I firmly believe in the hope that comes with having four walls and roof at night.
That's why I became a Hopebuilder for Habitat For Humanity years ago...
and it's why I have remained one to this day.
My monthly gift of twenty-five dollars provides needed funds on a regular basis.
That's money for the plywood and concrete and steel for support...
the money for nails and bolts and screws to hold all together...
the money for the paint and sealant and varnish to protect those surfaces.
Amazing how those little amount of money make a house for a family...
even more amazing that the family makes that house a home.
How fortunate I am to be a part of such an endeavor!
How very blessed I am to have a house that is a home.
i thank You, God.
Monday, April 20, 2020
Sunday, April 19, 2020
culture for my birthday62
Most of the venues I have loved this past decade, if not longer, are dark now.
Their doors have been locked, as we all shelter at home.
That is a loss I have felt keenly throughout my psyche.
I decided today to give myself something I haven't had in years:
a two-year subscription to the Smithsonian.
Every month, I will receive history, art, nature, and science in my mailbox.
Even better, this will be in print format, a gift to hold in my hands, a monthly magazine to reassure me that treasures still exist, that research still goes on, that stories of the past still live.
All of this is given to me because of a small contract of support with the writers and editors, the researchers and photographers, the publishers and administrative staff.
I look forward to being enriched by reading and inspired by art.
My many thanks.
Their doors have been locked, as we all shelter at home.
That is a loss I have felt keenly throughout my psyche.
I decided today to give myself something I haven't had in years:
a two-year subscription to the Smithsonian.
Every month, I will receive history, art, nature, and science in my mailbox.
Even better, this will be in print format, a gift to hold in my hands, a monthly magazine to reassure me that treasures still exist, that research still goes on, that stories of the past still live.
All of this is given to me because of a small contract of support with the writers and editors, the researchers and photographers, the publishers and administrative staff.
I look forward to being enriched by reading and inspired by art.
My many thanks.
Monday, March 16, 2020
blood donor, that's me
Last Thursday, on a quest to regain my religion and restore my sanity, I gave a pint of life - whole blood - to the world.
Amazingly, that did much to reassure me that the world will continue, coronavirus pandemic or not.
The safety precautions the American Red Cross has added to their repertoire, to continue to assure the purity of the blood going to those in need during this new crisis, are also designed to keep donors healthy.
My thanks to Dorothy and Whitney for taking such good care of me whilst there.
I've now received an email about one such donor - a tiny, young child - whose life depends on folks like me.
"Thank you, Faustina!
Blood donations help save lives.
Like Kaden's. Kaden is a happy, energetic 2-year-old who loves truck rides, pineapple and pepperoni pizza, and playing in the park with his siblings. In May of 2019 he was diagnosed with Stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer. Kaden has received blood transfusions as part of his treatment and will need more as treatment continues.
Kaden's family knows how important blood donations can be. "From the first week Kaden was diagnosed my desire has been to do something that would benefit kids battling cancer," said Shanna, Kaden's mother. "After many treatments and procedures requiring Kaden to have frequent blood and platelet transfusions, it became clear that donating blood products in order to help keep these kids as healthy as they can be while receiving treatments was what we wanted to do."
Thanks to the generosity of blood donors like you, Kaden and patients like him will continue to receive the transfusions they desperately need. When you donate blood, you help give hope and healing to those who face life and death challenges. We hope you'll consider coming back to donate again soon. Your generosity can help change lives and keep families together.
With every 8 units you donate, you reach a special milestone. We love to celebrate, so we're keeping track. You've got 6 units left until you reach your next milestone."
Y'all are most welcome.
Here's to staying safe until better times prevail once more.
Amazingly, that did much to reassure me that the world will continue, coronavirus pandemic or not.
The safety precautions the American Red Cross has added to their repertoire, to continue to assure the purity of the blood going to those in need during this new crisis, are also designed to keep donors healthy.
My thanks to Dorothy and Whitney for taking such good care of me whilst there.
I've now received an email about one such donor - a tiny, young child - whose life depends on folks like me.
"Thank you, Faustina!
Blood donations help save lives.
Like Kaden's. Kaden is a happy, energetic 2-year-old who loves truck rides, pineapple and pepperoni pizza, and playing in the park with his siblings. In May of 2019 he was diagnosed with Stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer. Kaden has received blood transfusions as part of his treatment and will need more as treatment continues.
Kaden's family knows how important blood donations can be. "From the first week Kaden was diagnosed my desire has been to do something that would benefit kids battling cancer," said Shanna, Kaden's mother. "After many treatments and procedures requiring Kaden to have frequent blood and platelet transfusions, it became clear that donating blood products in order to help keep these kids as healthy as they can be while receiving treatments was what we wanted to do."
Thanks to the generosity of blood donors like you, Kaden and patients like him will continue to receive the transfusions they desperately need. When you donate blood, you help give hope and healing to those who face life and death challenges. We hope you'll consider coming back to donate again soon. Your generosity can help change lives and keep families together.
With every 8 units you donate, you reach a special milestone. We love to celebrate, so we're keeping track. You've got 6 units left until you reach your next milestone."
Y'all are most welcome.
Here's to staying safe until better times prevail once more.
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
putting in my two cents for coastal legislature
Today is the day before Crossover Day.
I had no idea that even existed.
Apparently, if a proposed bill has not passed either the House or the Senate by the close of that day, then that piece of legislature does not move forward.
In other words, the bill stops and dies in its tracks.
I have to thank One Hundred Miles for cluing me in.
Back in January, I signed on at the Naturalist 101 meeting to become a letter-writer to our elected Georgia representatives.
This morning, they called me to action... and I responded!
------- --------- -------------
The issue: Coal Ash (Multiple Bills)
HB 93: HB 93 would require public notice when Georgia Power begins dewatering coal ash ponds as part of the process of closing these toxic waste impoundments. This bill will be up for a vote on the House floor on Crossover Day.
HB 929: This bill codifies some practices in existing federal and state regulations that call for long-term monitoring of groundwater around closed coal ash ponds. HB 929 was voted out of the House Natural Resources Committee last Thursday, and will be up for a vote on the House floor on Crossover Day.
OHM’s Position: We support the passage of all coal ash bills.
URGENT: These bills will be voted on tomorrow! Contact your Representative and urge him/her to support all coal ash bills.
Done! Representative Mickey Stephens contacted!
---------- ---------- ---------------
The issue: Coal Ash Waste.
SB 123: In 2018, Georgia’s legislature created a new loophole that makes our state even more attractive for dumping toxic coal ash. Local governments can now charge private landfill operators $2.50 for every ton of regular household garbage dumped. But the legislature carved out an exception for coal ash: the surcharge for coal ash is only $1 per ton. This cheaper rate for toxic coal ash creates an incentive for private landfill companies to fill landfills with toxic coal ash. Worse, this loophole means that out-of-state coal ash is not only welcome, but encouraged.
And who pays the real price? Local communities that are missing out on much-needed funds to offset the effects of having a toxic coal ash dump next door. SB 123 will level the playing field and let out-of-state waste generators know we don’t want their toxic coal ash in Georgia.
UPDATE: SB 123 overwhelming passed the Senate by a vote of 50-2 before Crossover Day and will be voted on by the House in the coming weeks.
OHM’s Position: Georgians need all the protection from coal ash we can get. Unfortunately, the strongest bills, HB 756 and SB 297, did not pass out of committee. We support the passage of all coal ash bills before midnight on Crossover Day.
How you can help: Contact to urge your Representative to support SB 123 and all coal ash bills.
I tagged Representative Mickey Stephens for that, too!
----------------- --------- ----------------
The issue: Offshore Drilling.
HR 88: Georgia is the only state on the east coast with a Governor who has not officially commented on plans to drill for oil off our coast. Last year, twin resolutions in support of Georgia’s coastal tourism industry and opposition to offshore drilling were introduced in both the House of Representatives and Senate. The House overwhelmingly passed their version of the resolution, but unfortunately, the Senate Natural Resources Committee would not even hold a hearing on the resolution. Because this is the second year of a two-year session, we have 40 more days for the Senate to pass this important resolution.
How You Can Help: Contact Georgia’s executive team and your Senators and ask them to support SR 88.
Done! From Lt. Governor Duncan to that hefty list of Senators who were elected by coastal counties, I'll be watching their actions, not just their words.
---------- ------------------ ----------------------
The issue: Protection of the Satilla River.
SB 384: Brantley County has worked hard to protect residents from the environmental and public health risks associated with placing a landfill too close to the river. SB 384, introduced by Senator William Ligon (R-Brunswick), would support their ongoing efforts. This bill would also protect hundreds of miles of the Satilla watershed in southeast Georgia, including in Coffee, Ware, Pierce, Atkinson, Brantley, Charlton, and Camden counties. SB 384 would not affect timber, agriculture, development, or residential activities or development.
OHM’s Position: We support the passage of SB 384.
URGENT: This bill will be voted on tomorrow! Contact your Senator and urge him/her to support SB 384.
Done! (Sadly, I did not capture the names of those I contacted, but I will be watching.)
------------ ------------ -------------
Now, to wait for the next update and call to action!
I am delighted to be part of this voice to our government.
Hallelujah!
I had no idea that even existed.
Apparently, if a proposed bill has not passed either the House or the Senate by the close of that day, then that piece of legislature does not move forward.
In other words, the bill stops and dies in its tracks.
I have to thank One Hundred Miles for cluing me in.
Back in January, I signed on at the Naturalist 101 meeting to become a letter-writer to our elected Georgia representatives.
This morning, they called me to action... and I responded!
------- --------- -------------
The issue: Coal Ash (Multiple Bills)
HB 93: HB 93 would require public notice when Georgia Power begins dewatering coal ash ponds as part of the process of closing these toxic waste impoundments. This bill will be up for a vote on the House floor on Crossover Day.
HB 929: This bill codifies some practices in existing federal and state regulations that call for long-term monitoring of groundwater around closed coal ash ponds. HB 929 was voted out of the House Natural Resources Committee last Thursday, and will be up for a vote on the House floor on Crossover Day.
OHM’s Position: We support the passage of all coal ash bills.
URGENT: These bills will be voted on tomorrow! Contact your Representative and urge him/her to support all coal ash bills.
Done! Representative Mickey Stephens contacted!
---------- ---------- ---------------
The issue: Coal Ash Waste.
SB 123: In 2018, Georgia’s legislature created a new loophole that makes our state even more attractive for dumping toxic coal ash. Local governments can now charge private landfill operators $2.50 for every ton of regular household garbage dumped. But the legislature carved out an exception for coal ash: the surcharge for coal ash is only $1 per ton. This cheaper rate for toxic coal ash creates an incentive for private landfill companies to fill landfills with toxic coal ash. Worse, this loophole means that out-of-state coal ash is not only welcome, but encouraged.
And who pays the real price? Local communities that are missing out on much-needed funds to offset the effects of having a toxic coal ash dump next door. SB 123 will level the playing field and let out-of-state waste generators know we don’t want their toxic coal ash in Georgia.
UPDATE: SB 123 overwhelming passed the Senate by a vote of 50-2 before Crossover Day and will be voted on by the House in the coming weeks.
OHM’s Position: Georgians need all the protection from coal ash we can get. Unfortunately, the strongest bills, HB 756 and SB 297, did not pass out of committee. We support the passage of all coal ash bills before midnight on Crossover Day.
How you can help: Contact to urge your Representative to support SB 123 and all coal ash bills.
I tagged Representative Mickey Stephens for that, too!
----------------- --------- ----------------
The issue: Offshore Drilling.
HR 88: Georgia is the only state on the east coast with a Governor who has not officially commented on plans to drill for oil off our coast. Last year, twin resolutions in support of Georgia’s coastal tourism industry and opposition to offshore drilling were introduced in both the House of Representatives and Senate. The House overwhelmingly passed their version of the resolution, but unfortunately, the Senate Natural Resources Committee would not even hold a hearing on the resolution. Because this is the second year of a two-year session, we have 40 more days for the Senate to pass this important resolution.
How You Can Help: Contact Georgia’s executive team and your Senators and ask them to support SR 88.
Done! From Lt. Governor Duncan to that hefty list of Senators who were elected by coastal counties, I'll be watching their actions, not just their words.
---------- ------------------ ----------------------
The issue: Protection of the Satilla River.
SB 384: Brantley County has worked hard to protect residents from the environmental and public health risks associated with placing a landfill too close to the river. SB 384, introduced by Senator William Ligon (R-Brunswick), would support their ongoing efforts. This bill would also protect hundreds of miles of the Satilla watershed in southeast Georgia, including in Coffee, Ware, Pierce, Atkinson, Brantley, Charlton, and Camden counties. SB 384 would not affect timber, agriculture, development, or residential activities or development.
OHM’s Position: We support the passage of SB 384.
URGENT: This bill will be voted on tomorrow! Contact your Senator and urge him/her to support SB 384.
Done! (Sadly, I did not capture the names of those I contacted, but I will be watching.)
------------ ------------ -------------
Now, to wait for the next update and call to action!
I am delighted to be part of this voice to our government.
Hallelujah!
Thursday, March 5, 2020
keeping the Jepson humming along
Tonight, I'll be renewing my membership with the Telfair Museums.
Why tonight?
I'll be there in person for the members-only artist talk and reception!
Every month I'm privy to a party there!
And my entry fee?
Less than four dollars per month.
This is one of the most satisfying memberships I have ever had.
Plus, I'm helping two of my very favorite places -
the Jepson Center for the Arts as well as the Telfair Academy -
keep their doors open for me and everyone else in the city,
be they students or parents, locals or visitors.
Just what are the entitlements of membership?
- Free admission to their three sites for an entire year
- Two one-time use guest passes
- Free members-only exhibition previews
- Store, camp, and art class discounts
- Free subscription to Telfair members' magazine
Plus, like I said, a free party every month, usually on a Thursday.
Those tend to be slow nights for me, so that perk is a great bonus!
How difficult is the membership process?
Just click here and see how easily that is accomplished.
Come join me there!
(smile!)
Sunday, March 1, 2020
laundry day for men and women
I'd gone to my Nerdfighters reference site to see who might be listed, as it's been 136 days since I last loaned any money on kiva... or so they say.
I preferentially lend to women, but, like I said, he caught my attention with the reason he needed the money.
By coincidence, her line of work was the same as his!
Her reason for needing a loan was very much akin to his, too.
They are both growing their laundries - and that type of establishment has a warm place in my heart.
(smile)
Friday, January 10, 2020
thanks from twins
On New Year's Eve, I gave my fifth pint of blood for 2019.
Today, received this email from the American Red Cross.
(smile)
----- ----- -----
Donations help save lives.
Earl and Merle
Earl and Merle have a lot in common. The 85-year-old twins both joined the Navy in 1954, they share a love of fishing and they've even both had wives named Kay. They're also both blood product recipients.
After a cancer diagnosis 24 years ago, Merle needed multiple blood products as part of his treatment. As part of his ongoing treatment, he has needed periodic transfusions, most recently this past December.
Over the last year, Earl needed four to six units of blood every two weeks to treat heart valve and gastrointestinal bleeding. To date, he has received 156 units of blood products.
The brothers and their families are grateful to donors – like you – without whom they wouldn't be alive today.
"My kids have a grandpa because of donors," said Earl's daughter-in-law, Angela. "It would be so wonderful if everyone who can give would do so!"
Merle's daughter, Teresa, shares the same sentiment. "I wouldn't have my dad or my uncle if it weren't for people donating," she said. "I'm tearing up just thinking about it. Donors have given them the gift of life and their families more time to spend with them. I have had years with my father that would not have been possible without these donations."
Thanks to the generosity of donors, recipients like Earl and Merle can continue to make precious memories with their families. When you donate blood products, you help give hope and healing to those who face life and death challenges. Your generosity can help change lives and keep families together.
Make donating a family affair! Invite a loved one to spend quality time donating blood products together.
----- ----- -----
What a wonderful message to start this new year!
Today, received this email from the American Red Cross.
(smile)
----- ----- -----
Donations help save lives.
Earl and Merle
Earl and Merle have a lot in common. The 85-year-old twins both joined the Navy in 1954, they share a love of fishing and they've even both had wives named Kay. They're also both blood product recipients.
After a cancer diagnosis 24 years ago, Merle needed multiple blood products as part of his treatment. As part of his ongoing treatment, he has needed periodic transfusions, most recently this past December.
Over the last year, Earl needed four to six units of blood every two weeks to treat heart valve and gastrointestinal bleeding. To date, he has received 156 units of blood products.
The brothers and their families are grateful to donors – like you – without whom they wouldn't be alive today.
"My kids have a grandpa because of donors," said Earl's daughter-in-law, Angela. "It would be so wonderful if everyone who can give would do so!"
Merle's daughter, Teresa, shares the same sentiment. "I wouldn't have my dad or my uncle if it weren't for people donating," she said. "I'm tearing up just thinking about it. Donors have given them the gift of life and their families more time to spend with them. I have had years with my father that would not have been possible without these donations."
Thanks to the generosity of donors, recipients like Earl and Merle can continue to make precious memories with their families. When you donate blood products, you help give hope and healing to those who face life and death challenges. Your generosity can help change lives and keep families together.
Make donating a family affair! Invite a loved one to spend quality time donating blood products together.
----- ----- -----
What a wonderful message to start this new year!
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