AB on Etsy & Domestic Violence Grows

As of today, I have FOUR of the paintings listed on my etsy shop online! 

If you're not familiar with etsy, you should definitely check it out. It is an online source that allows folks to sell handmade creations such as paintings, jewelry, purses, etc. I could spend all day on there just looking at all the amazing things people have made! 

I wanted to create an Arbour Beauty store on etsy so that even people who may not be familiar with my blog could still hear about it. Also, etsy ensures a secure purchase so y'all don't need to worry about any of that!

I hope you all look through the paintings I've got going so far, but, I'd also like you to take the time and read this article from The Commercial Appeal. Violence among partners in Memphis is a growing problem.

Commercial Appeal: Crimes drop from 2010-2011 in Tenn. | Domestic violence cases continue to rise

Below is the excerpt that reassured me that I am doing something good for my city.

The Memphis murder numbers meant a 29 percent increase in homicides from 2010, and Shelby County Atty. Gen. Amy Weirich said part of the increase is due to the city's high number of domestic violence cases. Some of the categories overlap, but Weirich said, "Seventeen percent of homicides in 2011 stemmed from domestic violence cases. Forty-two percent stemmed from an argument or physical altercation, and 68 percent were individuals related or acquainted with each other."

And, while other crimes go down, the number of domestic violence cases goes up. From about 4,000 cases in 2008, the number has steadily climbed to 7,770 cases last year, said Karen Cook, chief domestic violence prosecutor in Weirich's office.

by: Michael Lollar

I really hope that 2012 is different, what can you do to help?

Some Trees and a Dream

Whelp, I guess you have realized that I love trees. A tree hugger? Not so much, but maybe a little. In my blog, I hope to inspire other young people who may also be passionate about something, but not sure what to do with it. If that sounds like you, then why not consider using your talents and interests for good? I am all for helping the human race and reaching out to others. I am not, however, going to go search the world for hopelessness and grieve when it exists here in my very own city: Memphis, Tennessee. I want to help women here. Now. 

With that being said, I am no photographer or professional artist by any means, but if you like the paintings, buy one, and the proceeds will be used to provide new make-up to the women of Memphis Family Shelter and surrounding safe-havens for women who have fallen victim to domestic violence. If you have no interest in the paintings (suite yourself), I hope you'll still consider donating and enjoy browsing my photos. I've come across some pretty neat trees here in Memphis and even in other places I visit. So, I capture some photos of them and will be posting them on here along with my paintings, thought the photos are just for viewing.

I hope you all enjoy my journey in kicking off this project that, I'm not going to lie, might be a bigger dream than I can handle. Dream big, right?