Ever been inspired by a $4 latte?

OK of course not (although I was once quite smitten with a Cafe' au Lait in a Paris cafe) but I digress.

I have been working full time on Buttons of Hope for a little over a year and truth be told I am getting frustrated, maybe exasperated is a better description. You see I think making photo buttons is my life's passion and what I was meant to do. I can assure you that one didn't cross my mind in Mrs. McMannamy's third grade career day! But it's true I love every minute of what I do and I love what what these little buttons are doing for people (a couple poignant examples to follow) but here's the rub with a family, Ryan and Emily in high school and college to come I have got to get Buttons of Hope to tip! I need to be on Oprah!

I am never really sure how many people read my blog, hello, hello, hello.... (please leave me a comment -- so I know you're there!) but if you are reading (duh?) and you think you'd like to help -- order a button and spread the word. If you're new? send me a note and I'll send you a free hope button to get you started -- I don't bite and I won't take advantage of your email either (although we do have a kickin' newsletter)!

So here's the thing for about the price of a Starbucks latte you can inspire yourself and honor a loved one by wearing a button with their picture -- pretty simple yet powerful! I hope you will read these notes I received recently from my customers, my friends. They say nice things about me (OK I like that) but the thing is I think they are genuinely moved and inspired by this little sandwich of plastic, metal and memories. There is magic in a face, a smile that you will never find in a colored ribbon or plastic wristband!

From my friends Jamie and Michelle

"Thank you Michael, I feel so blessed to have found your company and I will be sure to spread the word even further about what a great company this is!  I still plan on writing in the behind the button blog, I just want to make sure I say the right thing. I know I read just one story and that was all I needed to have tears brought to my eyes. I think you have done a wonderful thing in bringing out the reason why people are doing fundraisers. When you have someone's story and photo it makes everything real and not just a fundraiser. So thank you." Jamie Hushower (buttons for husband who committed suicide)

If you'd like to help please visit a great organization American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Oh Mr. Michael, Thank you so very much Me and Tony's brothers were all in tears when we saw the buttons, tears of joy knowing he was a hero. I thank you from the bottom of my heart! I wear my buttons each day to work and everywhere I go. I love them. I will be ordering more, lots more of them for Tony's angel date June 28. OK God Bless you, you really touch me and my boy's life and heart. You are an amazing man, keep up the good work. !!!Hugs Patrick, Lorenzo, Michelle!!! Michelle Brown (son Tony was murdered in New Orleans)

If you'd like to help please make a donation in Tony's honor to the Young Marines

Thanks for listening and continuing to always "be the change you wish to see in the world..."