Book Learnin'

I have been re-reading my books. It isn't as though Chapters is full of books on life in the Darfur region of Sudan. Most people around there are trying not to be dead, and don't have a lot of time or resources for the writer's life.

But there are one or two. And when I read them, I wish they were as popular as the Twilight Series, or Harry Potter.

It is something to have such a first hand account of reality for regular people living peaceful lives rich in family and tradition; only to have government backed militia come in raping, pillaging, and murdering. And something even greater to have authors such as Daoud Hari and Halima Bashir who stare death in the face (once again) and speak out about all that is and has happened in their homeland.

It certainly increases my sense of responsibility.
We are unfortunately of the resource greedy nations who fuel and ignite these types of wars. It's really not some war way over there when you think about it this way.

Meanwhile, I am poking away at my Etsy Shop. Not having been awarded "Most Likely To Whiz Through Anything She Puts Her Hand To" at high school graduation, or at the University grad that I'm still a few courses away from..... I tend to be a bit of a challenged learner. "She works at her own pace"; so to speak.

But work; she does.

So, if you're looking to curl up through these winter days with a good book in hand, here are some suggestions:
"God Grew Tired of us"
"What is the What"
"The Translator"
"Tears of the Desert"
And there are others. But they are on my bedroom shelf, and there is a wee soul sleeping on my bed at the moment who shant be disturbed, so those will have to wait.

And by the time you're done all your reading assignments, perhaps we can meet up at the Etsy shop: joycebaglady4darfur.

She Sales On. (sold)

It's kind of like colouring outside of the lines. Except that I use my sewing machine and basket full of wiley bits of trim.
I've always been strangely attracted to rik rak and funny old ribbony bits.
So why not celebrate them?

This is a very basic bag, without interior pockets or lining. It's very sturdy and would work great for gym shoes or skates, library books, and grocery shopping.

This bag is ON SALE today for $10.00 plus shipping.

Interested? Leave me a comment.

She Loves Blue and Orange. (sold)

Blue + orange +cheery kitchen motifs from another time always give me a sort of inner glow.

So its a particularly happy day when I find an ancient, well cared for table cloth boasting all of those features. It makes me so happy that I just have to cut it up and turn it into something different (? do I need therapy?)This bag also makes me want to eat pears, brie cheese, and sip on an icey cold glass of white wine.

That doesn't marry so well with my day job of pre-school care-giver....

so perhaps its time to say: good-bye! au revoir! hasta la vista!
Now, if you have the sort of job that allows you to eat melted brie and sip chilled wine, then this is the bag for you! There are handy little pockets in the interior that will be just perfect for some little packets of crackers, a few apricots, and some figs stuffed with goats cheese, if you're so inclined.

Or if you're of a more sensible nature, you could use this for your books.

Or baguettes.

Or kittens.

The long and the short of it is that this spectacular blue and orange and fruity bag is ON SALE today! For twenty Canadian bucks she can be yours, all yours.

She measures roughly 16" x 14", is fully lined, and has three inside pockets.

Shipping to most places is $11.00 Cdn.

Like it? want it? Leave a comment, please.

She Pretends To Be In Retail

It's not that I'm uninterested in change; it's just that I'm so slow to change

But change is coming.

Really.

Meanwhile, I thought I'd get all consumer savvy and offer a SALE of sorts.

This tote bag will be the first item on the "discount rack".

It used to be a tablecloth in its first life. Then it got folded and stored, then donated to a thrift store. That's when my greedy little mitts got a hold of it and offered it a second life as a tote bag.

As the second photo indicates, it is fully lined and complete with pockets.

I find this style of bag to be incredibly versatile and practical. They are perfect for anything from groceries to holding skates, beach stuff (yes, I live in Manitoba, but a girl can dream!), being a purse, library bag, gift bag, etc. (I'm beginning to feel uncomfortably "salesperson-y"). But before I stop, I should mention that since the lining is constructed out of discarded upholstery samples,this bag might last longer than some of us do.

This bag is on sale for $15.00 Cdn and goes to the first person who expresses interest in the comments. Shipping to most places is $11.00 Cdn.

Ready? Set?

MOB!

Giving a Darn

It has sat on my bookshelf for over a year.

"The Devil Came on Horseback".

I've been much too afraid to watch it.

Afraid of the images:

rape

murder

burning

looting.

But I watched it

today.

And the part that really, really bothers me is that we don't appear to care.

There's nothing in it for us- no oil, no power, no financial gain.

It's just this nasty thing thats happening somewhere far away.

And what can be done- really.

I don't know. Its the same helpless feeling that is evoked when we hear about Iraq, Yemen, Rwanda, Syria,

or next door.

Watch this movie, if you can. It's so informative, and its definitely not filled with gratuitous violence. I was struck with how much more violence we're comfortable with on our living room televisions, or in the movies we'll pay money to watch in a theatre while munching on snacks.

Do I pretend to have any answers to why we should care or be informed about the unbelievable, inconceivable injustices that are happening around us as we speak? Sadly, I don't.

But I think its important to keep wrestling with the questions. I think that if we dare to care, and if we dare to listen, we will no longer be able to do nothing.

Found on the Internet Today

Save Darfur The Farchana Manifesto: well worth the read.

I forget sometimes for periods of time why I'm doing this. The mess of daily living clouds my vision, and the stacks of fabric and mental folder of ideas make me sigh with frustration that I'm not tireless. I begin to think that it's a "has been".

How ridiculous. As if a current day Holocaust could stop existing because of my petty irritations and preoccupations.

And a quick google search indicates that the bags 4 darfur project is not forgotten, nor should be allowed to atrophy.

http://thechronicleherald.ca/religion/47676-fighting-famine-one-bag-time

http://tote4pgh.com/tag/bags-4-darfur/

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/faith/the-least-of-these-135783623.html?viewAllComments=y

So, it is with some excitement, that I shyly suggest some changes coming to this blog. A newer, grander, broader vision? With a whole four days off stretching before me, I aim to take on some new ideas.

So, don't forget Darfur. And please continue to come back, awaiting some sort of change that may allow the project greater audience, and the continued ability to raise our voices for the silenced.
Because: "No one is free when others are oppressed".