A bunch of flowers from our Hong Kong Orchid Tree.  The wind blows them off by the handful, and I rescue them.  They make me pretty happy.

Amy's Guide to Blogging

I am trying to follow in the footsteps of my beautiful sister-in-law Amy (sweetpomona.blogspot.com), who has a number of projects underway that I envy, from journaling to painting and writing.  She's clearly deep into the process of self-discovery, and she writes with amazing candor on her blog.  I think about doing this, and sigh heavily, consider napping--maybe some TV--and wonder if I just don't have a lot of self left to discover.  Granted, Amy's a lot younger than I am, so I'm thinking maybe I discovered all my self back when I was her age, and just forgot what I did with it.  I was busy cleaning my studio yesterday, listening to a particularly angst-ridden R.E.M. song that I didn't quite understand, and it occurred to me that my life probably ought to be more complicated--or at least complex--than it is. Not that it's easy-breezy or seriously pleasant--It isn't.  I'm just not left with a lot to talk about (or blog about) at the end of the day.  Unless you want to hear about my doctors' visits and my fascinating bevy of symptoms and pains.  I worry that I've taken my New Year's resolution to appreciate the simple things a bit too far, and am becoming a little too simple for my own good.

Let's see what I can do about that.

Willie & Lu Contributions, December 2009 through March 2010

Willie & Lu contributes 20% of its proceeds to charities and non-profit organizations.  Our donations may be small, but it's important to us to support groups that are working hard to improve our planet, from local schools and animal shelters to larger organizations involved in disaster relief and environmental protection worldwide.  We urge you to contact us with information about your favorite causes; every month we will choose a new recipient. 


* In December 2009, we contributed ~$80.00 to Community Magnet Charter School, a multi-cultural Los Angeles public grammar school whose mission is to teach tolerance and embrace diversity. For more information, go to www.communitymagnet.org .


*In January, we contributed $30 to the Red Cross' efforts in Haiti.  While the Red Cross has received great support for its Haitian work, it's important to know that their coffers have been seriously depleted by the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile.  If you would like to contribute to the Red Cross, donate directly to the Red Cross, without specifying Haitian Relief, so the RC can continue to do its great work across the world and here in the U.S.: www.redcross.org


*In February, we contributed $30 to Doctors Without Borders, an international group that sends medical professionals and supplies to regions in crisis; DWB is actively involved in the care of those injured by the Haitian and Chilean quakes.  DWB also works in war-torn countries and areas devastated by drought and famine, treating people who might otherwise receive no medical attention.  Go to www.doctorswithoutborders.org


*Our March recipient of $25 is Habitat for Humanity, a wonderful organization that utilizes volunteer labor and donated supplies to build houses for the homeless.  HFH is active in most towns and cities in the U.S., and is actively involved in the rebuilding in Haiti.  To donate, or even better, to volunteer, go to www.habitatforhumanity.org.


==> We'd like to choose an environmental/animal charity for April.  Please contact us with your nominations!  Drop us a line at our shop: www.willieandlu.etsy. com.


Thank you for your contributions!