This has been a very challenging month.  First, I had an arthritis flair.  Not something to write home about, but sever enough to keep me in bed one afternoon.  Then i got slapped with the summer bnronchitis bug.  The Book Store Lady, Mary Alice, sent me home one afternoon after an extended caughing event that sent several shoppers running for the doors.   I like to tell myself that her concern was for me, but the surgical mask she wore as she escorted me from the building leads me to believe otherwise.  Finally, Margaret Elizbeth has had several bouts with unwelcomed medical issues.  As I write this she is doing very well and is enjoying herself at camp, despite the two or three fractures in her left big toe.  I guess the universe doesn't want her to feel singled out, because our middle son Nate came home this morning with a fracture in his right hand.   This is one of those times that you thank God for good insurance and a sense of humor.

About a month ago I mentioned three little girls in Alaska and thier connection to Bella Lana.  The girls, Cheyenne, Ariel, and Jesslyn live in Ft. Yukon Alaska.  This community of approximately 700 is above the articic circle and is accessable only by plane.   Our knitter Kristine Schnarr and her husband Mark were volunteers at the village's mission house.

Kristine meet the girls as soon as her small plain landed in Ft. Yukon.  All three girls were "full of life" as Kristine graciously described them.  Ultimately, Kristine decided to invited the girls to an afternoon "Tea".  The girls understood that this was not just an afternoon visit with snacks, but a real live, big girl, tea.   To Kristine's  suprise,  the three young ladies who showed up at the Mission house were dressed in their sunday best and actively working to make sure they were using "grownup" manners during thier visit.  Sometime during the "tea" the girls told Kristine that they had a gift for her.  Kristine made sure the girls understood that she didn't want or need a gift, but the girls were insistant.  Graciously, Kristine relinted, and the girls stood and prepaire to present their gift.  Without cerimoney, three little Alaskan angels dressed in ther sunday finest, stood up, held their hymnals and began to sing.  This is only my opinion,but I am sure that Almight God in his heaven has never enjoyed  "Amazing Grace" the way he must have that afternoon.  

As Kristine told me about this  serrinade, her eyes shone with tears of  pride and joy.  Three  innocent young girls offering the sweetest gift they could concieve, to a woman who's love and compassion never expected a response.

Please remember Cheyenne, Ariel, and Jesslyn in your prayers tonight,  They live in a world that  mixes innocece and poverty with drug abuse and issolation.  Pray that our "Bella Angles" and thir families can continue to grow in thier knowledge of "Amazing Grace" and all that this wonderful phrase intailes.

When you think about it, a couple of fractures and a little head cold isn't that bad after all. 

We truly have the most wonderful knitters on the face of the earth.  You have all been extreamly supportive and encouraging as we launch the Bella websight.  For me personally, the training wheels are off.  Ashely is gone.  She's left me for Vegas and then Med. School.  Can you imagine.  My hope is that she will break down and spend more than her "budgeted" $25.00 on slots.   That's 25 for the trip not per day.  Our Ash is one fisical conservative.  

All kidding aside, without Ash our websight wouldn't have happened for a very long time.  She has been a blessing and a gift from heaven.  It is no wonder that Ash has been such a gift because as they say "The apple never falls far from the tree".  Lisa (Ashley's mom) has been a faithful Bella Believer for as long as there has been a Bella.  Lisa is our offical Bella Volunteer.  Our sight is as much a dream come true for her as it is for me.   I love her and couldn't imagine a shop without her. 

I have so much more to share, but it's almost 11:00 and time to open.  I promise that as soon as I have a chance today I am going to tell you all a little story about three little girls in Alaska and their very "bella" connection to Bella Lana.  In the mean time, knit a little, laught a little, and love alot. 

God Bless, M