Elated, deflated...

How is it that bureaucracy can hold up well intended hope? Apparently my cousin has been contacted by Customs in Japan stating that they need to pay tax on the items we've donated because I ticked 'gift' on the customs form!

I probably should have ticked 'other' but assumed, for all intents and purposes, that our donation was a gift! What sort of crazy place expects people who have been hit by a disaster to fork out tax for donations????

Our trusty courier people will be onto this I'm sure, but I just wanted to blog about it in case anyone else has good intentions of donating items to stricken zones internationally. Make sure you clearly label it as a donation!

On the elated side of things, I've been doing a short story writing course (it was somewhat neglected over the past month), in an effort to keep the writing dream afloat. My tutor was so thrilled with my last assignment, she's suggested I submit it to a magazine. I'm feeling a bit shy about it all - a bit scared of getting my creative, vulnerable inner-child a bit crushed (there's a long history to this which I'll share some time!).

So what do you think - should I just take the plunge or should I build up my confidence more...?

And they're off...

I said a fond Bon Voyage to two big boxes of goodies for the Fukudamachi Kindergarten Project on Monday. I feel a little like I've sent a child off into the big wide beyond. Life was breathed into it, lots of love, sweat and tears invested. I worried how people would treat my little project - there were some that ignored it, but so many wonderful people opened their arms and their hearts and embraced it, gathering the kaupapa into their own hearts and magic happened. As the boxes head on their way, I hope, as I hope for my own children when they head out into the great beyond, that they will bring smiles and awhi (support) to those who need it.

It's been an amazing journey. I have grown closer to my family in Japan. I have learnt how to be a better sewer, and reminded myself that yes, I am a born, bossy, organiser. I have been humbled by the generosity of individuals, families and companies. I know that there is more to be done (coming soon!). For the next week or so I'm going to have a rest, indulge in my babies and let the next idea simmer. It's a long term project, still focusing on crafting with intent.

My cousin, Kazue, (who is my Mum's cousin, but the nature of the affection is like immediate family and it is far less complicated to simpy say 'cousin') in Japan is excited about the in-coming goodies. She and her daughter Miki (who works at the kindergarten), are amazed at the generosity of so many people and in true Japanese fashion asked if there was anything we would like from Japan (in return). She was told ,under no uncertain terms, that all we wanted was for smiles and happiness!

To every single person who has been a part of this project - THANK YOU. Without you, it would still be just an idea.

And from the crafting catastrophe files - a near miss and a wee triumph:

Fat mouse  (catastrophe)- I've made one of these before - much skinnier -this one is made from different wool and maybe I mis-read the belly size. I've ended up creating a mouse that needs to go on a diet. The pattern said it was a toy that could be slipped into a pocket... will have to be a BIG pocket, but I'm hoping a child in Japan loves it.

A Very Simple Dress (wee triumph) - thanks to Ikat Bag's Jumper Dress pattern and tutorial, a wee bit of inventive applique and voila, I made this. So easy, so cute, that Miss K has asked for one (with a butterfly), as this one has gone into the box.

And as a wee treat to myself, I attended a fantastic felt-picture making course at Te Ra School over the weekend. This is a babe in a cradle that I made for Miss K. Master A has a chicken picture that has been recently repaired - it slipped off the table (or was it pulled?) and in his distress he bundled it up. Luckily it's so forgiving I could steam it back together. Will post pic soon!

Children's Day

It's Children's Day in Japan today. Usually I would put up the decorations and make a celebratory meal, but our house looks more like Christmas, and I have a sense that we are honouring the day in our own unique way.

I look back to my earlier blog where we faced empty baskets and waited for goodies - I could not have anticipated the outpouring of generosity that has swept through our door this week. Thank you to big hearts, clever hands and generous pockets. Take a look:

beanies, felted bunnies and a woollen vest

warm toes in those

hello felted bunny

FABULOUS BEANIES

sweaters, vests and scarves

felt finger puppets and toys

gorgeous skirt, applique top and scarf

Miss K holds up fab donations from Remba



Heather and Mr B packing the boxes



Heather and I were busy sorting and packing today. At 6pm,  Mr T rolled home with a few more goodies, the second box is pretty much full! There are the lovely clothes from Marselme, new undies, socks, t-shirts from coochycoo and leggings as well!



Ms M (me) with Remba's goodies, and our sponsor!



Today, on Children's Day, there will be tears in Japan shed for children lost, children found and tears of relief for those that are with their families. Remember to hug your own babies tight tonight. It's Children's Day.

Tune in tomorrow



Mountain of a challenge for Japan



Waatea Radio 603am (Auckland) will be interviewing me tomorrow at 7:30am about the Kindergarten Project. Fingers crossed I don't talk too fast and am coherent! Tune in tomorrow and you'll hear about the magic this project has generated.

I was reminded today how important keeping hope alive and spirits strong in the months following the disaster are- both for those in Japan and for Christchurch. Heather shared this link to NBC News with me, reflecting on the challenges that people continue to face 8 weeks on

There was also this website capturing images in April, one month after the disaster. I'm motivated to do more, so come join me if you can... tune in and stay tuned...

Mistakes versus Lying..

In the midst of wonderful donations and trying to make shorts, my most important role is being a mum to Little Man (Mr A) and Miss K. Children have a magic way of reminding you about the nuances of life that we've so become accustomed to... like last night...

Miss K woke up in the middle of the night and after muttering something about me ironing and lying, and Strawberry Shortcake, I finally worked out what she was on about. On the big day of Royal Wedding and short making disasters, Miss K and I had an argument about whether the Strawberry Shortcake music CD, borrowed from the library and found on her library floor needed to go back IMMEDIATELY because it was overdue.

Miss K insisted she had just got it out on Friday. I had no recollection of getting it issued (but then the two small people made it their mission to disappear from my vision and I was frantically 'looking out for them' while having what seemed like most of the children's section issued), and insisted (all grown up and with authority) that Mummy knew best and I knew that she got it out two weeks ago. All this went on while I was ironing the un-cooperative pair of shorts.

Miss K had a complete melt down - and rightly so. After she stormed off, I found the issue receipt and to my shame, there, at the top of this week's receipt was the Strawberry Shortcake CD. I had to eat a lot of humble pie and apologise to my little girl for being wrong and being so sure about it.

Last night, Miss K said to me, "you were lying about the Strawberry Shortcake CD Mummy." Hmmmm... I then had to explain the difference between lying (saying something is true when you know it isn't true) and a mistake (saying something is true, when you think it is true, but you're wrong).

Technically I think I was lying, because I thought I knew it was true... so again, Miss K was right.

Kindness in bulk

NZ Businesses are amazingly kind and generous. As a result of some fundraising and generous donations from friends and family, I had a small pool of finance to purchase some extras. Before wonderful NZ Couriers-International came onboard I was going to use this to pay for the freight, but their kindness has covered this.

I approached two NZ companies to see what they were able to do for us with the limited funds available.

CoochyCoo NZ offered discounts on their T-shirts and free postage of their items here. There are some kiwi inspired tees about to head to Japan shortly! Check out their cool NZ themed range and merino wear for kids and adults.

  



Marselme have donated over $1400 in value of clothing for less than 10% of that. I got the email from Robyn today. People's generosity and sincerity in wanting to help others is truely incredible. I have learnt just how big hearts can be. If you are in need of merino undergarments or fab kids wear, please support them.

 

Marselme Cape



Marselme Merino 



Washi Egg Tree



  Here's my Washi Egg Easter Tree, complete with origami shapes that resided in Te Ra School office for a week (note the gathering of people in background for the Harvest Festival). Over $100 was raised for the FKP. Many thanks to the warm hearts and deep pockets of fellow parents, students and staff - some who continue to donate with their gorgeous hand crafts.

Bigger eggs sold for another fundraiser

Cooking - so in my league

Fejioa and Poppy Seed Muffins

I have a theory about art, craft, cooking and baking, because, to be honest, I'm a far better cook than a crafter, and the foodie in me loves food analogies. I think baking is to craft as cooking is to art - that is when you craft/sew, you need to be precise and follow the directions, where when you do art (and cook), there are basics you stick to (like don't put avocado in a roast), but creativity flows differently... of course I may change my mind if I ever get to be a better crafter!

So after exposing my sewing disasters, I thought I'd share my mini-triumphs - like getting the kids to bed and sleep by 7pm! But in particular, what gives me a lot of joy is cooking, baking and sharing with those I love. Thankfully Mr T is a true food appreciator, as are the kids!

Five Seed Bread

Today I tried out two new recipes: Fejioa and Poppy Seed Muffins (Jo Seagar in April Issue of Australian Women's Weekly (AWW) and 5 Seed Bread (Alison Holst, AWW July 2010). Absolutely divine! The muffins have a lovely lemony tang (Master A ate two, but not to Ms K's liking). As you can see from the pictures, the bread was popular. It was a perfect compliment to my pumpkin, carrot and kumara soup (which went an interesting tinge of purple due to the organic kumara!).