more! They have received a ton of praise and recognition...one of the quilts even made it into Stephen Harper's house!<br />
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<a href="http://www.rockyviewweekly.com/article/20100622/RVW0302/306229968/local-groups-quilts-offer-comfort-to-injured-soldiers">http://www.rockyviewweekly.com/article/20100622/RVW0302/306229968/local-groups-quilts-offer-comfort-to-injured-soldiers</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2624662&archive=true">http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2624662&archive=true</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/cen/ps/ccrp-pccr-eng.asp">http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/cen/ps/ccrp-pccr-eng.asp</a><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The Department of National Defense Head Quarters and Chief of Defense Staff, General Rick Hillier whole heartedly endorses the project, <i>Operation “Peace & Comfort</i>. General Hillier states, “I would like to offer my enthusiastic support to Operation “Peace and Comfort” a project intended to provide quilts to injured soldiers and families of deceased soldiers”.<i>”</i> Red Deer Member of Parliament, Bob Mills also states, “This project is just one way we can thank those brave men & women who have prepared to risk everything to help secure a more peaceful world for all of us.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">This is such a perfect example of what a small act can turn into. They are using the talents that God gave them and helping other people while doing something they enjoy as well. We can all learn from this story and think about how we can use our talents to better our community, country and world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Nicky, thanking all the quilting ladies for a job well done!!</span></div>
nicky nash http://www.blogger.com/profile/07455631658119885136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387699990833725702.post-16798672243540700552011-06-09T11:23:00.000-06:002011-06-09T11:23:10.698-06:00Sprinkle #16 - Think For YourselfSo I totally forgot to tell you about one of my Sprinkles! I tried to tell all of you about what happened to my grad dress! I tried to donate it to the CPA but they never did come to pick it up and did not return my calls. But it worked out because my cousin posted on Facebook that girls in Slave Lake were looking for grad dresses after theirs all burnt in the fires. So I donated my grad dress and some other dresses I had laying around to them because I cannot imagine what it would be like to loose everything including the dress that they wanted to wear one of the most important days of their lives :( I hope it went to someone special :)<br />
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The other topic I wanted to talk about today was a documentary that I watched called The Sons of Perdition. It is about the polygamist colonies in Utah, specifically the one in Colorado City. It follows two boys who escaped and their journey trying to find themselves in a world they did not know existed. It was heart breaking to me because these children don't learn how to read or world history (they didn't even know that world war 1 or 2 had happened). I especially feel for the girls who are forced into early marriage (some as young as 13) and they immediately start to have children. Some men have up to 70 wives. Now I am not trying to say that it is wrong or right, I do believe that people should be able to live the way they want to but the thing that I have the biggest problem with is the lack of independent thinking, individuality and learning. I believe everyone on this planet should have the right to independent thought and an education and in that colony it is forbidden(there schools only teach math and religion). I really do suggest that everyone watch the documentary for yourself and you can come to your own conclusions but to me if it is a forced way of life that is modern day slavery. If you want to help children escape this lifestyle like I did please visit: <a href="http://www.holdingouthelp.org/">http://www.holdingouthelp.org/</a> where you can volunteer, donate money, clothing etc to the children who were brave enough to say no to that forced lifestyle.<br />
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If you pay this Sprinkle forward please email me <a href="mailto:nicole.dundas@hotmail.com">nicole.dundas@hotmail.com</a> or join the Facebook group Happy Sprinkle or follow me on Twitter @nickydundas <br />
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Nicky, promoting independent thinkingnicky nash http://www.blogger.com/profile/07455631658119885136noreply@blogger.com0