Pantipalooza Re-Visited

I got several questions yesterday about my pantipalooza and I thought that I would try to explain it a bit today.

I try to post a list of the things that I am thankful for every 1-2 weeks. Usually the list is very simple because I believe it is so easy to over look the small blessings in my life. When I can bring my focus back to the little blessings, I tend to get a larger picture of just how wonderful my life really is. I take things for granted and I am truly a blessed person.

Then there were the hurricanes.

Bebo's school sent the word out to the parents and the community that they would be taking much needed supplies to the stricken areas. I went that day to help load the trucks. I noticed an older lady hanging around with a large sack. She caught my eye and motioned me over. I have never seen so many feminine personal hygiene products in my life! She told me that she was struck with the thought of how horrible conditions were and how much worse they would be to a woman who was *in need* of those such products and could not get them. I was blown away because that thought had never occurred to me and she was so very right. After that day, clean panties have always been on my thankfulness list. What a privileged to be able to go the dresser and just get another pair out.

Not all women have that luxury. Whether it be because of natural disasters, poverty or domestic violence, not all women can just go to their dresser drawers. Some women do not have dresser drawers.

Pantipalooza was born on my blog last year. I chose to do it on Valentines day to celebrate women in my life. Check out my blog entries for February 2006 if you want to read more about it.

I have a quote on my desk that means the world to me and I think it fits with all of this. I believe it also applies to each of us and I see each of you practice it already. It is from Ghandi:**It's the action, not the fruit of the action, that's important. You have to do the right thing. It may not be in your power, may not be in your time, that there'll be any fruit. But that doesn't mean you stop doing the right thing. You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.*

When I was at my lowest, there were several different women that played a role in my life. Some daily, some with words, others with actions...some I never even knew their names. I am who I am, in part, because of the seeds that they planted.

So each month, I buy panties and put them back in a big plastic tub. I asked the Crisis Center Director what sizes she needed me to buy. Her answer, *Always buy your size to donate. Then you will be helping someone that is just like you.* So....that is what I do. I also have girly stuff that I buy through out the year and stash back. Things that I find on sale, with coupons and at thrift sales or garage sales. All the stuff that I donate is in perfect un-used condition. I take my things to our local crisis center. Last year, several bloggers around the US did the same thing. I do want to stress that this is NOT a Mindy thing...this is a a joint effort for all involved.

I am in hopes that Pantipalooza is even bigger this year. This year I will challenge you to be ...

Panty Providers!!