Update: Deadline for comments and suggestions for charities has been extended to February 12th.

I’ve stayed quiet about political and global issues on this blog in the past, choosing instead to keep the focus narrow and singular – a square look at our place in the world as bodies/athletes that move and what that means.

But the transition from the name “the Everyday Athlete Blog”  to “Grit and Glimmer” mirrors a personal transition. I am not a Cyclist alone – and neither are you. Neither am I only a Writer, a Photographer, a Daughter, a Runner, a Nutrition-Nerd, or an Armchair Cook.

We’re people in the world. And there is a lot of shit going on outside of the 14,400-ish pedal-strokes we may take over the course of a 3 hour training ride.

I’m a person who can become overwhelmed by things like Haiti, which are out of my control – out of my reach.

I’m also a person who spent 6 months working in Mother Teresa’s Homes for the Dying where desperation and desolation and death were all very well within my reach, each and every day. That’s another story for another day, but the point is that this stuff cuts me to the core.

It’s the reason I do cheesy stuff like write words in a gratitude journal at night. It’s the reason that I tell Sal I love him whenever I get a chance -  why I always say, “This is my favorite place in the whole world.” while falling asleep on his shoulder every night.

I get skewered sometimes for being overly sentimental and overly emotional but you know what? We should say that shit to each other. We should make life count. We shouldn’t be ashamed to express love or gratitude or even sorrow. Most of all, we shouldn’t take it for granted. Any of it.

The initial out-pouring for Haiti has been amazing and overwhelming, but there’s still a lot to do. With big events like this, things tend to taper off. The images fade a little from our memories. The initial shock subsides and so do the much-needed dollars.

Let’s keep them rolling in.

I’m modeling this giveaway/donation drive almost-exactly after one of my favorite bloggers: The Pioneer Woman. (Thank you for rocking so hard, Ree).

Here’s the scoop

I’ll give away two (2) $100 donations to the Haitian-related charity of the winners’ choice.

In addition, so that everyone can make a difference, I will donate one dime (10 cents) for every entry received in this giveaway to Haitian recovery efforts.

How to Enter

1. Go tell someone in your life that you love them.
2. Come back here and leave a comment and tell us about it – or just tell us that you did it. Either is fine.
3. If you like, let me know (in your comment) which charity you’d prefer the donation be made to.

Friday afternoon I will randomly select two entries and will donate $100 to each person’s chosen charity*.

Then, I’ll multiply the number of comments by $.10 and send the total donation to one of the most-cited charities from the comments section (at my discretion).

Thanks for participating. And – by the way – thanks for being here. I always appreciate your comments, your input and your ongoing support.

Best,
Heidi

*To qualify, charities must be well established and “legit”. Dig?

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