Thankfully Elementary!

Predictability is an interesting thing. Some people are driven insane by any sort of routine or situations void of intrigue or surprise. Others are comforted by knowing what to expect and what might be coming around the corner. I guess it depends on what type of person you are as to whether you like or tolerate predictability. This time of year begs for a "Happy Thanksgiving" blog. It makes sense. Its predictable.

Well... Here goes a new twist on being thankful.

The alphabet is one of the first things we learn in school. I can still picture my kindergarten classroom and the pictorial cut outs that illustrated each letter. There, hung neatly next to each other, was an apple, a boy, a cat, and a dog. Finally, our old friend the zebra brought the whole thing to a conclusion. So, in the spirit of continued education, here is another hieroglyphic tutorial that represents the alphabet according to the homeless.

A is for the avenue I follow back to the shelter.
B is the vitamin I don't get regularly.
C is for the carpentry job lost in the recession.
D is for the dishwashing job that replaced the carpentry job.
E is for an education to help improve this situation.
F is for a fire to warm my hands.
G is for the gloves that warm my hands when the fire dies.
H is for the hope that I cannot lose.
I is for the isolation that accompanies me.
J is for a jacket that belonged to 3 others before I got it.
K is for Kalispell.
L is for the last call that I no longer partake of.
M is for the map I carry with me all day.
N is for the no loitering sign reminding me of my free time.
O is for the optometrist I should have visited two months ago.
P is for the police officer who is just doing her job.
Q is for the quilt that reminds me of a better day.
R is for the rest stop where I can wash my face.
T is for the trails that dot my map.
U is for the umbrella tucked into my backpack.
V is for the vehicle I spent October living in.
W is for the water that sloshes in my canteen.
X is for the xenophobia still rampant, even in 2013.
Y is for the yogurt served with breakfast.
Z is for the zoning laws that tell me where I can and can't go.

... Now I know my ABC's, next time won't you sing with me?

Samaritan House Annual Raffle

Some traditions need to be put to rest and never resurrected. Having to watch the Detroit Lions play on Thanksgiving, shopping the day after Thanksgiving, and over eating on Thanksgiving are all events we can live without.

Fortunately, Samaritan House has an annual event that is worthy in it's cause and noble in it's efforts. It is our pleasure to announce our Annual Benefit Raffle. This year the drawing will be held on November  26 and, like always, winners do not have to be present to win because they will be notified. Here is some helpful information about how you can help Northwest Montana's only homeless shelter. You can pick up your tickets at our office located at 124 9th Avenue West in Kalispell, or by calling 257-5801 for more information. There will only be a limited amount of 130 tickets sold at $100.

Proceeds from the raffle will help feed and shelter more than 1200 adults and children in 2014. This is an amazing cause and it allows you to literally help play a part in changing people's lives for the better.  At the same time, you also will be entered into a drawing for the following prizes:

One grand prize of $2000
One prize of $1000
Two prizes of  $200
Eight prizes of $100

Thank you so much for your support!