What a horrifying month for Ukraine.
I admit that I’ve had to make a concerted effort to catch up on Ukrainian history and politics. And to participate in the compelling solidarity the world has been showing for Ukraine and its people. These have been a few of my sources:
- This episode of Grammar Girl was replayed recently to explain why it’s important to say Ukraine, rather than the Ukraine.
- I’ve linked to this list of movies to watch before. So far I’ve seen Winter on Fire and Mr. Jones. Lots more to watch and learn.
- Sunflowers, called soniashnyk in Ukrainian, are the unofficial national flower of Ukraine. This is a good article (although a bit U.S. focussed) about their significance.
- An incredible slideshow of street art from around the world in support of Ukraine.
what can we do?
We do what we can. Pray for peace. Donate to relief and humanitarian efforts. Take care of our people.
And, let’s contribute our own sunflower or flag art to the cause of solidarity. If you make something, please send me a picture (andreabhunter at gmail dot com). I’d love to see. Here’s mine to get us started, and this is the tutorial I used so you can see how imperfect mine is. But it’s about the process and creative practice. Not the end result.
stationery and art supplies in the photo
P.S. I took the top photo at a nearby field that’s slated for development but has been planted with sunflowers every summer until construction begins. How nice is that?
