We are such a team.  I created a simple challenge. Karlie comes through with flying colors and finds a recipient in Arkansas, worthy of our Yellow Envelope Project.  And Peggy, through her generous donation, is sponsor this week's " yellow envelope flood."

That's the way it has to go when you take on a challenge as big and audacious as powering the planet with shine.  No one could do this work alone.  No one.  I don't care how good you think you are or how hardworking, persistent, clever, creative, or relentlessly passionate.  This job is designed for an army - a loyal and focused army.

We are making headway.  We have small stock pile of nominations waiting to be sifted through and every week we have more and more people joining us as we mail anonymous letters of gratitude to deserving people around the country.  Here's my commitment to you.  Continue showing up every week, willing to give ten minutes and $0.44, and I will continue showing up with the names of worthy people who are making a difference in their corners of the world.

Together this small but mighty group will spread our Rayvolution.  This week we celebrate the Award-winning Alda Rae from Arkansas.  Look at what her nominator had to say: 

"Alda Rae is an amazing woman who volunteers her time for others in so many ways, I can't even begin! She is at the hospital once a week to assist in the main office at an administrative level; she is at the food shelter downtown once a week to help with cooking and feeding the homeless in downtown Ft. Smith, AR. She has amazing knitting and quilting skills that she utilizes to help others: knitting quilts, socks and jackets for preemie babies in the hospital as well as knitting helmet liners for Army personnel which she sends over seas by batch load. She received a note back from one soldier thanking her for the helmet liner and complimenting her on how soft and comfortable it was - his preference above any other choice since it is very cold in Afganistan! Alda Rae also has taught 3 of her grandchildren to knit and pass the tradition along to them! She is an avid participant in book clubs at her church and in her neighborhood. Now Alda Rae was recently diagnosed with a liver dysfunction and at some point will have to have a liver transplant in order to survive. This, along with all the medication does not stop or hinder her from helping others in the least! Her heart is generous. Her spirit and positive nature is contagious. She is not only an amazing and helpful daughter, but she possesses that unexplainable Shine quotient!!! She is an excellent candidate for your Yellow Envelope Project."

Participating is easy.  Simply write Alda Rae a short, much-deserved note.  Thank her for ALL the volunteer work she squeezes into her week and for actively seeking new ways to share her talents with the world.  Seal your note in a yellow envelope (or white, decorated with yellow markers and stickers) and place the words, "Yellow Envelope Project" in place of your return address.  Mail it to the address listed below, before next Saturday when we meet again to recognize our next worthy recipient.

Alda Rae mailed countless knitted hats to troops oversees.  How about one yellow envelope for each knitted hat that she has made and mailed?  That seems like a more than fair exchange.

Shining off until Monday...