Ok, today's the last day of the A-Z challenge and Z is not an easy letter to come up with anything associated with homelessness and what we do here on Bridge and Beyond. My goal, my dream would be to hear there is Zero Homeless Population, but I know that won't happen, certainly not in my lifetime. And how would I show Zero Homeless in a blog post. This being the last day, maybe a little levity is in order...some of the posts here have been pretty sad, because frankly the situation is sad and there's little good to post about. However, even in bad circumstances there are people who make the most of the situation, people with a upbeat personality, people who don't let "it" get to them. This man strikes me as someone like that.
If there's such a thing as Zen, finding Zen in a homeless situation, this picture might represent it. Look how creative this man is with his drawing on the underpass wall. Got a birdcage, a dresser and tv and a window with a blind. Now, I don't call this living life in the lap of luxury by any means, but clearly he has he things organized, and he looks cleaner then most as do his belongings. Sleeping on an old mattress in an underpass is not a life I would want, but this man......Gotta hand it to him. Makes me wonder if he has a job, you know homeless do.
I hope those who've visited through A-Z have learned alot about homelessness, and that you'll continue to visit the blog. I hope some of you have figured out a way you might help, if not here with Bridge and Beyond, locally in some capacity. Visiting, commenting, those help the blog reach others, so do come back and cheer on all the helping hands.
Tomorrow then is May, but the work here on Bridge and Beyond continues. We knit and crochet and donate all year long, not just in the winter months.
All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.
Even though I've had your blog in my reader for years, so it's not new to me at all, I've found I still had a lot to learn from your A-Z entries. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sheila for your visits, and encouraging comments. Glad to know you've had us in your reader. Please do visit and leave comments so we know you were here.
DeleteThat chap has talent.
ReplyDeleteYes, he does. I wondered if perhaps before being homeless he was an artist? Or did something creative in his employment.
DeleteZero homelessness. I am hoping for that too. I will be back to read. I am glad I set my eyes on your blog. You are a very good human being.
ReplyDeleteThank you Katy for your visits and sweet comments, both are appreciated.
DeleteThere are far too many poor people in this country. I'm not about to blame the rich or corporations for this. But we do have a real problem in the country regarding homeless people.
ReplyDeleteWe do indeed have a problem, but I do think the corporations have played into the problem by sending jobs overseas, shutting down factories etc. Places where some of these might have been able to work.
DeleteThank you Sandy for opening my eyes on homelessness and your organizations and those like you with goals to stop homelessness! It's been a great 30 days!
ReplyDelete@Door2LoreSue
PowerofStoryBlog - Every Hero Has a Story
Thank you Sue for the visits and comments, much appreciated. Hope you'll continue to join us.
ReplyDeleteIt looks as though he's having peaceful dreams. What a great way to make a bad situation bearable. Congrats on finishing the A-Z and thanks for all the great info and opportunities you have provided for the readers to consider helping the homeless. Now let's take a break, eh? Just for a minute... :)
ReplyDeleteMichele at Angels Bark
Thank you for your visits and comments Michele, much appreciated. I tend to blog daily here on Bridge and Beyond so no real break per sey. Probably fewer blog visits though, time gets used in so many different ways.
DeleteI did learn a lot from your blog about our fellow human beings who do not have a place to call home.
ReplyDeleteIt has inspired me to reach out in some way in my own community by contributing warmth and comfort in the way of my handcrafted items.
So glad to hear that Lynda. Naturally would love you to help us here on Bridge and Beyond, though I know the problem is indeed a national and if you're able to help somewhere, that's good. If we're able to help a few more people because others saw these posts, then it was a success.
DeleteI have enjoyed reading the A - Z challenge. It was very interesting.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sue Seger, much appreciated. Glad you to have your support with visits, comments, and donations.
DeleteI do have a passion for the homeless, I just need to find how to use it here, less homeless here (or I haven't found them yet), so many in abundance in the San Diego area (probably because of weather). I did enjoy reading your posts as you educated us about the homeless. I do like that man's creativity :)
ReplyDeleteWill be getting out my knitting needles soon! In fact we are planning a trip back to San Diego in a few weeks, might be a good thing to do in the car as we drive :)
Congrats on finishing the challenge! I look forward to reading what you share in the future.
betty
Betty I love to knit in the car, helps pass the time, hopefully you'll find that the case as well. Please feel free to join us if you don't find a way to do so locally. Weather in San Diego is so much nicer then here, but cool if you're outside no doubt.
DeleteYour Z post makes us wonder about how we really look at our lives... Great posts and congratulations on completing the AtoZ!! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Archana, it is indeed an interesting perspective.
DeleteI was reading my daughter a picture book called The Quiltmaker's Gift by Jeff Brumbeau last night. It was a beautifully illustrated fable about a quiltmaker who refused to sell her wares. Instead she would go into the village and find someone in need and give them her quilt. The greedy king of the realm, who has two birthdays just so he can demand more presents, orders the lady to make him a quilt. She refuses, telling him she will only make a quilt if he gives up his possessions. It was a great story and made me think of your website and work.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing that beautiful story Tamara, I'm going to make note of the book. Thank you for your thoughtful visits and comments during the challenge, I do hope to continue to see you.
DeleteI was reading my daughter a picture book called The Quiltmaker's Gift by Jeff Brumbeau last night. It was a beautifully illustrated fable about a quiltmaker who refused to sell her wares. Instead she would go into the village and find someone in need and give them her quilt. The greedy king of the realm, who has two birthdays just so he can demand more presents, orders the lady to make him a quilt. She refuses, telling him she will only make a quilt if he gives up his possessions. It was a great story and made me think of your website and work.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting sounding book. I will have to check it out also,
DeletePerfect end to the a-z. Thank you for enlightening us on the life of the homeless.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sharon for the visit, much appreciated. Hope to see you here often on Bridge and Beyond.
DeleteThank you Sharon for the visit, much appreciated. Hope to see you here often on Bridge and Beyond.
DeleteGreat ending to the A to Z. I wonder who this man is and what his past is. There are many wonderful intelligent people who are homeless. I hope he finally find his actual room that he drew
ReplyDeleteRight you are Birgit, he is talented...many homeless are. I too wonder what has happened to him since the photo was taken.
DeleteYour blog is so thought-provoking. Everyone can make a difference and through your posts people can actually get practical ideas of what they can do. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThank you Claire for visiting and commenting. I do hope many will get involved in some capacity after reading the blog posts, I wanted to be thought provoking. Hope to see you here again.
DeleteI really like how this is an upbeat man. Bad situation, but making it just a little better is something.
ReplyDeleteYou said it Sarah, I would love to know what he did before being homeless, what's happen to him since the photo, and how's he's doing.
Delete