All Frivolity Aside, Love to Tokyo

     Last week, after Nalynne and her family came to visit, my other sister-in-law, Teresa came to visit, too, from Tokyo. And since she had not been with us earlier, I had to take her to Anthro, as well. She tried on and bought the Sunny Soiree Dress (which looked so fresh and girly on her). She showered Avery with lots of bouncing time on the yoga ball and left way too soon, despite my pleas to stay and be our fulltime nanny (and give up her job as a corporate attorney).

     Yesterday morning, she emailed us saying that she and hubby were fine, despite the aftershocks in Tokyo and having to walk home from work--the subways being shut down. We all heaved a sigh of relief. Then the ongoing news rolling in throughout the day--Hawaii and the Left Coast being warned of possible tsunami activity.

     Chris and I live 1/2 mile from the beach. I literally was on my way to Anthro when I heard about possible deluge coming to Redondo, where we live. Sadly (and likely a sign of real addiction), I didn't take it that seriously, and figured that if the big wave hit, I would rather be at Anthro than at home. So I perused the sale rack before taking Avery home to watch the news.

     I have been glued to CNN and our local news ever since. It's amazing how quickly one's world can turn upside down. Literally. I am so grateful that our family and friends have been safe so far. Chris, ironically is travelling in Asia right now and almost flew to Tokyo for the weekend to visit Teresa and his brother, but thankfully decided not to at the last minute.

     As thankful as I am for my own loved ones, obviously it is no less tragic for those who died or who lost their own near and dear. Life is so precious and short. And unpredictable. I'm reminded to live everyday with gratitude and intention with compassion for others.

      I've been thinking about what to do for my blog's 1 year anniversary, which I'm realizing is so trivial in light of this event. That is not to say that my blog or readers are trivial. You have brought so much encouragement and joy to me this year. I feel so thankful for real encounters with seeming strangers--that become friendly, if not friends. Love of fashion and Anthro is just a medium to connect with others. To share in the experience of being a woman, of being feminine, of being human and real.
   
     So, I thank you so much for your thoughts and support this year. And I think what I want most to do is to contribute towards the relief effort in Japan and to encourage you, to do so, too.

     Instead of a gift certificate to Anthro, I'm going to donate $1 for every comment per person to this post, from now until 3/24 to Red Cross. That would usually go towards my monthly Anthro budget. Somehow, I just don't feel in the mood to shop right now. I'm sure that will change, but for now and today, let's just do this.