No Sorrow, Y'all.

So, once upon a time,

I went to Austin for a conference.

Arriving there, I really had no idea what to expect

other than trendily dressed and badassly accessorized kindred spirits 

with a shared heart for orphans and widows.

I hadn't yet even viewed the itinerary, having been so crazy busy

with the starting of a new job as a professor (a what?  me?) 

and having re-entered the world of dating after a 10 year hiatus. 

(Could you please pass a Xanax?)

Did I mention that I have a little person that needs fed, watered, 

and has at least 100 questions for me every day about how the world works

and what my favorite color would be if it in fact were not blue?  

So, yeah.  I'm brain dead most of the time.  

Let me take a moment here to give a shout out to my travel companion extraordinaire, Breck,

who ensured that I had a place to lay my head, transportation, 

and a general sense of what in the heck was going on.  (Kisses to you, Brecky.)

(Travel buddy, Savage Race companion, and fellow Noonday Sister, the Breckster.)

I hadn't prayed about the trip, my hopes or expectations, etc. 

This is par for the course of my haphazard believerdom. 

Those of you that know me are aware that I am a hot or at least lukewarm mess

at least 90% of the time. 

Hands too full, not totally sure what's happening next, 

and likely to drop the occasional ball or two of the 17 that I'm juggling. 

Enter Jalia. 

Jalia was our speaker for the first night of conference.


(I got to hug on the amazingly inspiring Jalia Muwanga, artisan rock star.)

She is the lovely Ugandan women who co-founded our first ever artisan group. 

During her time, she shared her amazing story of redemption...

how she and her family have gone from having no house, no job, no money, and no hope

to overseeing a successful fair trade business 

employing and empowering over 300 people in just 3 years.  

Hearing this made my heart sing. 

Made me so excited and thankful to be a teeny tiny part of Noonday's mission. 

If things had stopped there, my weekend would be complete. 

(As soon as Jen Hatmaker and I were bff's the next day after she spoke.)


(Me and my BFF, Jen Hatmaker, my earthly comedic hero and fellow professed hot mess.) 

AND THEN....

Jalia shared more about her life and her family. 

She shared the name of her children and told us a little story about her son's middle name, 

"Mukisa." (mue-key-sah)

In her native language, this beautiful word means.

"The blessing of God adds no sorrow." 

Hold the phone. 

This experience had just gotten even more profound....

Many years ago, a very influential person in my life had done a sort of prophesy over me

(sounds hokey...it wasn't) 

and called me "a woman of sorrows." 

As awful as that may sound and as much as I kind of hated her face for pronouncing that, 

it was very appropriate for that stage of my life. 

There was so much stored up grief from years past. 

And there was SO MUCH DEATH that was about to occur around me. 

Death of my Pappy, the man that had raised me and had been my father figure. 

Death of my marriage.

Death of my dreams of the kind of life that deserved
those goofy mom, dad, 3.5 kids and dog stickers 

that people plaster on the back of their SUV's. 

Death of my church family. 

Death of one of my most intimate friendships.

I hated that name and was ill equipped to deal with the reality of it. 

I much preferred to put a smile on my face, crack a joke (or ten), 

and move on to the next happy thought I could scramble to create.

Lord knows I spent the next 7 years sorrowing. 

Simultaneously hating but believing that this name was in fact my name. 

Woman of Sorrows, reporting for duty. 

Ugh. 

But then it hit me!  Like a cherry on top of a hot fudge sundae.

Like the bright shiny beam of the Noonday sun.

Right smack in the middle of nowhere Texas. 

Jalia spoke and the clouds parted...

MUKISA! 

The blessing of God adds NO SORROW. 

That stupid, awful truth was NOT A LIFELONG CURSE. 

After years of burden and oppression, 

in a split second and with one simple word, 

that awful hold on me was broken. 

MUKISA. 

To make it even more warm and fuzzy, 

Jalia then busted out in a song of the same name. 

Singing what felt like a foreign language lullaby straight from the mouth of an angel. 

Call me crazy, but I swear Jesus was singing, folks. 

It took all that I had not to run up to Jalia, 

crawl up in her lap, and beg for her to sing the lullaby again.

The most beautiful part of this experience was that all that I had to do was show up. 

Completely unprepared, bedraggled hot mess of a single Momma, 

awkward date, and nutty professor who just happens to be passionate 

about the cause of the widow and orphan.

My point? 

Jesus is bigger than our sorrow.

Jesus is bigger than our planning. 

Or lack thereof...

Jesus is in the business of taking ashes, rubble, and tears

and turning them in to a perfect picture of His goodness and peace.

He is perfectly capable of showing up for us every day.
In just the way that you need Him.
And then the next day again even bigger and better.
And sometimes he's even sweet enough to do it when we didn't ask
or weren't even aware of how we needed Him. 

This is true for Jalia and the now 300+ members of African Style. 

This is true for little old me. 

And this is true for YOU. 

At the risk of sounding all Bible beater crazy person

and scaring off of decent portion of all of you readers,

please know that I am a normal,
very down-to-earth kind of girl. 

I cuss more than I should.

I drink wine and beer and even occasionally too much of it. 

I frequently am not content with the riches that I have been given.

I take things for granted.
Sometimes I even want to commit murder.
So, let it be said that I sin. 

Often. 

But that's not too much for God. 

He loves me. 

He delights in me.

And my haphazard hot-messness. 

And he delights in you, too.

Sending you good vibrations of that blessed wholeness, acceptance, and love,

dear readers.
ANYTHING can be overcome.
Just believe.

------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for stopping by today on this here blog train. 

To enter for your chance to win a $50 Noonday giftcard, 

visit Noonday Collection and find your favorite handcrafted, lifegiving piece

from our spring collection. 

Click here to enter and post your comment on Rafflecopter.

And thanks for tuning in.
Happy day everyone. :) 

Noonday Sample Sale of Giant Proportions, Y'all!

In case you haven't heard yet,

our spring line for Noonday Collection 

COMES OUT THIS THURSDAY 2/20!!!  

I have personally feasted my eyes on this entire collection

and people get ready.  

It's our most amazing line yet. 

To make room and to raise funds to purchase this up and coming loveliness,

it's time for the BIANNUAL SAMPLE SALE!!!

I am continuing to offer discounted prices for my awesome hostesses...
without you, the Noonday love would not be spread all over the place.
THIS TIME, I am offering the added discount to past hostesses AND
to any of you that book a trunk show between now and March 31st.
I WOULD LOVE IT IF ALL OF YOU WOULD PARTNER WILL ME
TO HOST A SHOW THIS SPRING.

SAMPLE SALE DETAILS:

1.) Below you will see each item up for grabs 

with the standard sample sale price and the special hostess price.

(Clicking on the item name will link you to the website

and provide more photos, and details about each item and the artisan group that makes it.

If there is no hyperlink,

it's because the item is sold out and no longer viewable on our website. )

2.) The first person to send me an email to meloniegrover@gmail.com 

regarding the item of their dreams gets dibs.

(Include your mailing address on the email as well please if you aren't local.

I'll add $3 for shipping if it needs to be sent to you.)

3.) I will send you an invoice on Paypal or you can drop a check in the mail. 

(You'll have 48 hours to submit payment).

4.) You've just scored yourself some new Noonday.  Woohoo!!

So with no further adieu.......here's the loot!  

1.) Blushed Necklace

Originally $42

Now $25

Hostess with the Mostest $21

2.) Floating Squares Earrings

Originally $42

Now $18

Hostess with the Mostest $15

3.) Patchwork Clutch

Originally $38

Now $32

Hostess with the Mostest $26

(My sample most resembles the bottom clutch.

If you want me to text you a photo of mine, just shoot me a message!)

4.) SOLD

Zig Zag Gourd Bracelet 

Originally $24

Now $10 

Hostess with the Mostest $6

5.) Shalom Necklace

Originally $52

Now $38

Hostess with the Mostest $32

6.) Ana's Scarf

Originally $64

Now $48

Hostess with the Mostest $42

This lovely scarf is now sold for Noonday exclusively through TOMS! 

If you aren't the lucky winner of this piece, 

you can still purchase it at the regular price over here at the Tom's Marketplace.

7.) Doreen Colorblock Cuff 

Originally $32

Now $16

Hostess with the Mostest $12

8.) Kakobe Kite Earrings

Originally $38

Now $28

Hostess with the Mostest $22

9.) Courtney Cuff

Originally $26

Now $17

Hostess with the Mostest $14

10.) Cut Lace Earrings

Originally $48

Now $40

Hostess with the Mostest $34

11.) Fiesta Journal

Originally $22

Now $18

Hostess with the Mostest $14

12.) Tasseled Ladder Necklace

Originally $62 

Now $50

Hostess with the Mostest $40

13.) Escalera Bracelet 

Originally $36

Now $22

Hostess with the Mostest $16

15.) Tasseled Bullet Bracelets

Originally $39

Now $30

Hostess with the Mostest $22

16.) Spun Gold Necklace

Originally $78

Now $50

Hostess with the Mostest $40

17.) Winking Ikat Scarf

Originally $58

Now $42

Hostess with the Mostest $35 

18.) It's Cozy (Drink Wrap)

Originally $24

Now $14

Hostesses with the Mostesses Price $8

19.) Ready or Knot Earrings 

Originally $38

Now $32

Hostess with the Mostest $26

20.) Ancient Ways Necklace

Originally $62

Now $45

Hostest with the Mostest $38

21.) SOLD

Siagon Color-Dipped Bangle

Originally $12

Now $9

Hostess with the Mostest $7

(Mine is a little more tortoise shelly if you will. 

I'd be glad to text a photo if you'd like.)

22.) SOLD

Sweet Silver Studs 

Originally $26

Now $18

Hostess with the Mostest $15

23.) Jones Design Journal 

Originally $22

Now $18

Hostess with the Mostest $15

24.) Sun Disc Earrings (in Rose Gold)

Originally $38

Now $32

Hostess with the Mostest $26

(These beauties are pictured in bronze.  My samples are rose gold.)

25.) Metallic Pearls Bracelet 

Originally $64

Now $50

Hostess with the Mostest $42

26.) On The Mark Necklace 

Originally $52

Now $44

Hostess with the Mostest $35

27.) Jalia Ombre Necklace

Originally $45

Now $36

Hostess with the Mostest $32

28.) Hammered Orb Cuff

Originally $56

Now $44

Hostess with the Mostest $36

29.) Sseko Teal Laces 

Originally $10

Now $8

Hostess with the Mostest $6

30.) Eyelet Arm Warmers

Originally $38

Now $22

Hostesses with the Mostesses Price $16

31.) SOLD

  Anastasia's Wristlet

Originally $22

Now $14

Hostess with the Mostest $10

32.) Ruth Necklace 

Originally $56

Now$46

Hostess with the Mostest $38

33.) Dancing Pom Scarf

Originally $38

Now $30

Hostess with the Mostest $24

34.) Cozy Knitted Bangle

Originally $30

Now $18

Hostesses with the Mostess $12

35.) SOLD

Wanderlust Necklace

Originally $65

Now $38

Hostess with the Mostest $32

There you have it.  Happy shopping folks!  And thanks so much 

for your continued support of Noonday Collection.  

*My little disclaimer:
Samples are sold as is.  They are either in brand new condition or very gently used. 

Now Booking Holiday Photo Shoots!!!

This here's a message for those of you local to the Orlando area. 

It's that time of year again!  

Family photo shoot time.  

Think of happy Grammy will be to get a picture card of your sweet family 

as she munches on gingerbread cookies in Arizona. 

Or how delighted Uncle Fred will be to see how much Susie and Johnny have grown!

Space and time are limited, so don't be a slacker (like me).  

Schedule your session now by emailing me at melonie@imagophotography.net.  

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

Congratulations.....

ERIN DUBROC!

You're the lucky winner of the Blog Train Giveaway,

which means that you've got a Brightly Wound Bracelet coming your way.

Check your email inbox for a message from me! 

Thanks for playing everyone.  

And don't forget about Noonday as you start making your Christmas Lists!!

Can you believe that TOMORROW it's October already?!  

Santa will be here before we know it...

Are You A Noonday Skeptic?

Welcome, everyone!
Today is my day on the 
Annual Noonday Blog Train Giveaway!!

Today I'd like to take a moment to talk about

Social Selling and Skepticism. 

I know, y'all are ready to die of excitement. 

Stop jumping up and down. 

It's hard to read like that... 

But no, really. 

Let's talk. 

{If you stay with me, I'll even reward you with a chance to win
MY LATEST GIVEAWAY!!!}

------------------------------------

Being a part of Noonday has been such a joy in my life.

But, it doesn't come without the occasional challenge of skeptical thinking

that minimizes the impact and hope of what an unintended but genius concept can accomplish.  

It's natural with all of the awful stuff that goes on in the world to have some reservations.
We all hear awful stories in the news about how people are taken advantage of,
and it's even hard sometimes to trust that those professing to be doing good
are REALLY DOING GOOD.

So, why do us Noonday girls even bother 
with posting about our new fall line,

inviting you to Trunk Shows or blogging about our roles 
as ambassadors or heaven have mercy,
ask you if you'd be willing 
to partner with us to host a Trunk Show?  

Glad you asked! 

Because it matters!  It makes a difference!  
Real people's lives are being redefined.

{People like David have gone from homeless to believing again in their dignity
and having the means to make a home.}

Let me backup and give a little history for you...

Noonday Collection started off three years ago 
when a girl named Jessica

was presented with an opportunity to raise money 

for her adoption by selling off inventory of fair-trade goods.

This simple act turned in to something that 
God has been able to use for immense good:

{Click here for a link to the TANGIBLE impact 
that we have helped to make}

Noonday has grown in to a social selling business 

that is able to flourish in the world of girl-time get-togethers, facebook, blogs, pinterest, and instagram, 

because PEOPLE LOVE TRIUMPH and 
because WOMEN LOVE FASHION. 

And some people really love TRIUMPHANT FASHION. 

(ie. fair trade, make a difference kind of stuff).

Currently, there are over 300 women in the US and even abroad 

that are spreading the Noonday story

and helping to provide and fair and living wage for the dignified work of our talented artisans.

A good portion of them are Mommas raising money 
to bring home children they have never met,

making the orphan count in this world approximately 147 million MINUS ONE.

Sharing our story with people like you is how our artisans 

have gone from having basically nothing 

to having the means for building their own homes, 

sending their children (or themselves) to school, 
& affording medication that sustains life.  

And that's just an overview of the general impact,

nevermind the personal stories of triumph and hope 

that we are often privileged to hear about  as ambassadors. 

We are not a multi-level marketing company, 

which means that while Ambassadors receive 
a modest supplemental income 

from promoting Noonday to the western world, 

we are not getting rich by exploiting 
the beautiful people that create our goods.

In fact, dare I say that my bet is that most of us 
(if not all of us) would be an Ambassador 

if time and provision allowed and there was 
NO compensation involved. 

It's just that awesome of gig.

Another really awesome {but potentially skeptic-inducing} 
feature of how Noonday works 

 is that we provide amazing incentives to our hostesses.

You, as a hostess, help us to reach out to your networks 

and share our mission of fair trade fashion and orphan love.

The powers-that-be at the home office have 
created a fantastic means 

for allowing you to be gifted with free Noonday.

How is this benefitting the artisan, you say?

Well, you are now sporting some 
of the most beautiful accessories around.

And guess what happens then?

People at the grocery store are all "Omg!  I love your necklace!  Where did you get it?!"

Noonday, you say.  And they ask how to find it.  

And they buy their entire Christmas list from our online store.

And the Noonday love continues to spread.

And that, my friends, is the beauty and truth of how social selling can help to change the world. 

*If you are interested in sharing Noonday with your friends, 

email me at meloniegrover@gmail.com. 

-------------------------------------

Okay, friends.
It's now time for the

GIVEAWAY!

Up for grabs today is the Brightly Wound Bracelet (in coral):

Bracelets are ALL THE RAGE this season 
and this wrappy little bling is no exception.

Head on over to rafflecopter link below 
and follow the instructions
to enter for your chance to score some free Noonday!

Winner will be picked on Monday, September 30th
May the best Noonday fan win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


    *Shop the whole AMAZING fall line at my website: www.meloniegrover.noondaycollection.com.