It's A Twister!

I did something last week I almost never do.

I bought something I did not need. I bought something just for the fun of it. Just for the thrill of it. 

I made an impulse buy!

Let's back up by stating when it comes to shopping for myself - I don't. I am not sure the explanation for this because at one time I loved to shop. 

Back in my teen years, early twenties, I loved taking my babysitting/paper route money to Century III Mall, blowing it on a new vest from Deb, earrings from Claire's, a new cassette tape from National Record Mart and a hot fudge sundae from Dairy Queen. 

I even put a new winter coat on layaway one year at Kmart - the one that recently closed in North Versailles. It took me a few months to pay off that baby but I could not have been prouder to wear the turquoise/black coat with shoulder pads, matching scarf - topped off with my black Debbie Gibson hat. 

Although I made frequent purchases, I rarely bought anything that was not on sale. I inherited my mom's frugal nature and it pained me to pay full price. I was raised with flea market and thrift store shoppin' skills so I learned early on just how far a dollar should go. 

I think I got away from self shopping because I have others to shop for. Three kids and one large kid (husband) equals little time for personal buys. Every now and then I'll get a pair of jeans, like I did a few months ago through Amazon or the beach wardrobe I bought at the American Thrift Center in West Mifflin. Four pair of shorts, including Under Armour and Adidas, and two tank tops $11.00.

 Yes, sir! The price was right that day. It would have been cheaper if I had swallowed my pride and accepted the senior discount the cashier tried to give me. LOL!

Anyway...the other day I went to the local vacuum store to buy the special bags I need for my machine. As I was paying for them, I caught sight of a oval shaped appliance on the counter that was filled with water and made a swishing sound. 

As I looked at it closely, I noticed what looked like a mini tornado (plastic funnel) in the center. I said to the man ringing up my purchase, "What it that?" He said it was an air purifier called a Twister. It takes air in, cleans it and then sends it back out. You could add a fragrance too, if you'd like. 

I said, "Wow! I think I need one of these." Now keep in mind, I'm almost two months into summer vacation. Kids are everywhere. Mess is everywhere. Life is in total chaos. I haven't been alone in my house since May 29th. The calming sound of swishing water around a tornado? Heck, it's a metaphor for my life. The salesman went on to say, "Yeah, and they are actually on sale right now."

The price was reasonable in terms of my standards. Under $40? I'm worth it. Besides, my birthday is coming up. But then I found out there were only three left. THREE LEFT!!

I was in a hurry that day and had to go but the thoughts of my own personal air purifying tornado stuck with me throughout the day. Plus, with my weather fascination, this little machine had my name written all over it. But I had to wrap my head around this unnecessary purchase that for some reason seemed so necessary. 

The very next day, I dragged my husband to the vacuum store and what do you know? There were now only TWO LEFT!!! I quickly snatched a box from the shelf, put it on the counter and I said, "I'll take it!" You would have thought I was holding a box of gold the way I pranced out of the store singing 'Happy Birthday' to me. 

Later that day, my daughter offered to set it up for me by filling it with water and plugging it in. The LED light display gently illuminated our own personal twister in our dining room and the swooshing sound created a false sense of calm. The kids ooohed and awwed as they were hypnotized by the colors and moving water.

I've since moved it into my bedroom and have been able to sleep with it on at night. I don't know if the air is cleaner, I didn't buy it for that, but it is calming to watch and hear. I'm sure there will come a day when the allure of my little Twister will wear off but for right now there is no place like home!

Magic Yarn Project Warms Heads and Hearts

There is nothing more magical for a little kid than to dress up as their favorite Disney princess or superhero. But for some special little ones, an illness prevents them from really getting into character. This is where the Magic Yarn Project comes into play.

The non-profit organization is based out of Palmer, Alaska and was started by two pediatric nurses. What began as a handful of Rapunzel wigs delivered to a local children's hospital has blossomed into 18,000 wigs that have been distributed across North America and Europe in the past three years.

Jessica Ash is the Pennsylvania Chapter Leader and found out about the project through social media last October. She contacted the organization to see how she could get involved and had to submit some of her crochet work, and write an essay detailing her skills, experience with kids and why she would be a good leader.

"After our interview, I guess they saw my passion for it," explains Ash, who says there was a lot of competition for the chapter leader position, and was delighted to be chosen.

The project is special to Ash not only because it allows her to utilize her talents, but because of what she has seen first hand. After her cousin was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukemia she spent a lot of time at Children's Hospital and saw these little kids going through tough treatments and needing some extra love.

"Unfortunately, there is a need. We wish there wasn't. But when they get these wigs they put them on and they just get this smile and they twirl and they are on top of the world and that is why we do it."

There are a variety of Disney character wigs that are made along with superhero beanies. Ash handles the complicated parts, making the actual headpieces and accessories out of yarn, perfect for sensitive scalps. Workshops are held twice a month at Lincoln Place Presbyterian Church to help assemble the wigs and for this part, you don't need to be skilled in the art of crocheting.

Family friend Kathy Schaming wanted to help Ash from the moment she found out about the project.

"When she showed it to me I started crying and I said, 'Ok, put me in there.'"

Schaming did not know how to crochet but has been able to learn how to attach the yarn, for the hair, and the bedazzled accessories thanks to Ash's patient teaching style. A group of 10 to 12 volunteers come together at each workshop to complete the wigs of the designated character of the day. At the June 8th workshop, Elsa, from the movie Frozen, was the princess of the day.

The wigs are made under the watchful eye of the Disney corporation, Ash explains. "Everything is made in their image as far as what Disney has trademarked. We get as close to the princess as possible."

Currently, the group is preparing a shipment of wigs to be distributed at PNC Park for the Pirates' Pediatric Cancer Night scheduled in September. They will be given to children who have been diagnosed with cancer, alopecia or have some type of head deformity.

More workshops are scheduled through the summer months and help is needed. The jobs go beyond making the wig. Volunteers can help assemble the accessories, package the wigs and even write personalized cards, letting the kids know who made the wig as well as offering words of encouragement.

The project is 100% volunteer and donation driven. Anyone who donates money or material, it all goes toward making wigs that are distributed locally and once that need is met,  other organizations across the country are contacted. Ash says if anyone knows of a local organization that offers support to patients and would be interested in tapping in to the project they can reach out to her through email: JessicaA@themagicyarnproject.com or check out their website: themagicyarnproject.com