Who to donate to, to help Haiti?

I asked my mother which organization she was going to donate to, or had already donated to, to help Haiti. We went through out list together. There are a lot of great organizations out there - - I want my money to be used with immediate affect and a "boots on the ground" non-profit that focuses on what the news reports indicated are most pressing - much need water, food, medical care, sanitation and shelter. I have selected Unicef for starters since their focus is on protecting children.

(from the Unicef website)
Five days on, UNICEF and its partners are intensifying emergency operations to protect the health and safety of children at risk. One critical concern involves children who have become separated from their families and may find themselves without shelter, food, water or other basic necessities. Because children are particularly susceptible to diarrhoeal diseases, they urgently need access to safe water and proper sanitation in the immediate aftermath of disasters such as the Haiti earthquake.

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To help meet the needs of these and other children in Haiti – where almost half the population is under 18 years of age – UNICEF is sending supplies to the quake zone as quickly as possible. Besides supplies that were already in the country, aid is coming from UNICEF's pre-positioned regional stocks in Panama. Additional shipments are being dispatched from the agency's central warehouse in Copenhagen, Denmark.

This is what I like about Unicef - immediate and swift action.

Future donation considerations include Heifer.org - their focus is on rebuilding and self sufficiency. Catholic Relief Fund may be another - I think this is very appropos since the population is largely in Haiti, in addition to the good work they do. Doctors without Borders I will also give to, althought I did not see a special fund dedicated to Haiti.

This time, I am dependent on organizations to provide aide. I've helped with house-builds in Mexico and in Long Beach, I've soliciting donations for the Tsunami, donated time for the Red Cross but the time that I felt most useful, was when I flew myself to San Antonio to provide hands-on help at one of the shelters to the evacuees from Hurricane Katrina. The feeling of contributing and of providing some level of comfort to those who have suffered devastating loss, is a gift.

http://www.unicef.com/

http://www.doctorswithoutborders.com/

http://www.catholicrelief.org/

For Wine Lovers - Rent "Bottle Shock"

For those of you who enjoy wine, I highly recommend renting the movie, "Bottle Shock". This flick takes you back to the 1970's before California became reknown for its quality wine. Fun, entertaining and informative, if you are of a younger generation, you might not realize that before then, France reigned supreme and was unchallenged in it's position and rank as the world's top wine producer.

This film chronicles the dreamers in California who dared to go for the gusto and challenge the establishment. It makes for a great tale and you can't help but feel uplifted and happy. My recommendation is to select a few bottles of wine -and enjoy the movie with friends....or you may decide to, open a bottle of wine on your own and drink a glass or two in the solitude. Which ever way - you pick - and you will be sure to enjoy.

Getty Villa

This afternoon seemed like a perfect opportunity to take a jaunt to the Getty Villa in Malibu. I arrived slightly after 3 pm. What a lovely drive it was from Agoura Hills. Traversing on the windy single lane road Malibu Canyon, a wonderous view of the ocean suddenly appeared . Along the way, I took note of the eateries and shopping that I might consider on another afternoon of exploration.

I have been to the Getty Villa several - maybe even many - times. What draws me there is this unexplainable primordial feeling of belonging and of keen appreciation for the sensabilities of the Roman and Etruscan art. I identify with it - all of it - the mosaics, the large robust sculptures, the architecture, the attention to detail, the infusion of symbolism...I find all of this intriguing.

It was a stellar day - with low lighting and a crisp chill in the air. It I thought the best way to spend my time wisely was to enjoy the outdoor gardens, scupltures, reflecting pool and take in the architecture. What is so spectacular about this museum is that symmetry, geometry, placement and perspective. I found that I would gaze at something in front of me and then would expand my view and it would be perfectly reframed and then enlarge my view a another time and again, a perfect view would appear and I kept doing this until a panarmic view was before me and the complexity was pure perfection. I marveled at the planning and incredible attention to detail. I wondered what person or persons created such masterful experience.

The sun sets fairly early and so I made my way to my car . As I left the museum driveway and was turning on to PCH, I witnessed a fantastic Malibu sunset and called my mother to tell her about my afternoon. I arrived to the Getty Villa with anticpation and left full of inspiration. My mother said, "That sounds like you." and that made me smile. A perfect afternoon.

Why I love the Ellen DeGeneres Show

Why?
Because Ellen DeGeneres is so gosh darn GENEROUS!
I --L-O-V-E-- that quality in a person.
A big heart.

I think she has the best job in the world - making people happy, making them laugh, spreading goodwill, helping families out - WOW.

Today Ellen wiped away $85K in mortgage payments, $15K in credit card debt and I bet this lucky family will receive a new car.

With all the bad, bad, bad news on TV, on AOL, on the radio, and all the short, irritable tempers as a result of daily stress - watching Ellen - is an antidote to all toxic bad news.

Hats off to Ellen!

It's a Matter of Perspective - PV Library Art Reception

There are simple pleasures in life. Tonight I felt a sense of satisfaction as I checked in as an artist at the PV Library art reception.

Art shows are wonderful venues that promote friendly exchanges. You meet the most intesting people - who are open to ideas, discussion and different perspectives.

I wouldn't really call myself an artist - but I have to admit, I like the title - and I receive enjoyment from sharing my photography with others. I found myself asking questions and striking up conversation, "Do you recognize the setting?"I would ask. What I enjoyed about this local art show, is that the images of a local walking path were identifiable, relateable and resonated with the group.

Applicantication to the art show required an artist statement for consideration although they were not displayed with the art. I had two pieces displayed....

Title: Walking Path at Ocean Front
Artist’s Statement:
The quiet enjoyment of a peaceful stroll, with the smell of sage and a gentle ocean breeze is what brings me to the beloved walking path at Ocean Front in Palos Verdes. Teeming quietly with life, the natural preserve is a reminder that every day is a winding road - and you never know exactly what lies ahead.
Title: The Path that Lies Ahead
Artist’s Statement:
This is the sister piece to “Walking Path at Ocean Front”. Washed in the light of the sunset, the viewpoint is welcoming, serene and beautiful.

Strange as it may seem, even though the pieces are for sale, I'd rather have them back in my home. The photos were hung in place that I passed by several times a day and I would always smile in passing. You see, I love Palos Verdes. I cherish my happy, peaceful walks. And I love my home.

Little Bird

I saved a bird yesterday. It made me so happy. It flew into a window and was so scared that it tried to fly and it bumped into the window a couple more times. It's heart was pounding so hard. It's wing looked broken. It let me get close to it and I stroked it very carefully and told it I was there to help. The bird actually looked at me. I was very gentle and it seemed to calm down and then all of a sudden, it flew away!

After that I made a cake and and brought it over to my 78 year old neighbor. She was happy too.

And between the bird and my neighbor, I felt very content.

What Have You Heard Lately?

No TV tonight. I wanted to use my senses and my mind to enjoy my "free time". I am finding I have so little of it, (free time that is) that I want to use it wisely and not "veg out".

So I reviewed my music collection and listened to songs from one extreme to the other - rock, classic, pop, reggae, jazz and opera - some songs I played three times to hear all the lyrics, to hear the background instrumentals, to anticipate the crescendos...to experience the song fully.

There is such emotion that is experienced in music...it's a great release.

I must have listened to Nessum Dorma - well - I won't admit how many times - and each time, I was moved to tears. It never gets old. I remembered telling a friend years ago about this and she couldn't quite understand this but wanted to. What's there to understand?

Just stop and listen.

You can do this any time and you will be surprised what you can hear - wind blowing, the ruffle of leaves, birds chirping, dogs barking, cars in the distance -- -- your own breath. It's all music.

Take the time to hear. The world is a symphony.