Do you remember how I finished up my last post by saying that I think we all have a bit of magic inside of us?
Well, I wasn’t just spouting greeting card sentimentalism – although, hey, of course I am mighty capable of that 🙂 – no, I believe that with all of my wobbly heart and so many of you proved me to be right in your beautiful responses and emails. As you can see, I am still taking those in.
So, today is not going to be about me…or Provence (save for the eye candy)…or funny stories about the dogs. Instead, I want to keep focusing on the magic…because there is gold in them thar hills.
I believe that I have mentioned Glennon Doyle Melton and her website, Momastery before. It probably was in reference to one of her hysterically funny posts that are so effective in shifting one’s “perspecticals” by appreciating all of the good around us, especially in regard to one topic that is also a favorite of mine here, finding the Big in the Little. Good stuff.
But…but…and here is where I lose my words, those that I am trying to coax out of my fingertips at this very moment…She is doing something far more important than that.
With only a handful (literally) of partners, she formed a non-profit called Together Rising. And while the logo’s graphic puts a focus on the “her” inherent in the name, I have seen this community change the lives of men, women and children in need. As the website explains, “All of our giving centers around one simple idea – that in circling around each other to meet needs, we rise together.” Brilliant, non? Although Together Rising helps individuals and institutions great and small throughout the year, it shines at its brightest during the amazing Holiday Hands project and the fabulously named Love Flash Mobs.
And guess what? The most recent and most ambitious Love Flash Mob yet was…yessssterrrrday. But wait, wait, don’t go! Yes, I know I am late to the party (I often am) but not too late, that is the kicker. This particular party is still going on. Because, in the past 24 hours over a quarter of a MILLION dollars was raised to help each and every one of the 176 folks that were nominated by loved ones. The stories are so beautiful…If you click here you can read about how sweet four year old Ellie will now have the prosthetic legs she needs so that she can run as she wants to, how several families with special needs children can finally have the proper transport that they need instead of continually struggling and how ten year old Hailey will have enough funds to build (and she builds them herself) ten more homeless shelters. And that is just the tip of the iceberg. Yes, you will most certainly cry in reading this but they will be happy tears.
I was kicking myself about not sharing all of this with you when I read these words in Glennon’s post to launch this Love Flash Mob: “Friends, pity is feeling without acting. COMPASSION IS FEELING AND ACTING. Let’s ACT.” So the good news is that it is still not too late to donate if you wish and the part that I find so awesome is that the maximum donation is $25. Everything is welcome. I donated five bucks! Five! And as that is what I can do right now, it is still five dollars that will go to helping out (as all of the Together Rising team are volunteers, there is no overhead and so 100% of donations go directly to those in need). These are not corporations hedging to look good, it is just about everyday people like us helping other everyday people like us…15,250 such people so far with an average donation of just $17.
So, I am just putting it out there:
Now, one thing that I AM on time for? Today is Food Revolution Day. I kind of like how those two words go together anyway but this is an important movement created by the chef Jamie Oliver as a means of bringing awareness about the importance of food education being placed on school curriculum’s world-wide. I was stunned to read that 42 million children who are UNDER THE AGE OF FIVE are overweight or obese. And no, this is not exactly “a First World problem.” What this means is that today’s children are expected to have a shorter lifespan than we do…for the first time ever. The diseases linked with obesity, the cultural problems, the economic and environmental costs…this issue extends in all directions. Plus, don’t we at least want our youth to know what their options are in terms of food? I do. That is why I signed Jamie Oliver’s petition that will hopefully have enough success so that it can be presented at the next G20 summit.
If you are interested, you can join over a million others here:
And finally? Well, let’s get back to the eye candy. For you see, my beautiful friend Ellie is coming down to Provence this weekend, finally. She has been dreaming of it for weeks. As I have mentioned before, despite being in her fifth year of ALS, this woman is a canon of Goodwill and makes me laugh until I snort (I am a little bit embarrassed to admit that one, it is true). Originally, it seemed like we were going to meet again, hopefully here at the house with the hopes that Kipling the rascal wouldn’t bite her Husband or caregivers and honestly? I did a little dance (yes, again literally) when I thought that was the case. Bon, it didn’t work out which lead me to sing her over the phone a Provençal version of “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina.” Don’t worry Ellie, I will remember that you only told me that I was on speaker-phone in a car packed with the men mentioned above for a looong time. I’ll get you back. Until then, these photos represent a part of Provence that I really want to show to you and will, one of these days.
Sending much Love and Gratitude to you all.
As with the post about Anthony’s house, feel free to spread the word about this one at will!
Bon Weekend…
I absolutely agree with you on that, Maria Teresa – and think that we tend to forget that idea as a society quite often. Luckily, there are plenty of people out there who keep Hope burning bright.
Welcome to the blog! Any friend of Ellie's is a friend of mine. 🙂
I am so greatful I just found you through Ellie! Smitten by your writing and the message. I will definetly check those blogs out. It is incredible the power of one person and the difference one can make…
Tu es trop, trop gentille!!
Argh! I am seeing this too late Sister! But anytime!
I think YOU make magic, my friend. And you have the biggest, most splendid heart.
xo
Thank you for yet more beautiful Provence pics, and so sorry Ellie's visit didn't work out! Thanks, also, for the info on those wonderful causes! Do you think you and I could have a Skype love flash mob????
And they made it so, so easy to join in for the Love Flash Mob…with no guilt if you could only give a little. I LOVE that. 🙂
I thought for sure you would want to know about the Food Revolution petition, Tracy!
Momastery is an awesome read…and I am not even a Mom! I think you would like the blog, Loree.
Bisous…
Merci, Jackie…
I was SO excited when I thought that I could see her again…but hopefully I can convince her (and David!) to come back down for a week (or more) so that she can really enjoy it all. 🙂
Merci beaucoup, wonderful Elena!
Thank you EE. I am always so appreciative of your thoughtful responses here and I certainly couldn't agree with you more. The story of Hailey on the Together Rising website and all that she is doing for the homeless in her community at ten years old (her specific project right now is building shelters but she has done a lot more) just blows me away! There are plenty of quiet angels out there…
You know so well how important it is to have like-minded and like-languaged compatriots as an expat! Plus she just rocks. 🙂
I spent two hours with Ellie and I have to say it was something of a life-changing experience – all while laughing and being silly. She is one of the most amazing women I have ever met.
Sending Love right back to you from Provence!
And now, you have it here in writing. 🙂 Whoohoo!
Good being done always deserves sharing and joining in 🙂 xx
Two very worthy causes Heather, thanks for the information.
xxTracy
That first photo is a show stopper. I am in awe of people who take their time to raise money for others and who put themselves out to help. What Glennon is doing is awesome. Thanks for sharing.
beautiful sentiments. beautiful images.
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I will definitely go take a LOOK at these other blogs…….BUT first I must get back to my floors.I just took a little breaky-poo………….scrubbing like CINDERELLA!!! HAS to be done and none does it better then MOI!
DARN DARN DARN………about OUR ELLIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
XOXOXO
!!!Great post !
I felt humbled by the energy and dedication of those who are adding sunshine to the lives of others. I donate regularly to specific causes but that is the easy part. It's the movers and shakers, with persistence and vision that spread the love and make real differences to lives. And this mixed-up, envy and anger filled world can certainly do with more love and positive action. Have a lovely weekend Heather. xxx
What a great, informative post — I'm grateful to know about these two worthy causes! Your friend Ellie sounds lovely <3 L'amitié est un trésor.
Great causes and beautiful pics. Love hearing about Together Rising. My friend spent a day with Ellie in Paris and greatly admires her.
Oh yes there is magic in the world, my darling, yes yes yes. Love the Together Rising movement and the Love Flash Mobs and the simple pure action in faith and compassion. Love to you from the west, G
What a great post! Two great and worthy causes. I thought you were talking about me when you said Ellie would get her prosthetic leg. I got a little excited. Don't worry, we will meet again soon. I will be back to Provence every month because David promised! XOXO