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| Eidelle Joselle at her home in Port au Prince, Haiti 27 January 2011 |
When I saw this candid photo of this remarkably brilliant, vibrant and clearly welcoming woman whom I've never met, I felt an instant *burst* of energy from somewhere deep down inside of my belly and I smiled instantly. One of those big smiles too. You know what I mean: The kind of smile that makes your eyes light up. It ends up that Eidelle is a Mambo, a dancer, drummer, beader, perfumer and a jewelry maker. I feel like I want to hug her! *Still grinning* #brilliantphoto
The photographer is Willa Shalit of Fairwinds Trading, an American business that brings together people and products across global divides. As I type, Willa is in Jacmel, Haiti working with Haitian artisans (like Eidelle) on behalf of Fairwinds and the Heart of Haiti, a trade-not-aid initiative that empowers and provides sustainable income where it is truly needed. Kudos to Macy's for making hand-crafted Haitian artwork accessible to us here in the United States through Fairwinds. #brilliantinitiative
Willa (did I tell you she's in Haiti right now?) is also uploading some enviable photographs on Facebook; not only of my new BFF Eidelle (LOL), but of other Haitian artisans (like Charlotte) as well. I can't help but wish that I could be there to help in some small way. Shoot, I could carry paint or something. *Eyes twinkling* #brilliantidea
All eye twinkling aside (smiling), you might be as moved as I was to learn that some of the artisans in Haiti have taken the rubble from the earthquake (!) and turned it into art and Willa and Fairwinds are on the ground working with these artists for the Heart of Haiti Collection. THIS....is why I am an Ambassador for Heart of Haiti. Talk about heart. #brilliantindeed
I would like to once again encourage you to help people that are trying to help themselves by purchasing well-priced artwork from the Heart of Haiti Collection at Macy's when you are considering your gift-giving needs. If you're like me and have always wanted to do something to help, but didn't know how, this is your chance. #absolutelypositivelybrilliant
I would like to once again encourage you to help people that are trying to help themselves by purchasing well-priced artwork from the Heart of Haiti Collection at Macy's when you are considering your gift-giving needs. If you're like me and have always wanted to do something to help, but didn't know how, this is your chance. #absolutelypositivelybrilliant
Thanks for listening. ;-) Oh. And Anchante! Eidelle. =)
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