Mission Statement

Operations for Bridge and Beyond will cease on Dec 31, 2021, last mailing date should be Dec 24th

GOAL FOR AFGHANS

Afghans
Goal: 30
Start: #24
Current: 26
0.8666%
START
END

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Springtime Offers Hope

This is Springtime when it was designed and was waiting  to be assembled.  Blue reminds me of the sky and water, yellow the sun, and shades of green new grass ......which is why I named this one Springtime.

Here it is after our good friend Sarah S assembled it.
Thank you, Thank you Sarah.  She's oriented the picture the same as the before picture when she photographed this.  Awesome job.  I love the dark green you used to bring all the squares up to the same size and join together  Perfect!

This is one I snapped, but turned differently trying to get the light.  I LOVE how this ghan turned out.  Many many different types of squares, some knitted, some crocheted, some are granny style squares, some are are crocheted back and forth vs round, and some were more rectangles than squares; but no matter Sarah did a beautiful job bringing this ghan to life.  And soon it will be wrapped around someone for warmth and hope.  You can truly tell how many different pairs of helping hands were involved in the making of this afghan.

Well done Sarah!

2015 DONATIONS:
Hats: 191
Scarves 73
Mittens/Gloves/Wrist Warmers: 45
Slippers: 63
Rain Poncho's:  53
Cotton Washcloths: 115
Afghans: 7+8=8
Socks: 126
Cowls/Hoody Combo's/ 17
Shawls 1
Misc: items like personal care and things don't fit into above categories aren't counted

Todays post makes 1500!  Wow, I really never thought that might be possible when I started this blog way back in the day.

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Appreciating Your Thoughtful Donations


Thank you Mary S for this thoughtful and generous donation.  Mary has knitted scarves, hats, cotton washcloths and cowl/hoods.  Please click to see the details and textures in her scarves, really quite nice.  Mary I LOVE LOVE these hood cowl things...I'm not sure what to call them.  Could you tell us what pattern you used when knitting these?  Folks if you'd not seen these, let me try to explain you put it on like a cowl...nice thick and warm around your neck, but you can pull it up around your head and it makes a wonderful warm hood, and still your neck is covered.

Special thanks too Mary for tagging all your hats with size, much appreciated.

Many thanks and please keep up the good work Mary!

2015 DONATIONS:
Hats: 183+8=191
Scarves 71+2=73
Mittens/Gloves/Wrist Warmers: 45
Slippers: 63
Rain Poncho's:  53
Cotton Washcloths: 113+2=115
Afghans: 7
Socks: 126
Cowls/Hood Combo's/ 12+5=17
Shawls 1
Misc: items like personal care and things don't fit into above categories aren't counted

Tomorrows post makes 1500!  Wow, I really never thought that might be possible when I started this blog way back in the day.

**I'll be listing these posts for awhile, to give you all ample time to read them.  There truly is lots of information in them and I want you all to know as much about Homelessness as possible.  These posts were generated from my participation in an annual April Blog Challenge where you blog in alphabetically order.
A=Afghans, Family Heirlooms
B= Bridge and Beyond, Behind the Scenes
C=What is Crochet
D=Donations
E=Exposure Kills Homeless Vet
F= Crying and Homeless and Freezing Temperature
G= Gubbio, A Homeless Project, St. Boniface Church
H=Hobo and Homelessness
I= Inspiration
J= What is Joy
K=Knitting
L=Knitting Looms
M=Mittens, Knitted, Crocheted or Loomed
N=Caring for the Needy
O=Jack Otis, Classmate, Homeless
P=Policing the Homeless
Q=Quilting Can Warm Those in Need
R=Helping Homeless with Rain Poncho's and Recycling
S=Shelter Living and the Homeless
T=Tent Cities for Homeless
U=Living Under the Underpasses
V=Homeless Veterans, Rest in Peace
W=Water in Doorways, Sprays Homeless
X=Xenophobia
Y=Yarn Helps Homeless
Z=Finding Zen

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

Monday, May 4, 2015

A-Z Reflections Post.

I've recently changed the badge in the right sidebar from Challenge to Survivor!  Meaning I made it.  Not everyone does so they make us a new badge.  Bridge and Beyond was #856, meaning I was the 856th blog to sign up for the challenge.  When the challenge finished there were 1516 on the linky list, but Bridge and Beyond was then #681.  That indicates how many blogs left the challenge or were deleted when it was noticed there were non compliant.  There are others in the 1516 that didn't finish, but there's no way to really know that number.

As part of the tradition we're asked to write a reflection post and again sign up on a linky.  The day to post to the linky starts today and runs through the 8th.

Each year I've done this I've pretty much said the same thing, because my experience has pretty much been the same thing.  Part of the reason to write the reflection is to tweak the way the challenge operates, though in all honesty, I can't see that's there's been any changes in it since I first started doing this 4 or 5 years ago.  Though I know many people do write good suggestions in their reflection post.  Most suggest eliminating frustration.

I'm also always disappointed in the people who really don't participate, in that they list their blog for links, but don't really visit other blogs.  Disappointed in that far too many bloggers don't reciprocate the visits and comments.  I always make tons more then I receive back; but........this might be the first year I actually thought  participating  was beneficial.  I really hadn't plan to do it again because of previous years negative feelings.  But, this blog is not one I'd used before, in fact didn't think I could make it work.

I was a bit down, because donations, visits, and comments had all fallen off and I'd pretty much run out of ideas of ways to promote the blog and it's mission, Helping the Homeless; and thought I'd give it one last try.  I'm glad I did.  I wanted to help spread the word about the need, wanted to help educate people how sad the plight of a homeless person truly is.  I believe I did that, based on the comments I received.  I know several bloggers said they were getting out knitting needles and crochet hooks to see what they could do.  Most indicated they were going to see what they might do locally, as oppose to helping Bridge and Beyond per sey, but..........there are many people in need.  The fact that they now want to help, that they know more now then they did before April is in fact a success in my book.  I gained a few additional followers.  Believe Bridge and Beyond had 294 followers when the challenge began and it now has 317.  Not a huge growth, I know some blogs gained hundreds; but every additional follower is a potential pair of helping hands, each person who visited and comment the same, and so...I call it worthwhile.  Yes, again this year I spent lots of time writing the posts, visiting other blogs far more then were reciprocated; but.......my primary goal, I believe was attained.

I'll mention changes I've mentioned before, things I think would vastly improve frustration with the challenge.  I think once someone signs up, the blog needs to be checked vs waiting until the challenge begins.  Elementing link seekers from the get go would improve everyone's experience.  If they don't post the badge with the link after signing on, they're probably not going to.  If their blog is one that you must join something to leave a comment, they probably aren't going to participate, if they have comments closed...we know they have no attention of participating.  If blog comments can only be made through google+ it waste enormous amounts of time for those who visit them.  I also think the badge needs to be above the fold, not clear at the bottom of a very very long blog.  Much like the scenario of writing our reflection post BEFORE we link, I think the badge should appear and the other requirements fulfilled right after signing up, if not before.  Checking as people sign up, would surely be much easier then trying to check after the fact.  I also think it should be mandatory that people actually use the link to their blog not their profile pages both in the linky and when they make blog visits.

Here's my ABC listing of Challenge Posts.  The top comments were for The C, F, and L posts, with 30-28-and 27 comments including my responses to peoples comments.  A couple I considered to be some of the more important posts would be B, F, O, P, and T

A=Afghans, Family Heirlooms
B= Bridge and Beyond, Behind the Scenes
C=What is Crochet
D=Donations
E=Exposure Kills Homeless Vet
F= Crying and Homeless and Freezing Temperature
G= Gubbio, A Homeless Project, St. Boniface Church
H=Hobo and Homelessness
I= Inspiration
J= What is Joy
K=Knitting
L=Knitting Looms
M=Mittens, Knitted, Crocheted or Loomed
N=Caring for the Needy
O=Jack Otis, Classmate, Homeless
P=Policing the Homeless
Q=Quilting Can Warm Those in Need
R=Helping Homeless with Rain Poncho's and Recycling
S=Shelter Living and the Homeless
T=Tent Cities for Homeless
U=Living Under the Underpasses
V=Homeless Veterans, Rest in Peace
W=Water in Doorways, Sprays Homeless
X=Xenophobia
Y=Yarn Helps Homeless
Z=Finding Zen


All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Donations aid The Homeless

What a wonderful donation from our friend, Dianne L from California.  A large mound of lip balm (chapstick) which is a good item all year long.  I know how dry and cracked my lips get both from the cold and the sun so those living out in the elements will really appreciate this.  She's included some other personal care items as well.  And 2 lovely matching hat and scarf sets.  Dianne tied the two together...what a great idea.  I half opened the red one so folks could better see your nice work, but left the purple one neatly tied to demonstrate your method.  Really nice way to package your donation.

2015 DONATIONS:
Hats: 181+2=183
Scarves 69+2=71
Mittens/Gloves/Wrist Warmers: 45
Slippers: 63
Rain Poncho's:  53
Cotton Washcloths: 113
Afghans: 7
Socks: 126
Cowls 12
Shawls 1
Misc: items like personal care and things don't fit into above categories aren't counted

A=Afghans, Family Heirlooms
B= Bridge and Beyond, Behind the Scenes
C=What is Crochet
D=Donations
E=Exposure Kills Homeless Vet
F= Crying and Homeless and Freezing Temperature
G= Gubbio, A Homeless Project, St. Boniface Church
H=Hobo and Homelessness
I= Inspiration
J= What is Joy
K=Knitting
L=Knitting Looms
M=Mittens, Knitted, Crocheted or Loomed
N=Caring for the Needy
O=Jack Otis, Classmate, Homeless
P=Policing the Homeless
Q=Quilting Can Warm Those in Need
R=Helping Homeless with Rain Poncho's and Recycling
S=Shelter Living and the Homeless
T=Tent Cities for Homeless
U=Living Under the Underpasses
V=Homeless Veterans, Rest in Peace
W=Water in Doorways, Sprays Homeless
X=Xenophobia
Y=Yarn Helps Homeless
Z=Find Zen

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

Saturday, May 2, 2015

Homeless Men, Women, and Children Need Your Help


This is May 2, hard to believe it's that time already.  On the day I wrote and scheduled this post, I mowed...so that tells me the seasons are indeed changing.  We had frost as recent as a few days ago, and we don't get the all clear you can plant flowers for some time yet.  Why is that important?  People are still cold, people are still in need and people still appreciate warm hats and scarves.  Thank you Sue S (SSeger in her comments), for this thoughtful donation of personal care items (including female hygiene products), 4 knitted cotton washcloths, and a nice thick warm hat and scarf.

Sue has been a good friend to Bridge and Beyond and to those we serve and is she is much appreciated. She not only knits and donates, but she supports the blog with frequent visits and comments.  Many thanks Sue and please keep up the good work.


2015 DONATIONS:
Hats: 180+1=181
Scarves 68+1=69
Mittens/Gloves/Wrist Warmers: 45
Slippers: 63
Rain Poncho's:  53
Cotton Washcloths: 109+4=113
Afghans: 7
Socks: 126
Cowls 12
Shawls 1
Misc: items like personal care and things don't fit into above categories aren't counted

**If you missed any of the A-Z Challenge posts, please please do stop and read them.  My hope is to further educate people about what it's like to be homeless, to better understand the nature of this sad situation.  The more we know, the better chance we have of helping.  Remember, being homeless can happen to anyone.

A=Afghans, Family Heirlooms
B= Bridge and Beyond, Behind the Scenes
C=What is Crochet
D=Donations
E=Exposure Kills Homeless Vet
F= Crying and Homeless and Freezing Temperature
G= Gubbio, A Homeless Project, St. Boniface Church
H=Hobo and Homelessness
I= Inspiration
J= What is Joy
K=Knitting
L=Knitting Looms
M=Mittens, Knitted, Crocheted or Loomed
N=Caring for the Needy
O=Jack Otis, Classmate, Homeless
P=Policing the Homeless
Q=Quilting Can Warm Those in Need
R=Helping Homeless with Rain Poncho's and Recycling
S=Shelter Living and the Homeless
T=Tent Cities for Homeless
U=Living Under the Underpasses
V=Homeless Veterans, Rest in Peace
W=Water in Doorways, Sprays Homeless
X=Xenophobia
Y=Yarn Helps Homeless
Z=Finding Zen


All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

Friday, May 1, 2015

Happy May First Bridge and Beyond

Whew........made it through the month of April and the A-Z challenge.  It took some doing to come up with something for each letter of the alphabet that had something to do with homeless and or what we do here on Bridge and Beyond.  I visited 253 blogs (as of the April 26th when this scheduled post was written).  That is the number from the linky.  Every blog I visited I read the post and left a comment except those that were closed to comments, had to join google+ and a few things like that.  Then I visited those folks in my right sidebar almost daily so no clue how many visits that comes out to.  Currently that blog log is 24 blogs, though the number wasn't consistent.  As soon as someone visited and left comments, I added them to the blog log...so it grew, I visited them back, but after several visits if they didn't visit back I removed them from the linky love blog log list...so it shrank.  Am in need of going through and nixing a few more so it's a current list.

 I also visited everyone on my regular blog list at least twice during the month of April, also in hopes of reciprocal visits which didn't really happen.  Many on that list no longer blog, haven't updated in several years etc.  The 2nd time through I deleted quite a few of those links as well as dead links.  I liked having folks on their that had donated, but they've moved on and inactive links actually hurt Bridge and Beyond with regard to SEO, so I felt it was time to clean that list up.

Next up I visited everyone listed with profile pages, ie Ravelry and or Facebook and left private messages trying to encourage blog visits.  That proved not to be worthwhile.  As stated in the paragraph above, many of those pages aren't current.  I will be over the next week re-visited and deleted those inactive links as well.

And...that brings us to today, May 1st.  Nice way to start the new month with this pretty donation from our good friend Sandie P from Louisiana.  Please click to see the picture better so you can see the details in her darling hat.  I LOVE this hat.  It's stylish and quite warm as it has ear flaps.  Sandie what pattern did you use for this?

As always, please keep up the good work Sandie!

2015 DONATIONS:
Hats: 179+1=180
Scarves 67+1=68
Mittens/Gloves/Wrist Warmers: 45
Slippers: 63
Rain Poncho's:  53
Cotton Washcloths: 109
Afghans: 7
Socks: 126
Cowls 12
Shawls 1
Misc: items like personal care and things don't fit into above categories aren't counted

We're still having very cool nights with frost, and temps some days still hover around 50-60, so it's still not warm, if you don't have a good roof over your head.  Please keep knitting and crocheting, the need still exists.

**If you missed any of the A-Z Challenge posts, please please do stop and read them. And it's still not to late to leave comments folks.   My hope is to further educate people about what it's like to be homeless, to better understand the nature of this sad situation.  The more we know, the better chance we have of helping.  I also desperately want to dispel the notion that it couldn't happen to you and your loved ones.

A=Afghans, Family Heirlooms
B= Bridge and Beyond, Behind the Scenes
C=What is Crochet
D=Donations
E=Exposure Kills Homeless Vet
F= Crying and Homeless and Freezing Temperature
G= Gubbio, A Homeless Project, St. Boniface Church
H=Hobo and Homelessness
I= Inspiration
J= What is Joy
K=Knitting
L=Knitting Looms
M=Mittens, Knitted, Crocheted or Loomed
N=Caring for the Needy
O=Jack Otis, Classmate, Homeless
P=Policing the Homeless
Q=Quilting Can Warm Those in Need
R=Helping Homeless with Rain Poncho's and Recycling
S=Shelter Living and the Homeless
T=Tent Cities for Homeless
U=Living Under the Underpasses
V=Homeless Veterans, Rest in Peace
W=Water in Doorways, Sprays Homeless
X=Xenophobia
Y=Yarn Helps Homeless
Z=Finding Zen


All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

Where are You and Your Yarn From?

I'm trying to identify where everyone is from, partially for fun. Take a look at the map. Also, believe it will aid me in cases where we have several people with the same name. Please look at the lists of bloggers and non bloggers and see if I have the state you hail from. If not, please leave a comment and let me know.

Additionally, we've had help from Scotland, England, Germany Puerto Rico, Canada, and France! They don't appear on the map, but their help is still greatly appreciated.

Where The People Who Donate Come From, is your state represented?