Welcome to Three Things - a Friday update before we head off into the weekend.
This space is to tell you about things that catch my attention and introduce you to some of my favorite nonprofit or fair trade organizations.
One of my favorite groups in Colorado Springs is CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocates. They are a truly necessary force within a city. (There are CASAs all over the U.S.) CASAs represent children in foster care in the court system. They are an impartial adult whose first priority is the safety and best interest of the child.
One of the programs unique to CASA here is The Hanger. The Hanger is a “department store” where teenagers who are in foster care (or have an active case in the counties this CASA serves) can come and get clothing and other items they need. They also have the chance to work there, gaining valuable work experience.
We take for granted going to the store and buying a new shirt or jeans. But for a teenager in foster care that isn’t possible. These teens often don’t have much to their name. They get hand-me-downs or have to make do with whatever is at their latest foster home. The Hanger works to ensure teens can pick out clothes they love!
Think of any teenager you know - clothes are a form of individuality. It helps you feel comfortable in your skin. Try handing a 15-year-old a piece of clothing they hate! It’s a small injustice that is so easy to solve.
The Hanger takes donations of in-season clothes, accessories (purses, jewelry, etc.) full-sized toiletries, and NEW socks. If you have a teen who wants to get rid of some of their still in good condition clothes, please think of The Hanger over Goodwill.
If you are not in COS and want to help, The Hanger has an Amazon List with specific requests from teenagers they work with, OR you can donate to CASA and designate it for The Hanger.
One of my favorite authors, Russ Ramsey, has a weekly column where he gives brief blurbs on art. They are available in a series of Instagram Posts or you can find them as one post here. If you want an accessible and yet in-depth look at some of the more famous artists (Caravaggio, Rembrant, Hopper (!), Lilias Trotter) via some of their more famous works, check out his book Rembrandt Is in the Wind (affiliate link).
If you don’t watch Ted Lasso - start immediately! It is by FAR the best, well-written, endearing, real, and clever show of the last few decades. I compare it to the first four seasons of The West Wing where the writing is divine, the characters all well hashed out, and the plots realistic. I have said from halfway through season 1 that Ted + Rebecca will end up together. (I will write an entire post on this later because I have opinions!). But, for now, read Emily Nagoksi’s post on how they are the only mature relationship on the show and how they have been there for each other is the bedrock of a solid relationship. (P.S. We both agree it’s going to be mid-to-late season 3, when Rebecca always drops a bombshell on Ted, that things are going to shift.)
Tomorrow is Independent Bookstore Day. Show some love to a bookstore in your community. Take your kids and let them pick out a book. Buy gift cards for graduation, birthdays, co-workers, and your favorite barista. There are some who have a book of the month clubs - support those! Agree to buy your next bookclub book locally. Buying local not only helps the economy of your town, but it is also better for the author (Amazon is horrible when it comes to the publishing industry). Locate a participating local bookstore here.
Journal Prompt: Find your favorite piece of art and write what it evokes in you. What do you notice? Why does it speak to you? If you want, write a story about what is happening in the image.
Here is one of my favorites:
Until next week be well friends,
Amanda