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Originally posted by Jayne

Hi, all!

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Over the next few months, think of what you might be able to donate to the auction. Items relating to LOTM and the time period are great, but other donations are good, too. We welcome homemade items (you know, like PING and LEMON SHRUB - English Trader, are you out there???) and purchased ones. Books, "regional" baskets, wooden jewelry boxes, bath salts, ornaments, floral arrangements, moccasins, wampum, paintings, LOTM posters (really big posters, of DDL, even), CD's - just a sample of the many past donations. And don't forget the wonderful offer from Carter Ard and Wes Studi! T-shirts, cookbooks and more signed by Magua himself!! WOO HOO!!!

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Originally posted by Jayne

Hi, all!

I've been noticing those little reminders lately from You-Know-Who that the 2004 Gathering is just nine months away! Whew! How can that be? Don't know about all of you, but as summer wanes I wonder what happened to June, July, and August! Seems to me it's about time to start turning those thoughts to next June and our little darlin', Ariel Boutette.

If you're a bit fresh around these parts, you might not know that Ariel is a sweet little gal who we Gatherers "adopted" as our own back a few years ago. Why, do you ask? Well - partly because we're BIG HEARTED FOLKS who just love to help those in need. And a lot because of a special Scottish lass (our dear, dear Kate) who took it upon herself to get Ariel's Cabin going, a fundraiser-to-beat-all-fundraisers, so we could help out a baby and her family...a baby born with no eyes and other defects affecting her heart, lungs and spinal cord. This little tyke has had many, many treatments and surgeries - with more to come. Any financial help at all is a boost to those huge medical bills that Ariel's family must face.

I know, I know. We all have our trials and tribulations. But helping Ariel is easy. And as a Gatherer, your participation is part of the fun. Think of all those awesome, beautiful sights of the North Carolina mountains that we'll be able to see that Ariel will never visually experience. Ariel's trials and tribulations at her young age may amount to more than any of us have yet had to deal with as adults. So how can you help? Read on...

Over the next few months, think of what you might be able to donate to the auction. Items relating to LOTM and the time period are great, but other donations are good, too. We welcome homemade items (you know, like PING and LEMON SHRUB - English Trader, are you out there???) and purchased ones. Books, "regional" baskets, wooden jewelry boxes, bath salts, ornaments, floral arrangements, moccasins, wampum, paintings, LOTM posters (really big posters, of DDL, even), CD's - just a sample of the many past donations. And don't forget the wonderful offer from Carter Ard and Wes Studi! T-shirts, cookbooks and more signed by Magua himself!! WOO HOO!!!

When you come to the Gathering, Ariel's Cabin will be set up at the Geneva where you can peruse the items throughout the week. You'll have lots of chances to bid on those many, many things you absolutely MUST have to take home with you. This year, I'm blessed with not one but THREE helpers. Kay, Patrick and Karen have been SOOOO kind to help mind the store. One or more of us will be there to help you make that tough bidding decision! On the night of the raffle we'll finalize the auction. It's lots of fun and most rewarding to know we've advanced this here Gathering to a higher purpose than just trompin' around them thar hills and actin' like a bunch of fun-lovin', crazed and wild LOTM fans! Oh, I think nine months is just TOO long to wait!

Anyway, drop me a line at jlangan@indy.rr.com with any ideas or suggestions. If you're coming to the Gathering, you can bring your donations with you. If you aren't, there's always the U.S. Mail. Look forward to hearing from lots and lots of you!

Jayne

P.S. I've contacted Ariel's parents and will hopefully have some updated info re her progress and treatments. I'll pass that

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Originally posted by Theresa

English Trader...how is Pvt. Chaucncey's Major doing these days? Haven't seen him around in a while.

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