Fun things happening around the Panhandle this week:

RUN KHIVA-STYLE

A friend of ours received excellent care at the Shriners Hospital in Galveston, TX when their 2-year-old daughter was badly burned.  As a result, they have decided to help raise money for the local Shrine Center by organizing the first annual Khiva Shrine Race this Saturday, May 25th. Sign up here to race in the 5K, 10K or 1/2 Marathon races. They will also have a 1/2 mile Kid's Marathon. Races begin at 7:30am (1/2 Marathon & 10K), 8am (5K) and 9am (Kids). Email information@khivashrinerace.org for more information.

TEXAS MEMORIAL

Head down to the Palo Duro Canyon for a special Memorial Day tribute show presented by the cast and crew of TEXAS at 9pm on Monday, May 27th. This performance is their way of saying thank you to all of the men and women that have given so much for our freedom. The park will extend its hours for this special presentation. The show is free (thanks to generous sponsors), but regular park entry fees will apply. Click here for more information. The regular TEXAS show will begin on June 1st and run through mid-August.

DINNER WITH HONIG

Join Crush Wine Bar & Deli for another fabulous wine dinner next Tuesday, May 28th. Jonathan Honig of California's Honig Vineyard & Winery will be in town for a 5-course tasting dinner you won't forget. The dinner will begin at 6:30pm. $85 per person. Click here to view the incredible menu. Reservations required - call 806-418-2011.

THE MULKEY IS BACK

The Mulkey Theatre in Clarendon, TX is being refurbished, and Phase One is complete! Celebrate the brand new lighting and facade at the Mulkey Block Party this Saturday, May 25th from 5-9pm. There will be tons of fun: music by Insufficient Funds, street dancing, food, children's activities, a car show and tours of the interior of the Mulkey Theatre. Help kick start the fundraising for Phase Two of this awesome project. Click here for more information.

AND...

Other fun events this weekend:

* Musica Variada presented by the Amarillo Opera on Friday, May 24th at 7:30pm - click here for tickets and information.

* WRCA's 2nd Annual Championship Ranch Bronc Riding this Saturday May 25th at the Range Riders Bud Light Arena. Concert by Reckless Kelly following the tournament!

* Farrar's acupuncturist Traci Mahannah will be teaching a Qi Gong class - Awakening the Soul - this Saturday, May 25th from 2-3pm. Do something good for your body and mind this weekend.

Thank you to all of the men and women that have served our country to fight for our freedom. Happy Memorial Day! 

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

Our Top 10 for May:

1. Susan's Pick: Sweet Emotion Cookies! A friend was at a bridal shower and sent us this picture and said the custom cookies were not only fantastic, but so adorable! Made locally by Lindsay Self - she has great options for children's parties, baby showers and more. Check out all her designs on her Facebook page and to order, email her at: sweetemotioncookies@gmail.com. 

2. Farrar's Pick: Golden Light is now smoke-free! I am so excited to go watch live music at this fun local spot without feeling the need for a shower when I get home.

3. Susan's Pick: I got this funky exercise ball chair for my husband to sit on at work - the zenergy ball chair basically is an exercise ball covered in fabric. While you are sitting at your desk, you can be strengthening your core! I bought it locally from a friend who works at GDS - 806-324-4300. Farrar also has one of these in her office!

4. Farrar's Pick: Bountiful Baskets Food Co-Op - looking for an affordable way to feed your family a variety of fresh produce? Sign up for Bountiful Baskets! Click here for more information and here for the Amarillo pick-up.

5. Susan's Pick: I think Robyn at Semblance Boutique (in Wolflin Square) has such a knack for selecting fantastic-ly fun jewelry, not to mention great tops and dresses for her chic boutique. I ran by last week and got one of these bracelets and haven't taken it off since - love it!

6. Farrar's Pick: Funny, creative parenting tips - some of them are pretty smart!

7. Susan's Pick: I am in Chick Fil A's drive-thru multiple times a week - sometimes even more than once in a day :) They just re-vamped their menu with calories listed for all menu options AND launched three new salads that are fantastic. Love the avocado lime ranch dressing!

8. Farrar's Pick: Lip Spread - This magic lip gloss is anti-aging, moisturizing and specially formulated to react with your lips for a unique tint just right for you. I keep one in my gym bag for post-workout.

9. Susan's Pick: Raffkind's is carrying the most hilarious line of clothing, hats and gift items by Rowdy Gentleman. I snatched up a Reagan/Bush '84 t-shirt and a "Back to Back World War Champs" koozie for my brother-in-law's birthday recently. Love this company's motto: Rowdy Gentleman is equal parts sophisticated and sophomoric; refined and rambunctious. Father's Day is around the corner people - hurry to Raffkind's!

10. Farrar's Pick: Lunch at West Texas RX. If you like healthy, delicious food at a great price, this is your new lunch spot! Susan and I enjoyed an adzuki bean, avocado quesadilla today at this health food pharmacy hidden behind the Taco Villa on Coulter. The daily specials (only $5) are listed on their Facebook page. And we love the friendly owners and staff!

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

Farrar recently participated in a 5-week Paleo Challenge at CrossFit 806, so we thought you'd like to hear the Funspired scoop on this popular diet: 

What is the Paleo Diet? 

The Paleolithic Diet - abbreviated to "Paleo" and also known as the Caveman Diet - is based on the theory that our food needs have not evolved from those of our pre-agricultural, hunter-gatherer ancestors. Proponents believe that in order to optimize our health, we should eat a diet that mimics the food groups eaten by the so-called "cavemen." This means lots of meat, seafood, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, but no grains, no dairy, no legumes no refined sugar and no processed foods. This is not a weight-loss diet, but a lifestyle diet, meaning most of the people who adopt this diet are hoping for an improvement in overall health and well-being - they want to feel better. That being said, many people do lose weight when they go Paleo. One of the reasons that the Paleo lifestyle has become such a trend is that it is the favorite diet for CrossFit athletes. If you haven't heard of CrossFit, it is hugely popular strength and conditioning program with affiliate gyms popping up all over the country (we have 3 right here in Amarillo) - click here to learn more. 

The Food

Food to Enjoy - Meats (especially leaner cuts, grass-fed, and wild game), Seafood (wild-caught is preferred), Eggs, Vegetables (everything from leafy greens to starchy sweet potatoes), Nuts, Seeds, Oils (olive oil, coconut oil and avocado are the favorites), Herbs and Spices.

Foods to Avoid - Dairy (this includes butter, cheese, milk, yogurt, etc.), Grains (including wheat, oats, and even quinoa), Legumes (includes beans, peas, soybeans, cashews & peanuts), Refined Sugar and Processed Foods (mostly the center area of the grocery store).

Up for Debate - There are more and less strict versions of this diet, and the following foods fall into the "grey" area, meaning they are allowed by some and not by others: green beans (some allow these as  "vegetable" even though technically a legume), natural sugars (such as honey, agave nectar and maple syrup) , wine and tequila, whey protein powder (for workout recovery), and corn & potatoes (most consider these no-nos).

Pros & Con

Proponents of the diet believe that it makes them feel stronger, leaner, more energetic and just plain healthier overall. They also believe that it can help prevent or cure cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and other health problems.  And nobody can deny that the Paleo diet is a clean, nutritious, low-sugar, un-processed diet that encourages the consumption of whole foods. However, there are a lot of "healthy" foods that are not permitted in this diet - for example: low-fat dairy (such as plain yogurt), legumes (such as lentils, black beans and chick peas), health whole grains (such as oats, quinoa and barley). Opposition to this diet believes that avoiding these healthy foods might lead to nutritional deficiencies. Many also claim that the Paleo diet can be expensive, but most un-processed whole food diets would be similar. 

Farrar really enjoyed trying the Paleo diet, although not a huge change from her pre-Paleo way of eating. She learned how to order differently restaurants, and will continue to do so post-Paleo. And while she will add some dairy, legumes and grains back into her diet, she will certainly limit them more than she did previously. Overall, it was a really positive experience!

Resources & Recipes

For more information about the Paleo diet: The Paleo Diet by Dr. Loren Cordain, Ph.D. - Robb Wolf's Paleo - Beginner's Guide by Nerd Fitness - Mark's Daily Apple

For recipe ideas: Amazing Paleo (we loved the hummus pictured above) - Elana's Pantry - Everyday Paleo

A special thank you to Hannah and Whitney at CrossFit 806 guidance and encouragement during the Paleo Challenge!

Your fun friends, 

Susan and Farrar

Fun things happening around the Panhandle this week:

HOMER'S BACKYARD BALL

The area's largest outdoor Texas music festival is this Saturday from 11am - 11pm! Homer's 16th annual Backyard Ball has a terrific music lineup this year with headliner Cooder Graw. Free BBQ from 3-6pm. BYOB (no glass containers) The weather looks sunny for Saturday, so head out to I40 and Whitaker Road. Tickets $25 in advance. This year's theme? My Big Fat Redneck Homers! Click here for more info!

MUD RUN

There is still time to sign up for Maxwell's Mud Run this Saturday! Supporting Snack Pak 4 Kids and presented by Amarillo Athlete at 9AM at Maxwell's Pumpkin Farm. It is a 3 mile run with hard-core obstacles (think wall climbs, tunnels and LOTS of mud) and after the race a great post-race party involving music, beverages and fun! A Kid's "mud mile" will be at 11AM - don't miss this great event!

STICKY WICKETS

Friend's of Amarillo Botanical Gardens present their membership luncheon and then the always fun Sticky Wickets Croquet tournament! Luncheon at 11:30 and cocktails at 1pm! $40 admission includes food and drink and supports the gardens. Croquet play begins at 2pm - for more information call 806-352-6513.

DOVE CREEK RANCH

Dove Creek Equine Rescue is the largest rescue in the Panhandle - and they are hosting an open house this Saturday from 10-3pm. It's for kids, too! Education is the focus, as well as a "meet and greet" with the rescue horses up for adoption. They will have a roping dummy, two miniature horses (in photo) and trail ride! Located outside Canyon, TX - click here for more information on this important cause and event.

A FEW MORE EVENTS... 

* The Amarillo Museum of Art presents "Print Fair" all weekend long. Browse and purchase a wonderful range of prints from art masters from Goya to emerging artists. Admission Free.

* Race 5 of the West Texas 12 Pack Mountain Bike races presented by Sun Adventure Sports will be Sunday in the Palo Duro Canyon - start location is Fortress Cliff Day use area. Races start at 10am.

* MuttFest Barkin' Birthday Bash in Memorial Park Sunday from 12-5pm in Memorial Park (south of Amarillo College on Washington). This 20th annual event benefits the Amarillo SPCA - bring your pets for food, music and fun doggie activities. (and adoptions too!)

* Discover After Dark "Musicology" - the science of music Friday from 7-10pm at the Discovery Center. Great event mixing music, cocktails and innovative science and art! 

PLAN AHEAD FUN

* Dinner au Blanc (French all white picnic) is scheduled for Friday, June 14th at 6:30pm! Quel Plaisir! BYO table, chairs and food & drink and enjoy this fun event! All white attire! Location at 10th and Tyler (Firestone Building)

* Brush with Art is planning Fun in the Summer Art Camps! Workshops for all ages planned, sign up now! 

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

The Pectoral Sandpiper

Many of you may be surprised to learn that the Texas Panhandle offers outstanding bird-watching, or otherwise known as birding. Since we are located on the High Plains - it puts us in the heart of the Central Flyway. Over 300 species of birds ranging from neotropical migrants migrating from Central and South America to the Boreal Forests of Canada to shorebirds like the Pectoral Sandpiper that migrates through the Texas Panhandle from South America to the breeding grounds along the Arctic Ocean.There is something primordial about migrating birds - just like the great herds of American Bison before the 20th Century, today's Barren Ground Caribou of Alaska, or the Wildebeest migration through the Rift Valley of Africa. It is a spectacular thing to witness each spring and fall - and most don't notice.

Lake Marvin - Canadian, TX

WHERE TO START...

Find water in the Texas Panhandle and you will find birds. With our lack of large, deciduous trees - it helps to concentrate the birds around water. Other good spots are wooded areas along the Canadian, Salt Fork and Prairie Dog Forks of the Red River and their tributaries. Playa lakes, when full, offer an incredible variety of birds. Hundreds of thousands of waterfowl winter on area Playas and Reservoirs. During the spring and fall many varieties of shorebirds migrare through and some will nest on the Playas.

The Lesser Prairie Chicken

Special Species to look for...

In the Texas Panhandle - The Lesser Prairie Chicken, while on the Threatened Species List, is found near Canadian, TX. Other species that are rare or unique to the Texas Panhandle are the Interior Least Tern that nests on the sandy banks of the Canadian and Red River Tributaries and the beautiful Painted Bunting. Bald Eagles are common around large bodies of water with wintering waterfowl.

Time of year...

For resident species - anytime is good. Certain species winter in the Panhandle - while others nest in the summer. The greatest variety will be during the spring and fall migrations. The VERY BEST time of year is mid-May. (You are welcome!) Find a day after a major cold front has passed through and you'll be surprised how many different species seem to have just appeared. This is because the birds migrating north run into strong headwinds and literally "fall out" of the sky seeking refuge and rest on their journey north. Find a day that the wind is not blowing too hard and get outdoors. If the weather is bad read, the book titled The Big Year: A Tale of Man, Nature and Fowl Obsession by Mark Obmascik or rent the movie starring Steve Martin, Owen Wilson and Jack Black.

Gear...

Most important is good quality optics. Leica, Swarovsky, Pentax and Leopold all can be found locally at Riverfields Outfitters in Wolflin Square. Like jewelry - high quality means big $, but it is worth every penny!

The beautiful Painted Bunting

Public Places to Spot Birds...

* Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge * Palo Duro Canyon State Park * Lake Meredith * Lake Greenbelt * Lake McClellan * Lake Marvin * Gene Howe WMA * Lake Fryer (near Perryton) * Rita Blanca (near Dalhart) * Cactus Playa (east of Cactus) * Area Playa Lakes * Thompson Park

Websites for Birding...

Texas Panhandle Bird Club * American Birding Association * Texas Parks & Wildlife Birding * Texas Panhandle Chapter of the Audubon Society * Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Field Guides, Reference Books and other Good Reads...

* The Sibley Guide for Birds by David Allen Sibley (also an outstanding iPhone App)

* Birder's Guide to Texas by Edward A. Kutac (wonderful man that lived his last 15 years in Amarillo)

* Birds of the Texas Panhandle: Their Status, Distribution and History by Kenneth D. Seyffert - He spent an untold number of hours in the field studying birds in the Panhandle. His book is a true labor of love.

* Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America by Kenn Kaufman

* Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America by Roger Tory Peterson

* Birdwatcher - The Life of Roger Tory Peterson by Elizabeth J. Rosenthal

* John James Audubon - The Making of an American by Richard Rhodes

* Kingbird Highway - The Biggest Year in the Life of an Extreme Birder by Kenn Kaufman

We would like to thank our expert birding friends for helping with this article! Great information! Now, get out there and do some birding!

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

MOTHER'S DAY EDITION

Looking for a special way to show the Moms in your life how much you appreciate them? Here are some ideas of how you can treat them to some fun this week -

Take her to see live music:

* Gary P. Nunn will be playing at the Golden Light this Friday, May 10th.

* Canadian, TX will be hosting their 4th Annual Canadian River Music Festival this Saturday, May 11th. An amazing line up including Ray Wylie Hubbard and Pat Green. Great tunes in a great Texas town!

Let her smell the flowers:

* Wildcat Bluff will be celebrating Mother's Day with a Wildflower Tour on Saturday, May 11th 9am-noon. It's Free and be sure to bring your camera!

For the adventurers:

* Mother's Day on the Mother Road is a motorcycle fun run on Route 66 this Sunday, May 12th. What's better than moms in leather?

* Running moms might enjoy participating in the Hope & Healing Place 1/2 Marathon this Sunday, May 12th at 7am. If she hasn't trained for the full 13.1 miles, there is an option for a 2 or 4 person relay. But hurry - registration closes today!

If she loves to learn:

* Mother's get in free at the Don Harrington Discovery Center this Sunday, May 12th. Enjoy special programming and presentations.

* Sign her up for the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women's Health Community Matters lunch and learn event next Wednesday, May 15th noon-1pm at the Amarillo National Bank Skyline Conference Room. Attorney Denise Fletcher will speak about "What does the Affordable Care Act mean for you?" Reservations required - contact Jaclyn at 806-356-4617 or jaclyn.inkhamheng@ttuhsc.edu.

Give her some culture:

* Process Art House has a new show opening this weekend - Passages and New Dimensions features glass sculptures from Chad Holliday. Take her by the opening party tomorrow night 7-10pm at 7th and Van Buren.

* Chamber Music Amarillo is taking you back to the roaring 20s for a Speakeasy party this Saturday, May 11th 6pm in the Khiva Shrine basement. Call 236-3545 for reservations. And don't forget to tell Mom that the password at the door is "Bach."

Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful mothers in our lives!

Your fun MOM friends,

Susan and Farrar

Have you ever found yourself in a rut? You just feel "blah" and nothing really inspires you? Be honest - we have ALL been there! We have had so much fun dreaming up the SWi awards to annually celebrate our readers and our Funspired anniversary, but it has been a crazy, busy time of year as well! If we are being truthful, we all suffer form burn-out. Because we are all over stressed - over committed and over stimulated - it is easy to find ourselves exhausted and just zapped. Since none of us want to dwell in that place too long - we have complied a list of ways to become "re-inspired!"

1. TURN IT OFF! We are all addicted to our smart phones, smart tablets, lap tops, social media sites and so on. Detaching means turn it off at least for a few hours - or go big and try a few days! You won't regret it - because it is like pushing the "reset" button and makes a drastic difference in the quality of your home and work life! 

2. TRAVEL. Both of us love to travel, it is a huge priority in our lives. Traveling gives you a new perspective. It changes your "view" and with that - refreshes and invigorates you. Nothing is more exciting than getting to know a new city or destination - becoming a temporary "local" and getting a sense of the place's vibe. By immersing yourself in a new culture that challenges you to look at your life and your priorities in a new light. Or, when all else fails - a margarita and a good laugh does the trick too.

3. STUDY. Apparently Housewives of Beverly Hills is not fuel for the mind (and neither is Keeping up with the Kardashians, people!) Sitting in front of a TV only makes your "funk" worse! Why not pick up a new book, attend one of our great local wine or beer tastings, go to a museum to see a new exhibit or take a class. Amarillo College has great continuing education classes - learn something new! Don't worry, it doesn't matter how long you've been out of school - your brain will remember how to learn.

4. GET FANCY. If you are reading this in sweatpants, we are talking directly to you! Yes, your "laying around the house clothes" are comfy, but sometimes you can't underestimate how much the way you LOOK affects the way that you FEEL. Get showered! Ladies - do your hair and makeup and put on that outfit you bought but haven't worn - and go somewhere! You'll see your confidence and swagger return. Men - same goes for you! Style is intentional, have some fun!

5. CHANGE. Even though we all must have a routine, sometimes why we are feeling stuck in the mud is due to TOO much of a routine. Move around the order of your day if you can - wake up for an early workout instead of waiting until 5PM, try a new spin class or hire a trainer to help spruce up your workouts. Challenge yourself - sign up for that 5K you've always wanted to run. Try a new recipe for family dinner instead of making the same spread. If you spend the day in the office - give yourself the morning to be creative, to dream big ideas or innovate - then spend the afternoon returning those emails that seem to stack in your Inbox (they are not going anywhere!) and at least you had the morning when you were fresh to be creative!

6. PLAY. Laugh - have fun - get out there! It is wildly important to engage with other people, and not just the ones we know - reach out to someone new. Sometimes being exposed to other people's thoughts, experiences and opinions is refreshing! Invite a new couple to dinner. Set a goal to have coffee or lunch with a new person every month. Instead of going to dinner on Friday night - go for a bike ride with the kiddos (or without!) or instead of going to a movie - pick up a new sport. Tennis anyone?

We hope that we have given you ideas on how to become re-inspired in your life! Now get out there and be inspired!

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

Fun things happening around the Panhandle this week...

9 TO 5

You won't want to miss the Grammy Award-winning songwriter Dolly Parton's Musical 9 to 5 that will be hitting ALT's stage as its final production of the season. May 2-4, 9-11, 16-18 at 8PM with 2:30 shows on the 12th and 19th. The wonderful and talented performers include one of Funspired's fav's Heather Manderson and the choreographer is our very own recent SWi Impact recipient, Jason Crespin. Don't miss this big, bright musical- make your reservations today. Click here for more info or call 806-355-9991.

RUN IT

Lots of options to run off your calories and have fun this week:

* PUB RUN - Wednesday, May 8th - @ Get Fit. 2 mile Fun Run then go to 575 Pizzeria for some "post run refreshment." For more information, call 806-350-4262.

* 2nd Annual Red Hot Chili Pepper Run in Canadian! 10 K & 5 K run, 1 Mile Fun Run this Saturday, May 4th at 9AM. Adults $25, students $10.

* Last, but certainly NOT least... the Purple Ribbon 5K in honor of Tanner Epps. All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society - and will kick off Relay for Life of Amarillo. Mark your calendar for Friday, May 3rd at 7:30PM at Medi Park between Discovery Center & Botanical Gardens. After the race enjoy LIVE music and food in Medi Park. 5K is $25 and 2K is $15 - shirts included for first 250 registrants. Children are welcome - ad prizes for people wearing the most purple! If you can't run...then donate!

VINTAGE AMARILLO

"Twilight on the Terrazza" features a wine auction with fine Italian wines benefiting the Amarillo Symphony! Saturday, May 4th at 6:30PM at the Khiva Shrine Center. Dinner by O.H.M.S. and live auction - for more information, call the Symphony office at 376-8782. 

GARDENFEST

One of Amarillo Botanical Garden's most popular events! TONS of plants for sale, information on yard and gardent supplies - and art show and sale, entertainment as well! Just in time for your spring gardening projects! Light snacks and beverages will be served. Admission is free! Call 352-6513 for more information!

RUN JUMP & PLAY

One last thing... Run, Jump and Play Day - this 3rd annual event is scheduled for May 4th from 11-2PM at Unique Individuals. (7701 Coulter) This is a fun activity-filled event focused on all children in the Texas Panhandle. The purpose is to introduce parents and kids to the programs, services and products available in the Amarillo area that will keep your kids happy, healthy and active!

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

Did you realize that every year 3.3 million reports of child abuse are made in the United States? The United States has the worst record of any industrialized nation. National statistics report a child is abused or neglected every 35 seconds and as a result - a child dies every 6 hours. Child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education. 

Unfortunately, Amarillo is not immune. 

The Texas Panhandle has one of the highest rates of confirmed cases of child abuse in the state of Texas. When abuse or neglect is reported, children find themselves in our legal system fighting for a safe place to grow up. To assist children in our area to find safe, permanent homes - Amarillo Area CASA steps in. CASA is a non-profit service organization that recruits and trains a diverse group of court appointed volunteers to advocate for the best interests of these children during this process. It is CASA's goal for every child of abuse or neglect to have a CASA advocate - appointed by the court - to ensure them a safe, nurturing and permanent environment.

A CASA's main function is to gather information that will aid the court in determining permanent placement for children removed from their homes due to abuse and/or neglect. This work is carried out by volunteers - with the support and guidance of professional staff. The volunteers are teachers - business people - retirees - stay-at-home-moms - college students; extraordinary people who want to make the voices of abused children heard. Volunteers get to know the child and conduct their own investigation. This includes interviewing everyone involved in the case, including family members, teachers, foster parents, doctors, lawyers, social workers and others. The information they gather and their recommendations help the court make informed decisions. CASA volunteers commit to a child until the case is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home.

What is abuse?

Physical: failure to provide food, shelter or appropriate supervision

Medical: failure to provide necessary medical or mental health treatment

Educational: failure to educate a child or attend to special needs

Emotional: failure to provide emotional needs, permits child to use alcohol or other drugs

What can you do?

* AACASA is hosting an advocate training course - this helps volunteers to be well-equipped to serve abused children in our area. The extensive training gives the CASA the necessary skills needed to successfully advocate in court. New Advocate Training Dates are: May 7th, 9th, 14th, 16th, 21st, 23rd and 24th - all from 5:30 - 9:00pm. As an advocate - you can change one life at a time. There is nothing more rewarding than helping a child who has been neglected, abused or abandoned. 

* Report abuse or neglect to law enforcement - there is a 48 hour reporting requirement for professionals. Reports are confidential - the national abuse hotline is 1-800-252-5400.

* Donate! Attend Amarillo Area CASA's Pearls of Hope Masquerade Ball. The event is scheduled for May 11th in the hangar of Mr. and Mrs. Scharbauer at 3410 Airway Boulevard. 6:30pm cocktails - 7pm dinner by Joe's catering. There will be a program honoring nominees and dancing to one of our favorite bands. Attire is costumes or glamorous cocktail attire. A mask is required, and a limited quantity of masks available for sale at the door. For more information - call 806-373-2272.

We salute CASA and their exceptional volunteers for the important work they are doing in our community. We hope that you will join us in supporting this worthy organization.

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

Today is Funspired's 2nd anniversary! 

In celebration, we are thrilled to introduce the SWi awards (pronounced "swee") which celebrate people in our community who inspire us with their Style, Wellness, and Impact on the world around them. Every year, we will present three awards in each category. While the recipients that are honored have different characteristics and strengths, one thing they all have in common is that we respect the balance they achieve in their lives. They are happy people who surround themselves with friends and family. We asked them each the same questions, so make sure to click the links to compare all of their interesting answers. Here is the Funspired scoop:

Inspiring Style

Style SWi's present themselves with confidence and a positive attitude - always look great and make it look effortless - and stay true to a look that is all their own. They inspire authentic style. Our 2013 Style SWi's are...

Mary Nell and her husband Rex

* Mary Nell Lemert - She walks in a room and immediately you sense her presence. Confident, yet graceful. We are inspired by her effortless beauty - she looks just as pretty in her workout clothes as she does in her black tie attire. She is warm and gracious, and in so many ways embodies the "Proverbs 31" woman in our book. Click here to read more about our friend Mary Nell.

* Tom Knapp - This is a guy who is not afraid to take risks in the way he dresses. His style is colorful and energetic just like his personality. And, he always wears it with a big smile and twinkle in his eye. He's a music-loving lawyer who takes great joy in his family and friends. Click here to read more about our friend Tom.

* Jenny Bivins - She's a young beauty who always looks fresh and chic. She's a trendsetter beyond her years, but it's her positive energy, enthusiasm and confidence that sets her apart. She's a senior at Tascosa High School and heading to UT next year. Click here to read more about our friend Jenny.

 Inspiring Wellness

Wellness SWi's enjoy an active lifestyle - look forward to the next challenge - and strive for health in both mind and body. They inspire us to live well. Our 2013 Wellness SWi's are...

* Sam Price - She inspires us by the way she balances her career, her dedication to fitness and health and her time enjoying friends and family. She is beautiful inside and out and she has a rockin' body from all those early morning workouts. Click here to read more about our friend Sam.

Kyle and his family - wife Ronna, daughter Hallie and son Hayden

* Kyle McAdams - This is a guy who has recently found a passion for his health and his bike. We love his contagious enthusiasm for life. He's a family man with a strong faith, and we can't wait to cheer him on at this year's grueling Leadville 100 bike race. Click here to read more about our friend Kyle.

Ellen and her husband Greg

* Ellen Graham - What impresses most about this woman is that no matter where she is, she always finds a way to get in a workout... and she travels a lot, so this is no easy feat! She's a diva on the tennis court and a machine in spin class, but what we think really makes her "well" is that she surrounds herself with great friends, her precious "Goofy" and always smiling with a tall margarita in hand. Click here to read more about our friend Ellen.

Inspiring Impact

Impact SWi's use their talents to make a difference one person at a time - balance their many roles in life with ease and grace - and give with all their heart. They inspire us to make an impact. Our 2013 Impact SWi's are...

Steve and his two grandsons Four and Joe

* Steve Dalrymple - He is fun family guy who's played many leadership roles in the Amarillo area. We're especially grateful for his recent contribution to the BSA sale and his commitment to the best interests of our community. His leadership style is quiet, effective and always with a sense of humor (click on his link to get a taste of his humor). Click here to read more about our friend Steve.

* Michele Agostini - This gal moved to Amarillo and hit the ground running. She is involved in a little bit of everything, but anything she takes on, she jumps in with all hands and gets the job done well. We're so impressed with her ability to balance her many commitments while still making her family and friends her first priority. Click here to read more about our friend Michele.

* Jason Crespin - This guy inspires us with his incredible energy and enthusiasm for life. He a talented actor, a great friend, and most importantly, a teacher that encourages the youngsters of Amarillo to believe in themselves. He has a special talent for making everyone around him feel like a star.  Click here to read more about our friend Jason.

The Awards

A few of the SWi awards

We gathered our award recipients together for a presentation yesterday evening. We wanted to do something different and special, so we found these small canvases and asked our artist friend Shannon Pierce to interpret the SWi logo into original paintings for each of our honorees. As you can see, she is incredibly talented, and we hope each of our recipients will treasure this award not only for what it represents, but also because it is such a cool piece of art. 

Shannon with her precious sons Ben and Will

Artist Bio... Shannon's father was a marine, so she lived all over the world. When her family moved to Lubbock, she remembers looking at the landscape as they landed and being confused -  "Where are the trees?"  With time, she fell in love with the landscape of the Panhandle, the canyons, the colors, and the sky! Shannon points out that the ground - not only the trees - change color with the seasons. 

Shannon married her high school sweetheart and moved to Amarillo. This is home - she loves it here. Shannon and Chad have two sons, Ben and Will, who fill their home with energy and love. Shannon's mother is a trained artist, so she has been around art all of her life. After studying English and History at Texas Tech, she began experimenting with art. Her friends started buying her art and encouraged her to have her first art show in 2003 - and she has had three shows since that time. Shannon's art is contemporary and multi-media. She is in medical sales during the day, artist by night...with the dream of doing art full time someday. We are so grateful to Shannon for sharing her amazing talent - each piece is a treasure that we know all the recipients will enjoy for years to come!

Thank you all for your support of Funspired - and cheers to our SWi recipients - to put it simply... you inspire us.

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar