First, the delay … today was to be the kickoff of my new event The GFE Virtual Gluten-Free Support Group. I know so many of you are excited about this opportunity to learn more and support each other. I’m really pleased to know that, and can’t wait to get this event going. However, I’m going to delay it until next Tuesday and hope to keep it there on the first Tuesday of the month (which will be a week or two after my actual support group meeting). My uncle passed away yesterday and while his death was not unexpected, I am sad … especially for my aunt … and I want to take a short, respectful break. It’s just impossible for me to do a proper kickoff for our new event today. The truth is when something sad or tough happens in my life, I’m usually not “the show must go on” kind of gal. I usually take time to slow down and show respect and reflect. I hope you’ll understand, and will be here next Tuesday for The GFE Virtual Gluten-Free Support Group.
I do have the information on the NuNaturals stevia package winners for you though. As I stated in my initial giveaway post, NuNaturals offered four winners the following package: one bottle of Pure Liquid Alcohol-Free Stevia, one bottle of Pure Liquid Alcohol-Free Vanilla Stevia, and one box of 50 NuNaturals Stevia Packets. Each prize is a $36.00 retail value. The winners of these four packages (with their comments) are shown below:
Gretchen Schlier—“Liked NuNaturals on Facebook!”
Valerie Poettgen—“I would LOVE to try the liquid vanilla stevia!”
Kathy—“I love NuNaturals. I heard about it over at Amy Green’s blog. I figured if she loved it, I would, too …”
rachel—“I’ve only heard good things about nunaturals so that is why I want to try them!”
Congratulations to all the winners! I’ll email each of you for your mailing information later today. And thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway. Remember that you can still take advantage of NuNaturals’ other offers …
If you reside in the continental U.S.and have never tried NuNaturals before, but would like to try the NuNaturals stevia packets, NuNaturals will send you a free sample. Just send a self addressed, stamped, #10 envelope (that’s the standard large envelope) to:
NuNaturals Inc
2220 West 2nd Ave, #1
Eugene, OR 97402Plus, NuNaturals is offering two special discounts to gfe readers.
When you checkout at their website, enter the code BLG0612 to receive 15% off your order. Plus if your order totals $35 after the discount is applied, you will also receive free shipping. This offer will remain valid until June 30, 2012.
I’ll be back in a few days with a new post. Thanks so much for your patience and understanding.
Amber says
Hi There Shirley,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. It’s never easy to say good-bye, even when it’s expected. It’s time to be with your family now. I’m thinking about you Shirley.
Take care.
Warmly,
–Amber
Shelly says
Shirley, I am so sorry for your loss. And you are right to take time, I know everyone is different and grieve in their own way, I have learned through the loss of my dad, we all need to stop, reflect, respect. Even if you are a show must go on person, you need that time to properly heal. Take all the time you need. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sarah @ Celiac in the City says
I’m so very sorry for your loss Shirley. Thinking of you and your family today — take the time you need, we’ll be here with supportive, open arms when you return. Peace from me to you and your family.
Debbie says
Shirley, my thoughts and prayers for you and your family. I like the way you described taking time to reflect and show respect during a loss of a loved one. I feel the same way. Hugs to you, dear.
Kim (Cook IT Allergy Free) says
Shirley, I am so sorry to hear about your uncle. Your family is far more important than anything else, so take your break and we will all be here to support you when you are back. And I am like you. When something happens in my life that is sad or intense, I need to step away from things to regroup and focus.
Sending you and your family huge huge hugs and condolences.
xoxo
k
Kelly Smith says
Shirley,
I am sorry for your loss!
Iris says
I’m so sorry to hear about your uncle, Shirley. It’s always so hard, expected or not. I’m sending love to you and you family!
Iris
Kim says
I am so sorry to hear about your loss, Shirley. Your family is in my thoughts & prayers.
Kim
Jane says
Shirley, I am so sorry about your uncle, and my condolences go to your family, and your aunt! Any loss is difficult. Good luck with everything you must do in the next few days. My thoughts and prayers will be with you are your family.
Alta says
Shirley, I’m so sorry to hear about your uncle! And by all means, take the time to be with your family. Much love to you, and we will be here next week for the proper kick-off! XOXO
Rachel says
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I wanted to say thank you so much for hosting the giveaway, I can’t wait to receive my nunaturals!
Susan says
Dear Shirley,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your uncle. I am actually really pleased that you are taking this time to reflect, grieve, and find peace rather than plunging into this new undertaking. May God bless you at this time.
Pat @ Elegantly, Gluten-Free says
I am sorry to hear about your uncle. Please take the time you need, and may God comfort you and your family.
SherriS. says
My condolences Shirley. Of course we understand that you need time. God bless!
Zoe says
Shirley, I’m so sorry about your uncle. My condolences go out to you and your family. Take your time in this stage, we’re all here for you.
Patsy says
Shirley,
Peace be with you and your family. We will all be thinking of you.
XXOX
Carole says
SHIRLEY,
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. FAMILY IS SO IMPORTANT AND ENJOY YOUR TIME WITH THEM DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
CAROLE
Debi says
Shirley, I am sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers. It is completely understandable to want to take some extra time. *big hugs*
Ina Gawne says
Awww….Shirley, I am so sorry. I hear you – I am exactly the same. Blessing to you dear, hugs, Ina
Kathy says
Shirley, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Being with your family is so important. Loss is never easy, but there is much comfort in being there for each other. Saying prayers for you.
Valerie Poettgen says
Praying for your family in this time of sorrow.
Thank you for the giveaway contest. I am looking forward to trying out some recipes with the NuNaturals stevia. Thank you also for all the recipes and advice for those of us who live the gf lifestyle.
Megan @ MAID in Alaska says
Shirley,
I am so sorry to hear about your Uncle. Prayers for you, your Aunt, and the rest of the family.
Lots of love,
Megan
Ellen (Gluten Free Diva) says
Shirley – my thoughts and prayers go to you and your family. It shows the utmost of respect, I think, to take the time to acknowledge a loved ones’ death and to do that slowly and thoughtfully. Thinking of you….
Linda C. says
Dear Shirley,
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this time.
Warmly,
Linda
Gretchen Schlier says
I’m very sad to hear about your uncle. I think that taking a little time to reflect and morn is what everyone needs to do when there is loss. Thank you again for doing this give away. I’m so thrilled that I’m a winner and get a chance to try out the vanilla infused NuNaturals Stevia.
Linda says
Shirley, I’m very sorry to hear about your uncle. You are doing the right thing by taking time to grieve. My thoughts and prayers are with you dear.
Amber says
Hi There Shirley,
Thank you for taking the time to share your recipe with us on AFW. Again, I’m so sorry for your loss and sending love and light to you. Please take care.
Hugs,
–Amber
Kalyn says
Hi Shirley,
Sorry to hear about your uncle. I’m glad you are taking some time off to be with your family.
Kathy says
Hi Shirley,
Thank you for taking time during this sad time to deal with the contest results. I am so thankful to have been selected as one of the winners so that I can continue sharing my love of NuNaturals Stevia products. May you find peace and comfort in the presence of your family. Praying for you all.
SunnyB @ andloveittoo says
Oh Shirley, I am so sorry for your loss. Please take as much time as you need to care for your family and know that we will all be here when you return.
Lots of love
Sunny
Gigi says
Hi, Shirley.
I’m only just catching up on others’ sites, so just got to read this. I’m excited about your event, and know my readers will be, too!!
Prayers and peace to you and your family as you deal with this loss. You’ll be on my mind…
xoxo,
Gigi 😉
Angela says
Sorry for the loss of your Uncle. I sure hope this time will be used to embrace family and to remember the memories. Take care, Shirley!
Kay Guest says
Dear Shirley,
Prayers for your aunt and for all your family.
Hope you feel the love coming through to you from your blogging friends… and I hope you consider me one of them.
Love,
Kay
Melissa @ glutenfreeforgood says
Taking care of yourself at times like this is priority #1. I’m so sorry things have been rough for you and your family lately. The roller coaster of life can be a wild ride at times. I’m sending good energy your way! And good for you for taking some time off. You work too hard as it is. =)
xo
cheryl says
Shirley,
Much love to you and yours. I think it’s the pauses that remind us to hug tightly the ones we love…and I’m glad you decided to honor your uncle in that way.