Wishing Star's 25th Anniversary

This summer, A Breath of Heaven Doves performed a dove release in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Wishing Star Foundation.

According to the foundation’s website: “Established in 1983, The Wishing Star Foundation, Inc. is the oldest, wish-granting organization in Eastern and Central Washington and Idaho. Wishing Star grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses between the ages of 3 and 21. A child does not need to be terminal to qualify for a wish.”

The dove release took place at Stephen Grueber Park in Eagle, Idaho on a beautiful, bright and sunny afternoon. We made it possible for some special honorary people, consisting of Wishing Star’s organizers, volunteers, and some families, to release a flock of 25 snow-white doves. The birds soared in joyful celebration of the 25 years the Wishing Star Foundation has been touching the lives of Treasure Valley families.

The honorees then released about 100 additional doves, signifying the bright future of the foundation and the many beautiful lives it’s wishes will touch in the years to come.

There were some precious hearts at this event, including those of the organizers. The family relationships touched my heart deeply as I observed the love and support Wishing Star people extend toward one another. After the doves soared above, and made their way home, I drove away changed because my heart was touched so deeply by some beautiful souls. It wasn’t “about me.” It never is. But thanks be to God for allowing me to catch a glimpse of yet another lovely element of our world: The Wishing Star foundation and those who walk in the light of its goodness … Those it blesses and those who make those blessings happen.

Here is some news footage from Idaho’s News Channel 6. Michele Edmonds provided some very thoughtful coverage of the event and the organization’s 25th anniversary: Channel 6 News

Ribbon Cutting/ Dove Release: Lakevue Elementary School, Nampa, ID

Last Monday, the birds performed at Lakevue Elementary in Nampa, Idaho, for a ribbon cutting and dedication of the new school.

This became one of The Dove Lady's favorite releases ever, and there are so many reasons why. Part of what made it such a great time was the wonderful (and I do mean wonderful) people I had the privilege of working with, such as PTO President Kris Garman and the school's principal Leeta Hobbs.

The enthusiasm of the students was tremendous, and their school spirit was phenomenal. And the doves -- oh, those sweet, lovely doves! They flew from their baskets strong and glimmering. They circled a handful of times, right where all could see them, and then disappeared in the air, just behind the school building. And then, ... as the music hit it's most powerful and impactful crescendo, all of those athletic white beauties came flying back over Lakevue Elementary School, as if on perfect cue. The students all squealed with delight, yet again. The doves (surely pleased with themselves) headed for home.

The Idaho Press Tribune put together a wonderful quick clip of the entire Lakevue Elementary School Ribbon Cutting/Dedication Event. To watch it, click HERE!

**Photo in this article credited to the talents of IPT photographer Mike Vogt.

Wedding Officiant Rev. Merl Moore

On your wedding day, there is one person who is irreplaceably important, immediately following the import of the bride and the groom: The wedding officiant, of course! And amongst the most creative, heartfelft ceremonies I've ever witnessed are those performed by Rev. Merl Moore. They are premier. Of his importance in the wedding, I like to quote his humorous response: "Without him, it's just a big party." LOL He's the guy who makes the marriage "legal." But this particular officiant does more than that -- he makes a wedding event "beyond beautiful" by enhancing the richness of its meaning, through ceremony.

Rev. Merl has been performing wedding ceremonies in the Treasure Valley, Idaho, for several years. His experience plays a significant role in the success of his weddings. Through the years, he has continued to evolve wedding experiences into emotionally charged, richly symbolic ones. Incorporated into his ceremonies are a selection of moments that impact not only the bridal couple, as they reflect upon their beautiful future with one another & solidify their committments -- but at the same time Rev. Merl draws all of the guests into the entire experience, as well.

Rev. Merl is a "master" at working flexibly with me as we incorporate the dove release into outdoor weddings. As a team, our services flow together quite well. I enjoy working with him, and know any wedding we do together is going to run like clock-work. His ceremony will further enhance the dove release, and vice versa. It is a pleasure to work with Rev. Merl Moore. There are many fabulous wedding vendors the doves and I get to work with throughout the Boise area, and Rev. Merl is most certainly one of our favorites!

If you'd like to read more about Rev. Merl Moore, here is a link to his site: Rev. Merl Moore

The Dove Lady & Santa Clause are friends!

HO! HO! HO!
CHRISTMAS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER AND SANTA IS BUSY PREPARING!

(That is how our good friend Santa's webpage begins.)

A Breath of Heaven Doves has yet another touch of magic in our feathers, in the form of a very jolly, special friend of ours named Santa Clause! How blessed are we to have spent time with him, joining Mr. Clause in some of his jaunts about the Treasure Valley. Mission? To spread sunshine and joy to all.

Want to know a really great, well-kept surprise of Santa's? Our friend -- your friend and mine, that is -- Santa Clause: The guy can DJ a Christmas party like a well-seasoned professional DJ and Emcee! That's because he is a finely tuned (get it? hahaha) professional DJ! Who knew? He keeps the Christmas parties rockin' and rollin' and full of massive amounts of fun. I guess the jolly guy is always full of amazing talents that thrill us all, young and young-at-heart!

Not surprising, however, is that his December schedule fills up rather quickly, so if Santa's the guy you need to take your party to that next level, be sure to plan ahead and book early. According to his website, Santa can visit homes, schools, offices (he loves to hand out the boss's sealed employee bonus checks!), and more! Santa can drop in on holiday parties (business or personal) for photos or to help hand out gifts. He loves visiting Senior Centers (for kids of all ages).

Santa's booking manager is Johnny D of Successful Celebrations. Please be sure to visit his website: SANTA CLAUSE for more information! Our great friends Johnny D and Santa Clause are sure to take fantastic care of you and make your Christmas event outstanding! And you can take that to the bank, 'cause A Breath of Heaven Doves knows all about the joy and smiles Santa brings to Boise, and beyond. What a guy, that Santa is, indeed!

Bogus Creek is a Full-Experience Wedding Venue

... What I mean by this is that Bogus Creek Outfitters is an incredible place to have a wedding or special event. Once you enter the ranch and exit your car, you suddenly become magically transported to the virtual "Wild West." At the front gates, horse-drawn covered wagons greet your wedding guests and transport them back into the park. The ride is beautiful and surreal. And at the end of that covered wagon experience, an entire faux-western town awaits your guests.

My favorite building is the Coldwater Chapel, which is the perfect backdrop from which to commit your wedding vows in front of all those you love.

I especially enjoy coordinating dramatic dove releases for this location: With the Coldwater Chapel, the lake behind it, and the crystal-blue skies, the ambiance is breathtaking. The chills I get from the bridal couple kissing, the white doves taking wing, and that beautiful setting are supreme! Check out the beautiful photo, taken by Boise area photographer Kevin Roberts, above! Yes, those are our doves -- and that's Bogus Creek's Coldwater Chapel in the background. Isn't it a great scene?

I hope that, when couples are choosing an outdoor wedding facility, they will visit with the friendly staff at Bogus Creek Outfitters in Boise. For the couple that enjoys the western experience, this is the place to immerse yourselves and your guests in it, to the hilt!