Here I go Asking you questions again. .....please advise!
*Al's Alfajor Hat in Spud & Chloe Yarn.
*We bought the yarn in the Outer Banks 15 months ago.
It marinated just perfectly don't you think?
*I've been marinating some thoughts in my mind lately.
Winter is coming and I have to embrace the cloudy days.
Help! How do you handle the cloudy dreary days?
*Our big fundraising Gala is Saturday for the shelter.
I've been in charge of the cork pull.
Translation: Get Wine bottle donations of 30 to 50 dollar value.
You pay 20 bucks, pull a cork with a number on it and get that bottle of wine.
We have almost 50 bottles for this year, so that's a thousand for the shelter right there.
Last year they sold out in 7 minutes.
I have to say people have been very generous donating the wine.
This is one small part of the big Gala.
I feel that being on the Board of Directors is a big donation of time and energy, but I think we are making good changes.
I think fundraising is a big part of being on a Board.
I do think I'll transition to volunteering in my own new neighborhood in some way next year.
As much as I love the shelter, its a 90 minute drive to complete my term and responsibilities there.
I guess I didnt' imagine the house would sell so quickly etc when I was ask to run for the board in April.
What are your thoughts?
So many of my bloggy pals volunteer in one way or another.
I do think it very important to give back.
Have you learned from your volunteer experiences?
Comments
I volunteer two mornings a week as a hospice volunteer at a local nursing home. I absolutely love it. The lonely are so grateful for visits.
I've been enjoying your blog for several months. This is the first time I've responded. Ruth Ann in Michigan
As for volunteering, after being a teacher for 20 plus years in a rough urban school I feel I've satisfied any obligation to the community. I'm not much of a joined anyway. I donate lots of money though to lots of charities.
I love dreary days. Is that crazy? I like to curl up with a good book and nap a little. My mom always wanted to go to the movies on dreary days or when it was raining.
AS for volunteering-it's essential for you to be a part of the community you belong to.
I don't think the what you do is as important that you take part in some way regularly!
I can't help with the dreary day thing, because I relish dreary days. Grey skies and clouds put me in the mood to snuggle down with my knitting, some stationery, a book, and have a cozy, productive day.
I agree with Twinnie Kim's assessment of volunteering. I would add that you have to be absolutely sure you can do it. I signed up to be a Meals on Wheels driver shortly after my mother died, and I simply couldn't make it through. In my mind, I was helping in the name of all those who helped Mama, but the reality was seeing people in declining health, which was more than I could handle.
Blessings,
Betsy
In the past I volunteered at Stephen's elementary school (long after he was no longer a student). I worked in classrooms with underachieving readers and was a field trip chaperone in special needs classrooms. THAT was my favorite volunteer job.
I was also limited in when I could go because of their hours - basically I could only go on the weekend, and while I would have liked to volunteer more, I just couldn't manage going every weekend. That, coupled with a very disorganized volunteer organizer, and I made the decision to give it up.
It wasn't easy. I took pictures of the adoptable cats, and I loved it. But it's got to jive with your day-to-day.
I say there's nothing wrong with transitioning to something closer.
As for grey days - one or two are manageable, however long strings of them are a challenge. I try and compensate through some additional meditation and some brightly colored knitting projects! Good luck!
It is a great thing to do. I love it.
Only do what you love. If you fall out of love with it it is time for a change and that is OK!
Do what you want and don't feel pressured to do more.
Do what you enjoy in the role.
If it is a long way to drive you will feel pressure, find things that are easy to get to, and easy to fit into the rest of your life.
Have a go, if it doesn't work out that is OK, you tried and will find something else.
Follow your passions!
As for grey days. Well I struggle with those too. Keep busy, see friends, go out - volunteering! - and keep a stack of good books to read, films to watch, blankets to snuggle under and something good to drink - hot chocolate or a favourite tea are my preferences!
Hope you figure it all out in the best way for you! xx