Unbelievable!

6 weeks ago we learned of an incredible earthquake that literally crushed the life out of Haiti; so many were killed and horrific news of mass graves and trucks of bodies were streamed across the airwaves breaking hearts and calling many to help in any way possible.

Amidst the news of so much death and injury, we were wondering about our sweet Yvierta, if she survived, if she was laying in a hospital somewhere or worse. I had sent word with several people who had gone, knowing there was little chance in the millions of hearing anything... but then just yesterday, a phone call came. Unbelievably a simple message was left on my voicemail that Yvierta was found alive, she's uninjured and living in a tent camp because her home was destroyed. And that was all... that's what we know. And of course I'm relieved and overjoyed that she is okay, but also sad at her living conditions, I feel a little helpless about what to do and how to help her. I wish I could sweep her up and bring her home with me and erase all the trauma from her young life...

So I'm going to send as much support as I can, and be involved with J.'s fundraiser for a music school. Maybe somehow they will connect with each other and help heal each other. It's the first time I've felt like praying and giving thanks in a long time...

Finally back in!

Hmmm... I don't know why I couldn't get into my blog for about 2 weeks, but I'm back!! Made more stamps and cards yesterday... didn't turn out as well as I had hoped, but I think I need the right materials... off to the store to buy me some ink. Then back to the table to cut, paste and think :) Oh yeah, and happy superbowl to anyone watching. I don't think it will be me

New craft for a new year

I think I'm on to something... I made my first block print stamp EVER and I'm really enjoying how it turned out.

I have to admit that I put off trying because I thought it would turn out dismally (sigh, darn that end result thinking), but it was really fun to figure out perspective and figure out the carving tool... I'm hooked... thanks J, this one's for you! I made another one on the other side... that will have to wait til tomorrow.

Happy New Year 2010!

The year is new, but actually the activities are pretty much the same. I have a day of solitude which is nice, but it's going too fast!

Here is another poem from the class this fall... this one is my own (gulp)

"The comfort of the firelight
makes me sigh and contemplate
how common and yet how magical.

How long have centuries stared
into the flickering light and dreamed?
mesmerized by the blue,
lulled by the golden.

The spark is so welcome
conjured and cajoled by flint or friction,
to bring light and heat and comfort.

How carefully we mind the flame
aware of it's power and voracious appetite,
yet still longing for it's ritual dance
to calm the restless traveler, to be still
and dream."


... so cheers to another year of continued writing and discovery.
Happy New Year, may the new decade bring new adventure.