Let the Waters Lift Us

It has been almost a month since an earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan, causing massive damage, staggering loss of life, and an ongoing nuclear disaster - not to mention countless aftershocks hampering relief efforts.

I've put finger to keyboard several times to try to put down my thoughts on it, but nothing I have written comes close to adequately say what I want to express about it. For some things, there just aren't words.

Since this event, there have been amazing responses - both good and bad, both in the real world and in SecondLife. As it normally happens, catastrophes bring out the best and worst in people. Personally, I can't understand any human response to what is happening in Japan other than absolute compassion.

Several benefits sprung up in SL seemingly overnight to try to raise money for relief efforts, including the Pacific Crisis Fundraiser, the Help Japan Fundraiser, and Project Fur Japan. So many creators donated their time and content to raise money, and I am grateful for each and every person who did something to try to help.

It has been a month, but the need does not wane, even if our attention might. Here is a reminder of how you can help directly to organizations offering relief in Japan.

• The American Red Cross. Using your cell phone, you can text-message donations of $10 to the agency. Text the letters REDCROSS to 90999 to make the $10 donation, or visit the organization's website.

• The Salvation Army, which has had a presence in Japan since 1895. In Tokyo, the Salvation Army "opened its main building to help shelter commuters who were unable to reach home. They served hot drinks and packed meals," said a spokesperson. You can text JAPAN or QUAKE to 80888 to make a $10 donation to the Salvation Army’s relief efforts.

• Doctors Without Borders, an international group, already has teams working in Japan. The groups notes it is "drawing on unrestricted donations" given to it to fund its efforts, and "we are not accepting donations specifically earmarked for the recovery efforts in Japan. We greatly appreciate your generosity and encourage your support of our work. We will continue to post updates on our homepage, Facebook and Twitter as new information becomes available." To donate, call 1-888-392-0392.

• The U.S. Fund for UNICEF is raising funds to help children in Japan. Donations accepted at website, or by calling 1-800-367-5437.

• Mercy Corps  is "accepting donations to help survivors of Japan's earthquake and tsunami through our longstanding partner, Peace Winds Japan." Donations will go to meeting the "immediate and longer-term needs of the survivors," a spokesperson said. You can text “MERCY” to 25383 to donate $10.

 For animal relief:

• The International Fund for Animal Welfare has information about efforts to save animals in Japan. To make a donation by phone, call 1-800-932-4329.

• World Vets (veterinarians) offers veterinary aid around the world in collaboration with animal advocacy groups, veterinarians abroad, other governments and military organizations. The organization has a Japan Disaster Relief Web page where you can donate.

• The Japan Cat Network, which was started in 1993, is dedicated to helping Japan’s stray and abandoned cat population. It is also one of three groups that are part of Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support, which includes HEART-Tokushima and Animal Friends Niigata. You can find the Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support group on Facebook.

• Animal Refuge Kansai (ARK) says it will accept care of as many quake-tsunami related homeless animals as it can. Donations can be made at the website using PayPal, and money contributed will be used specifically for that, the organization says.

If you're wary of donating to any charity, the Better Business Bureau has information on how to give responsibly. Also, the Charity Navigator is always a good resource when considering how to help causes you believe in. (I seriously wish there was one of those in SecondLife!)

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Credits:
Dress: Agnes Finney - Agnes Blessing for Japan (for Project Fur Japan)
Hat: Vita's Boudoir - Cherry Blossom Bonsai Hat (for Help Japan Benefit)
Jewelry: Alienbear - Kitty Cyrus Collection (for Project Fur Japan)
Poses: Adorkable, Exposeur, Gesticulate/Status - (Posers Unite package for Pacific Crisis Fund)

Hair: Bliss Couture - Cecilia, Vanille
Glasses: Wrigglesworth - Cat Eye Glasses

In a peep of trouble!

"Eureka!"

I was on my way to Wilmur's house to fetch whatever was left of a 20-pound bag of sugar he had borrowed from me yesterday when I heard his excited yelp.

 

Oh, the sight when he threw open his door!

"Auntie Edith, just look at my newest invention! Can you believe it? I'll make a fortune! Why this could end hunger as we know it! Or better yet, I could create an entire army of Peeps!"

 Before he could come up with any more grandiose plans, a grotesque gurgle bubbled out of the creatures, and they multiplied before our eyes!

 Just as I was wondering if these creatures were docile, one lunged at me! Thank goodness for Wilmur's catlike reflexes! He took that Peep right out!

The ground shook and another, louder, gurgle erupted behind us. We turned to see the mother of all peeps growing before us! Boy was it mad! Surely it was out to seek revenge for the toppled peep that lay at Wilmur's feet!

Between us, darlings, I was glad I had my adult diaper on - I was so frightened! I knew we were done for! Thankfully, Wilmur kept his wits about him. He dashed into the house, grabbed his still lit bunsen burner, and threw it on the hoard of Peeps descending upon us.

Soon, the once frightening Peep army was nothing more than a bubbling pool of gooey fluff! I made Wilmur promise not to try to create another army of Franken-peeps. I'll certainly think twice before I lend him sugar again!

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Credits:

Wilmur
Goggles: BlakOpal - Safari Expedition Goggles
Jacket: Soap - Scientist Coat
Shoes: HoC - Men's Formal Dress Shoes
Socks: Pig - Argyle, Gabe
Pants: Avid - Moonlight

Edith
Hair: Bliss Couture - Deanna
Dress: Donna Flora - Melba
Shoes: Donna Flora - Sofia (free!)
Glasses: Donna Flora - Brenda, pearl
Necklace/Earrings: Donna Flora - Amalia
Rings: Paper Couture - Diamonds and Pearl, Leather Blossom
Hat: Split Pea - Nobody Broke Your Heart (FLF for April 1st! It's so lovely!)

Poses: Adorkable Poses - Poodle Pack (really full of sweet poses - but they work well in times of terror, too!)

Peeps!: Adorkable's free Spring gift in the main shop! They are wonderful - go grab them!

Blip: When it rains, it pours ... and pours and pours and then, of course, it floods!

Unless you've been living under a rock, darling, I'm sure you've heard of the horrible flooding that has been happening in Australia over the past month. Three-quarters of Queensland has been declared a disaster area. For perspective - that's as big as Texas and California combined, and an area the size of France and Germany combined remain under water! Many have died. Many are still missing. Hundreds of thousands are stranded.

In Second Life, friends gather from all over the world. If you've been here even for a short amount of time, at least one person you've met has been affected by this ongoing disaster. Sanura Sakai of the Home of Sanu has organized a special Extend a Helping Hand Event, aimed at raising money for the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal, which will be used to assist those affected by the floods. Many vendors have donated items where some or all of the proceeds go to this fund.

At this event you'll find everything from shoes to skins to gowns! I'm wearing the Mavi dress donated by Miamai for the event. There are even items for the young men! Wilmur is modeling a fine cardigan donated by Young Urban.

Being safe and dry far from where so many aren't, it is easy to feel unsure of how one can help. This is one small way that you can. More information about the Extend a Helping Hand Event can be found here, and to follow what is happening with the floods, you can go to the official Queensland Government flood website here.