Today I'm going to change the world

Sunflowers and friends
Acrylic on canvas
8 x 8 inches
Barbara Muir © 2010

I listened to a song on the way to school about changing
the world. I don't know the name of the singer, but
I loved the idea. I took that idea with me right into class.
Because I believe that that is part of our job here -- on
the planet -- to try and make things a little bit better, one
small step at a time, for ourselves, and for those around us.

Did you know that only 4 % of Canadians have sent money
to help the flood victims in Pakistan? That shocked me, and
I felt glad that I'd responded right away. 38% of Canadians
responded to the Haiti earthquake disaster. So I'm surprised
that this disaster has not elicited more donations. But the floods
in Pakistan have affected almost the same number of
people as the entire population of Canada. Their crops
are under water, and worse their seeds for next year's crops
are under water too.

Okay enough on that. I think we can all change the world,
by just being kinder, doing the small things like holding
doors open, physically, and metaphorically for one another.
Smiling seems like such a simple thing to do, but one
smile can work like a chain reaction. Understanding one
another helps. Listening changes so much -- hearing and taking
in our differences.

I had a great day today. I painted today's painting in part while
talking to a dear friend on the phone. What a joy it was to
talk to her, and paint at the same time. Her humour and
intelligence seemed to liven up my brush and the paint
leapt around and made these flowers sing. Me too.

Have a changing-the-world-without-even-trying day.