Wednesday, March 16, 2011

A Totally Random Wednesday

I'm having a hard time concentrating today and collecting my thoughts into something coherent (could be because I'm dreaming of being back on this beach, or any beach for that matter.)  I'm completely scattered so this post is full of the random things that are on my mind.

First, thank you so much for your response to the Spring Swap.  I was afraid I'd post it and not have one person interested, so the fact that so many of you are thrills me.  A huge thanks to all of you who have helped me spread the word too - we've already reached some 'new to me' folks, which is so exciting since connecting with people is half of the fun.  Remember you have until the end of day Monday to let me know you are interested, see details here.

Next up - did you know we are celebrating COLOR at i-Studio for the rest of the month?  If you need a bit more color in your life or are looking for inspiration, be sure and pop over.  Better yet, take a minute to share your color photos in the i-Studio Flickr group, we're featuring several colorful photos each day, the next one could be yours.

Finally, my mind is full of sorrow for all those impacted by the earthquake and tsunami, but my heart has been warmed by the generous things some folks are doing to help them out.  If you are looking for a way to help, and get a little something beautiful for yourself at the same time, check out some of the things I've seen this week.

Have you found other ways to help?  If so, please share them  in comments.  I read today that donations are coming in much slower for this tragedy than they did for Haiti - and I understand that is likely due to the differences in wealth in the two countries, but it is going to take years for Japan to recover from this and they need our help and support.

This was recorded as part of the fundraiser for Haiti, but I think it is gorgeous and appropriate:
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20 comments:

Lisa said...

My Heart is breaking beyond belief.

Im giving to the RedCross.
Any kind of help I can do I will.
Im finding it so very hard to move forward as the world is in such need with so much suffering .
There was a small earthquake in Canada this morning and that itself scared me to death. I can imagine what the people in Japan are going though . Beyond my compention.
The all remain in my prayers.
I love the song. Thank you for putting here. So very true.

Ashley Sisk said...

Thanks Jamie for providing all these links - my heart aches for all those people!

Simon said...

Hey Jamie...My mind has been wandering around too-unfortunately not just today. It keeps happening. Thanks for sharing this list of places where people are helping. The devastation is mind blowing.

Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal said...

I have not been able to concentrate well myself. I seem to be here, there and everywhere in my mind. Hoping for a clearer mind soon.

Angie Willis said...

I can't help but be heartened by the reports of how the Japanese are accepting things, getting on with life and helping each other. No looting, no fighting or shouting at their government and no blame apportioning. Would that we could all say that about our countries!

k said...

Loved all of the suggestions for Japan, I'll add you to the list!

Chuzai Living said...

Thanks for all the great ideas and the listing the song by Shakira. It is appropriate and very moving. I'm living overseas, but originally from Japan and my heart is aching for all the people who are suffering right now. I'm also very worried about my family and friends who live in Tokyo because I don't know if they are safe to be there in the current condition at the nuclear reactors. However, their life is there and I can't just uproot them and move. Reality is harder than I want to accept. I plan on posting about Japan this weekend (if I can get around it...) and would like to post the same song. I will put you on my post as well. Thanks for the beautiful post!

Clare B said...

I've been so overwhelmed by the distructing in Japan. Not one, but three 'disasters' all at once and no sign of the nuclear emergency finishing anytime soon. It's all a little hard to comprehend. Great song selection as well - sometimes there's not much more to do but have the Japanese people in our minds and be grateful for where we are.

Lisa Gordon said...

What a beautiful photograph Jamie, and thank you for sharing this info!

Ms. Becky said...

I'm giving to the Japan Red Cross. I read that it's likely the best place to donate to ensure that the money goes directly to the relief effort in Japan and not some other country. but I'm not certain of that. who really knows. I think the idea of your swap is a grand idea Jamie. it's so beautiful that you're doing this and I love it.
you have such a huge beautiful heart. I hope you have a splendid day Jamie!

Courtney said...

Wonderful to see people come together to help another country in need. My heart aches for them. Glad you are having a great response to your Spring Swap! YAY!

Anna said...

Jamie, Thanks for sharing the info about what others are doing during this time of trouble.

I want to move into that beach photo and leave my jacket behind!

Joyti said...

Thank you for the links...

Prairie Girl Studio said...

oh, jamie ... thank you so much for sharing all the links in efforts to offering help and hope to the inconceivable devastation happening to our friends in japan ... the suffering is overwhelming ... i pray these gentle, beautiful people find peace, healing, restoration and hope today ...
i actually do have a spot where people, bloggers to be precise, can help today ... 'bloggers day of silence' is today ...
http://www.forjapanwithlove.com/

*hugs* to you ~
xo
prairiegirl

Prairie Girl Studio said...

thank you, jamie ... for sharing this song as well ...
i hope that those in need know we are
here, standing by them ... if anything, in spirit ...
xo
pg

Justine said...

thanks for sharing

ELK said...

beauty here . song .. links and heart ...love to you friend

Diana Joy said...

We donate thru CRS for disaster help. It boggles my mind to see the images from Japan. And I truly believe we can't comprehend the horror of it all thru those images.

blue elephant photography said...

thanks for the links. i know japan will get back on it's feet. they are just determined like that. our local japanese restaurants has also started some fund raising too. the song is wonderful.

Lindsey said...

What a gorgeous heart-breaking version of a song I love. Thank you for sharing it. xox

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