And The Climate Changes…

Dear Kristina on Blog Action Day 2009,

There is so much a-buzzin the world these days about climate change; its impact now, it’s impact in the future. Regardless of the impact, I’m worried. I’m worried about the generations behind me unable to enjoy some of the simple pleasures I had as a kid. We are so wrapped up in our music, media, celebrity popularity, materialism, and self soothing anecdotal communications which somehow make use feel like important players in a world which is really being run by an elite few. Who am I to say that I will change the world for a better? Maybe I’m wrong though. Maybe when I buy smarter by consuming organic as often as possible, using sustainable and/or recyclable materials and recycling at every moment possible I am making a difference.

Our world is changing whether or not we want to accept it. Some of it is natural… but a vast majority is our impact, our disconnect from our environment and the members living in it. We have a responsibility to be the masters of change. We are the species who fouled things up in the first place. We are the species that continues to exterminate anything worthy of being classified as a “pest”. So I ask you to not think about how you can change the world. I ask you, what can  you do to change your self and how you interact with your surroundings. If we respected life, existence and presence of all things I feel that we would be happier.

I wasn’t always this way. I used to be ignorant and happy about my place in the world and what my mark was leaving behind. It has been a long road with some intense learning experiences which have shaped me into the person I am today. Our lives will forever be changed by the acts we ensnare today; come forth and make your contribution to a positive change in our world.

I dare you,

Martiel~

And Once Fall Came…

Dear Dad,

The seasons are changing here and the leaves are beginning to take on new colors as we descend toward shorter days. My walk to and from work the last two days has caused me to uncover the box which held my warm winter jacket to use as protection from the wet wind which jostles my body each time I step out onto the streets of the city. Needless to say, winter is on its way. The squirrels scamper here and there… gathering every nut and acorn that they feel is fit to use as fuel for the coming months.

I have fallen in love with the Autumn of the east coast, particularly New England and the Mid-Atlantic. The oaks stand tall like mountains in a sea of cement colored with hues of red, orange, tan, brown and light green. Another blustery gust of wind blows past my face and I quince in an attempt to shun the cold away but in truth, I love it here. There is something peaceful about autumn. It is the end of most annuals and a time a rest for those perennial and deciduous plants who year after year come back for another round in the Spring. On the other hand it reminds me of Colorado and the giant Ponderosa Pines and Fir Trees whose most ambitious growing season is enthusiastically approaching. I have so many fond memories of my childhood in those mountains among the trees and snow.

All this talk of time reminds me that I have been in my service for over eight weeks now. How the time flys when you’re having fun is what you always tell me; I believe you are right. My work is taking me to new places where I have new opportunities I rarely imagined. There are likely experiences waiting for me on the horizon which I have yet come to recognize, but for today, I will continue to work on the various things I have been assigned to complete. The office is quite right now, and with few disruptions I get nearly all my tasks done in just a few hours.

There isn’t anything particularly exciting about today. No celebrities, no politicians, no events. I believe that things go on in much of the world just as they are right now. Times like these make me think… I’ve struggled with my cause and calling. I’ve concealed by agency for anxious reasons. I have allowed so much of myself to be hidden from the world. Autumn is a time of new beginnings, because in just a few short months, new life will reappear and we will be renewed again. In the mean time, I’m going to bundle up, locate my scarf, and enjoy the view.

Love you always,

Martiel~

Please Refill

Dear Molly,

Oh boy am I tired today and even though I just came off a weekend, I don’t feel rested at all. I’ve sat at my desk today, typing away in Publisher. For the last couple of workdays I’ve been working on a newsletter publication for our National Service Members. I’m at a point of frustration where I should just call it a day. The margins won’t align, the titles are displaced and the text has breaks in it that weren’t there to begin with. Ugh. I have decided to step away from this project and focus on some highlights from my weekend.

On Saturday, my adventures did not take me far, but they did take me somewhere amazing. I went to the Alexandria farmer’s market. I go every week now and for the last three weeks, my Saturday mornings have been filled with pleasures you can see, taste and smell. The plaza was swimming with people buying apples, crisp and fresh… lettuce, bread, tomatoes brite and colorful, eggplant so shiny you could almost see your reflection and any number of other vegetables you can think of which would be grown in Northern Virgina this time of year. The smell of home grown flowers filled the air and a faint scent of cinnamon apple rolls complimented by fresh hazelnut coffee drifted past me. I slipped in and out of the empty pockets of space between the people and made my way toward my favorite potato vendor.

A nuclear family who run their own farm grow the most delicious potatoes and bell peppers I have ever tasted. As I approached the potatoes were stacked in neatly organized quart size containers but had the appearance of being and organized heap. First are the sweet potatoes, golden burnt red. Then the Yukon golds, gleaming with brilliance. Finally the small red potatoes just calling me to pair them with rosemary, garlic and a little olive oil. I greet the daughter who I haven’t introduced myself to yet and ask for one quart of each kind. Oh sheer delight it was – yes 20 pounds of potatoes for 6 dollars, I still can’t believe it! Just as I’m about to pay, I realize I didn’t ask for bell peppers and quickly grab up two beauties and throw them in the bag of goodies I have just scored.

My second favorite (and probably Rob’s most) is the bread people as we call them. Tucked back toward the far east corner of the plaza nearly up next to the building that now occupies the Alexandria City Hall offices, you will find Graces Bread. A small tent with three tables piled nearly as tall as I am (and I’m 6′3″). There you will find every delectable bread you can imagine… apple cinnamon, rye with sesame, poppy with orange zest, french, seven grain and I didn’t even mention the amazing baked crisps and pies they have. Rob made a bee-line for the fruit infused breads and found one he couldn’t live without. I managed to grab a loaf of seven grain wheat and with a little maneuvering, we made it over to the cashier who greeted us with a big smile. We paid our $12 (I know what you are thinking, but it’s totally worth it) and continued on our way through the market dodging strollers, encountering more smells which someday may become memories of these Saturday excursions.

All in all, we only spent $40 and we have enough vegetables to last us well through the week and possibly partially into the next. Oh, the memories of a farmer’s market in the fall. I feel a bit more rejuvenated now and must return to my tasks at hand. Maybe tomorrow will yield an interesting encounter with someone famous, or just a great farmer with unbelievable tasty veggies for purchase.

Your Friend,

Martiel

Changing Lenses

Dear Sister,

Do you ever ask yourself if what is happening around you is truly real? I do, constantly. On the flip side nothing particular was special about today. I started it just like I do everyday with feeding the kitties, catching the shuttle and finishing my commute to work on a 25 minute metro ride. What made today special were the people in it. They are not famous or well known. In fact, outside of their communities no one would recognize them.

I have begun working with the DC College Foundation and the Hometown Mentors Program. I am inspired by their mission to provide an opportunity for a student who otherwise wouldn’t have had the means to attend college with a scholarship up to $10,000 per year for 5 years. I wish I had this opportunity. Nevertheless, I finally met my mentee (as I am the mentor) and she is amazing! Her name is Bridget. I spent about an hour with her today chatting about the goals for our relationship and she even gave me homework!  During this next year I will spend with Bridget, we are going to have some fun, look at the college experience with a new lens, challenge ourselves when we can and I hope, build a lifelong friendship.

Now, more than ever I do know what I am supposed to do. The Hometown Mentors Program is just another stepping stone in my journey of exploring the experience of the human condition. I don’t need riches and fame to be happy… all I need are a few people in the world who have a better life because of me.

To making things just a little better,

Martiel~

This 7th day of October

Dear Sandy,

It has been a long time since I have written and I thought it would be a nice gesture to send you an update. I’ve moved now and things are starting to emerge from boxes and make their way to the shelves where they belong. Alongside moving, there have been a ton of wonderful things happening lately.

First, President Obama came to our DC Habitat affiliate to visit and yes, he and the First Lady actually painted a room! Last week we had our kick off event for World Habitat Day. I met the Assistant Secretary of HUD, the Director of the National Building Museum, had a beautiful breakfast of french toast and sausage at the National Press Building. After breakfast we heard a panel of housing professionals discuss the issues surrounding affordable housing in the U.S. and around the globe. It was a educational morning with dynamic speakers and interesting discussion.

On Monday, the official World Habitat Day ceremony took place in the National Building Museum. People listened carefully to speakers from around the globe talk about how they are addressing the need for affordable housing. We had an appearance from Jon Bon Jovi himself. I was inspired by his story of working toward addressing the housing crisis in the U.S. through his own works, the Soul Foundation and as an International Habitat Ambassador. Maybe more suprising than Jon Bon  Jovi being an eloquent speaker, we had picketers. Yes, you read that correctly.  They were picketing because they felt this forum wasn’t addressing the housing crisis in the U.S. as directly and with enough enthusiasm. Habitat might not be the right organization to help them, but there are plenty of housing organizations out there addressing the need from very different angles. Regardless, they are entitled to their opinion and I appreciated they took the time to utilize and apply their right to free speech. Way to go!

You can see now why I haven’t written much lately. So much going on, so many people to meet and places to be I’ve been called away to. But, today, I’m turning over a new leaf and will begin from this day forward to write more often, remembering my readers and telling my story.

To gaining more experience,
Martiel

Something on the horizon

Dear Katie,

How is Indiana? Hope you are doing well and everything in your VISTA Leader service is going phenomenally. I hadn’t written in a while so I thought I would send an update and let you know what I’ve been up to since we last saw each other in Atlanta.

Last week, particularly Friday was an exciting day. President Obama came to our local DC Habitat affiliate to tour one of the homes they are constructing. During his visit, he and the First Lady were able to seen some of the green elements they are using and do some painting. We thought we might be able to squeeze in and get a picture of Obama at one of our affiliate sites, but it didn’t quite work out as we would have hoped. Either way, it was an exciting day around the office; whether or not you are a fan of the president in office, it’s still awesome to have the president visit.

Switching gears for a minute, my husband and I have been packing and getting ready to move to a new apartment. Right now our commute is approximately 2 hours one way. I never thought I would spend nearly 4 hours a day getting to and from work. However, this will all be coming to an end very soon, as of Saturday, we are moving closer to DC. We will be about 15 minutes from the District, which means a 30 minute commute for me and only 45 for Rob. I’m so excited I’m just ready for this week to be over so we can move.

Back to the work note, I have been trying to find things to do in the last few days. Today is going to be especially challenging, as I have not yet learned to pace myself in the nonprofit sector. Coming from the private sector, it’s challenging because the expectation is to get things done as soon as possible so you can move on to the next task at hand. I often find myself excited about a project I’m working on and that excitement drives me to complete it far quicker than the rest of the department, team or person I am working with. However, I do have some great projects lined up for this year. I’m still waiting on some of the details to be tweaked, reviewed, approved, etc. But, I do know I will be jointly heading up the social media efforts for the National Service Department with HFHI. To my dismay, they do not have anything in place; I couldn’t believe it! To say the least, this is going to be a year of growth for the department.

My next project is to create and expand on a Master Resource List for our members to use, which is going to be a comprehensive document with resources dedicated to topics, needs, and then organized by state. I’ve been finding some interesting sites and sources but mostly, I really enjoy reading about all the great work taking place around the country. My last project, at least so far which has been assigned to me, is a newsletter. It too is still in the process of being finalized, but I hope to get to work on that next week and have a draft and final version ready to go in Oct. I hope the members find it helpful; honestly, I hope they read it too.

I know I asked about how your service is going, but how is working state-wide supporting a variety of VISTA members going? Have you done any site visits yet? The HFHI AmeriCorps VISTA Leader role changed drastically from last year’s format. I think some of the staff has found the transition a little challenging and hard to adjust to, but that is to be expected. Overall, I’ve been really impressed how well organized the department staff are and how on top of the ball you could say they are with making this transition. The National Service Department Staff/team are amazing and I’m excited and pleased to be working with this group of people this year. I feel like I’m going to learn so much.

I hope you send an update soon and let me know how things are going for you. I’m interested to hear about your VISTA Leader experience over the next year. Here is quote to inspire you… “The leadership instinct you are born with is the backbone. You develop the funny bone and the wishbone that go with it.” – -Elaine Agather

In Service,

Martiel~

Finding something to do

Dear Becky,

Not much to report this week. Logistics are still being worked out so, I am faced with trying to find something to do almost everyday. However, it seems that this will be coming to an end next week. I will be sitting on the Social Media Advisory Panel, organizing some logistics for our upcoming National Service Leadership Conference and creating a VISTA Newsletter for our members. I’m on the brink of ‘exciting’, just haven’t gotten there yet.

On another note, I am looking forward to moving next weekend. As odd as it may sound that I would be looking forward to Rob and I doing this again, we will be much closer to work for Rob. I will also only be 30 minutes door to door, which is lovely.

An update on my office conditions… they are awesome! I’m really enjoying the atmosphere, the location and people. This office has a very dynamic team who are good at balancing work and play. I’m very impressed. Maybe more so, I should point out how well the HFHI National Service Dept works together. I never knew they worked from remote locations all over the country. When we get together for meetings, trainings, or conference calls, it seems everyone is present, ready to contribute. It’s not often you find this type of team work ethic in offices where everyone is located. I find it suprising and refreshing at the committment, integrity and dedication of everyone I have worked with, either directly or indirectly within the department.

I must return now to my work. I’ll write again soon, but until then, here is a great quote to get you thinking. “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” – - Henry Ford.

Your Friend,

Martiel~

Acceptance

Dear Helena,

I’ve completed another week of service as a VISTA Leader with HFHI. I’ve had some interesting observations this week. So many times I have come into an organization, company, or department within a larger institution and I am confronted with the issue of acceptance. Not so much those who hired me do not want me there, but the fact there are preexisting relationships and connection between the employees, often female employees, but not always. Whether the behaviors have been unintentional or intentional, the reflective behavior on the newcomer is often off putting. I can say that I have experienced this ‘distancing’ at nine out of ten places of past employment or service. However, the notion of distance and camaraderie which forces newcomers to swim through of sea of criticism and waves of proving oneself worthy of acceptance do not exist in my current location.

I find myself surprised and relieved by my current situation. I have not been asked to prove myself and without a doubt this is the first time I have been so blindly and unquestionably accepted, and without cause. I do not have to prove I am able to participate in the conversation, contribute to the cause or defend my reasons for being myself. While I have not been at my new post long, a sense of satisfaction, relief and contentment pass over me like a warm blanket.

I’ll write more soon, my daily work is calling me back and unfortunately I must return.

In Service,

Martiel~

To be is to do!

Dear Stu,

From this day forward, I will start each post as if I am writing a letter to you, my readers. I will address each as if I am speaking to just one of you, when in fact I will be talking to all of you.  Call me what you will, self starter, inspirer of change, document creator, or brainstorming guru… whatever you would like to call it, that is what being a VISTA Leader is about.

I find myself today in my office looking for something to do. The downtime I have right now is good, but also quite boring for the excitable and introverted person I am. I’ve been looking for something to do today, but my finding are coming up short. I think the motto for today should be, “Hurry up and Wait”.

I don’t have much to report outside of the fact that I did get my computer, phone and other accessories. My office is lovely and it’s occupants are truly dynamic and possess philanthropic ideologies. The world outside is buzzing with messengers, politics, meetings, organizers, and not to mention plenty of cars taking people to any variety of interactions. I sit in here thinking of those activities and what the people of the world are accomplishing today. I am not contributing as much as I would like, but in time I believe I will. Today is a great day, even if I have nothing to do.

Another Day In Service,

Martiel~

 

Closing Quote:

“Can anything be sadder than work left unfinished? Yes, work never begun.” – - Christina Rossetti

Optimism in Reality

Entry 6

I am into my second week of service and already I feel a tinge of exhaustion lurking at my door. I continue to ward it off with plenty of sleep, good food and a 45 minute cardio workout everyday. However, this too will take it’s toll at some point and I will find myself with an overwhelming sleepy sensation. This sensation is like a warm blanket in the winter which provides not only warmth, but comfort and serenity.

I anticipate this to come most untimely, for example on the bus or the train ride home. Both places are good for sleeping in that they both possess a slow rocking sensation, quite purr of the air whisking by as the driver maneuvers through traffic. Equally as valid is the reality that there were about 1000 or more people who have sat in this seat before me in the last 24 hours. Yes, it is enough to gross anyone out who knows what experiments could be lurking on those windows, sills, seat handles, and yes the seats themselves. Regardless, sleep still calls me.

I often noticed when I moved to the Greater DC area, that this sleepiness was a common affliction to those riding mass transit. In the beginning I was more panicked than passive about the idea of germs and their manifestations found around the city and how those little creatures could attach themselves to me in some mystic and unknown way. Now, I have come to understand there are three things I must to to maintain my healthy status-quo: wash my hands (regularly, not obsessively), take my vitamins (this includes vitamin C, it however also does not include childrens vitamins such as ‘Flinstones’), and remain calm in the face of lunatics, megalomaniacs, the formally employed as well as the employed, and any other character or event which could disrupt service 300 feet below the street.

Nevertheless, don’t let me scare you away. I encourage you that to try out mass transit the next time you have the opportunity. You may be surprised how much opportunity lies in the depths. Opportunities to learn, and maybe the realization that mass transit, while it has it’s pros and cons, it is definitely an entertaining learning experience for those who choose to ride.

Closing Quote:

“Miracles happen every day. Not just in remote country villages or at holy sites halfway across the globe, but here, in our own lives.” – - Deepak Chopra