The Bluebird Patch

Beginning February 1, 2013, the Atlanta History Center hosts the groundbreaking traveling exhibition Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello: How the Word is Passed Down . The exhibition explores the lives of enslaved families on Jefferson’s well-known plantation as well as the powerful stories of their descendants brought to light through documentary study, oral history, and genealogy. A page from a record book listing the names of Jefferson's  slaves over the years. They numbered roughly 600 in his lifetime. The exhibition was organized by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello in partnership with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and features objects from Monticello’s collection as well as artifacts from archaeological excavations at Jefferson’s Virginia plantation -- the best-documented, best-preserved and best-studied in North America.    The headstone of Priscilla Hemmings, member of a slave family....

We are obsessed with Kid President (self-appointed voice of a generation). He is incredibly clever, talented and oh so funny! His latest youtube video has over two million hits and counting. We all need a little encouragement every now and then. Kid President, knowing this, has put together a video you can play each morning as you wake up or to share with your friend who needs a kick in the right direction. Take a moment and spread some encouragement. "It's everybody's duty to give the world a reason to dance." Follow Kid President on Twitter: http://twitter.com/iamkidpresident or be a friend on Facebook http://facebook.com/kidpresident.

Cupid is aiming his bow and arrow for The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation's "Cupid at the Castle" event on Valentine's Day 2013, and one lucky couple will be selected to say "I do" free of charge.  Email specialevents@georgiatrust.org explaining why you and your loved one want to say "I do" in a castle and you could be selected for one of the half-hour Valentine's Day time slots to have a fairy-tale wedding or vow renewal at Rhodes Hall, Atlanta's "castle on Peachtree."   Couples may invite up to 35 guests and Cupid will handle the rest. Cupid at the Castle provides a fully decorated, romantic setting for ceremonies with Victorian-style décor as well as a bouquet, a minister, music for the walk down the aisle, and champagne and cupcakes for the couple to make a toast afterward. A photographer will be available to capture the fairy-tale moments every step of the way.   ...

Celebrate Valentine's Day with a special photo (or two or ten) of you and your pet. For a $10.00 donation, you'll receive two 4 x 6 printed photos, or a CD with all photos taken. For a $20.00 donation, you'll receive both printed photos and a CD! Photos will be taken by professional photographer, George  Aubrey, www.georgeaubreyphotography. com All proceeds go to care for the pets in the adoption center as they wait for forever homes. Call the Georgia SPCA at (678) 765-2726 , to set your photo appointment time. Check out some of the adorable below.   P hotos taken by Georgia SPCA supporter photographer Frances Aguilar.   http://www.georgiaspca.org/  

The most meaningful testimonies are when people say that it was a vision of the sovereignty and goodness of God that got them through the most difficult times of their life. Here is one of those testimonies. This story and so personal. So delicate. So easily abused. So unfinished. Love Ian and Larissa as you watch this amazing story. Pray for them. And us. Much more of this couple at http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/the-story-of-ian-larissa

     Happiness is a truly personal and sometimes complex concept for all of us. This journal is here to help you understand your own, personal happiness and to offer ways in which to let more happiness in daily. Use the information, exercises, prompts and note pages in this journal as a guide on your exploration and remember, think happy, be happy. You can also decorate your desktop with happiness each month as part of The Happiness Collaborative Project. This month's focus is gratitude. Be inspired to express thanks with this beautiful quote and monthly calendar. Download the 1680x1050 Version here or the 2520x1575 Version here . Download the Mobile Template here . http://www.kikki-k.com

I love sharing Etsy finds, especially if part of the proceeds are intended for charity. Scarlett Dalilaha, has created a Bluebird of Happiness Crown. For evert crown sold, she will donate $7.00 to GiveDirectly through GiveWell , an independent, nonprofit charity evaluator. This crown is a limited edition and will only be available in the year 2013. In 2014 another Caring Crown will debut, along with another charity to which she will donate. The tips of the crown and the zigzag trim are silver metallic and make for a stunning display of sparkle. The bluebird carries under its wing a silver metallic heart, spreading happiness and love far and wide. Scarlet mentions on her Etsy page: "GiveDirectly, the specific charity that will be the recipient of our donations, distributes cash to poor individuals in Kenya. I was lucky enough to spend 4 months in Kenya while my dad was on sabbatical there. It is an amazing country. I am excited to be able to donate ...

One In Three Women On The Planet Will Be Raped Or Beaten In Her Lifetime. One Billion Women Violated Is An Atrocity. One Billion Women Dancing Is A Revolution. Join V-Day on 02.14.13. STRIKE, DANCE, RISE in your community & demand an end to violence. Help us break the chain!!   Want to be in the One Billion Rising Atlanta flash mob on 2.14.2013 on Peachtree? Check out the moves here, learn the steps. There will be open rehearsals at several local dance studios, but you can also learn the steps on your own with the tutorial video. (Go to 8:47 to watch the full choreography all together). Email nikki@vday.org if you want to do it! http://www.onebillionrising.org/

Please join Diamonds Over Georgia , a charity conquering childhood cancer,  on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at the Cosmopolitan and Lava Lounge in Midtown Atlanta to raise funds for two great organizations in pursuit of defeating pediatric cancer. The event will offer heavy hors d’oeuvres, dancing, drinks, a live and silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle.  All the proceeds of the event will benefit the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at CHOA and The Four Diamonds Fund. Cost: $55* (includes 3 drink tickets) Tickets: http://www. psuatlanta.com/store.html? show_item=1135 Time: 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. Dress: Cocktail attire *Tickets will increase to $65 on February 1.

   Variety of Georgia Stages Talent Competition, Benefits Area Children in Need   Variety of Georgia , in its second annual teenage singing competition, will chose the top, not only vocalist, but star! Eligible youth across the state submitted videos of their best performances. After much deliberation and two rounds of preliminary judging by three musical industry veterans (Amanda Moore, Janet Wade, and Steve Clements), the top 10 finalists will take the stage this spring. Stars of Tomorrow hosts the final competition at The Fox Theatre on Sunday, March 17 at 4 p.m. with the Silent Auction beginning at 3 p.m. The showcase raises the curtain on the top 10 vocalists as they perform highly anticipated acts for an eager audience. Friends and family join show-business veterans and community influencers for an evening of fun, philanthropy and dream-chasing as Stars of Tomorrow crowns its champion.