Tag: helping out

Positive Charge

Dear Liza,

It has been a while since I’ve written. I felt like I was repeating myself, didn’t have anything good to say, and just needed to stop talking for a while.

Several things have helped me out of my rut. First, I ran into a group called The Portland Raging Grannies, and have joined them. This group of local women write songs and march at rallies to chant for justice. I think all our small voices taken together can help change the injustices currently washing over us, and give people hope.

Next, I found the Portland Food Project, which collects food from local folks and distributes it to food banks. I have thought I couldn’t help because I don’t drive, but the Food Project comes by twice a month to collect the food! This is a very convenient way to make sure our local folks are fed….Because fed people are happier people.

Then there is Positive Charge PDX. This group was founded by Sally and her daughter Jordan, and their sole mission is to amplify kindness in the world. This year they have collected over 1,700 Valentine cards which will be distributed to old folks homes and Meals on Wheels, so folks with no friends or family can still get a smile in Valentine’s Day. I met them at Tov Coffee when I was dropping off our donations.

I realized that since the election, I have felt a bit beaten down… like there was more ick than joy in the world. But meeting these positive, creative, power -of -the -people groups has given me new hope for our countries’ future.

And for my own, as well.

Love,

Grandma Judy

Shoveling it Forward

Dear Liza,

The temperatures are rising, and we are done getting any new snow (for now, anyway). Now is the time, apparently, to shovel the walks. Our neighbors John and Stacy got out this morning and took care of their walk, and continued all the way to our gate, and the sidewalk.

Auntie Bridgett got out, borrowed their shovel, and cleared from our walk up to Jonathon’s, next door. She was really scooting along!

When she was almost done, Grandpa Nelson headed out for his turn, working up to Trevor and Kara’s place.

Once I had finished a batch of cookies I made for John and Stacy for loaning us the shovel, I stepped up. My two mates made it look so easy, I figured I could steam forward. However, I found that the snow was just too darn heavy for me to lift! I felt like an old lady, but didn’t want to break anything.

Trevor came out and did some more, continuing the good-deed-doing all the way to the end of the lane, meeting up with the other set of buildings. Curt came from around the corner and cleared the sidewalk in front of the building.

It was so good to see all our neighbors out doing, talking, and working together, becoming more neighborly. Everybody doing something lets everyone accomplish anything!!

Maybe this summer we can even get some potlucks going….

Love,

Grandma Judy