Bleach IS my friend!



It's been an overwhelming week. I've been working in high survivor mode for a while now but today I'm feeling reality set in. I shouldn't sit still for too long because my mind starts to take over and things get a little too hard to handle. For the most part I am doing well. I have wonderful friends and family who are helping me in so many ways. I have received so many emails, texts and messages from people expressing support and offering to help. I haven't been able to write everyone back just yet but please know that it has been these messages that have kept me hopeful and focused.

The photo above shows the scene in front of my house as of yesterday. That has all come out of my basement and there is more to come. Again, I just keep reminding myself how lucky I am compared to the entire rest of my town. Though I live right across the street from the Susquehanna River my part of Front Street is just a slightly higher elevation than most of the rest of town. The houses behind me on Main street have water half way up. Many houses will have to be bulldozed. I'm still trying to get my head around this idea - that this has happened in my hometown - to my friends and neighbors. My heart just keeps breaking.

The damage to my house is still being assessed. There are sink holes in the parts of my basement that have a dirt floor and there is damage to part of the stone foundation at the back of the house. The furnace is most likely dead as is the hot water heater. These things are fixable though a little overwhelming to think about at the moment. At least I still have a house, and my rabbits are fine. And thank God nothing happened to my Pee-wee Herman collection! ;)

For those who have asked how they can help me I will point you in the direction of a donation page that my brother has put together. It is very hard for me to ask for help. I am usually the kind of person that tries to fix everything myself and not draw attention to my troubles, but my pride seems to have receded with the flood waters and I am now realizing that if people want to offer me help I am willing to graciously take it. Thank you so much to those who have already donated. With your help I will be able to get back on my feet as soon as possible. I don't know how I will be able to thank everyone enough, but I will think of something.

I also want to thank my dear friend Lorelei. She is donating a portion of her jewelry sales to me. I cried when I saw that she was doing this. I really can't believe what amazing friends I have....and now I'm crying again.

OK. I better stop here. Time to get back to the mud and bleach. I used to hate the smell of bleach and now it's the most welcome smell.

Comments

My heart sank when I saw your photo, I can only imagine a fraction of what that must feel like. Take good care!
Lorelei Eurto said…
Now I'M CRYING! thanks a lot! ;) I will try my damnest to make my contribution really count. I love you and I want you to know I will be thinking of you and will help you in every way possible. xox
Amy Nicole said…
I just can't even imagine what you are having to deal with. I hope that everything gets sorted out quickly. You are in my thoughts...
Shel said…
I got teared up when I saw the picture you just posted with all the things from your basement - and those things of your neighbors across the street, too.

I cannot begin to imagine what you are going through, but am sending thoughts and prayers your way and to those in your city as well.
Courtney Breul said…
Like the others, I can not imagine what you are going through. Please know that you are in my thoughts. Be well.
Jenny said…
But for a twist of fate thrown by the Universe - it could be so many of us in your shoes. My basement is my studio as well, and i was riding out Hurricane Irene nervously. Please don't think you have to do this alone - thats what this large Interweb of friends and (bead) family is for! Vent when you are frustrated - all these shoulders are (virtually) here for you!
{{{{{{{{{{{{Nancy}}}}}}}}}}}}.
ClickNCamera said…
Thanks for the update. When I read your last post it brought back memories of helping some friends cleanup after a flood... bleach is wonderful isn't it. I'm happy to hear the bunnies and the Pee Wees are ok, too! :)
Don't forget to be good to yourself...hugs!
Marcia DeCoster said…
I'm so glad that you brother was able to ask for help in your behalf and you have come to a place where you can accept it. This community of ours are wonderful supporters and one never knows when it may be your turn to ask for help. My heart goes out to you and I am hoping you can turn to some semblance of normal soon. Have always admired your work.
nova by tess said…
Nancy my heart goes out to you. I know it's can be hard to ask for help but I am glad you did and I am happy for a chance to try and help someone I admire so much. You are in my thoughts.
Spirited Earth said…
this is just a heart wrenching photo..thank goodness you, the bunnies and PeeWee are ok..
I am so happy your brother did this because I know you wouldn't have asked for help. I was about to do it myself if no one else did. I thought about selling jewelry but, well, I just don;t sell enough :-/ I am making my donation and will share the page with others.
My town got hit hard too and thankfully my house was spared except for minor flooding and roof leaks in the living room.
I am so sorry you are going through this! I will make a donation ASAP. This, too, will pass. Hugs from Northern Arizona.
Linda S. Moats said…
No crybabies!!! Oh, okay, but just for a minute, you have lots of work to do : ( Our family house was flooded to within 2 inches of the ceiling on the first floor in 1972. A garage from around the block landed in our backyard, and our friend's camper from several blocks away decided to join the garage! First we shoveled the mud out of the windows, then the work began. Keeps gloves on, and use the bleach liberally. We stayed at my uncle's cottage on Cayuga for two weeks, and my cat went on r&r at a friend's farm in Breesport. I know what it is like to camp out in your own home. Once the gas & electric are back on, that is a start. Find a friend or neighbor where you can get a hot shower. First Presbyterian Church in Elmira has set up a flood recovery program. Please call them for assistance, I know that it is a joy for those who serve. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Linda Moats
Thoughtfulhands said…
Nancy thank you for being so gracious. It lets all of us not near by feel good to be able to help you in your time of need. And... when you are all back on your feet again and your studio all up and running I thought of something you can do for us lovers of your EXTRA-SHOP please make more owls for us to buy... HA!HA!

Know your loved :)
I cannot even imagine what you are going through, Nancy. Sending prayers your way for continued strength and guidance. -Rita
Jen Judd said…
My kitties and I are here for you and your bunnies...take care!
Laura Twiford said…
I am also so glad that there is a tangible way to help you now, have just donated, hope it helps. You remain in my prayers. United we stand.
Sharon said…
I cannot imagine what you are going through, and the mental and physical stamina it requires. Stay healthy and I hope that your life gets back to normal soon with the help of friends and family. I will help in my own small way.
Linda Landig said…
Any words just seem so inadequate. My heart goes out to you and your neighbors.
Judy said…
Thinking of you and sending strength and prayers to help you through the days ahead.
Marie Cramp said…
I got back from vacation last night to see on Facebook what has been happening to you. I am so very sorry. I went to the Donation link, invited a ton of friends, a couple have already donated and I am auctioning off a necklace t help raise a little more money for you. I hope to find another way to help you, it's just hard when you don't have much yourself! God will take care of things and through us you will get all you need!
Your friend
Marie
Blaine M. Avery said…
Nancy, I have been out of the loop, Not reading blogs much. Im so sorry to here about this, I wish I lived closer and could help. Please keep us posted, thinking of you and wishing you the best,
-Blaine
cookingwithgas said…
I am just back from vacation and was so sadden to see this- having lived through a fire and rebuilding I know how heartbroken you are.
Thinking of you! I will try in some small way to help.
The miles are far but the heart will find a way.
cry all you can- it is good for the soul.
My Best!
M
Stacey said…
I am sorry to hear of this and so glad you have family and friends who are helping and organizing help....I will keep you in my prayers and help where I can!
barbe said…
Oh Nancy I'm so sorry. I am glad you have so many friends and family who are around you to help with this awful situation.

Keeping you in my thoughts and sending you lots of love
Paul Bozzo said…
I'm so sorry to see and hear about your tragedy. But you're right, it's not the end of the world. Hang in there. Best of luck getting back on your feet. Wishing you strength and patience.
smartcat said…
Hi Nancy.....I just found your blog .....so sorry you have had to go through this. I think flooding is devastating because most of the time we see it coming and there is nothing we can do except get out of the way. Water is what we need to survive; it should not betray us by trying to destroy us.

Try not to get discouraged if things take longer to fix than you expected. A year ago last spring we had such bad floods that all of R.I. was a disaster area. One of the malls has only recently completely reopened.

Toes crossed that all goes well for you. Keep on making!
Hi Nancy,

I've been a secret admirer of your work for ages :)

I know what you mean about it being hard to ask for help. There's a kiln brick thing I saw a while ago that might be perfect for you.

Anyone who pays for / donates enough to buy a kiln brick to re build you kiln gets a discount voucher to use once your up and running again, like $20 gets a 20 percent discount voucher, you could sell them through your shops.

It's a win win situation. You get your kiln back and people waiting to buy when your up and running again and customers not only get your beautiful work at a discount but the happy feeling of knowing that they helped build the kiln it was fired in.

Any potter or artist knows that without your kiln your in limbo. I've had one problem after another with mine for the last 6 weeks and it's driven me mental not being able to produce work.
I'd happily buy you a brick :)

Just a thought

Best Wishes

Ruth - UK

P.S my house rabbit was so fat he would have merrily floated down the street :)
Luna said…
Thinking of you as you work to get your home and creative life back to what they were. Wishing, hoping, and praying that it's very soon.

Take care,
~Jamie

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