It was not my intention to skip my post on Friday, but with the news in the world… it just seemed frivolous to post about trivial things. And I am sitting here this morning with much the same feelings… how does one talk about the triviality of “normal life” when for far too many normal life is trying to stay alive.
But there are slivers of humanity rising up to help… (I really can’t use the word hope right now because it seems a sentiment for fools)
I am sure by now you have heard about the amazing new use for Airbnb’s in Ukraine (and you can now donate to help Ukrainian refugees as well), but in case you didn’t… now you have.
Last week, Carol Sulcoski provided a blog post with some Ukrainian designers… and Vicki updated us all that Ravelry is now making it easier to find more Ukrainian designers as well. I am not in need of new things to knit, but I think purchasing a pattern is something everyone can do… so go buy a pattern or two!
I will be back on Wednesday.
I thought I was a heavy praying person and yet my prayers have been multiple times a day and extremely intense. I keep hoping for a miracle.
Such troubling times and like Karen, I keep looking for/hoping for a miracle.
Another person who here wants a miracle. Since that’s highly unlikely with Putin involved, I’ve bought some Ukrainian designer patterns and donated to Doctors Without Borders.
I think we all have to do what we can, whether it’s supporting refugees, buying patterns, or taking a break from the news to focus on our own emotional well being. For me, writing the blog is a huge part of my own self care so I will keep on posting and sharing, even if it does seem trivial in light of the world situation.
It’s really a weird “place” to occupy right now, isn’t it? My life is really chugging along quite the same as always . . . and yet . . . it’s all falling apart for so many others, and often in terrifying ways. We all need to sit with this however we need to. Doing things like making a donation or booking an Airbnb we’ll never use or buying a few patterns . . . those are things that can help. And taking a break now and then? That helps, too. XO
There’s something about this kind of support that works well for me–because it feels like a real connection to a real person. Not that the Red Cross is anything to shake a stick at! But to see the host of the Air B’nB you’re ‘renting’ or buying from a crafter whose profile you can read–that feels, well, personal, I guess. Because it IS. xo
In times of stress and personal hardship what one craves is peace, quiet and normal mundane life. One thing we can do now is stay calm, carry on and make sure mundane normality is here, resistance against wickedness.
One thing that’s making me feel so much better is seeing how people are helping — how they are sending money, opening up their homes and businesses to refugees, welcoming refugees with flowers, etc. It’s disheartening to see the suffering but so good to see the outpouring of love.
I love how resourceful people are in finding ways to help! Almost since the beginning, I’ve donated a percentage of every Airbnb booking to airbnb.org to help with their many efforts to assist people in need.
The news is awful but the response of people to help is heartening. My daughter posted a photo on social media she found of a large bunch of strollers left at a Polish train station. Some Polish mothers donated them for Ukrainian Moms arriving at the station with little ones. It is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.