gratitude – Allyson Proulx

Something Good to Share with You.

Friends,

I have an update about the letters that were sent out as part of my gratitude project ‘someone to be thankful for’ ! This past Saturday I received an email from Catrin Thomas, of International Medical Corps UK.

I will let the email speak for itself, but for my part I wish to thank again each and every person involved with this project… Correspondence is sometimes a quiet force, but a powerful one none the less, and I believe that our letters have had a deep and far reaching impact, though this may be our only word of it.

In this regard, we are the small group of people Margaret Mead speaks of…(and so are those to whom we wrote).

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that has. – Margaret Mead

Dear Allyson and co-writers at Lefty Smudges,

I have a worked in the charity sector for almost ten years, and I write letters of thanks to our vital supporters every day whose donations make it possible for us to help those in crisis and emergency situations – including refugees who are fleeing civil war.

This is the very first time that I’ve received a letter of thanks for the work I do – it is a wonderful gesture and made me and my fundraising team very happy!

I have placed your letters on our noticeboard in our kitchen area where it will be visible to all our staff when they make teas and coffees. I’m sure it will make them feel warm and fuzzy inside, knowing people like you, across the ocean, recognize the value of what International Medical Corps UK does.

From all of us here- thank you for your gratitude and support- It means a lot.

Catrin Thomas

Supporter Relationship Officer (Fundraising)

International Medical Corps UK

The pen is mightier than the sword – Proverb

You are my joy!

Happy Monday.

Love,

Smudge

P1040656

Checking in…

Hello friends,

I have made it to Bayfield! The cottage is tiny, but cosy, and I have reorganized it into a working studio for myself. It is a fine cottage, and think I shall enjoy my time here immensely.

The man that I am renting the cottage from just happens to have worked as a photographer for CBC and is bringing me back some lights, on Friday when he returns. I am going to wait to see what he brings me to take pictures of the #dailysmudge postcards. I miss having my set up, and the ease with which to share them…

I have walked the Sawmill trail every morning (it’s very beautiful) and am looking forward to witnessing, and documenting, all the changes as the air cools and the colours come alive.

I went around town introducing myself and putting up posters for the workshop (which is tomorrow), and wouldn’t ya know it, I met Alice Monroe on my travels!! (She was having lunch at one of the restaurants). I invited her to the workshop, saying she would write a fine letter indeed. Ms. Monroe explained that she would not be in town on Thursday, but acknowledged my passion, and wished me the best of luck – so perfect.

I am, right now, at the gallery (barn) where my workshop will take place. I have come here to use the internet (as my cottage does not have a wi-fi connection), to drop off my mailbox, and to leave some cards. I do hope some good souls show up tomorrow!!

I will check in again on the weekend with more pictures, of the workshop and my time here.

Until then,

in thanks,

Smudge

Gratitude begins…

I wrote this as a Facebook post two days ago, but wanted to share it here with you as well. I am in Bayfield now, and writing this using the library’s internet connection. I went for a walk this morning and am looking forward to exploring a little more each day. I’ll post pictures soon!

Written, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015

Tomorrow morning I set out for Bayfield, to a tiny little cottage in the woods. This cottage is one room (with a bathroom off the back), and has no internet (I’m so excited). I will be using the Library’s internet connection to post pictures while I am away, so I may only post ‘365 Days’ postcards every few days or so (if you are following the postcard series I hope you read this, because I care that you know what’s up!). I will not have my set up for lighting either, so their presentation may also be a little off.

Tonight, I am packing up the last of my things with a very thankful heart. I am thankful for the support I have received as of late, and from whom it has arrived. I am thankful that projects like this strike a cord in people, allowing artists such as myself to dream. I am thankful for little towns like Bayfield, that quiet right down in their off season, and let nature take centre stage. I am thankful that I get to give of myself for the next 34 days, in both mind and body…and in thanks.

I’ll be in touch soon,
Smudge