Musician in Petra, Jordan.
I have spent the entire weekend sorting through my antiques and collectibles, preparing for an antiques dealer's visit this week. The husband-and-wife team are bringing a big truck, so I'm hoping they'll take away certain pieces of furniture, as well as many other items. Then I'll have more space to breathe and fewer items to move early next year to Amsterdam.
I've also been going through my closet, gathering summer clothes for a French relief project for Haiti. Have donated money, as well, but wish I could do more. Having been through the Lomo Prieta earthquake in San Francisco in 1989, I've been struck by horrific photos showing the marked contrast between that damage and the current devastation in Haiti.
Most San Francisco residents will agree that if you have to be in an earthquake, San Francisco is the place to be: they know what to do. Fire, rescue and emergency services and much of the population are prepared for such an eventuality. Also, many buildings have had "earthquake-proof" retrofitting or renovation. In the '89 quake, I was on the 36th floor of the Pacific Telesis Tower, which swayed on giant springs, but didn't fall. In contrast, Haiti's across-the-board destruction is a stark reminder that most of us have much for which to be thankful.
The last few days I've been watching and reading the news from Haiti in small doses. In between, I've been escaping into Robert Mitchum films of the 1940s and '50s and trying to clear the never-ending email backlog.
I've also prepared some surprises for our upcoming trip to Jordan March 1-8. Registration is closed, but I'm planning another journey there in November. Two people already have signed up for that trip, which will involve off-the-beaten track travel, photography and more. Enrollment will be limited to ten; details will be announced later this spring. Hope you can join us!
The Haiti stories fill me with pain. This is deeply touching.
Posted by: jeanie | 21 January 2010 at 22:29
THis picture is stunning my dear friend Tara! Hugs.
Posted by: Philip | 21 January 2010 at 14:44
I have missed this...that you are moving to Amsterdam.
We all wish there was more that we could do, and I hope that our money is being well spent. There is so very much to do.
x..x
Posted by: Stephanie | 19 January 2010 at 21:56
My heart just cries when I see the devastation in Haiti. A great idea to donate summer clothes.
Good luck with cleaning out and getting ready for a big move next year.
We are looking forward to traveling with you. I ordered my new lens and it is in the mail. I can't wait to get familiar with it and also get my camera back from the camera doctor. Soon I will be playing again with my camera.
Posted by: Marilyn | 19 January 2010 at 01:09
you always touch my soul so deeply Tara. hope your meeting with the antique dealers go well. sending lots of positive vibes your way.
one love.
Posted by: Se'lah | 18 January 2010 at 16:45
Tara, for clothing donations, who in Paris is accepting them and where could I take donated clothing? We've got summer stuff around here we could donate, easily. And since we're moving soon, too, this is a double-win if I can clear space and reduce my packing while giving much needed items to Haiti.
Posted by: The Bold Soul | 18 January 2010 at 11:38
Oh - another Jordan trip! You have struck a chord with that one. Good stuff.
Posted by: Marianne | 18 January 2010 at 04:20
Oh my, another trip? You are one busy lady.
Haiti needs as much help as possible, I agree. I'm going to see if I can gift my KIVA funds to some kind of relief there, instead of relending them out.
I'm currently sorting out the visa information and the passport updates we require for Jordan right now. I'm also facing tax season, dreadfully unprepared as my computer crashed in October wiping out two months of entries for my business books. It all has to be manually reentered! But as we both know, there are far greater problems in the world so I promise you that wasn't a complaint.
Saying prayers for the Haitians, they've been through enough already as it is.
xoxo
Posted by: Gillian | 18 January 2010 at 02:43
Such a devastating, catastrophic event... my heart goes out to the people of Haiti and their families.
Good luck with the dealer! I hope you get to clear out all that you wish for.
Am excited to hear what news lies ahead for the Nov. journey. xo
Posted by: bella | 18 January 2010 at 02:29