There are many places that help people in need, but, for artist, we have a place that has helped many of us after some disaster of our own.
Most of you will know that Mark and I lost our work building to a hit of lightning after a summer storm in July 2008. It was a devastating event in our lives to be put out of work overnight.
One of the things that really helped us was CERF . We applied and were granted money to help us. We also applied for a no interest loan that helped us add a room to the work building when we rebuilt.
At the time I found it almost impossible to fill out paper work. It was the kindness of our daughter who would come here and take over the paper work for me. She filled out the forms and put the inventory of loss in a spreadsheet. Ask someone to help you.
The folks at CERF were so kind and helpful with us.
Without them things would have turned out different.
I hope that anyone who is in need will find a way to get help.
There were a few of the local potters here who started a local group called "The Seagrove Potters Relief Fund". We as potters donate pots to sell and the money is placed in an account to help a local potter in need. The ladies that run this were out the day after our fire with a check. At first I thought I don't need this, but you soon find that you do.
I think of the many organizations that come to the artist all the time to help them raise money for them. We have all given and given over the years to many, many auctions where our work brings in money for the organization. We get so many request these days that we have to say no. I had two this past week. Mark and I do give to some places but with some real thought to who and where the money goes.
Sandy is just the beginning for the artist that might be in need. Building back what you once had takes time and energy. It also means loss of income. If you are not working on your art you will feel the effect later when you have no work to sell. It took us a 18 months to completely rebuild and ever longer to mentally rebuild.
I am asking you today to just pass on this information, cook a meal, share a drink, check on someone, send a check. Whatever you need to do to help someone.
As of right now we don't know any one person in great need, but if you do let me know.
If I can I will help in some small way.
With many, small ways can become big ways.
I started this post thinking about the mugs that are in the kiln firing today but I think they can wait another day.
Cheers,
M
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| the day after the fire |
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| the added room |
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| This was taken the winter after all the rooms were finished and it had snowed. I never miss a day to smile when I open the door to the work building. |
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| life is good... |
9 comments:
Thanks for sharing this.
That first photo made my stomach hurt, but the last two brought a smile to my face. We go through so much in our lives don't we, good and bad. Thank goodness there are people out there who care and share those good and bad times with us!
Great thoughts this morning
xo
I cannot imagine the pain of that loss for you and now for the people that have been hit by this storm. Getting someone to help fill out the forms is really smart advice.
We all hope that organizations like CERF, FEMA, and the Red Cross will never be needed but they so often are, then we are grateful they exists.
Look how far you have come since that first photograph! But you know first hand how difficult the process for rebuilding is. Thanks for this post.
I was the CERF coordinator when I was an apprentice at Roswell Clay West - we had lots of fundraisers for them - delightful folks that do a tremendous amount of good in this world.
Prayers for those suffering through 'Sandy's wrath.
I always think a little kindness goes a long way, hopefully all those affected by Sandy will get their lives back on track soon.
Good advice, Meredith.
One of my favorite quotes is "Do your little bits of good where you are. It's those little bits of good that overwhelm the world." Desmond Tutu
Your post today made me think of that - and that all of us should reach out to those in need. The $10 we can give today may not make a difference by itself, but makes a huge difference to others when combined to help by a group such as CERF.
a little goes can go a long way. I was listening to the radio about how bad things are in New York and New Jersey. It really made me think about how hard and terrible this storm was and still is.
At least we had our home.
Makes one think- we were and are very lucky.
thank you all.
M
beautifully and thoughtfully written. thank you for sharing. i can't begin to imagine how hard it was for you and Mark. one of my latest mantras is heal the world with kindness.
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