Look for the Helpers

When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of "disaster," I remember my mother's words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers -- so many caring people in this world.
Fred Rogers

I am sure that it is no coincidence Family Communications, Inc. sent this as their Fred Rogers quote of the month, in light of the recent events in Haiti. It is good advice for children and grown ups. Tragedies can leave us feeling helpless, but here are a few ways to help:

Talk with your children. Family Communications has some good tips for helping children deal with tragic events in the news.

Donate to one of the relief organizations, like American Red Cross. Text “90999” with the message “Haiti” to donate $10. The cost will be added to your cell phone bill.

Charity Navigator has an extensive list of organizations that are assisting victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

Christina Katerina and the Box

I can't write about cardboard box creations without mentioning one of my favorite books, Christina Katerina and the Boxby Patricia Lee Gauch.

When Christina's family gets a new refrigerator, she gets a world of possibilities from the box it came in. The story follows Christina and her friend Fats, as they transform the box from a castle to a secret clubhouse to a race car to a summer mansion where they throw a lavish ball for their stuffed animals and dolls. The box is finally damaged beyond repair when Fats decides to wash it off with a hose. Fortunately, Fats' family just got a new washer and dryer...

The simple line drawings, by Doris Burn (who also wrote and illustrated the wonderfully imaginative Andrew Henry's Meadow, another favorite of mine) provide lots of inspiration for box creations.

Cereal Box Houses

Photograph from Bella Dia blog

Continuing with our series of posts about creative reuses of cardboard, here is a simple box house idea from the Bella Dia blog. When I was a kid, I always looked forward to finding the prize in the box of cereal. Now the box can be the prize. I think mine would have a garage door cut in the side for my Hot Wheels. Go to Bella Dia for detailed instructions.

Seal Beach Playgroup

I have the opportunity to photograph at Seal Beach Playgroup again next week. It will be my second year photographing there and I am really excited to see Miss Tina and all of the kids again. I love photographing at preschools - all the wonder, creativity excitement, and discovery. The children are so engaged in whatever activities the teacher has planned that they hardly even realize I am there.

Happy New Year 2010

Photograph by Toby Melville

Wishing you and your family the best for 2010!

Check out more celebrations from around the world on the The Big Picture.