I’m No Superstar

I’m No Superstar is a blog for people like me who want to make a difference in the world but know they aren’t activists. Each post contains a social action idea that most of us could do, a book that’s worth reading, or a link to a website that offers other ideas. Oh, and it’s all introduced by a sometimes quirky story from my life.

We don’t even need restaurant gift cards this year

We love to eat. (I’m referring to my husband, Les, and me, but maybe it’s true for you too.) We love to go out to restaurants, to try new dishes, new flavors, new ethnic dishes. And we have some old favorites, too, restaurants and dishes we return to again and again. Anyone who has gotten

Plan Now for Your Best Christmas Ever—With Gifts That Make a Difference

Every year Les and I go to the Gifts That Give Hope Alternative Gift Fair. We eat great food. Browse the information on nonprofits and choose meaningful gift donations for various family members and friends. Explore the unique fair trade gifts, clothing and chocolates offered. Maybe listen to a musical group. It’s an amazing event.

Choosing Thoughtful Gifts

Many years ago, the adults in our extended family decided we would only buy presents for the kids. Life would be easier, and the Christmas budgets less stressed, if we didn’t buy for the grownups, we all agreed. And then on Christmas Eve, as we opened our presents, there were gifts for all the adults

Don’t Panic—Great Gifts in a Minute!

It’s crunch time! Do you still have people to buy Christmas presents for? Likely they are people who “already have everything” or “really don’t want anything.” I’ve got the perfect solution. Give them something heartwarming that they don’t have to store, use, clean or display. Give them an alternative gift. Give a woman in Burundi fabric

Do You Want Your Christmas to Have a Double Meaning?

The Christmas craze has begun! I am working a couple of days a week at Ten Thousand Villages, and we’ve been prepping for Saturday’s Bag Sale. Everything in the store is 20% off and all of the merchandise is fair-trade, providing the artisans with a living wage. It’s a great way to purchase beautiful handcrafted

Making That Christmas List

She’s makin’ a list, checkin’ it twice . . . I’m determined not to end up crazed in the weeks before Christmas, so I’ve updated the Christmas list and begun my buying. My grandson is done. I’ve purchased all the gift cards for the mailman and trash men. Les and I have decided on the

Gifts That Give Hope

This year the adults in our family are giving alternative gifts for Christmas. To make it more meaningful, we are choosing a charitable gift that somehow represents the person the gift honors. It’s been fun trying to figure out what to give that says, “I understand what matters to you.” And sometimes it’s just frustrating. I

An Alternative Guest

  One of the people I’ve gotten to know who is committed to making a difference here in Lancaster County and around the world is Jennifer Knepper. She is a staff nurse in the medical ICU at Hershey Medical Center, an adjunct clinical instructor for Lancaster General College, and a volunteer RN at Water Street Health Services.

 

Have Carol Speak For Your Group

An accomplished and flexible speaker, Carol tailors her topics to fit the theme and timeframes of your meeting, conference, seminar or retreat.