for my people...

A few days ago, I was having a conversation with a friend. I explained that I had not written about social issues in quite a while because I wasn't sure my voice was being heard. I wasn't sure if people were receptive to my flowery view of the world. I expressed my dream of travelling throughout the Caribbean and the African diaspora using my words and photos to share our culture and raise awareness about the plight of my people.

The next day, as I was driving to work listening to the Tom Joyner Morning Show, I listened intently as Stephanie Robinson gave a moving historical commentary about one of the most impoverished islands in the Caribbean. She urged listeners to take action on behalf of Haitian residents seeking asylum in the USA. This was on January 7th, which marked the 206th anniversary of the Haitian Revolution. I wanted to share it with you, but hesitated.

I awoke this morning to the most disturbing news. The island of Haiti suffered a catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake. The situation is absolutely unspeakable...collapsed homes, schools, buildings, hospitals, and hundreds of thousands feared dead is just the tip of this iceberg. Many surviving victims are left without medical attention and the basic necessities of life. My people are suffering immensely and are desperate for help. I imagined the frantic mother who tonight longs to hold her child in her arms, but cannot. I couldn't hold back the tears so I came to my blog...and I continue to pray.

*If you would like to help the people of Haiti, I encourage you to visit Wyclef Jean's nonprofit Yele Haiti. Or text the word "YELE" to 501501 to donate $5, (or text the word "HAITI" to 501501 to donate $10), to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund.

*You can also visit the ONE organisation to sign a petition for the immediate cancellation of Haiti's $1 billion debt and to ensure that any emergency earthquake assistance is provided in the form of grants, not debt-incurring loans.

One World. One People. One Love.

bring the joy...

i love this horsie.

he has been in our family since my daughter was a toddler.

when we relocated, she donated him to her best friend.

we were sad to leave him behind but at the same time

happy he'd be with someone who would ride him and show him love.

my daughter recently reunited with her horsie.

it was the most beautiful moment ever.

it brought tears to my eyes to see her run to him

and drape her loving arms around his neck.

then she jumped on his back and they rode off into the sunset.

her laughter melted my very soul.

doesn't he look happy?

i'd like to think that we brought him a little bit of joy.

for mr. harold...

when mr. harold moved into my old neighbourhood, he had just retired from a life of work. it was so exciting to see him set up his garden. we delivered slips for him to plant and couldn't wait for him to reap the benefits. he was so thrilled.

shortly after, mr. harold suffered a stroke. we prayed, and watched as he transitioned from hospice right back into his own living room. recently, while on holiday, we visited mr. harold. we sat down and listened as he told us stories in his strong jamaican accent. he laughed and laughed as he told us how his wife, who cannot drive, went to move the van out of the garage to make room for his wheelchair to pass but instead drove right through the living room wall. unable to run to safety, he just sat in his chair and prayed. fortunately, the wall stopped the van and mr. harold lives to see another day. oral tradition is so wonderful.

mr. harold enjoys every day of life he is blessed with in spite of his circumstances. i admire that.

*to celebrate love and life, please consider joining us in the new *gift of jewels* project. entries will remain open until january 30, 2010.

*Gift of Jewels* project: peace and love...

As I stood staring at this worn wind chime fluttering in the wind, I couldn't help but feel uplifted. Although it has undoubtedly weathered many a storm, it still made the most beautiful sound. You should have heard it. I started to daydream and my imagination ran away from me. I was instantly transported to the "roof of the world", the peaceful land of Tibet. I envisioned silent prayers whispered on the breath of nature floating all around me. It touched my soul and I smiled.

During the fall, we celebrated the Ethiopian New Year with a modified pen pal project called the *gift of jewels*. International participants sprinkled jewels all over 12 different countries in the world and it brought a little extra happiness to many of our hearts. Since we just rang in yet another new year, I thought it would be a lovely time to exchange greetings with a new pen pal.

For those interested, please join me in sending a randomly selected person a greeting card in the post? It can be personally hand-crafted, a photocard, photograph, or even a purchased postcard or greeting card. We must all agree, however, to honour our commitment because some loving soul will be eagerly awaiting your card's arrival.

If you wish to participate in the *gift of jewels* project, please leave a comment on this post by January 30, 2010. All participants should also email me directly at necessaryroom@gmail.com with their snail mail address and blog link. I will randomly select the intended recipient of your jewel from amongst the participants. You will receive a personal email from me shortly after the registration deadline with your secret recipient's information. Please rest assured that your information will not be shared with anyone other than the person selected to send your "gift of jewels".

All *gift of jewels* should be postmarked on or before February 14, 2010, which happens to be the Tibetan New Year, and the day of love.

So, wanna join in spreading peace and love around the world?

Giveaway Results: a chosen few...

Finally, the anticipation is over. I sincerely apologise for taking so long but I wanted to make sure that those travelling during the holiday season had an opportunity to participate in this wonderful, love-filled *gift of jewels* giveaway.

Of course, this could not be possible without the amazing souls who contributed these beautiful gifts of love. We all owe you a debt of gratitude for brightening our lives. Thank you most kindly, from the bottom of my heart.

And now, without any further delay, with the aid of my daughter as the designated selector, I hereby bestow the following *gift of jewels* upon these chosen few individuals:

Tracy, Pink Purl, pink necklace - Sherry

Gayle, Planet M Files, crocheted market bag - Beverly, Tea Time & Roses

Beth, Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Taken, acrylic painting - Relyn

Se'lah, Necessary Room, secret jewel - Kamana

Margie and Kath, Souers du Jour, knitted cowl - Julochka

Vchelle, Operation You, world peace poster - Sunnymama

Vchelle, Operation You, princess tiana poster - Darcel

Christina, Soul Aperture, velvet rose photograph - Marilyn (marmalady)

Marilyn, Delights of the Heart, tea cozy gift set - SweetAnnee

Lala, My Castle in Spain, handmade greeting card - Gayle

Tara, Paris Parfait, antique french book - Christine - RHP

Congratulations to all of you! I hope you enjoy your gifts. Please email me your mailing address at necessaryroom@gmail.com.

Give thanks to everyone for joining in the fun. It's always a pleasure to spread a little love all over the world.

one love.

nicholas and lily...

this is nicholas.

he was born in the wee hours on christmas day.

sadly, nicholas' mom did not survive after she gave birth.

the owners have kept nicholas alive by feeding him evaporated milk.

he happens to love it.

so far, so good.

meet lily.

lily loves baby donkeys.

she goes to great lengths to show her love.

lily tries to steal every baby donkey born on the farm.

fortunately for nicholas, lily makes the perfect adoptive mother.

nicholas and lily are bonding well.

he follows her around everywhere.

lily is quite protective of nicholas

both are now quite happy

the owner gives lily a hug to show his appreciation.

good mamas are sure hard to find.

this one's for the birds...

a proud rooster struts his stuff.

i had forgotten how conceited they can be until we went to a farm.

and there he was in all his glory.

he walked by as if we didn't exist but he just couldn't help himself.

he had to pose for the camera.

cock-a-doodle-dooooo.

who knew that turkeys could fan their tails like that?

this turkey kept turning in circles

daring me to take his picture

so i did.

i was sooo tempted to pluck a tail feather

but not knowing what reaction was in store

i decided against it. good thing, huh?

a black swan leans over so baby can secretively squeak in her ear

another sibling disappeared earlier in the morning.

such a soft, tender moment

wonder what they are talking about?