Roses for Riverbend?

[donheld]

We've done them for several others. Maybe she needs more than roses. She left Baghdad with very little. I think it would be a great idea to try to convey our gratitude to her for being our eyes and ears into Baghdad over the last 6 or so years. I'm unemployed so I couldn't give much, but I'd give something if someone could put together something for her. Anybody interested?

[saracat]

1. Maybe she could use money more? Just a thought.

[donheld]

2. She no doubt could

Roses are just an idea. I'm game for anything that would tell her what she means to us.

[theHandpuppet]

12. I agree

Spending money on roses for someone who just lost most of everything they own seems like a weird notion.

[Omphaloskepsis]

3. I doubt her address is something she would want public..

A nice idea but not really practical.

[donheld]

4. Her publisher

Could we not send whatever is sent via her publisher. Her location would be protected, but we could still send a message or gift or whatever.

[Omphaloskepsis]

5. That is resonable..

You could also donate some money to any organization that helps.

http://raedinthemiddle.blogspot.com/2005_04_14_raedinthemiddle_archive.html

Then send her a e-mail letting her know what you did.

[MADem]

6. Coals to Newcastle....flowers in the ME are a real art form.

And you have to be careful about what ones you send, for whom.


Why not drop her a note, and say THANKS? That's simple enough, and every writer enjoys feedback.

If you feel like you need to support her in a remunerative fashion, buy her book:

http://www.amazon.com/Baghdad-Burning-Girl-Blog-Iraq/dp/1558614893

You can even get a supersaver discount...

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/51471y12EFL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_OU01_AA240_SH20_.jpg

[donheld]

7. Sweety, the books were purchased ages ago

It was just an suggestion.

[MADem]

17. Well, buy some and give them to friends, then.

Look, I am familiar with the culture. Her pappy might not be too thrilled if a bunch of flowers show up at the doorstep for his daughter. It might piss him off and cause her angst. It might also frighten them, seeing as they've fled their homeland.

I know there are restrictions on refugees working in Jordan. I don't know what the deal is in Syria, but it wouldn't surprise me if they're constrained there as well. There's an Irish saying that goes "Don't give me posies when it's shoesies that I'm needing." Thus, my counter-suggestion is to buy the books as gifts for people, if you really want to help her out.

[lligrd]

8. I Loved Riverbend's Posts

and I would love to help. Count me in.

[TomInTib]

9. I am willing to contribute. But it would need to be a well co-ordinated project.

Any real, legitimate ideas?

Money talks.

She cannot live on flowers, alone.

Man (women) must live on something besides Hope (or peanut butter).

I am serious.

Find a way, if you can.

Let me know.

Tom

[kickysnana]

10. Are florists soliciting buiness on DU? Just askin. n/t

[annabanana]

11. (there is some flower sending history). . . . .n/t

[althecat]

13. I am willing to contribute .... if someone can set up a reputable fund for her....

If she had her own paypal account it would be easy I guess.

[Dystopian]

14. K&R...and a suggestion

I would love to do something for her....
Perhaps donations in her name to
http://www.nomorevictims.org/
There is a contact email...we could inquire...
I've donated to them before, and get follow-ups on the children.
They had beautiful mothers' day and fathers' day donations set up this year...I lost my parents years ago, so gave in my friends honor.....a wonderful place to put our money...I think this would be very meaningful to her...

peace~

[saracat]

15. But as she is a "victim" herself, I would think we should do something for her and her family!

[Dystopian]

18. You're right.....

This about doing something for her....
Sometimes my mind just travels a bit too far....
It's nice to be honored, but she's in need....
Thank you for redirecting....I need that a lot lately...
So weary from hearing of all the pain and suffering...

:loveya:

peace~

[saracat]

16. Maybe we could send virtual roses in the form of a card or something and send her the anount of

money roses would have cost as a way of helping her family rebild? That would cover both bases!

[Dystopian]

19. insomnious kick.

peace~