Crop Walk 2009

I don't get to post about special releases as often as I'd like. Some of my favorites are very private, and it would be disrespectful to reveal the details of them. But I feel so very blessed to be able to meet the people I meet and watch the doves minister to them through their feathered beauty and symbolism. I fee so blessed, in fact, that it often brings tears to my eyes. So today, as I was reading, I came across such a special quote that exudes a compassion and understanding for the thankful emotions that sometimes overwhelm me in my "job."

“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief...and unspeakable love.”~Washington Irving

Speaking of special moments in my work: Crop Walk 2009 took place in Caldwell, Idaho this year, near West Valley Medical Center. A Breath of Heaven Doves were there to fly for them as a kick off to the walk. So many of the same compassionate and loving faces were there that have been since we've been a part of the event. And there were some special new ones, as well. They were all people from local Lutheran churches, gathered together to raise funds to take care of the hungry. This is one of my favorite charitable events to release the doves at. I believe they were our first charity, in fact, for whom our hearts were tugged to serve. May this event bring much relief to many in need this year, as in all years prior, and those in the future! Amen.

9/11 Memorial Dove Release Tribute

The Idaho Press Tribune's reporter Greg Kreller put together a moving tribute to the 9/11 Never Forget Golf Tournament in Eagle, Idaho which took place on September 11, 2009. The event was kicked off with a memorial tribute to those who lost their lives on that day and remembrance of how our lives all changed significantly because of the tragedy of that day. Included in the photography are pictures of our dove release. Here is a link to that piece: Never Forget Golf Tournament

St. Luke's Hospice Bereavement Seminar

Saturday, November 8th brought us a "grey-skies" sort of day -- yet the vivid autumn leaves on the trees and other living landscapes made the day pop with color. One of the special events the day flowed with was a very special program St. Luke's Hospice lovingly put together for the families they've served in the last 6 months: A bereavement seminar.

Individuals who'd lost a loved one in recent months were led through workshops, activities, and therapeutic discussions to assist them in their grieving process. The day was concluded with the interactive white dove release by A Breath of Heaven Doves.

Following our specially-written reading, we invited loved ones, one at a time, to approach the microphone. There, Gail (of St. Luke's Hospice) would hand each person one of our individual release baskets, containing a single, snow white dove. The grieving person would say the name of the loved one they were honoring the memory of, and would then open the lid to release their special bird.

Once the individuals had their opportunity to participate in the release, 4 care-takers from St. Luke's Hospice each opened the lids of 4 white wicker trunks. From those trunks, 80 birds flowed into the sky like a graceful white river. The guests who were there seemed to richly embrace the memories of their loved ones with great love and affection as the birds winged their way into the heavens. They watched, with tears, and pointed to the skies, as the birds continued circling, the flock making certain each of their own was able to join up with them before heading home.

And then, there was a calming peace.

120 Doves for Nampa's God and Country Rally

The God and Country Rally has become a beloved and notable event that takes place the Wednesday prior to July 4th each year. This action-packed event is coordinated by notably active members of the Nampa, Idaho community with a board comprised of real estate agency executives, Chamber of Commerce members, and govermnment representatives. Thousands of area Christian families join together on this evening, at the Idaho Center in Nampa, for special presentations, touching family-oriented musical performances (this year Mark Schultz was the premier artist), and a most spectacular fireworks show.

This year, A Breath of Heaven Doves released 120 pure white doves (pure white homing pigeons, carefully trained to return home immediately, following their release). The birds were released at the poignant moment in a patriotic song -- the climactic ending. As the men's voices soared, so did the birds! The impact of the moment was unforgettable, as white wings ascended into the sky, stoically, gracefully, punctuating the moment with their powerful visual and emotional symbolism.

Brian Knight captured photographs of the release from the vantage point of the stage (as shown above).

101 White Doves Released for Alsip and Persons Funeral Chapel

October 23, 2008 marked a very special day or Alsip & Persons Funeral Chapel in Nampa, Idaho. It was the day of their 101st Anniversary of serving Treasure Valley families, here in south-western Idaho. To mark the event, the Nampa Chamber of Commerce members came to celebrate, along with other notable locals.

The event was catered by the European Bakery, located downstairs in the historic Masonic Building (which also houses Bistro 29).

A notable portion of the evening was the release of 101 snow-white doves, by A Breath of Heaven Doves, commemorating Alsip's 101st Anniversary. Key community members participated in the white dove release, such as the fire chief, members of the Nampa Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Women's Century Club.

Congratulations go out to the staff of Alsip & Persons Funeral Chapel, and its reputation for professional and highly-compassionate care of families in their times of need.

Castle Gardens

Nestled back along a white-fenced drive, off of Meridian Road in Kuna, stands a majestic castle! The dream-come-to-life Disney-esque structure blossomed from the vivid and fantastical imaginations of husband and wife, Jim & Ronna.

Castle Gardens has worded the dream-location's amenities beautifully:

"Step through time into the unique by-gone era of romance and chivalry to make this important event a magnificent memory. Pampering yourself on this special occasion is what it is all about.... Be King and Queen for a Day! From the moment you enter Castle Gardens, you know this is the ideal setting for one of the most memorable days of your life.

Once upon a time.....in an enchanted land, there was a place where wedding dreams and wishes came true every day. Today, such a place actually exists in Idaho at Castle Gardens. Castle Gardens can lead you to the wedding of your heart's desire. Here, romance has wings and imagination is unbounded. Here, all it takes is a dream ... Castle Gardens, where dreams and fairy tales do come true!

This is one of the most memorable times of your life, where the whole world stops and your magical moments begin. Castle Gardens offers a unique atmosphere of romance and beauty for your wedding. For this very special day, our event planners will handle the details so that the bride and the groom can celebrate this joyful occasion. At Castle Gardens we care as much about your wedding day as you do, and we will be here to do everything we can to make it perfect!
Where you are the King and Queen!"

If it is a fairytale-like wedding you've always dreamed of, this is the place for it to be fulfilled! And a professional white dove release by A Breath of Heaven Doves can top it off to make it exceptionally dreamy, etheareal, ... breathtaking!

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!