Questions of Scale

Keeping with my character, being more of a spectator than a participant, I veg out reading blogs far more than I do any real blogging myself. These days, far more than I do much of anything else. This is something I'm trying to work on--kind of (another character trait is making goals/to-do lists and then forgetting about them). Most are design-arch-decor blogs, but I zip about here and there discovering lots of interesting snippets. Perhaps you do too? I will someday make a post or put a list of those blogs I love on my sidebar.

Let me say, I'm a bit of an abuser. Close friends know I can easily spend an entire evening watching youtube videos or movie previews in front of my shiny little PowerBook. The internet is a wonderful way to get lost in distraction, to avoid responsibilities, to sit on the sidelines. I'm all for the internet--it is its own spectacular world. But it is my fault when I forget the life I could have outside my computer. Or more importantly, when I avoid the life I could have outside my computer.

The internet can be comforting as a noncommittal place where everything can be viewed quickly and discarded. You can learn nearly anything, but usually questions get their answers and are then forgotten. (this is probably fine if you're digging up recipes or trivia, but I bet it worries a lot of teachers. we could use a good public dialogue on how we process and prioritize information in this new era, what intentions and responsibilities are part of learning...Oprah?) So lately, the internet has been sort of a refuge, an entertaining hiding place. Why? Oh jeez, who needs a reason? We know--it's easy, it's fun, it's fast, and so forth. And as I said, I avoid.

For whatever biological or behavioral reason, I tend to be  (overly)sensitive to my own life. Small things can be crushing, minutes can be so slow...metaphorically, speed bumps can become mountains. I let stuff get to me. But then once in a while, one of those Truisms actually hits me: It's not all about me. Of course, I have to be around myself all the time (stale company) and I'd rather be happy, but how petty to always think of oneself. I have found that in times of complete self-absorption, it is best to put all of that useless energy into helping someone/something else. In these times I wonder if I missed the boat and should have been a foreign aid worker, a social worker or start a non-profit. And maybe I really did. But then again, I also think it's true that if we do what we do with our best intentions, we make a difference anyway. Interior design and architecture are not the most selfless jobs, but I can try to make someone's home or workplace more joyful, I can make something interesting or beautiful, and I can try to make buildings less of an impact on the environment.

I suppose I've had the idea of scale on my mind a lot lately. I thought about this as I watched Senator Obama deliver his nomination speech tonight. We're all quite little people, though many of us are great people, and it takes the part of many to accomplish enough for all. And it still has to come from one, but each one. Obama is inspiring because he continues to remind us that while he stands up front, the big picture has to be about everyone. There were a sea of people in that stadium, and while one guy gets to speak, you could see on the occasion of a panning camera that plenty of those watching could really believe in themselves.

I didn't really intend to bring up politics, the internet, or my preoccupation with scale. I actually started writing this post to share a story I came across on the blogosphere. The internet is incredibly vast, but communities arise nonetheless. While a lot of what you find on the internet is rubbish, the essential idea, that people all over connect here, sometimes works out. I read a popular daily blog called A Cup of Jo, by writer Joanna Goddard. Today she posted about another blogger who is going through a terribly rough time; it is tragic, but the compassionate response is outstanding. 

Stephanie Nielson is a blogger, wife, and mother of four small children. She and her husband were recently in a private plane crash. The pilot died, and the couple are in critical condition--Stephanie has major burns over 80% of her body, her husband, 30%. It will take months for recovery, and you can only imagine the impact this will have in their lives. There are so many sad stories out there, and I can't say I'm always empathetic, but this one got to me. Maybe because you can get to know this woman and her beautiful family by reading her blog, or because their injuries are so drastic. Of course I don't have children, but if these were my parents I would be scared and confused, so I think of their four kids as well.

There has been a tremendous response from the blog community. Over 300 blogs are raising money through silent auctions to benefit the Nielson family. Many of them are donating handmade crafts, photography, artwork, and so much more. As a lot of the action stems from a design/crafter community, there are some great items. So, if anyone sees this blog or hears about this story, I hope you'll consider doing early holiday or birthday shopping. If you shop etsy or love handmade, you may as well shop the silent auctions and know you're giving something back as well. *Most auctions will end this weekend. The full list of auctions can be found HERE. 

My purse strings are a little tight, but knowing that I always wish I had an early start to Christmas shopping, I'll at least give it a try. You may find pieces unaffordable as  bids have already gone sky high--and all the better. But anyway, this is just one of those things I wanted to share. 

"and in the end, the love you take / is equal to the love you make"