feeling frozen // thawing out

It seems sort of fitting that I'm writing this post on the day after the First Official Day of Spring, and it's snowing outside.  I'm feeling a bit cranky about the unseasonal weather, but I have my little area heater on, and a cup of hot tea in front of me.  Reminding myself that it has also been snowing in parts of Japan where the earthquake + tsunami survivors are now mostly homeless snaps me back to where I should be perspective-wise.

It's now been about a week and a half since the earthquake + tsunami (+ more earthquakes) hit Japan, and I still cannot watch the news without tears.  I have friend + family ties to Japan, but also a deep-seeded admiration for her culture + her people that is not so personal.  Mostly, though, I am just floored by just how quickly the lives of so many can be shattered in just a matter of moments.  I felt the same way-- paralyzed, grief-stricken, and helpless-- when the tsunami hit southern Asia, and when Hurricane Katrina struck.  We have always given what we can, but it never seems like enough.  

This time around, our personal budget is even tighter than usual, but I am pushing myself out of feeling frozen + paralyzed to a place where I do as much as I can.  I may not have the cash flow to click + give as generously as I wish I could, but I sure do have a lot more than that to give.  

Starting on Thursday, March 24th, I will be posting several collections of treasures that I have gathered over the years during my literal (+ figurative) travels.  There will be bags, supplies, books, and more.  30-60% of all sales will go to the American Red Cross' efforts in Japan, AmeriCares, and Doctors Without Borders.  The latter two are keeping longer-term support and other places elsewhere in the world with equally dire needs in mind. 

I'm also working toward structuring my business plan (and organizing myself!) in a way that allows for a regular percentage of sales every month to go to giving.  I'm only sorry that it takes a larger crisis to push me into the sort of motion that I think I should have worked at long ago.  

I'll be posting some special sales previews in the days to come!  In the meantime, I'm working on a post with a compiled list of the items + sales  that other artists + crafters have been so generous in offering.

I am feeling grateful to have the ability to share my thoughts + hopes + plans here.  Here's hoping this note finds you warm + safe today as well.