Your site is realy very interesting!

It's your blog, you can write whatever you want to write, and if you don't want to get comments you can ban individuals or even all comments as you see fit.

DJR

Oh my God, the amount of venom here is astonishing and entirely unjust. Who on earth gives anybody the right to be judge and jury to what is written in a very personal, frequently inspirational and moving weblog? Just because some of us choose not to add to the outpourings of grief online does not by any means suggest that we do not care, nor feel exactly the same sorrow as those who pour out their hearts in their blogs. Nor does it mean that we are not making very real efforts to help in the real world beyond cyberspace. Adding ones voice to the grief that is currently felt worldwide is a valiant thing to do, but it isn't the be all and end all of real charitable acts in the face of the horror that is a natural disaster like Katrina. Nor is charity in any way a requisite of life. Get off your high horses.

I think that after a disaster such as there are two things we can do to help:
1. make a donation or help if posssible
2. take time to appreciate the blessings we have in our lives that we normally take for granted.

I think it is lovely that Keri so regularly appreciates the things in her life that most people don't even see in their quest to have more, more, more. If you read here often you realize that she is a compassionate person who uses her talents to help others.

I'm just catching up here as I've been involved in a tragedy of my own recently and I have to say I'm horrified to see this sort of commentary in the face of this national tragedy. What is the point of throwing more stones and causing more hurt?
Please replace your fear with love, folks.
Welcome to America, Keri.

you know, this is keri's blog and she chooses what she wants to put on there. yes, katrina is a big problem, but so are tons of other crisis going on in the world. people are dying everyday, in all parts of the world - from famine, from war, from disease, etc. keri chose to remember that day as a happy one since it was her anniversary and a celebration of a recent move. so she didn't elaborate on her feelings on katrina, so what? how are you sure she won't later on, in another entry on another day when she can address the issue apart from her happy memories. sheesh. the world has many problems and she can't push every one, this is her blog, and what she chooses to put on here that makes me keep coming back are not political/global commentaries but her personal/spiritual/emotional journey as an artist, a woman. i wouldn't keep coming here if it weren't so different, so refreshing, so inspirational. thanks, keri, and i loved her later post regarding "the dialogue" that ensued here. i couldn't have replied better. you are right, the weight of the world can be too much for one person to bare...the attacks were very harsh and uncalled for. in no way should you as a blogger feel obliged to address every suffering. keep up your spirits, keri. all the best and congrats on the anniversary/move! --cailley

most of these posts (the negative ones saying keri didn't give enough attention to the katrina hurricane) are in the wrong place. write to your fucking newspapers and complain about things in a space where you'll get results, or at least where it's relevant for god's sake!
everyone taking shit out on keri should be ashamed. she's just like the rest of us--we don't spend ALL of our time talking about the tragedy, do we? so why are we giving her a hard time because she didn't devote ALL of her entry to the disaster? ridiculous.

tricia, i don't think it's "holier than thou" to note that so many people are dead and suffering and having their lives destroyed as we speak... regardless of what people write or do not write on their blogs.

i had not posted to this entry yesterday tho i considered it. your post brought tears to my eyes. the simple gratitude you showed for little things made me realize how blessed i am. the hurricane tragedy has been too devastating for me to process and therefore could not do so. you made me grateful for EVERYthing, not just the neccesities.

i felt i had to throw my two cents in, tho, in light of the negativity directed your way. as if my appreciation of your post might help balance it in a small way.

lots of love to you.

Welcome to your new home.

Jonis, Mark, Pam, Eliane et al,

I live in India, and even here I find the ethnocentricity of America rampant over the television; sometimes, even in the print media. Perhaps being there selectively blinds you how the media puts forward the 'American' idea, but it does seem that there is an implicit value involved. No one, I repeat, no one, denies the tragedy, and I, at least, feel deeply saddened by the loss of life.

I will give you a simple example: on Thursday, when a horrible stampede claimed thousands of lives in Iraq, both CNN and BBC showed around 10 minutes of footage in their shows regarding this. The rest? Well, between live feeds from New Orleans, Bush's speeches and debates about the effectiveness of response teams, there wasn't much time left, was there? Now then, I ask you, does this, or does this not seem as though American lives are more valuable than Iraqi? This also happened during the British bombings. The same day, there was a horrible attack in Egypt, which killed more than a hundred, and which, once again, got 10 minutes on TV. Bombings? How about Sudan then? Or India? No? Then, how about Kashmir or Ethiopia? How about the devastating floods in Bombay?

It is not the sadness or the loss that is ever in doubt. We are united in our lot as the human race. But sometimes, it does seem that one of us is getting preference over the other. You may not realise this, staying as you are in the USA, but you should travel abroad, talk to a few media-literate people, watch the daily news, and see for your self how it all comes across.

It sounds wonderful! :)

Hi, first time to comment at your journal.... I love the way your days are...Wish I had the time you have to explore. I live in Greenville, SC and love the North part of Cali. Is that where you are now? If so, don't you love it? The cows, the sheep and all that is real and the air is soooo fresh.?.?. I love it there, and envy you so much. Please enjoy for me.....ahhhhh

Sincerely,
Leslie

my friend, courtney, passed on some great advice she got from a friend yesterday concerning Katrina:

Mindfully eat and drink for another person. During vision quests, people go into the wilderness for days without eating or drinking anything. However, someone else in the group will eat and drink “for” you while you are on your vision quest with the intention of relieving some of your suffering.

Eat your meals mindfully with the intention that as we eat, someone else feels less hungry – or as we drink, someone else feels less thirsty. It may sound a little freaky – but what is prayer if it isn’t being mindful about someone else?

Yeah, right on lia!

I have very little tolerance for people that take one tiny snippet of a post and turn it into a projection of all their staunch political opinions and rants. Guys- Keri is CANADIAN, so that was your first mistake.

Secondly, we can't know what someone else is feeling. You cannot judge emotions or have a moral gauge for how someone should be feeling. For example, the disaster of Katrina makes me feel several things at once: frustration, sadness, anger, empathy, etc. What I love about Keri and other positive people is that they find a tiny glimmer of hope in the midst of destruction and chaos and send it along to us, because at the end of the day, that's what we've got left. Hope and faith that humanity will pull together and help those in need.

I don't think it's necessary to feel sorrow and fear and a lot of negative emotions all the time, because it doesn't help those in need. Certainly we want to empathize with those struck by the hurricane, but we also want to be inspired to pitch in and help and that's done by positive thinking. Police officers in New Orleans have handed in their badges because there's just so much chaos in the city. Asking how we can be of service in a positive way does so much more than wallowing in sadness for what's happened. There's a place for mourning and then there's a time to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and pitch in to drain the city and get things moving. So many people directly involved are so taxed on resources that I think it would behoove all of us sitting behind the safety of our computers to pitch in, donate money, see what we can do to help, rather than deriding others for a journal entry.

Hello again! i forgot to ask in my post if you are still planning to sell those wonderful little collage necklaces?

The power of words is an amazing thing. I read Keri's post with longing to experience what she is experiencing -- the simple and glorious beauty of the world, which makes love it and be a part of it. And it helps us to carry on in the face of adversity, and yes, to reach out to others with what we can do to help. I think she is neither selfish nor unfeeling; what I think is that she is private (not easy to do sometimes) about some things and that is her (and everyone's) right. She also seems, to me, to be one of the most caring and giving individuals that I've ever come into contact with. She doesn't have to share anything with any of us, yet she chooses to, even when it is difficult. I'm grateful for that.

Peace.

How exciting to start a new chapter in your life. It sounds as it was a perfect first day to your new life. keep inspiring us all with your wonderful words and how you truly are living out loud.

This is why I often skip the comments section of blogs, and wouldnt allow comments if I had one. People presume to know you, know what is in your heart by just a few words (some sadness.)

As most Americans, I am almost frozen with grief, and aside from giving blood and donations to the Red Cross, stuck waiting to see what else I can do to help my neighbors. But, I also have to live my life. I have to get up, hug my cat and boyfriend, go to work, and appreciate every single moment. Would it solve anything to do otherwise? Do I need my favorite blogs to tell me what to do or how to act? Nope.

Perhaps those of you who scold Keri because she didnt write words you think she should have, should take a look at yourselves first, clean up your own backyard. You KNOW what to do.

Forgive my angry rant, I just hate judgemental people. Congratulations, and I look forward to exploring your new city with you via your posts.

I agree with Sarah that Keri was recounting her day and this isnt a News or current affairs site.
I also agree with Lia very strongly and think that alot of the extreme weather that is happening around the globe is due to environmental issues particularly in relation to green house gas. The States refuses to sign the Kyoto agreement to commit to a reduction in green house gas-this is where the selfishness lies. Even though they are by far and away one of the largest producers of this pollution.

The destruction of the environment will kill us all in the end and for what more cars and consumer products???

Michal

Wow, what a storm this post is causing, and the punt is intentional.

We only know that life is beautiful because of the disasters and tragedies that happen daily. When disaster strikes on this scale then all human effort is needed to help those affected. And where you cannot help physically make a donation, definitely. But I don't think that it's Keri's job to remind us to help, I mean, do you need a reminder??

If anything then Keri reminds us to live the best live we can live (sorry Christine, I borrowed your term here, hope that's ok), to live out loud, to be more conscious of and with our environment, to be the best person we can be.

If anything then the world could do with more Keris.

If you want to talk about self-absorption, Jonis et al., it's worth pointing out that you all failed to notice that Keri is Canadian. In your rants about self-absorbed Americans you might want to pay attention to who you are yelling at. Furthermore, if you really cared about New Orleans you might have paid attention to the warnings that environmentalists have been given the U.S. for YEARS about the effect that offshore drilling in the gulf brought about by greed for oil would have on the bayou -- that it was disappearing so fast it can no longer protect that city. Want to do something for Nawlins? Drive less. Turn less lights on. Use less oil.

For god's sake, it's a blog. If you don't like what she writes about, fuck off. She's obviously a very caring and good person. Save your anger for your inept politicians and your money for environmental and disaster-relief organizations. I'm sure that the people who died because of this tragic misuse of resources wouldn't be happy to know that the result of their suffering was your vitriol and hate.

I am fortunate to be part of a small group of people that has donated much time and money to raise funds and build an orphanage in Guatemala. Currently hundreds, and eventually thousands, of children and adults will have had their lives positively changed by these efforts. Keri has freely given dozens of hours (perhaps more?) providing artwork for our efforts. She has patiently listened to our requests for alterations, responded to last-minute changes, and on and on. Her artistic expertise and generosity with this project has touched numerous people and greatly enhanced our project. She has not self-absorbedly trumpeted her contributions in her blog (though I am grateful that in 2004 she gently mentioned the cause).

It is intriguing and perhaps revealing to notice what we will infer about one's character by what is left unsaid. The contents of Keri's blog can offer only a tiny glimpse of who she is. We presume self-absorption and uncaring in the absent or scant text; why do we not instead presume altruism and empathy, talents and efforts to help others given freely, abundantly and yet anonymously?

Keri's post was recounting her day and if she didn't let the devestation of Katrina ruin it, that isn't a bad thing. It doesn't make her a bad person because she hasn't put a giant Red Cross link on her site.

Yes, it is a tragic situation and yes, people should do something about it, but no, it is not every blogger's job to post about it and tell us to help. We all know that and know where to go if we want to donate, don't we???

If I want to read about Katrina, I will go to CNN.com. If I want to read about Keri, I'm going to kerismith.com. Perhaps Jonis is on the wrong site.

This made me so happy to read this. So glad that your first few days in our town have been sweet ones. I've thought of little else besides the devastation caused by Katrina the last few days...and I, too, have been feeling immense gratitude the past few days. Thanks for giving us such a bright snapshot to brighten our day.

Hi Keri.

Re: Gratitude--I received an email message via Findhorn's Eileen Caddy that addresses gratitude. I've pasted it below.

Love is needed

Always express your gratitude. It does not matter how many times you do it during the day - the more times the better. When you are grateful for something, say that you are grateful. When you feel love in your heart, let it bubble over. Love, love and more love is needed in the world.

Never be afraid to wear your heart on your sleeve for fear of being misunderstood. My divine Love can never be misunderstood when it comes straight from the Source without anything of the self to get in the way.

With love and many blessings,

Eileen

Here is the link for Eileen's weekly messages:
http://www.findhorn.org/link/eileen

Welcome to California Keri! Be sure to get up to Lake Shasta and Ashland, Oregon- and then come visit us here in Portland!
As for the Gulf coast, I'm inspired to do more myself now too.

thanks so much for a sparkle of sunshine amidst all the horrors of the media. your love of life and enthusiasm helps us all to realize (well maybe not all, but certainly me) that when tragedy strucks there are people that are still able to experience beauty. that, believe it or not, brings me a tiny bit of happiness. i hope that people are able to contribute in whatever way possible to give beauty and strength back to those around the world who are facing immense hardship. welcome to the US, Keri.

Happiness abounds! I literally gasped with glee at seeing today's post, as I have been checking everyday, awaiting to hear news of your first days in our fair state. I am so thrilled and excited you are closer, and that your first moments in your new environment are feeding you in so many ways. :)

. . ohhhh, you sound good . . . so glad you've arrived with your heart open :) welcome to the u.s. . . . may your sparkly goodness spread throughout the land :)

Ganching, it isn't about taking political sides. Two horrible tragedies happened this week.In Iraq, yes, more than 600 people died, and in the Gulf, maybe thousands. Its about being a human being and being deeply affected, and using whatever influence you have to help make the world a little more right and humane again. We should be holding one another accountable to step up the plate, spend the money we were going to spend on ourselves for a night out on the town this week and donate it to the Red Cross. Can't we indulge a bit less for a week and sacrifice a tiny bit more? Pam, Jonis, thank you. You woke me that part of me again that wanted to bury my head right back in the sand.

Wow! I don't think Jonis was "harsh" by any means!! "Harsh!!!" My gosh, have you ever been through a disaster? I live in S.C. and went through Hurricane Hugo which was not much compared to Katrina! WE had no water and no electricity for weeks. We cooked on camp stoves and bathed in a gallon of water. New Orleans is UNDER WATER!! Death and destruction are every where. Americans can be so complacent. The New Orleans Zoo ...the aquarium...displaced people with NOTHING>>>> I have to say that I agree with Jonis! After all the pretty, sweet things you wrote that you experienced, a litttle tiny thing about how you listened on NPR and felt some sadness in "PARENTHESIS" about NEW ORLEANS!! I read your site daily and I must say I thought for sure I would read something really inspiring about helping the people of New Orleans.I was looking for a cool painting, illustration, words of hope! Guess I was expecting too much. Americans are too used to all the "stuff" they have! Yes, we can be thankful for the things we do have, BUT they can be taken away in an instant! And I am a person who is FAR from fatalisticyet, things happen! Peace Love and happiness

Surely the whole point of a blog is that you can write what you like. We don't all have to be political commentators which doesn't mean we don't have political views. And if we're being self-righteous why no mention of what happened in Baghdad yesterday?

Jonis is more than right. Though I must admit I also just mentioned the disaster as sort of a detail on my own blog. Read this one, and read the comments there as well:
http://www.deadlykatrina.com/

I think Jonis is right. It would be nice to see popular bloggers like yourself really inspiring and encouraging the rest of us to get involved and help. This is one of the worst crises ever to occur in the country you are living in. Americans need to put aside for awhile their right to believe that they should be spending 24 hours a day pursuing meaning and happines. Right now the meaning is in lending a hand. People are DYING.

Welcome to a wonderful state!

happy happy happy to you keri
and love!

Happy Anniversary, it sounds like a wonderful day.
Ignore holier than thou people.

Ouch. That comment from Jonis was harsh. Of course, immense sadness, frustration, helplessness. But, it has to be ok to note that each of us is still living our own lives. Real emotions of all kinds are felt by real people all over the world. Keri, thank you for a glimpse at beauty, peace, love and change. Sharing it is part of spreading it.

"some" sadness? are you for real? thousands of people are dead, hundreds of thousands more are displaced, sick, hungry, traumatized- wow, America is one self-absorbed place. I'm just amazed that people aren't channeling all their resources and energy to help out more with everything they can. If people have a sofa, offer it. If you have $5, donate it. The self-absorption is startling."Some" sadness after what is all over the tv and papers. wow.

Good for you.