I have spent much of today speechless and on the verge of tears. Watching the events unfold in Louisiana and Mississippi, standing in line waiting to get gas (and then getting yelled at by a frustrated driver who needed gas. NOW.), having a Peruvian woman collapse and sob into my shoulder… Her mother is in a local hospital and not faring well from what I could understand. All I could do is offer a hug, a shoulder and tissue as she tried to explain what was happening in limited English. Her body shook mine as she sobbed and sniffed and shared some of her fear and sadness.

It was a sadness that continued later while watching the news. Glued to the television like an automaton, working on my cross-stitch was all I could really muster. I have been relishing in the way it has soothed me as I weave the thread in, over, out, almost in a cadence. It’s calmed me as I keep tearing up watching people on the news collapse into sobs much like the woman here earlier this afternoon. As they told their stories to the cameras, I felt the weight of her on my shoulder, the tears soaking into my shirt. She cleans my parents house once a week, and even though she couldn’t tell me exactly what was wrong given the language barrier, I reached out for a hug that I knew was so sorely needed.

I wish I could hug the entire Gulf coast right now, soaking up the water in my shirt like a sponge, offering warmth and shelter with my arms, absorbing the fear and instilling a little hope. Hope for the strength and the courage to persevere, to stay strong, to touch and talk and hug.

But my arms are not that wide, so what I can do right now is let people know about this:

The good folks over at Craft Revolution and Etsy have gotten together to raise money for hurricane Katrina relief. I’ve already bought something. If you’ve ever thought about supporting the indie community, now is your chance to buy something that’s ethically sound and ethically minded.

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Recently I’ve been pondering over what direction to take the Crafter Documentary Project, as something about the gallery aspect was not sitting right. Given the fact that it was originally a roadtrip idea, I’ve decided to create an online world map (the world is big, it may take a bit) as a way to visually show the art/craft community’s breadth and strength. Different profiles will be linked to the map, instead of in a photo gallery format.

Thank you those of you who have sent me submissions, please keep them coming!

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I’m extending my arms as far as they will reach, can you feel them?

xo
betsy