A Fragile World
Monday, June 14, 2010 by Guest Shutter Sister 
It’s a very fragile world, she told us
So we walk carefully everywhere we go
And we promised to remember as long as we could.
-Brian Andreas, Storypeople
The BP Gulf of Mexico oil disaster has been front and center on TV, newspapers and radio. The images are beyond heartbreaking – I know my heart breaks daily over this catastrophe. And it’s still happening. When will it stop?
My grandfather instilled in me a respect for nature. He was such a special and patient man – an organic farmer long before it was sexy and chic. We would take walks in the woods of Eastern Pennsylvania, and he would talk about how everything was interdependent and worked in cooperation. These were truly special lessons to be taught. I was so blessed to have this in my childhood. We are care takers of this world and of one another. Sometimes we forget that. But disasters like this remind us that we are all part of a larger, fragile whole.
I Googled “Gulf Coast aid” to try to find a way to help. Sadly, it was difficult to find much. Conversely there were all sorts of links for Haiti aid. One disaster was natural, the other was man made with lots of finger pointing.
As women, artists, and creative souls, we are heartbroken over this situation and its consequences. We are compassionate souls. We are nurturers. We take charge and take responsibility. What we are not is apathetic. We are architects of a better world. We find those small actions we can take toward the positive. We ask, “What can I do to help?”. Several days ago, I discovered a shop on Etsy that was donating all proceeds from sales to Gulf Coast relief efforts. I was elated that I found a way I could do something to help, and I donated a fine art photograph to the cause. The HELP THE GULF COAST shop unites Etsy sellers to bring help to the Gulf Coast. Through our art, and support of other artists, we can offer help. We can’t just sit and watch.
"To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter... to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring - these are some of the rewards of the simple life. " ~ John Burroughs
More ways to help:
Children can learn how to help.
Make a donation to Audubon to help relief efforts.
Volunteer with Audubon.
Support funding for restoration of the Louisiana coastline.
Buy a bottle of DAWN dish detergent & activate your $1 donation to help.
Make a donation to the Alabama Coastal Foundation.
Join the Gulf Coast Oil Spill Volunteers on FB.
Spread the word that Matters of Trustis collecting hair from salons and dog groomers, and nylons to absorb oil from the spill.
Make a donation to the National Wildlife Federation.
Send a form letter to the President in support of the Gulf Coast & Louisiana coastline. Make a political statement!
If you favor halting off shore oil drilling, you can send this letter from the Sierra Club.
Donate artand handmade to the Help the Gulf Coast Etsy shop.
Buy art from the Help the Gulf Etsy shop.
We are architects of a better world for our children and ourselves. Remember to walk carefully everywhere you go…
Image and words courtesy of Honorary Sister / Guest Blogger Joy St. Claire of Oh Joy Photography.
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Congratulations to the winners of the Hello Daddy contest:
The Grand Hello goes Life in Eden’s Hello Daddy
And the 2 runners up are Jaye’s shot April Negotiation and Kate Settle’s shot Evening.
Bravo ladies for such stellar Daddy shots!
And thanks to everyone for playing this week. Your shots were all perfect tributes to all the Dads we love. And don’t forget you can still order today for Father’s Day delivery from Hello Canvas. And everything is 25% just for us with the code HELLOSISTERS. Yay!
