Support your local troops through Maui Creative.

Some of us live everyday without giving a thought to the treachery that takes place in the distant worlds around us. Some of us live each day in a bubble, and contently so, in order to own a cheerful demeanor. I am one of those people. I don't watch the news, I don't read the newspaper, I don't follow crime reports or politicians. I just live everyday in my world as best I can. And, then one day. My brother signed up for the military.

Its been a year or so since he completed basic training, and I still don't follow the news or pay attention to the media. What I do, is pray for the safe return of every single soldier that isn't spending everyday home with his or her family. I pray that peace will come, and that war will end.

Yesterday, my little brother, a wise 22-year old, packed his bag, and said his goodbye's as he boarded a plane to Fort Hood, Texas for 55 days to train for a one year deployment in Afghanistan. His story isn't any more or less important than the others along with him, in fact some of them left behind much more than my kid brother. What makes his story a blog-worthy post is that he's my brother, and he is a part of me.

So, onto the details.
I'd like to compile an album to send them, around Thanksgiving. I want fans, friends and family to send me their images of patriotism. I want to remind the Soldiers what is waiting for them here at home, with a local flare.
Specifically, I'd like to gather images of local summer events like the balloon fest, and the hall of fame festivals, and other events in the Akron and Cleveland areas. Fireworks, flags, lawn signs, support out troops ribbons and whatever you see, snap photos and send me the .JPG files.

I am going to layout a handcrafted album, with collages and large pages of these images for the company to keep.

Send images to Mallory@mauicreativedesign.com
High resolution images preferred.

Also, if you'd like to send items and cards, please message me directly for my address, and I'd be happy to ship the items along with my own.

Please pray for my brother, his comrades and all their families during this tour through the sand.

"May they bring themselves home whole, in mind, body and soul." (I just came up with that!!)

Start of basic training.

With tears in his eyes, they hug a long 'see you later'

My brother, a Soldier, my hero.