My Own Big Give: Kris, Part 2

The decision, and my justification of such:
Anyone who read my last post will know that I'd dedicated to baking bread.  I believe in homemade food.  I think it's healthy and appreciated, so we were off to a good start.  I started to dream big, like we're asked to do.  What if I sold this bread for a reasonable price at our local farmers market and donated all proceeds to buying seeds through World Vision?  I believe in this organization, as well, and believe it's one of the better options for charitable donations.

However, I quickly ran into budget issues.  To enter the Farmers Market costs ten dollars, and half my budget.  Even with the flour I already own, this makes baking more then a few loafs of bread virtually impossible.  I also am having some major time issues.  As summer comes, and I'm sure most of you will agree, my spare time dwindles considerably.

So, when my sister started to make fun of me when I'd rant off about having to give big, I knew it was time to calm down the stress.  In the spirit of just because shouldn't be grudging, am I right?  The excitement is back, and I'm glad.

So, I've made a few loaves of bread.  As much as I originally played with the idea of asking people to donate if they felt so inclined, I've decided this is really not a very good idea.  I know people who don't have the time or ability themselves, and will appreciate a loaf of homemade bread.  I really just want them to be able to appreciate that.

It has got me thinking, though.  I still believe in World Vision, but I'm taking this opportunity to reach out to the people I know.  The single girls, the amazing old couples, people I know will appreciate a fresh loaf of bread (and, yes, they're turning out well).  I can't being you photos, because on top of this all my computer has crashed.  What I will share with you is the bread recipe I'm using, in case you feel like you have the time to learn to make it yourself. 

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6 tbsp marg (or butter or lard)
2 tsp salt
4 tbsp sugar (I use brown)
3 cups milk (I use 1/2 water)
Add in multi grain (or raisins, or spices, or whatever)
8 cups of flour... But don't stir!
Create a dent in the flour and put in,
4 tbsp yeast (instant or slow)
sprinkle this is 1 tbsp sugar
Pour in 1/4 cup warm water.  Moisten yeast with tip of knife.  Let sit well yeast rises.
Once yeast has risen (about ten minutes) stir together and knead on floured surface for about ten minutes.  Create dough into ball, return to bowl, cover with  clean dishcloth and set to rise in warm area until doubled in size.  About 20 minutes.
Once risen punch dough down, and form into loaves.  Set them to rise, again until doubled in size.  Bake in pre-heated oven at 350 degrees until brown.  Approximately 20 minutes. Allow to cool, and rub with butter to keep soft.

Why I won't be entering The Big Give

I'd like to start by saying that this whole project is completely mindblowing. I know the women who've put The Big Give together, through their blogs and thwhatever other social networking we young folk do nowadays. They're all forward-thinking, compassionate, sweet, decent humans. So, of course, it's no big surprise that they've come up with this but... seriously, where do they find the time?! These four ladies are the reason the world is going to be okay in another fifty years: If nobody else saves us all, they will.

Anyway, I can't enter The Big Give. I'd like to, because I think it's positive and it's brilliant and, more than anything, it's needed. But here's a story about me and my life and why I can't participate...

I was a bad kid. I did a lot of terrible things. Drugs, thievery, lies... that was my modus operandi. Many of the times I lied, I was simply trying to make people think I'm interesting or "cool" or dangerous or... any number of things that i didn't think I already was. I bought a crack rock in 7th grade, just so I could tell people I tried smoking crack. No, I never tried it (gave it to a train station bum), but I told everyone I did. I made up all kinds of stories about older cousins in New York City and recording sessions with make-believe punk bands, and all of that. It's embarrassing to admit, even all these years later.

And I stole. For years. I mean, the compulsive lying was MOSTLY given up like... by age 18ish. The stealing, well I still like to shoplift sometimes, if we're being honest (Now, I only steal from big companies that make money by exploiting peoples' stupidity and obedience). But I used to REALLY steal. I did a bunch of burglaries... even into age 20. No, I'm not proud at all. One moment that has haunted my existence forever and ever was... well, I stole $400 from one of my best friends. When I was a homeless 19-year-old sociopath. Anyway, yes.

As one might guess, I'm basically a walking guilt factory nowadays. And that's why I won't sign up for The Big Give.

I will be participating, however. Silently, selfishly. I've been reading the blog every day, and I am feeling really inspired. But... I operate a little bit differently. I do my best to give now, as I've taken so much. But it's very important to me that I don't talk about it. When/If I give, it is between me and the person I'm giving to. And sometimes, whenever I can, I prefer to give without anyone knowing at all. For example, have you ever found $20 taped to the bottom of a table at your local cafe, or perhaps you woke up early to shovel your driveway but it was mysteriously done already? Yeah, that was me, maybe. I like to give, but I think talking about it is wrong for me. Because there's a very good chance I will start lying again, and I don't want to do that.

So. Day to day life for me is usually ALL about giving back, or paying dues, or repenting (no, not to Jesus, just... to the universe) for my wrongdoings. Even the no-big-deal things like holding doors open, giving up my bus seat, smiling when I talk even though I hate my teeth... I try to give of myself, the best I can. Yes, I am motivated by guilt... which makes me feel more guilty. I mean giving and giving, to avoid guilt, but then realising I should be giving and giving for no good reason at all? I don't know, I haven't got it all worked out.

But I do want to say THANK YOU to Risha and Mel and Kris and Ella. For coming up with The Big Give., I won't be entering, but if there's anything else I can do, let me know. And GOOD LUCK to all the contestants! I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with. This is a beautiful thing, and I'm truly happy that it exists.

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This was written by Robert Boylan. He is 28, living in America. Pretty weird, but pretty awesome. He has a blog called The Stir-Fried Dinosaur. Also pretty weird but also pretty awesome.

Three Questions with Cassie from Little House of Limes

Cassie is the talented bunny behind Aus-based stationery designer, Little House of Limes. We asked her to answer Three Questions for the TBG blog, and this is what she came up with.

You can check out more of Little House of Limes on our prize pack page.

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1) What's the nicest thing anyone's ever done for you?

I'm so blessed to have such a great family and friends circle who always shower me with cute suprises or are there ready to support and believe in my dreams. whether its a bunch of lillies from mum because she knows there my favourites and ive had a hard day, or a fishing rod from dave n steve because they know that ive always wanted to take up fishing, or a trip to Melbourne with all costs paid for by dad ....

2) If you could makes someone's day, what would you do?

I would pop down to my sister in Sydney whos doing her first year at Uni and would go exploring, finding cute boutiques, old bookstores and small cafes which made quality chai soy lattes.

3) Tell us a little about your contribution to the TBG prize pack.

My small gift consists of cards, tags and writting paper, all made from recycled materials. All goodies are unique, hand designed, hand crafted and have details such as stitching, buttons and water colour brush strokes for that handmade, just for you feel. The cards are perfect for sending a smile, hug or thankyou. The writting paper is ready and waiting for you to start scribbling sweet love letters, jotting down thoughts and planning some grand adventures. The tags are a perfect, personal touch for a gift for that special someone. enjoy these little pieces of my heart x

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hello my lovelies! im cassie, a 20 something chai sipping, book reading, tree lovin gal with dreams of bringing back the warm and fuzzie feelings you get when the postman rocks up at your door with a note from a loved one. snail mail makes you want to sing, dance, scribble and give... thats why im so passionate about it! I love this amazing planet called earth so thats why all my goodies are made from recycled materails, so they hug trees as well as hearts x

Check out Little House of Limes at MadeIt.

Dori here! Today I get the honours of talking about a little project I started. It's called Goodfiti, and that's because it's a graffiti project that's only aimed at good & positive things. This means that there is no pointless graffiti involved.

Its main purpose is to replace all bad graffiti with good graffiti on places which get tagged very frequently. Especially at public places such a bike paths, where people walk by every day, even young children. I hate that they are being exposed to curse words and dirty images, and I want to prevent that or at least help minimize that.


The things I hope to use the most are positive words, phrases and quotes. Little things that have meaning but aren't extremely long. I make all of these words using bristol board to create stencils. This way they're neat.

Here are some photos of what I've done so far. It isn't much, but everything starts out small. I'm looking forward to doing a lot more soon, and I could use some help! If you'd like to send me some positive words, phrases, or quotes, post them on this post and I might end up using them.




There are plenty of similar projects out there and I hope it spreads all over the world. Do you think this could make a difference? Let us know your opinion.

Thank you!

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Dori is a 19-year-old girl from Canada who likes anything creative. She likes to post most of her ideas and projects on her blog, as well as her photography. She is soon going to attend college for a photography course in hopes of becoming a professional photographer. She also wants to use her art to try to make the world a better place.

Visit her blog at dorithegiant.com

one more cup of coffee 'fore I go to the valley below...

There was a universal fact that existed at the Starbucks in the Portland, Oregon airport. Soldiers never paid for their drinks.

“Hectic” doesn’t even begin to describe how busy those mornings at the airport could get. There were no less than 30 anxious travelers in line between 5 and 11 AM, and they were by and large unpleasant folks. Understandable, since we were the first stop after the demeaning and ridiculous security check, and these people hadn’t yet had their coffee. Add the stress of travelling, and you have yourself a train of grumpy, demanding customers.

But when there was a man or woman in uniform, hostilities were put aside, as proved to me by Ruth.

“I want a mocha,” she told me tersely. She was an older lady, impeccably dressed, probably on her way to Hawaii or something.

“Of course!” I chirped, in the most over-caffeinated, sugar-coated voice I could muster at 5:30 AM. “What size do you want that mocha? Do you want whip?”

This was met with an exasperated stare. “I said grande. And no.”

I sucked it up, got her name, called it out, and gave her the total. As she reached behind her to grab her purse, she saw the soldier a few paces behind in line. She stopped. When she looked back at me, she handed me the money to cover her drink. She looked back and smiled when I gave her the change.

“Thank you.” Her voice was noticeably softer. She paused before opening her wallet and pulling out a five dollar bill. “Can you make sure this goes toward his drink?”She gestured to the soldier. Hesitantly, I nodded, took the bill, and slipped it under the register.

In due course, the man in desert camo gear came up. He was tall, blue-eyed, and looked young. He was studying the menu board intently.

“Can I please get a...white mocha? In a…venti size?”

I found it hard to coat my voice with that fake sugar and extra caffeine. I looked at him and smiled. “Of course. Whip?”

“Uhh, yeah. Sure.” He reached for his wallet.

“It’s been taken care of, don’t worry about that.” I blushed as he looked up, a little confused.

“Another customer asked that this cover your drink,” I explained, waving the bill.

“Oh, no, that’s okay.” He opened his wallet. I panicked a little – I already felt moved by Ruth’s tiny, selfless little gesture, and now it was slipping away.

“Well, to be honest, I really don’t deserve a tip this big, so it might as well go toward your drink.” I completely ignored his own bill he was holding in front of me.

“What’s your name?” I asked, dropping his change into his hand.

“Josh.” He looked at me, then my nametag. “Thanks, Jami.”

“No problem.” I hesitated. “Best of luck, Josh.”

The pattern repeated all summer in that concourse. Soldiers, on their way to who knows where, always had a warm, familiar drink paid for by one of the customers ahead of them. They were always a little embarrassed (as I was, being the middleman) but they were grateful.

In the international arrivals concourse, which was never as busy, I met another soldier. Matt was tall and really handsome in his desert gear. He quickly came up and ordered a caramel macchiato. I’d never seen someone so excited to order a drink, and said as much.

He smiled, “I haven’t had good coffee in eight months.” I gave him a quizzical look as I started making his drink. “I’ve been in Afghanistan,” he explained.

No one had been there to pay for his drink. I frowned, and looked to the supervisor in the back. I asked if he wanted an extra shot (big smile and nod), and handed him a cookie before he left. He thanked me, took a drink, and then stopped.

“It’s so good to be back!” I've still never seen someone so happy to be drinking a mediocre macchiato.

I don’t support those stupid wars these men and women fight in. But I can’t stop them, so if they have to go, I’m glad I could play middleman and at least send them off or welcome them home with a warm drink.

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Jami is 24, blonde, but a little on the bright side, with an infallible hope for the future marred by her relentless laziness that makes her wish that she was in Mexico about 90 percent of the time. She's currently a politico working in Olympia, Washington, which leaves her a little bored. She spends a lot of her time daydreaming and she thinks the world would be a much better place if everyone listened to The Beatles and followed their mantra, "And in the end, love you take is equal to the love you make."

Jami blogs at Jami's Trashcan.

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Read. Think. Discuss. Act.

Three Questions with Stella from Ganbayo

Stella is one of the generous bunnies who has contributed to our prize pack. We asked her to answer three questions so we could get to know her a little better.

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1) What's the nicest thing anyone's ever done for you?

I can't think of any specific thing, but I feel lucky enough to have people near me, who love me and care for me. What can be nicer than that?


2) If you could makes someone's day, what would you do?

the first thing that comes to my mind is taking care a homeless person. I would like to give him or her the opportunity to have a home, to eat homemade food and have a hot bath. I wish this could be true and not only for a day.




3) Tell us about the necklace you've given to the TBG prize pack.

This necklace is one of my favorites creations. I love the soft fabric, the circles and this blue color! Since I was a child I've been observing my grand mother and mother creating traditional cypriot knitwear.These women have inspired me to put my own creativity into use. My intention is to express myself through my jewellery with the hope that a part of my sunny disposition will reach the people who own them!

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Ganbayo aka Stella was born in Nicosia, Cyprus. She is 24 years old and is studying agricultural biotechnology. Stella lives in a small flat in the center of Athens. She has always loved creating things, but first decided to open her own etsy shop in 2010. You can visit her store at http://www.ganbayo.etsy.com/.

Get to know her at her Flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/tourloutourlou

and follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ganbayo

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Now it's your turn. Comment us your own answers to our Three Questions:

1) What's the nicest thing anyone's ever done for you?

2) If you could make someone's day, what would you do?

3) In the next 24 hours, what are you going to do to make someone smile?

TBG Coaching Session Part 5, Presentation

Welcome to part five of TBG Coaching Sessions. We're looking at the final step, and how you should bear this in mind throughout your give. Take a look at some of the points worth remembering for presentation.

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There's one point left for consideration. Maybe you've initiated world peace, made your mom cry tears of happiness, and single handedly saved baby pandas from extinction. We're impressed. Or, we should be. You still have to convince us of this.

How are you going to present your Big Give for judging? You are limited, in one sense, in that it must be presented through a medium that can be sent online. But let's consider this, you want to do a skit? Film it. You have a series of interviews? Record them. Take photos of your art... There's not much that can't be captured within writing, film, and photos. Bear these points in mind.

1.) Think about presentation throughout your project. A photo journal won't do much good if you've failed to document your give in any way. Remember to keep note from the planning stages throughout the outcomes. We want to see how your give grows.

2.) Be creative and visual. Think about this, we recieve one e-mail. It says "I raised $200 through selling my cooking and donated it to charity." In the other recieve an interactive video with colour and dialouge. It introduces us to yourself, and we get to see you selling your jam at a farmer's market. We get to see your smile, and the excitement as you present $200 to your local food bank. A clear choice, I think.

Also, remember, our judges are talented bloggers. They're passionate, artistic, young, musical, and positive. They know the power of writing. I can guarantee you they will appreciate a strong imagination and a presentation that sufficiently appeals to their senses.

3.) Show us all sides of your give. Get excited and show us your passion. If your watching somebody's kids tell us about how the kids had a great time as well as the parents. Take those kids around collecting bottles, and you can tell us about how you also helped save the environment and donated the recycling money to filling a shoebox to mail off at Christmas. Whatever it is, if you're willing to get involved you clearly clear about the cause.

There you have it. We're not asking for a Tony winning documentary, or art gallary photography. We just want a clear, concise, and contageous idea of what you're about. Communicate this to our judges and your chances improve. Give like you mean it, but nothing wrong with lusting over the prize pack just a little bit.