I Heart Kiva

I've been waiting for this. Kiva now has Filipino borrowers to whom CLC can provide micro-loans. I am so proud and excited to be able to loan to a fellow Filipina. Filipinos are a hard working people. They are the McGyver's of survival. Resourceful, persistent and even in the throes of poverty, always optimistic and deeply grateful for what they have. Every year, I go home to the Philippines and am profoundly touched by the persistence of the human spirit. For 2 weeks, I see it all arond me every day. In spite of the hardships they face, they are thankful for what they have, never forgetting the One ultimately responsible for their blessings. I could stand a lesson or two in gratefulness because there are days when I'm a whiny idiot.

So here's our first micro-loan to a "kabayan." I've copied the entrepreneur's profile straight from Kiva's website.

Gloria Dayot is a 48-year-old mother to five children, almost all of whom are already of legal age. She is optimistic about the battle against poverty. She hails from the island village of Kinagatan in the town of Binangonan, Rizal Province in the Philippines.

She joined ASHI (Ahon Sa Hirap, Inc.), an MFI and KIVA partner in the Philippines, in 2006 with full of determination to cut the string of poverty that hinders her way to success. She invested her loan in the resale business. For her fifth loan, she proposes the amount of 25,000 pesos as additional capital for her resale business. She will purchase 3 sacks of rice, 3 gallons of cooking oil, and 10 chairs made of bamboo.

She is looking forward to expanding her business and being able to resell in the nearby markets, to be able to let her youngest child finish college, and to have savings for emergency purposes.

I'm looking forward to tracking Ms. Dayot's progress. Please, if you haven't done so already - check out Kiva - Loans that change lives.

From Sea to Shining Sea

Happy 4th of July! 4 years ago, after living in this country for 15 years, I finally became a citizen. Saying the Pledge of Allegiance for the first time during the swearing in ceremony got me all choked up. I was so darn proud to finally be a citizen of this great country. Though the Philippines is my mother country, the United States is my new homeland. Mabuhay America!

I wish I could say this was the only reason for this post, but it's not unfortunately. Chris & I are going through a very difficult time right now. 2 weeks ago, we had to put our cat Molly to sleep due to lymphoma. 9 days later, our dog Sally followed - also as a result of lymphoma. I'd like to write a tribute to both of them, but for now, the tears still flow too freely that I'm afraid I'll cause my laptop to short circuit. They are sorely missed and our house feels painfully empty. It doesn't take much to get me crying - no sobbing - again so I'll just stop right here.

It's business as usual for CLC and I'm thankful for the piece of sanctuary the studio offers. We'll be incorporating more fragrances into the rotation some time this month so stay tuned. Thank you for all your e-mails suggesting what fragrances I should bring back. They're on the list and you'll see them soon!

Thanks for reading. Happy 4th.

Oh Canada!

Happy Canada Day to all our wonderful Canadian customers!

I had the pleasure of visiting Vancouver for 2 days prior to our cruise to Alaska and it's true what they say...Canadians are just the nicest people ever!

My favourite things about Canada (in no particular order):

1. Of course, the people. So nice. So very, very nice.


2. Their obsession about anything hockey.


3. Vancouver airport. As some of you know, I have this thing about airports and Vancouver is one of the nicest ones I've seen.


4. LUSH! My new found friend Monica from our cruise has a friend who's the manager of the Lush factory. If I had time, I would've definitely taken her up on her offer to tour the Lush factory.


5. Tim Horton's. O.M.G.

I'm definitely going back. Soon. Definitely soon.