I have moved this old blog to WordPress to take it in a new direction. When IMPACT began it was with the idea of artists and creative people sharing their work without borders or profit. I have been doing that – along with many others – writing commercially less and less, and posting my art freely on the web. But times have changed dramatically since then. I started IMPACT in the wake of Katrina, hoping to help foster a kinder, less greedy and materialistic philosophy in the west.
Now the greed and self interest that drove me to suggest artists freely share their hopeful visions has come home to roost in a global financial meltdown that will probably do more to change thinking about self promotion and self aggrandisment than I ever could. IMPACT will continue to suggest ways of building a better world through links and ways of giving, but now is the time to get practical and bring back common sense.
There are ways to live more frugally, and with a stronger community conscience. I grew up with many of them in the aftermath of a terrible world war, I practiced many of them when raising my children. You can be as creative with food, money ad resources as you can be with art materials – you can even be frugal with those, and still create things of beauty. Some of the greatest artists had to recycle their canvasses and skimp on paint.
Christmas is coming up and maybe you think it won’t be very merry without lots of money to spend. So I’m going to be posting some ideas for holiday celebrations and present giving created with love rather than credit cards. I work in a charity thrift shop and the joy I often see in the eyes of people who find something they really wanted at a price they can afford convinces me that you don’t have to be rich – just willing to open up and enjoy what the universe does offer you. No, it can’t grant every wish for a mansion on the Cote d’Azure, but it can give you happiness. You just have to be willing to be happy.
Thalia said
this is a great idea. One of my recent pet peeves has to do with Mapquest. It had been that to print out the map page took one sheet of paper, now it takes two as just a little blurb spills onto the second page. What a waste!
liat said
What a fantastic idea. I’m looking forward to reading your ideas and helping to contribute to community-building.
woodnymph said
Your Blog’s time has come, Gail. We all need to look at ourselves and our wasteful practices…we all have them. We all, and especially those of us in the USA, tend to fall into the trap and live beyond our means. I know I did until I retired on a fixed income. Now I think twice before spending money. After a few days of thought that must have item often becomes less important.
One thing I have learned to do is to organize my auto trips so that I don’t waste gasoline.
Thank you, Gail, for this Blog. I will be watching for tips.
kvwordsmith said
How I admire this line: “you don’t have to be rich – just willing to open up and enjoy what the universe does offer you.” And then, of course, decide what we can give back to the universe – and now is the time! kezza
Barbara said
Excellent idea, Gail!