Thankfully Giving

Like most, the disaster that has hit Japan leaves me speechless and saddened. I can't imagine the feelings of fear, dismay and hopelessness the Japanese must be experiencing. There are no words for seeing houses and cars and entire lives swept away, crumbled and falling. To think of those men in the nuclear plant trying their best to prevent further tragedy creates a pit in my stomach. I think to myself, I couldn't do that. I couldn't take that risk, that chance. Yet, here they are giving it everything they've got. For themselves, their families and the country they call home. Maybe I would do it to, I don't really know - mostly because I'm fortunate enough to live somewhere where such disasters are rare and I've never been tested with such choices.

What I can do though is give. Our little family of two made a donation through the CBC's Japan Relief website, with the intent of helping as best we can from half a world away. Unfortunately, I keep hearing that donations for this relief effort are much lower worldwide than what was received from other such tragedies, such as Haiti. So many people believe that Japan is a wealthier nation, so they don't need as much. Many believe that the Japanese government will take care of it. Yet, the reality is, while a wealthier nation, the debt to GDP ratio is nearly double. And when I think of governments, I know that the response time does not often meet the immediate need. Even here in NL during disasters of lesser scopes have hit, such as hurricanes, our government steps up, but is still burdened and slowed by the inherent red tape. The real immediate help - food aid, clothing, temporary shelter and communications support - comes from the disaster response teams such as the Red Cross, World Vision and others. And those organizations rely on our donations to make a difference on the ground, yesterday, today and tomorrow.

www.cbc.ca/japanrelief

So for those who have the means to donate, please do. The CBC Japan Relief site offers links to recognized and valuable charities you can choose from. For those who have more limited financial means, please send prayers and thoughts to our fellow citizens and pass the word along to your contacts who might be able to contribute. Between us, we can make a difference.

Sarah's Key - A Book Review

I'm off to my book club gathering this evening. I'm quite looking forward to it, as who knows when I'll get time to read a book after the baby comes. Fortunately, reading the book every time isn't a pre-requisite for our group (as long as you keep in mind that spoilers will be part of the discussion should you plan to read/finish it). Given I did read this month's selection, Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay, I thought I'd share my thoughts on the book.

The books opens in Paris, July 1942 where a young Jewish girl, Sarah, and her family are arrested by the French Police as part of what was called the Vel' d'Hiv' roundup during the Holocaust. Jewish families throughout the area were corralled into a large stadium and retained with limited food, water and medical supplies before being transferred to holding camps and eventually Auschwitz. Unaware of the gravity of what was about to unfold, Sarah locked her brother in a secret cupboard just before the arrest thinking he'd be safe and that she would be back to get him. Fast forward to Paris 2002, and the story continues as an American journalist, Julia, living in Paris and married to a Parisian, is covering the 60th anniversary of the event. Through her research, she discovers a family secret that connects to Sarah. The story unfolds alternating between both Sarah and Julia's perspectives.

I have always enjoyed historical fiction of such events. There's something about reading a story that you know captures a time in history through fictional characters while still providing an accurate depiction of what would have happened. I also enjoy autobiographies for similar reasons, though often much harder to read as I can't step back from the reality that was this person's life. The fictional approach allows me a different lens.

I was immediately gripped by Sarah's story and pulled into her tragic tale, wanting to read more, know more and follow her through her journey. Without spoiling it, I wanted to know how she would survive the unfathomable circumstances that were now her life. I wanted to find out what became of her brother, her parents, her friends and herself. Knowing that children did live this life and there were good people amongst the hatred, I was captivated by Sarah.

And then there was Julia. For much of the book, the chapters switched back and forth between Sarah's narrative and Julia's. Julia's story, set in present time, was used to share the tragedy of the Holocaust and the French role in it from a more modern view. Unfortunately, for me Julia's narrative was something I had to live with to get to back Sarah's. Aside from offering an interesting view on the French's cultural desire to mask that which is not pretty, Julia's story felt contrived and cliche. An American living in Paris, a tumultuous marriage, a crisis, etc. Stacked page for page against Sarah's tumultuous crisis, Julia's narrative paled in comparison. I could predict what was going to happen to Julia without turning the page. Unfortunately, the book eventually got to the point where Julia became the primary voice and was the only way to find out what became of Sarah. As I was interested enough in that, I stuck it out.

Despite Julia and her half of the book, I'm glad I read it. I was unaware of the role the French played in the Holocaust and believe De Rosnay did a good job putting that forward. The read was also easy and Sarah's story page-turning. I just wish De Rosnay hadn't taken the modern day perspective. I would have preferred to find out where Sarah's future went from her view than Julia's. The reality is simply that Sarah's character and story would have been much more captivating on its own.

More Preggo Pics

A couple of weeks ago I shared the sneak peak of our maternity photo shoot done by the lovely Kate Hawkins. Back from her vacation in Florida, Kate has finished editing and we're expecting to get all the pics from the shoot very soon. In the meantime, Kate didn't keep us waiting and shared a few more on her blog today. I love them all ...though these two might be among my top faves:

Accomplishments

Today marks two one-year anniversaries for one of my besties.

365 days ago, Brooke officially become a member of the 'non-smoker club'. After years and years of smoking, she decided she was finally ready to quit (and I like to give myself with my incessant nagging some credit for the decision ;) Today, she celebrates one year smoke-free.

365 days ago, Brooke also decided to start a photo-a-day-for-year blog. An awesome amateur photographer who willingly answers all my camera and photography questions with patience, her blog was intended to give her something to focus on as she kicked the habit. Today, she also celebrates reaching the end of her photo-a-day challenge.

Both of these are awesome, amazing accomplishments. As someone who enjoys photo-taking, scrapbooking and capturing everyday life, I appreciate how hard posting a photo a day really is. Though, while not being a smoker and never having had to give it up, I'd venture guess that quitting smoking was likely the more difficult challenge of the two. And I can say with confidence it is the one that offers the best benefits. To quote from her blog post today:

"...one year after quitting, my blood pressure has regulated, my carbon monoxide levels have normalized, my circulation has improved, my chance of heart attack has decreased by half, and my lung function has increased by about 50%. Not too shabby for a year's work."

Not too shabby at all. Also not too shabby are the pics she's posted. Here are a few of my faves from the past year - be sure to go visit and see the rest for yourself:

These empty snow-covered benches make me long for springtime strolls... soon, I hope soon!



Makes me long for the rooftop bar in Chicago.

I was here. *sigh* Dear NYC... I'll be back. 

On a snowy March day, this picture has me looking forward to our summer visit to Chester.

Even though I know this is Halifax, I feel like its Gotham City.

I am so proud of you Brooke for tackling the challenges head-on and having fun in the process. I hope you splurged on Salvatore's today! Perseverance, determination and belief pays off. Thomas Edison was spot on when he said:

"If we did all we were capable of doing, we would literally astonish ourselves."

If there's something you've been wanting or meaning to do - give it a go. Like Brooke, you just might succeed!

Fun Video

Just a quick, fun video share for you on this Thursday evening. Love how it's all done in one shot!

I don't recall having this much creativity when I was in university, but then again YouTube, flashmobs and other viral media trends weren't on the scene back then. God that sentence makes me feel old :)