TLC for Children and Families, Inc.

TLC for Children and families, inc. (TLC) was founded 36 years ago by the Johnson County Young Matrons to fulfill an unmet need for an emergency shelter for abused and neglected children. Over the years, TLC's mission has expanded as they have stepped forward to further help children and youth in crisis. The mission of TLC is, "to provide opportunities that encourage positive growth and change for children, youth and families while ensuring a safe environment". TLC strives for the preservation and healing of families by providing services, to the extent allowed by their resources that complement existing community services.

In 2007 alone, TLC provided services to over 18,000 children and youth of all socio-economic, religious, ethnic and racial backgrounds. Over 3,000 of these children and youth were provided shelter or intensive intervention services, while another 15,000 youth were reached through educational activities and community outreach.

From it's beginning, TLC has responded to community needs by implementing new programs to meet these needs. TLC's Resource Family Services, Juvenile Intake and Assessment, Shelter Home, Street Outreach, Juvenile Intervention Services and Youth Crisis Services reflect their continued efforts to serve children and youth in crisis.

We are so happy to give a gift of glass jewelry to benefit this amazing organization which does so much for children and families in crisis. Please visit www.kidstlc.org to find out more about the "Moonlight Masquerade" auction to benefit TLC. This event is on Friday, October 30 at the Overland Park Convention Center. Please take a look!

glassmatazz pictures

Dear Readers, 

Below I have posted some pictures of our fused glass pendants.

Glassmatazz Website

Dear Reader,

To view the Glassmatazz website click here -  glassmatazzart.com

Old Settler's Days-Olathe Kansas, September 11 and 12, 2009

What a beautiful weekend to spend outdoors at an art and craft festival. The weather was warm but a steady breeze wafted over Lorita and I. Carried on the breeze was the sugary scent of fudge that was being made in the booth across from us. When we didn't have customers we watched with fascination as the fudge was cooked then poured out onto a marble slab and worked over with a paddle until it was the right consistency. Kansans love fudge! There were so many people that gravitated toward the fudge booth, at times we were a little jealous. At times I thought that maybe we should sell cookies along side our jewelry. Then  a customer would show up and get us focused on jewelry again. As hokey as it sounds, we love the moment that a woman or a girl connects with a certain pendant. They smile, they talk about it's beauty and they become excited about wearing it. Little moments like these are very special to us, its not just earning an income. Another bonus to working an art and craft fair is learning new skills. We are almost certain we can  now make fudge.

The lady next to us was selling "smoking bottles" which we had never heard of. They  are decorated wine bottles that hold burning incense safely without fear of fire. The pungent smoke drifted into our booth, flowing freely from a variety of bottles. Wow, what a flashback to the seventies! The high school and college moments when we would sit around a plant and listen to the deep deep lyrics of Bob Dylan and Neil Young. Memories continued arising throughout the weekend and our sinuses began to clog up from the fragrant smoke. It is always interesting to see what people are passionate about making. An added bonus to making smoking bottles, drinking wine!

There is something so American about these festivals. There is a lot of work involved; hauling a tent, chairs, glass, tables, cash box, office supplies, a cooler, etc. But to offset this is the unique culture that exists within American culture. We watch people drift by from all walks of life, all ages, economic levels, families that travel in multigenerational groups, young families starting out their lives together, the list goes on and on. One of the highlights of the weekend was watching a father and daughter choosing a pendant. The father was sweet and loving and the daughter carefully and thoughtfully looked at everything before choosing the right one. She was beautiful and her father a good and loving man. Good things happen on this earth and it is a privilege to be a part of it.

Parkville Riverfest

Day 1           

We entered the Parkville Riverfest show with great expectations of voluminous sales and a fun experience . Parkville is a very artsy town so we hoped that people would buy up our mod glass jewels. The first thing we did was evaluate the place we had been given.  Supposedly this can make or break your sale, at least you hear a lot of complaining or celebrating from vendors. We were in the last place at the end of a tent full of other jewelers. We were relieved that we didn't have to set up our large canopy and proceeded to do our set up.

The first day of the show was an evening from 6-10. We were very close to the music and worried that it would be so loud that we wouldn't be able to hear the customers. Fortunately the music was fine and we were able to enjoy the mix of rhythm and blues, jazz and 50's performers. If you like live music in the outdoors, grab your lawn chair next year and watch a great free music fest. We sold very little and as usual we came up with the reason for low sales. People came to hear music, not to shop. Many interested customers  were dragged away by their partners  who wanted to get a good place on the lawn. We were ok, we told ourselves, tomorrow would be a better day.

Day 2

Brief description-AWFUL!!! By far the worst sale ever. 12 hours of talking to people who walked away with nothing. Thousands of people came through (estimated crowd, 20,000) but practically nobody was buying anything. This was the case for all the vendors. Recession was very evident in Parkville. We discussed the situation and previous festivals that we had been at and came to the conclusion that we should not sign up for any further shows where funnel cakes are served. It seemed that most people at this show were there for the free music and a culinary splurge on a funnel cake and maybe a corn dog. We relieved a lot of boredom by laughing , eating a lot of starburst and writing a plan of attack for the upcoming work week. 

Day 3

The same as day 2.

Thought for the day

Owning your own business is like raising a child. There are very good days and very bad days but you go on no matter what and give your heart and soul to doing it. Only God knows how it will all turn out.