Fran & Freda will return next Fowl Friday! I am here on a day when we remember September 11 and how all of our lives changed that day. The terror and devastation, the sadness all were raw and real. I had just returned from Phoenix just a few hours before and in our group were several designers from New York, one had her husband along, a New York firefighter. She organized many relief efforts and we became the best of friends. Our whole group like so many everywhere said what can we do and did. We are all shaped by that day and those that followed. Heroism happens in the quiet unseen moments when people continue past their breaking point, putting others first and caring deeply from the roots of their beings.
Believing comes from the place where when there is chaos or despair around us we still believe that it will pass, that we have to hold on to our beliefs for ourselves, our children for others of the world, that people are intrinsically good and when given the opportunity will rise to what they are called to do. We know so many that inspire us to shine, to be our best, to volunteer with our mind, body and soul. Today we celebrate those who truly are making a difference with some of the people I am very honored to know.
Today finds my daughter in one of her last clinical rotations of her nursing degree, her first choice was community and so today she is walking the streets as a homeless person to get a slight feel of what her clients live every day. Her instructor is a committed activist for human rights and the local shelters.
Bernie Berlin of a A Place to Bark, a no kill foster and adoption shelter, is a young designer who runs this amazing shelter. Her updates consist of the dogs rescued, their health issues, her success in reclaiming their lives and giving them a future. Her dedication is amazing and she could use votes right now to receive a much needed grant. Please visit her site to find out details to vote and to see her life's work.
The Holocaust Museum Houston is collecting handmade butterflies for an exhibit in Spring 2012 representing each child lost in the Holocaust, 1.5 million. There are a couple of groups on Facebook, one of which is led by the talented designer Michelle Zimmerman. Michelle's father is a Holocaust survivor. She and Helen Bradley another amazing talent organize the AMACO Friendly Plastic butterfly challenge.
Kiva , "loans that change lives", is a place where you can lend $25 to a small business somewhere around the world and make a world of difference. I support a women's sewing business in Africa and they have within this past year almost paid it entirley back. It can then be reinvested into another small business.
Believing and doing, a powerful combination. This is dedicated to all of those who believe and do everyday. We walk this path but once and each footprint makes a difference. To the steps we take and the path followed may it bring JOY filled difference to all who we meet along the way.
Remembering & Believing, Debra, CEO! Creative Eternal Optimist!
