You've gotta love it when the recipient of the Yellow Envelope Project produces something that shines at least as much as she does.

And, oh boy, is that the case with today's recipient.

Read what the nominator had to say about today's winner and then meet me on the other side to recap the countless reasons why she deserves to have her mailbox flooded with yellow envelopes. 

"I'd like to nominate Jerry Ann as perfect example of a person that spreads shine. Jerry Ann has been an avid quilter for over 20 years. In all of those years she's made dozens, is not hundreds of quilts. The "shiny" thing is, she gives all the quilts away. Infact, I realized a few years ago, she only had 1 quilt of her own and it was given to her! She makes quilts because it keeps her busy and she gets to be creative - she just loves fabric. She makes quilts - small lap size to King size for anyone that asks - even a lot of people that don't ask! If she hears someone is having a new baby, grand baby, spent time in the hospital, has been sick, retiring, etc., she sits down and works on a quilt OR pulls out a quilt top out she's previously made "just in case" and then quilts it. She doesn't ask for money or recongnition, infact, she prefers a quiet time to give the quilt so she can tell them what her idea of it was. She gets embarrassed with praise, but really she's very talented. Holidays and donation quilts are the perfect "excuse" to quilt, quilt, quilt, so she's constantly working on a quilt. She recognizes that a quilt is more than just something to use on the bed - it represents comfort, it will be around for many, many years, and it was made with care and given in friendship or love. I think that she represents all those wonderful qualities herself - comfort, stability, friendship and love. She's an amazing lady." 

One, Jerry Ann gives her quilts away. Two, she perfectly employs her talents to produce a form of art; something that will live on long after she does. Three, Jerry Ann is thoughtful and generous to the max. While most of us pat ourselves on the back for mailing a sick friend a "Hope you bounce back" card, she is whipping up a handmade quilt! Four, when Jerry Ann gives someone a quilt, she doesn't do it expecting accolades or recognition.  She gives quilts because she is relentlessly passionate about quilting and views each one as an heirloom in the making. To Jerry Ann, giving a quilt is like giving a piece of herself to someone else.

Jerry Ann's story seeps of warmth and love and generosity and so many of the other qualities that make someone Shine. So, please join me today in the celebration of two things: first, National Quilting Day and second, Jerry Ann's giving nature.

Celebrating is easy. Simply write her a short note letting her know that every time she shares her labor of love, she is helping to make the world a brighter place. Assure her that not only will her handmade quilts be passed from generation to generation, but so too will the example she sets for others. Seal your note in a yellow envelope (or a white envelope decorated with yellow markers and stickers) and mail it to the address listed below. Our letters are most fun when they are anonymous, so simply place the words, "Yellow Envelope Project" in the return address.

One final thing. Commit to mailing your letter before next Saturday when we meet again to recognize our next worthy recipient.

Shining off until Monday.