The afternoon knows what the morning never expected. ~ old Swedish saying
The last time I wrote on Tuesday was to take a moment to consider the help that was/will be needed for those who were devastated by Hurricane Harvey. Yes, just two weeks ago. Now, it's time for us to add our help to those in the path of Hurricane Irma. Oh, what a frightening weekend this past one was for many in her path! I am happy that those I know in the Caribbean and in Florida are okay. Some do not have power, but they have had little to no damage to their homes.
I realize that others are not so fortunate. In that recent post, I spoke of my goal to find schools and libraries that needed help, and one friend from Houston has shared that her older children's high school and middle school are okay, but the younger daughter's elementary was destroyed, and it won't reopen in another site for two more weeks. I have and will continue to help them, and will see if those in Florida have a specific need, too. In the midst of these busy start-of-school days, Mother Nature has once again forced us to take notice, but in an un-gentle way! I am hoping that Captiva Island has not been hit too hard by Irma!
And Monday I spent some time watching the ceremonies to remember those who died on 9/11. After sixteen years, I know that many of us remember and remember and remember with sorrow.
I feel very busy, yet little has changed except I've had a few extra things to do, like manage to get an arborist and crew in to trim my old and needy cottonwood tree or call a plumber to fix a minor problem. I've also made a few regular doctor appointments, managed to get my hair cut and train some new volunteers (The bookstore schedule is nearly full!). I snatch every moment I can to read and write. I have a story and several poems I'm working on and excited about. And in my usual week, Ingrid and Imogene are regular visitors. Some days, it feels as if my life fills with the tiniest of sliced hours, but each part is sweet, just like my summer beach time and that key lime pie, of course!
Sometimes, it take a rap on the head by Mother Nature for us to realize we are not the all powerful beings we think we are! In what ways have you been helping school dealing with Harvey and now Irma? Our 8th grade is brainstorming ways that we could help, even though we are from Iowa! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the slice of your life!
Yes, I agree about that 'rap on the head'. I'm still helping my friend's daughter's school. The link is here: http://kolterptoweb.digitalpto.com/join/sos-fundraiser/ There is so much need, but I've read that it is too hard to receive and assess used book/supplies donations, so am just sending what $ I can. I still don't have a direct source for the Irma relief, perhaps too early. It looks as if the Keys & Jacksonville have the most damage, along with those Caribbean Islands. Best wishes to your class! A long time ago (I retired from middle school a couple of years ago) my class raised money by starting used book sales at our school. We asked for donations from the families & students, then re-sold them. It helped us accumulate some $ for Katrina help.
DeleteThe hurricanes, floods, forest fires, earthquakes, volcanoes - we know they exist, yet every time they make news it terrifies and worries. The storms in Estonia are mild. And sometimes the worries of every day life feel like hurricanes in the person's head. Simple and ordinary can be blessings.
ReplyDeleteIndeed they can, Terje, like seeing your wonderful photos! It's been quite a few awful weeks, and I didn't even mention the fires in our northwest and that Mexico earthquake, as you have. Thanks for the small blessing comment from you!
DeleteIt seems that Mother Nature is constantly reminding us that we have no control over her. Sometimes we need to escape into the everyday mundane things so that we can refocus our energy on helping those who need our help.
ReplyDeleteYes, finding a normal rhythm is doable, but it has been a challenge to see these recent disasters. Thanks, Bob!
DeleteI always enjoy reading your slices, Linda, and getting a glimpse into your rich, busy life. Your ending today was sweet and delicious!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Molly. It is a bit of a ramble, maybe because I've been so invested in the hurricanes and fires, these "events" that need so much.
DeleteI love seeing into your life.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Loralee!
DeleteThere is so much to keep up with these days, isn't there? Between the havoc Mother Nature is wrecking and the mess that is the White House, one feels overwhelmed. But, I love the way you fill your life with goodness, Linda.
ReplyDeleteIt's the only way to go, I think, but I am keeping aware of that other stuff too, Tara, sometimes too much. What a terrible time for those impacted by nature, and then this year, by the administration. I still hope that others will continue to fight! Thanks!
DeleteLinda, there is so much to make our hearts heavy and so much sorrow for so many. Thanks for reminding us to reach out to help again. I love the tiny, little slices that fill your days and that sweet slice at the end, a reminder of summer's relaxing and delicious days.
ReplyDeleteYep, my mind is swirling most days, Ramona, but life can hold good times too. I know that, and I am grateful. I just feel so bad for those who've had such havoc visit their lives this year. Yikes! Thanks for enjoying the sweet things!
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