Giving
So now that the election is over, and the holidays loom oh-so gloriously ahead of us, it gets me thinking.
My greatest gratitude in my life is for the people I have the pleasure and blessing to share it with, my incredible family and my amazing friends. You guys have been here for us SO MUCH in the past few years, through job losses to the birth of our wonderful son, I have the community I had thought I would never have again upon leaving Martha's Vineyard. Ohana indeed.
I love you guys, and there is not a day I do not feel gracious that I have you in my life.
Now, not everyone is so lucky to have that village at their back, and I want to start showing Jack about reaching out to others. My grandfather, who believed so heartily in connecting with other live human beings, spent his life doing this. I watched at his service just how deeply he instilled that desire in his family.
SO. Two easy ways to make a difference in another human beings life. I mean, there are a lot of awesome charities out there, great causes, and you should do what feels right. But these are my goals this holiday season:
Give It Up, Mommyland! formerly the Great Hooker Experiment
I read about this last January after the experiment had ended. Basically, if someone needs a little extra help, the kind a gift card might be useful, they let these awesome, ridiculous blogging ladies know. If you are in the kind of place you could spare a gift card, you likewise make contact. They hook up someone in need with someone who can give, and the results are pretty amazing. The details on how to get involved should be coming up soon. I plan on participating. Our budget may be tight most days, but I never have to worry about there being anything under my tree for my son, or on his plate, or if he'll be clothed. I want to help someone who doesn't have that. Doesn't matter how small the GC, it will help.
The post describing last years experiment is here as well as the email from last year. I'll double check that's what they are using again this year.
Holiday Card Project 2012
This one is great if you are short on cash. Make a Christmas card, and send it to the address below for a patient in a hospital who is stuck there through the holidays. There are some suggestions and considerations on the page about what to write inside, and it can be anonymous or you can sign it. They collect and distribute them. It's a really nice way to use whatever talent you have to make someone else smile.
In fact, Friday November 16th, people are welcome to come over to make cards. I have TONS of scrap booking stuff perfect for those who may not be into drawing or painting.
So those are my goals for reaching out to other people (beyond me trying to give coffee to the poor landscaping guys who were, no lie, laying gravel in my neighbors drive way IN THE HURRICANE)
Anyone else got plans?
My greatest gratitude in my life is for the people I have the pleasure and blessing to share it with, my incredible family and my amazing friends. You guys have been here for us SO MUCH in the past few years, through job losses to the birth of our wonderful son, I have the community I had thought I would never have again upon leaving Martha's Vineyard. Ohana indeed.
I love you guys, and there is not a day I do not feel gracious that I have you in my life.
Now, not everyone is so lucky to have that village at their back, and I want to start showing Jack about reaching out to others. My grandfather, who believed so heartily in connecting with other live human beings, spent his life doing this. I watched at his service just how deeply he instilled that desire in his family.
SO. Two easy ways to make a difference in another human beings life. I mean, there are a lot of awesome charities out there, great causes, and you should do what feels right. But these are my goals this holiday season:
Give It Up, Mommyland! formerly the Great Hooker Experiment
I read about this last January after the experiment had ended. Basically, if someone needs a little extra help, the kind a gift card might be useful, they let these awesome, ridiculous blogging ladies know. If you are in the kind of place you could spare a gift card, you likewise make contact. They hook up someone in need with someone who can give, and the results are pretty amazing. The details on how to get involved should be coming up soon. I plan on participating. Our budget may be tight most days, but I never have to worry about there being anything under my tree for my son, or on his plate, or if he'll be clothed. I want to help someone who doesn't have that. Doesn't matter how small the GC, it will help.
The post describing last years experiment is here as well as the email from last year. I'll double check that's what they are using again this year.
Holiday Card Project 2012
This one is great if you are short on cash. Make a Christmas card, and send it to the address below for a patient in a hospital who is stuck there through the holidays. There are some suggestions and considerations on the page about what to write inside, and it can be anonymous or you can sign it. They collect and distribute them. It's a really nice way to use whatever talent you have to make someone else smile.
In fact, Friday November 16th, people are welcome to come over to make cards. I have TONS of scrap booking stuff perfect for those who may not be into drawing or painting.
So those are my goals for reaching out to other people (beyond me trying to give coffee to the poor landscaping guys who were, no lie, laying gravel in my neighbors drive way IN THE HURRICANE)
Anyone else got plans?