Change the World a Little Today

Next Three Stages of a Work In Progess

"Glowing Cathedral"

8 x 10" colored pencil on Ampersand Pastelboard

Today, Bloggers have united to talk about good deeds we have done and promoted on our blogs, so I will, once again, share my Kiva experiences with you.

Check out their website for more info here. Feel free to check the background information, the press coverage and validity as well. I think you'll be impressed.

"If you give a man a fish, he eats for the day. If you teach a man to fish, he can feed himself and his family." This is a philosophy I buy wholeheartedly and have always wondered how most of us could "teach a man to fish". Here's the opportunity to do just that.

The micro loan you make (I have done as little as $25) could change one person's life forever; many of these third-world entrepreneurs are asking for less than $1000. They live a life I can only imagine. But, I so respect and admire resourcefulness and feel it should be championed. You can check out my lender page here; of this I am proud.

(If you really want to feel like Santa this year, a Kiva gift certificate makes a wonderful gift for that person who literally "has everything".)

I also want to share that I have just applied for my passport as I will be going to Bolivia in March to work directly with some local artisans and merchants and to physically help to build an orphanage. My job, before I go, is to collect as many new and gently used art and school supplies as I can before I go; I hope to ship a ton! (Artists, you know you have a lot of "good intention" art goodies laying around that will never be used - by you! Let me know if you decide to part with them.) As an artist and an overly blessed American, I think its the least I could do. I'll keep you posted on this news, you can bet!

Helping Others (or how to not feel sorry for self)

"The Long Walk"

ACEO Original Colored Pencil Drawing

2.5 x 3.5"

SOLD

It's true that the best way to feel better about your own situation is to help others who may be struggling more than you. Therefore, it is time for me (and you) to revisit and follow up on one of my earlier blog post about Kiva, the wonderful organization that allows you to make direct loans to people trying to better their lives in third world countries.

I have made loans to three women, close to my age range, all with children and working very, very hard to support a lot of people in very, very poor circumstances. Poverty we cannot even imagine.

These ladies are very strong and very brave. My loans have been so small for me, and so big for them. I don't even miss that money. If they pay it back, fine, I'll make more loans; if not, fine, too.

If you want to see my "gals" check out my Kiva lender page. Or better yet, get your own "gals"!

Less Talk.....

"Sunblock"

ACEO Original Colored Pencil Drawing

2.5 x 3.5"

SOLD

"Time and money spent in helping people to do more for themselves is far better than mere giving." Henry Ford

Besides looking at my work today, I hope you will take a moment and go to the Kiva website and read about the organization and what they do. Amazing, brilliant, simple and something that is WORKING. Be sure to check out the stats on loan repayment history and the media coverage.

Because it's been so easy to say to myself "What can I possibly do?" and become overwhelmed with "negative stuff", I was thrilled to find this opportunity to really make a direct hand to hand difference. So take a moment and check it out.

By the way, I found the Kiva site through Julia's blog "How I Changed the World Today. Check her out, too.