Watching the news daily about Japan, i am struck not just by the awfulness of what's happened but by the courage and dignity of the Japanese people. Something also tugs at my heart strings as i watch the pictures and see the unfolding aftermath of such devastation. I find myself wanting to do something to help. Yet what can i do?...the situation is not beyond hope, for that would be to under estimate the bravery of those involved and their strength of spirit. But i feel so far away its as if i can do nothing to benefit them.
Wondering about this brought me back to something that i often feel, when struck by something on such a huge scale, it can either freeze or mobilize us. This seems true for both those within an experience and those simply hearing or seeing pictures of it.
Not always do we have a choice as to which, especially if we are a part of the event.
But watching as we are, it seems there is a conscious decision we can take, do we stay in our heads and try to comprehend the incomprehendable or we move into our heart and do something, however small, to make a difference within this global community in which we are now all such an intricate part.
But what can we do, realistically, just us, little and seemingly so removed from a situation such as this, the aftermath of the earth quake - tsunami.
Seeing people there within the devastation, having to try to survive and do the smallest things to keep going. Makes you realise that, yes small simple acts do have an immense value even in such a huge disaster. Infact they are the only thing that so many have to hold onto as a way forward.
And so this leads me to the reason for posting. Just i know it is leading many others around the world on their blogs and within there etsy shops.
About a month ago i started collecting together some donations from my favourite illustrators for a giveaway I am planning here at my blog to mark its 4th birthday.(hopefully more on that later in March)
Kayo Tamaishi my friend in Yokohama, Japan,(who is thankfully safe and well) kindly sent me 10 copies each, of two of her postcard prints from her etsy shop last month. They are the designs shown in the photos here.
Now though, instead of using them in my giveaway - i thought it would be wonderful if we could, together, raise a bit of money for the Red Cross Japanese appeal.
So i am offering the postcards up to you dear readers. All you have to do is be amongst the first 10, to leave a comment on this post to say you would like a set of 2.
I will then email you to confirm they're still avaliable and you can give me your address to mail them to. And then you can make your donation. I am suggesting an amount of £5.00 or $8.00 Which you will need to donate directly yourself to The Red Cross Japanese appeal, through the appropriate website/text number in your country.
Thanking you in advance for taking part in my little, but meaningful way of caring about Japan,
Love Light and Hope to everyone,
Ohh me please! I'm in Canada, so don't know if that would be an issue but if still available i'd love a set of 2 :)
Here's hoping i was quick enough...
Posted by: Jamie | March 16, 2011 at 05:11 PM
Hello darling! This is a great a beautiful idea. I would love to be a part of it x
Posted by: Louias Rose | March 16, 2011 at 09:46 PM
I'd love a set of two! Very beautiful :)
I already donated but I will again!
I'm planning on writing a japanse post too, will include Kayo too via you!
Posted by: noni | March 16, 2011 at 10:00 PM
kat - that is such a beautiful idea - please count me in if there r any left - Kayo's work is so gorgeous....it's so hard to sit back & see the devastation going on in Japan / i find it hard to watch the news at the moment & cannot believe the amount of people who have lost their lives in this tragedy..am having a healing day myself - all that talk of amethyst yesterday sent me to my little hippy shop "gnostic forest" & of course i couldn't leave without a little amethyst bracelet & some precious stones...i really should stay away from there!! xxx
Posted by: Julie | March 17, 2011 at 03:34 AM
As always, dear Kat, your compassion and love are so evident here. I'm glad to hear Kayo is safe. I spent several years in Japan and went to school in Yokohama so it is even that much harder for me to see what is happening there. We are already donating through several agencies but do include me here, too. Thank you for your kindness and caring. Sending love.
Posted by: Georgianna | March 19, 2011 at 06:05 AM
I would love a set of the 2 postcards please kathryn, thank you for posting this, kayo's designs are beautiful
Vickie x
Posted by: Vickie | March 19, 2011 at 06:18 PM
Dear Kat, you are very caring and have such a kind heart! If you have any more sets available, I would like to put my hand up. Kayo's illustrations are really lovely! Wini xo
Posted by: wini | March 20, 2011 at 02:38 PM