I have to say that 2009 was more than a whirlwind for my hubby and I. More like the tornado in the Wizard of Oz. Now don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining, because all the changes during that time were towards a good end.
We finally had enough of renovating our 165-year old house in the village and decided to move. Finding a new place happened alot faster than we planned or anticipated and we had to seal the deal or lose out on it. That meant we were carrying two homes, one of which we had to complete renovations. At one point we had to move into the new place but left our furniture at the old place for staging. For two months we lived with a card table and folding chairs in the kitchen, two lawn chairs in the living room and our bed. That was a wild four months, but we did get through it and luckily sold our home in two weeks.
During that time we were also moving our oldest son into his new place and the two younger ones home from college. All the while I was trying to set up a gift shop business in town.
Even though it was all towards a good end, it was stressful and I found it very difficult to manage that stress, but somehow I did.
Now it's 2010 and a tragedy of enormous proportions has occurred in Haiti. Being witness to the absolute devastation that has been forced upon a population already living under duress and conditions I can't even imagine has me reflecting on my life and the comforts I enjoy.
A card table and folding chairs would be a luxury for most Haitians. A bed like the one I sleep in would likely be viewed as downright decadent. But to us, it's just expected. Our card table sits in a closet most of the time, taken out only when needed. Leftovers in my fridge get thrown out when they've been there too long. Somehow I doubt there are leftovers for those who live below the "poverty line", whatever that means.
I get annoyed when my hubby turns the thermostat down to 55 degrees at night 'cuz that means it's cold in the bathroom for my morning shower. My electric blanket keeps me warm through the night. Where do the homeless sleep at night when it's down to 20 degrees here in the winter?
I could go on and on and on with endless comparisons, but I won't. I've made my point. This most recent tragedy has jolted me back from the fairy tale life I lead to try and understand the hardships that so many people in this world face every single day. And to do something to help.
It's humanly impossible to help absolutely everyone, so pick one thing that you can do. Whatever that is---donating money, volunteering, joining a charitable group. There are millions of people in the world who need help and thousands of ways to give that help. Educate yourself and give of yourself. Then be grateful for and appreciate every single little thing you have. That's what I plan to do.
The local art gallery in my town, Honeoye Falls, NY, is having a new art show starting February 10 through March 20. It's called Art 14472. This is the zip code for Honeoye Falls, and the Mill Art Center thought it would be fun to have a show highlighting only artists and artisans who live in the 14472 zip code. 
eclectic, interesting and beautiful art exhibit.
eclectic, interesting and beautiful art exhibit.
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