This week I had a really lovely email, and it cheered me so much I wanted to share. I've had a Flickr account for a while now, adding photos of my travels and experiences. And they are all up online under Creative Commons - so anyone can get in touch and use them non-commercially.
And this week, someone did. I got an email from Ruth Fitts in the USA, who is writing and self-publishing a book of poems called "Australia to Zimbabwe: A Rhyming Romp Around the World to 24 Countries". Each poem has around 25 photos accompanying it, so around 600 in total. And the whole project is designed to help American children learn more about different communities, countries and cultures.
My piccie above (of a vase in Hue) is going under 'V for Vietnam'. I can't tell you how excited I am to see the finished article next summer!
I found it interesting to see parallels with the Community Lover's Guide series as well. We are a group of over 35 volunteer editors around the globe, all seeking examples of inspiring community activities to share. Each editor asks someone from the project to contribute words and pictures for inclusion.
I am editing the London version - but I have been procrastinating. Firstly I decided that London was too big for one edition - so took the decision to break it down into boroughs. Then I decdied to start in Hackney and Tower Hamlets - where I live and work and do a lot of things. And then I got a bit stuck. I was worried about asking people for their time and efforts - what if they said no? I was worried about not leaving anyone out - how would I cover everything?
Well not any more! Thank you to Ruth, and your lovely words (some of which I will end on). I am unstuck and raring to go. invites to be included in the first edition of the Community Lover's Guide to Hackney are going out this afternoon. And if you're doing anything, know of anything that should be included let me know. Or... if you want to find out more about creating an edition in your area of London, get in touch! Here's to Ruth's amazing project. And here's to collaborative creativity.
"It has been so meaningful to connect with people from around the world, in order to create a book about the world. I thought my travels had cemented my faith in the generosity of the human family, but this has amplified it. Knowing I don't need to leave home to feel very concretely the presence and support of the world community reaffirms every reason I am passionate about helping kids to see the world in the same light."
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