you can show friends and family you think they’re special in two simple but heartwarming ways. 1. Don’t just send any old card or gift. First, consider to whom you are sending the greeting card. Would they like to receive a cute seasonal card or one with a religious theme? Would they prefer a traditional winter landscape or a light-hearted Christmas image. Is it for a friend or for family? Is the recipient single or married with children? Is the gift for a man or a woman? Doesit reflect their special interests or lifestyle? If they’re busy, a desk calendar could be useful. If the gift is for a child, how about a puzzle? Or maybe a birthday book for the friend who always forgets birthdays. “Xmas Baubles” mouth painted by Mariam Par. Now you can send holiday cards like this, reproduced from original art- works created by her and her fellow artists. Next, get the kind that doubles as a beautiful way to help others, such as the cards, calendars, wrapping paper, puzzles and books featuring reproductions of unique, original paintings created by a group of special artists. These are the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA). The worldwide for-profit organization is owned and run byits disabled artists and enables them to earn their living by selling direct to the public. Mariam Par painting the portrait she presented to “The Today Show” hosts, Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford. One of those talented painters, Mariam Par, was recently on a tour of North America demonstrating her mouth painting skills at museumsand art galleries and giving art classes to disabled children. Par became a quadriplegic while an art student, when she accidently took a bullet to the back in gun crossfire at age 20. She then retaught herself to paint again by holding a brush in her mouth. Today, her paintings reflect her love of art and the freedom of expression it brings to her life. Her works have been exhibited widely and can be found in numerousprivate art collections. While she was in New York, she appeared on “The Today Show” with Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford and presented them with a portrait. 2. When you send the card and gift, include a personal, handwritten message. It doesn’t have to be a whole Christmasletter, though that can be delightful, too. Just a personalized good wish from you to yours that carries the warmthof the season. Available Online If you’d like to purchase the Mariam Par card or select from a wide range of other cards and thoughtful gifts, visit the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists website, www.mfpausa.com or call (877) MFPA-USA.
