Thursday, November 29, 2012

Wine to Water 2012

Almost 3 weeks (3 weeks!) ago there was a little event called Wine to Water in Davenport. You guys have heard about it for years. First year, second year, third year.

Clearly I'm a little late to the game on posting about it. The week after the event I was literally so exhausted I was going to bed at about 8pm every night.

The second week after the event I will call the "I wish it was this weekend again" week. My thoughts were lost in how much fun it was and how much I wished we could do it all again every weekend.

So you get the summary 3 weeks late. There will be no pictures on this summary because my computer is old and crazy and hates me apparently. So if you want pictures, see my sister's blog here, or Jody's blog here.

But here at hotflawedmama you'll get thoughts and lamenting from a humbled woman.

The party details were virtually the same, so read past posts for that information if you're interested.

This post I want to be about the people.

My sister-in-law, of course. Who contributed more than ever before. Who was the person I called to just scream into the phone and then hang up. Who insisted on daily calls the last 2 weeks, mostly because she knew that's my jam. Who answered my doom and gloom texts with positivity and exclamation points! She. was. amazing.

My husband who, once again, astounded me in every possible way. Facebooking for the first time in months (years?) to drum up support. And who literally gave people eargasms with his beautiful voice and guitar playing. (Well, him and a few of our other amazing friends).

Jody who flew in from the Northeast to talk about why The Adventure Project is the best in the business at what they do (creating jobs, integrity, providing clean water, etc). I can't really explain how good it was to see her but I can tell you she is as amazing and beautiful as ever. I was so thankful she came and so sad when she left. And for Cassie who chauffeured her around all weekend.

For my amazing interweb friends who donated online and for the one (cough, Chandra, cough) who bid HIGH on a few of the online auction items.  And to my aunt-in-law who came from St. Louis.

For blogger friends SFM and Tamara and Facebook friends who made the trip from Chicago, Wisconsin and other ungodly parts of Iowa. They came to support and stay at camp and hang with us. Unfortunately I was legit the worst hostess ever and, when I was hanging with them, was either preoccupied mentally or so exhausted I might have been partially sleeping. I am hopeful they believe in second chances.

And of course, my friends and family here. It's kind of amazing what throwing a decent sized fundraiser can do to bring out the real friends you have. The ones who maybe you thought were and then kind of go MIA? Maybe not so much. The ones you thought could one day become a friend offer their arm and leg (and sometimes many beautiful floral centerpieces!) and time and talents. They text you with things like "I'm bringing 11 people! And I've gotten 4 amazing pieces of art to donate too!"

Here's something about me that is kind of the essence of me. If I know you, if I like you, if I love you or have ever loved you, I will pour myself into our relationship in as much of a capacity as I'm able. I will do virtually anything for you. Even if we've fought or had a bit of a falling out, doesn't matter. If you call me and need anything I'll do it. Please don't take this as something I'm bragging about. I'm kind of an exhausting friend because I don't understand when my friends don't return my fervor. :) See what I mean? My intensity is not always an awesome thing. It's actually what I blame my prepubescent acne on...

But having events like this, I've seen that my energy naturally draws similar energy to it. This party is not possible without many people who have equal parts passion, intensity and borderline psychosis (like me). It's just not.

And so I'm left, 3 weeks later, feeling so grateful to those people. And you people who prayed and sent out your good energy to the event.

Because, after all is said and done, the event will have raised somewhere between $13-15,000 (long story why there's such a discrepancy).

Regardless of what the actual total is, it means people in India are empowered, get jobs and have sustainable access to clean water.

And if there's one thing I'm really intense about, other than friends and family, it's global access to clean water.

Until next year...

Monday, November 05, 2012

Wine to Water Online Auction!

If you're anything like me, there are times in this online world that you feel completely bummed that you are missing something taking place in places like California or Colorado or Seattle. And I know, because you all have told me, that a lot of you across this great nation are bummed you are missing Wine to Water. So last year we held an online auction of some of the art available at the event. The online auction brought in almost $1000. So how could we not do it again?

Here is your chance. Your chance to bid on really beautiful art as well as enter into this story.
This story is complicated and brutifal. It involves using "small" people (moms, friends, sisters) to do big things across the world. It involves a small-ish community to change the face of a big community. It involves entering into the story of our moms, friends, sisters around the world. And I can attest to the fact that when you choose to enter into the story, your life will never be the same. Every time you look at that piece of art, you will remember that you are part of it. Incredible.
So here's the deal. The online auction starts right now, and will close Saturday, November 10th at 12pm CST. Send your highest bid to me at tesileagh@gmail.com. We will have someone bidding on your behalf Saturday night. So if you love a piece, bid high to ensure you get it! :) If you have any questions about the piece, email me and I will find the answer for you! Also, the photography is not awesome, I apologize. It comes from various sources with various levels of clarity. 
Remember, your bid (should you win) will go directly to The Adventure Project. Your bid will be tax deductible! Win a piece of incredible art AND tackle the water crisis? Incredible.
This is just a portion of the art available at the event on Saturday. If you are even close to Davenport, Iowa you need to be making the trip to see the rest. Beautiful stuff. Oh, and the party is really, really fun. Have I mentioned that? And edgy and cool. Need proof? From last year (Thanks, Captain!)



Alas, the art! Good luck and happy bidding!
1) "Mother Africa" is a 14x11 canvas Acrylic mixed media painting with original photography transfer.

2) "Falling Waters" is a 27x74 quilted wall hanging. 

3) "Giving Hands" is an 11x14 Acrylic on Canvas


4) "Water is Life" is a 16x20 Acrylic on canvas


5) "African Savannah" is an 11x14 Acrylic on canvas


6) "Ocean Rose" is an 18x24 Oil on canvas


7) "African Village" is 4 1/2' x 18". It is hand painted by an African Fair Trade Artist and then machine quilted and bound in the Quad Cities. 



8) "Water Gives Life" is a series of 3 (you are bidding on them together) 16x20 Acrylic on canvas. When combined, the piece is 20 x 4.5'. 


9) "Sirocco Solano" is 5' x 4' framed oil on canvas.


I'm so excited! Go! Bid! 

Thursday, November 01, 2012

...

I have this weird thing with people who talk about being "busy". As much as I, for the most part, am pretty good at letting people "do them" I am complete shit at that when people talk about how busy they are. It's all relative, right? I have Facebook/blog friends who are moms to more than 10 children. 10. At any point when I feel a little overwhelmed by my "busy" I think about what it must feel like to feed/bathe/clothe that many people and I tip my pretend little hat.

I'm not that busy.

And really, I'm not.

My sister got married almost 2 weeks ago. I can't wait to show you pictures. She was beautiful, my new brother-in-law was handsome. They were so happy. I am crying right now just remembering it all. It was absolutely beautiful. I'm so thankful they found each other. I love them both more than I can possibly put into words (which is why, on a sidenote, I did a flash mob as my matron of honor speech). Good times.

This weekend my hubby and I are heading out for some fun with friends. The thought of being with that guy with no kids makes me a little slap happy.

And the weekend after is Wine to Water. Lots of fun stuff coming up with that.

But this post is really about the fact that a few days ago Tariku asked if he could snuggle with me. Please re-read as many times as necessary.

My Tariku asked to snuggle with me (for the first time in 4 1/2 years).

I was hot and grumpy, talking to Zach about various things.

But I snuggled the shit out of my son, of course I did.

This boy who still shirks a good deal of my physical touch asked to snuggle after so many years.

I wanted you to know because things are really good with us, despite that, they really are. But man I didn't know I had been missing that so much until his little body draped over mine.

So if you're in the thick of the cringe-when-touched or any of the other stuff that we gladly (or not so) take on as adoptive mamas I just wanted you to know.

Carry on mama warriors. It'll be worth it. Promise.