Trinity United Methodist Church - Austin, Texas

Dear Trinity Family,

After a journey of almost six months, I reached the summit of Mt. Katahdin on October 11th - the weather was dangerously cold & windy, so we didn't spend much time at the summit.  We had spectacular views on the approach and descent, so I was not disappointed.  I summitted with about 10 other people, some of whom I had grown really close to - my trail family.  Now that Gracie and I have begun our return trip to Austin (by car - not on foot!) I feel as if I'm between two worlds - no longer thru-hiking, but not yet integrated back into life off the trail.  The blessing is that I know I am a valued and valuable member of both of those worlds and I have a treasure of friendships in both of them.  Next up is a visit with family in Tennessee, then back to Austin by the end of October.

Until we meet again,
Peace & blessings,
Kel & Gracie (woof!)

P.S. Thanks for all the prayers, encouragement, & support - I couldn't have done it without you!

I wanted to pass along some additional information about one of the upcoming WNA classes (Nov. 4 - Nov. 18):

 Trinity member, Lorrie Meyer, just launched a new site called Bonza Lounge that helps you meet new people and get together with friends.

Whether you're gay, straight, single, in a relationship, or married, Bonza Lounge is a fun way to meet new people one-on-one or in a small group.

Create your free account today!

www.BonzaLounge.com

I recently started a practice of life coaching/spiritual direction for moms called Motherself: motherself.com.

Basically I am helping mothers clarify and realize their own personal and professional goals, as well as supporting them to be more authentic and alive as mothers. Since this work is done by phone and online, it can be offered to women anywhere in the country. It is especially useful for newer moms, or moms who are in some sort of transitional phase (pregnancy, juggling work and home life, having a second child, going back to work, child going to school, etc.).

Check out my site, and if you know or work with any moms you think would be interested, or belong to any parenting listserves, please pass on my website info to them.

Thanks so much!
Julie Aziz
motherself.com 

 This is my final presentation before placing my holiday order: (Solstice, Yule, Christmas, Hannakuh) so be sure and catch me this week between services or by phone or email if you're wanting cards or gifts in time for the holidays. 

This week, ORGINALS of the TRINITY COLLECTION will be sold/given to Trinity members exclusively.  If you see an original you like, NO BID IS TOO LOW----I want to see  the pieces go to Trinity folks who inspired them so some of my paintings are going for as low as $10 to accomodate the buyer and to ensure that the piece stays within the Trinity circle.  TALK TO ME about a trade/gift/payment plan that would work for you.   

LOOK at my catalog and email or call if you see something you'd like.   THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR KIND SUPPORT! 

I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM OTHER TRINITY ARTISTS WHO'D LIKE TO FORM A COOP OR TO FUND SOME OF OUR MINISTRIES.  loriharvey@sbcglobal.net

Dear Sid & Trinity Family,

     A few days ago we celebrated 5 months on the trail, 1900 miles, and crossing the NH-ME border.  When I look back, it's hard to fathom how we've come this far, but it's the result of being willing to keep hiking and see where the trail leads.  Yesterday, we hiked a relatively short 8 miles into Andover, ME.  In the morning, we hiked up and over the Baldpate peaks, which were fogged in.  The morning was very still and quiet and lent a reverence to the day.   I don't know if it's me or Maine, but I've been keenly aware of the beauty and fragility of my surroundings, and my good fortune to be able to dwell in the experience of this journey.  It was too cold and damp to stop on the peak, but we walked slowly and stopped often to listen to the silence and watch the fog roll.  A half hour from the road crossing near Andover, we also stopped above Dunn falls to rest and listen to the water.  One of my favorite days on the trail so far.  Thanks so much for sending my resupply package to Stratton, and for all the prayers and well wishes.

Peace & blessings,
Kel & Gracie (woof!)

I'm so grateful and excited to have gotten such a  positive and tremendous response from Trinity folks regarding the cards and paintings I'm offering for the holidays.   Whether you're interested in ordering one card or a box of cards, I'll need your order and payment as soon as possible in order to have the cards available for holiday mailing. I will be available before/after all three services to take your orders. 

If you want to order but can't pay or put down a deposit at this time, I still need to take your order now  and we can work out the rest.  If you want to order something and don't have the funds,  I'll do whatever I possibly can to work something out with you. The collection of designs and cards you saw Sunday are aptly titled the "Trinity Collection" as each piece is truly inspired by the individuals and collective spirit of this congregation. It's  very important to me that anyone at Trinity who would like to own any piece of that collection be given an affordable opportunity to do so,  as the collection wouldn't exist without each of you . So please don't hesitate to talk to me about bartering, gifting, or sliding scale options that will enable you to obtain the card, painting, ornament etc. that you are drawn to,  

Also, PLEASE SHARE ANY IDEAS you may have of other word-of-mouth ways to offer my products at such an early stage of the process.  I will have a catalog shortly to pass out to friends of friends etc. but I don't have a mailing list or a lot of people familiar with my work yet and will be starting out  with person to person advertising and relying upon you and others who like my message to get the word out.   If you miss me at services, you can email me at loriharvey@sbcglobal.net.  I have photos and descriptions of my products which are being made into a catalog right now that I can send to you if you don't get a chance to look at them between services.  Also available by email, a description of  the products offered, and a collection of the customizing  option possibilities (card sentiments etc.) .
 
Thanks so much for your interest in my work  and for the inspiration that birthed the Trinity collection.  If my cards are a success and make it into store shelves,  a percentage of the sales will go to Trinity's efforts to "wage peace" in our community.