Dear Santa Claus: Let Sardinia smile again – In the aftermath of disaster

Posted on November 24 by Jennifer Avventura

Dear Santa Claus,

“Make a great gift to us sisters, that Sardinia will smile again, as always.”

Photo by Debora Deiana

**This photo was circulating Facebook early this morning, and it hit the soft spot we all carry in our hearts. I emailed Debora to get her permission for this photo and she happily obliged.

On November 18th, 2013 Sardinia was hit by a deadly cyclone, killing 17 people and leaving thousands homeless. Islanders have come out in full force in offering beds, clothing and a shoulder to cry on. The solidarity seen between the communities of Sardinia in the aftermath of cyclone Cleopatra just proves how strong, united and committed the islanders are in the wake of disaster.

The following map shows areas which were affected by Cyclone Cleopatra, people offering help, evacuations, emergency services, news, flooding, volunteer help, and stories.

Click to visit site

60 communities were crushed by Cyclone Cleopatra:

11 communites in the Gallura: Arzachena, Berchidda, Budduso’, Golfo Aranci, Loiri Porto San Paolo, Monti, Olbia, Oschiri, Padru, Sant’Antonio di Gallura, Telti.

16 communites in Nuoro: Bitti, Dorgali, Galtelli’, Irgoli, Loculi, Lode’; Lula, Nuoro, Oliena, Onani’, Onifai, Orgosolo, Orosei, Posada, Siniscola, Torpe.

8 communities in Cagliari: Armungia, Ballao, Decimoputzu, Escalaplano, Siliqua, Vallermosa, Villaputzu, Villaspeciosa.

8 communities in Medio Campidano: Gonnosfanadiga, Guspini, Pabillonis, San Gavino Monreale, Sanluri, Sardara, Villacidro, Villanovafranca.

7 communities in Ogliastra: Arzana, Lanusei, Seui, Talana, Tortoli’, Ussassai, Villagrande Strisaili.

Here’s how you can help Sardinia pick up the pieces:

To make a monetary donation to the comune of Olbia please follow the banking details:

Account: n. 0540 – 070361388
IBAN: IT72U 01015 84980 000070361388
BIC/Swift Code: BPMOIT22XXX
Reference: Comune di Olbia Emergenza Alluvione

Alluvione = Flood

‘Apocalyptic’ storm devastates holiday island of Sardinia (the-tap.blogspot.com)

Forza Sardegna. Forza.

Santa is listening.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Dreaming

Gallery

Posted on July 15 by Jennifer Avventura

This gallery contains 6 photos.

This sounded like a great challenge until I read the tip from Kristin Luna at Camels & Chocolate, if you haven’t already checked out Kristin’s blog you should. It’s awesome, it’s pretty, it’s spectacular! Tip: When shooting long exposures, take into … Continue reading →

Chase The Dart | Believe in Dreams

Posted on November 12 by Jennifer Avventura

Sometimes in life, you need a dart, a dart board and some courage. The board is there to make the final decision. Your only requirement is to throw the dart.

There are a myriad of options why one never throws the dart. There are limits to our logic. Most of the time we spend holding the dart, afraid to throw it, afraid of what the board will tell us.

I’ve held my dart for far too long. It’s time to let go, time to focus on the dream. Time to travel. The time is now. One way or another a life changing event will unfold. Again.

Throw the dart.

I can’t.

Just do it. It’s not the first time nor will it be the last.

But … but … packing up and moving again. Do I have it in me to culturally, emotionally and spiritually open myself up to a new country … again?

Yes, you can.

The dart flies out of my hand, through the air, swoosh. Eyes closed and heart pounding.

I … can’t … believe … I’m … doing … this … again! I’m nuts! Totally nuts!

The dart lands with a thud, stuck to the plastic map and wall. I can’t move, I won’t move. My new reality is about to unfold, another new beginning is about to start. Oh dear, I’m moving where … ? Continue reading →