a note from dryadgrl

I wrote to dryadgrl to tell her about the fundraiser I posted here (whose total is now over $300 -- you people fucking rock), and she wrote the following:

Wow.

Thank you. Thank you so much. That makes me all teary-eyed. Thank you. I don't know how I got so lucky, but I'm very, very grateful.

I've been so busy at school I have'nt had time to even get a paypal button up. I"m off to school again to be home late. It's so beautiful and I love it there. Walking amongst the trees is such a calm joyful place for me. People are so smart and everyone is so nice to me. Smiling happy people who love their jobs makes such a big difference in the world. It's not such a fight to do things. When the line was really, really long for registration they sent us off to the tea shop for free tea and coffee and held our places in line. I've been meeting the most fascinating people - women from all over the world who are all excited to be at school there. The President had a reception and it was amazing how long they've been supporting women in education. Just what I need to hear. It makes me think that I *can* do this.

Love you so much. And feel free to post this in your LJ - I'll try to write more when I have time.

Love love,

[dryadgrl]

There have been discussions in places I hang out about community lately. I am not saying that generosity with money equals community, but part of community for me is knowing that my friends will help me when I have a genuine need. Thank you to all of you who continue to help (another donation just came in) and to all of you who have written to give me and dryadgrl encouragement and comfort. I know that those of you who know me know that it's hard for me to ask for help. I am so excited because I think between the money you've contributed and the money I had saved to spend on the pool (we'll still have a big party, just no swimming, and that's okay), dryadgrl and her son will be okay until the money comes in in October. I just can't thank you enough. I really can't. A woman with this much enthusiasm, smarts, and goodness in her shouldn't have to bust her ass to keep a roof over her head (and her child's). You inspire me.

quickies, mostly food-related, before I head off to sell plates

Mmmmm, cherries. The last of the season from the Berkeley Bowl, I think, but they're wonderful.

Thai-spicy kettle chips? Not so much.

Been vegan this time for a few days, and it's fun, as usual. Lots of yummy food, grazed at throughout the day. I get hungry more quickly, so I have to watch out not to be out and about without food, but other than that, it's great. (I put some trail mix bars in my locker at work, for instance.)

Okay, gotta go feed myself again and get dressed for work. Tonight and tomorrow, I hope to get to all the LJ replies I need to make. *smooches*