Skin Saviour

by Liz

Went to Florida with my Habesha babe. Logged some pool and sun time (yes even in these chilly days) and got some dry dry baby skin.

Found Cetaphil in my Momma's cabinet. Slathered down the babe and Wow! I'm a big convert. Her skin has never looked so great. It doesn't smell as delicious as my previous Sally Beauty Coconut Oil lotion (in fact it doesn't smell at all)... but she just glows! Thought I'd share the secret. Oh, and the cheapskate in me also found out that the Walgreens store brand works wonderfully too! Shine on Sisters!

The cute, the clever and the downright creepy

by Liz

A little surfing tonight on YouTube turned up some cute Ethiopian kids songs and this Ethiopian kid's animated character which is just creepy! It looks a little like the Ethiopian doll I bought in Addis... just a little flabbier...

1) the cute children's song

2) the classic Teddy Afro

3) the creepy Senzero show

Ethiopia & adoption on my mind... again

by Liz

Oops, I did it again.... I read Melissa Faye Greene's "There's no me without you."

It started out innocently enough to fulfill my book club's book review obligation. A quick re-read accompanied with photos from our trip to adopt little Ru in July 2008. This will be a breeze. Right?

Well, except that its so heart-wrenching, compelling and packed with facts and beautiful description that I couldn't pay it the injustice of a breeze-through.

I hadn't read the book since way before we'd submitted our dossier to adopt from Ethiopia in 2007. Now, as I am (still) wrestling with writing her Lifebook, I was struck with the realization that, for our little girl, this is the closest thing I have to explaining how she ended up here in rural Ohio with us.

As I'm sorting this all out, our social work agency, Catholic Social Services of Miami Valley asked me to participate in their Adoption Fair as a representative adoptive parent. Sitting in that room surrounded by adoption agency tables... it was almost too much to bear and I'm pondering the leap again.

That book should come with a warning label... "those who read this book may just end up pushed off the adoption ledge!" Yes, I'm teetering...

Latest Designs

by Liz

I'm tickled with these latest designs I just posted on zazzle.

They're based off a pair of statues we bought in Ethiopia. The word "Konjono" means beautiful. I'm thinking of making some parents to go along with these little kiddies... but for now I rest! Enjoy.

Ethiopian Art by Dereje Dimissie

by Liz

I saw Dereje Dimissie's work in Addis at the Makush Gallery (I think) while we were there but didn't have a chance to make a purchase. Luckily I found him again online and was able to get in touch with him (when the power grid allowed!) and we purchased this amazing painting from him through the mail.

I really admire his depictions of Ethiopian women. Strong, noble, beautiful. His work speaks for itself. If you're looking for something beautiful to grace your walls and inspire your family contact him (I hope he doesn't mind my shameless plug)!

His email is: ddereje2003@yahoo.co.uk

We all Love Shoes!

by Liz

I can't say it enough. I LOVE ZAZZLE.com! It keeps the creative juices flowing and out of trouble. If not for Zazzle, I'd be spending time and m

oney surfing for more home decor, which

Dan keeps reminding me we

definitely don't need.

So, Zazzle does a social service in addition to letting me design fun and frivolous tshirts, mugs and now, yes, SHOES! What girl doesn't love shoes? And

what designer doesn't love a new medium?

Here's mine:

http://www.zazzle.com/adopttees*

These were all inspired by my latest line of Jungle Safari birthday stationary which I designed for the Communities United Benefit Auction. Another women donated her cake-making services and we put together a cute little set. I think I'll donate one to the Ethiopian Orphan Relief auction as well (http://www.ethiopianorphanrelief.com).

Music Across the World

by Liz

I just came across this song and then the site. The song Stand by Me was profoundly moving. Ru was mesmerized.

The music is wonderful. Street musicians from across the world playing the same song separately were mixed together into one song that weaves, bobs, unites, transcends.

The metaphor of music dissolving boundaries plays well upon the soul. Please enjoy it too at playingforchange.com

Pass it on.