Today is the annual radiothon for Tao's Citizens Against Violence, an outreach organization/shelter that is fervently working to reduce domestic violence in our community. I've heard that domestic violence is up because of the down turn in our economy. I have no problem understanding how that could happen.
Statistics are grim (1 of 3 women will be raped in her lifetime), but if everyone remembers to support these groups, in whatever way you can, perhaps one day we won't have to have these big fund raisers. Remember that some of the worst sufferers of domestic violence are children and pets.
I didn't grow up in a home with physical violence, but there was another, more insidious thing happening: mental abuse. Abuse seems an extreme word to use, but it's the only one I have at hand right now. I saw my mom's end of life be miserable because of it, and I know how it has affected me. I can say my dad did the best he could or knew how to do, but the results linger long after his death. For those of you with children in your lives, I urge you to remember that sometimes what seems like a joke to you can hurt more than a smack, and a little bit of criticism can go an awfully long way (if it's even necessary).
On a lighter note: I've been herding dust bunnies and taking care of Mt. Washmore this week, so my creative time has been in bits and pieces. I've started some more log cabin squares (in front of TV at night) and have been working in my sketch book. Don't recall if I mentioned this before, but this summer I was inspired by my friend Liz to finally get the pencil, the book, and the eraser out and just go for it. Today I'm sharing a drawing I did while eating dinner one night last month. The painting on the wall is actually a copy of a real oil painting I did in class some years ago. I love that I have the freedom to make my world be any colors I choose. May you, as well.
5 comments:
Are those grim statistics for the United States? That's horrible. I have had a very blessed life then.
I love the colors in your drawing. Good job!
That was what the people on the radio for the fund raiser yesterday said.
Glad you like the colors...I don't think I could truly live in a house painted like that, but it was fun to pretend!
Well, Martie I knew you were talented, but I had no idea that you could do this with a pencil. If I could create something like that, I would carry a pad & pencil everywhere I go! I can not wait to show this to Halston tonight. He has had a love for drawing since he was born.
On abuse - wow - you hit me in the gut with such sobering facts - makes my heart weep. And, you are so right with what we can do with the "weapon" of the tongue. Thank you for reminding us all about sensitivity. Love your words & pictures as always!
those were colored pencils? I think the drawing is fantastic! I might be able to live in a world that color...maybe...
I drew the picture in ink and then water colored it...
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