Beauty amidst the heartache

Last week the world witnessed beauty amidst the heartache in the row of strollers left for Ukrainian women crossing the border, the offers of shelter, and the people flying in to prepare food.

The subject of this post was to be my new house, but how can I possibly write about that while so many people are losing theirs? Instead I will dedicate this post to Ukraine. While my knowledge of the country is limited, I am united with the people in their grief. Additionally, I have great appreciation for the creative Ukrainian women. More examples of beauty amidst the heartache below.

A popular image of Polina Rayko's home. (Photo: introducingnewworlds.blogspot.com)

A popular image of Polina Rayko’s home. (Photo: introducingnewworlds.blogspot.com)

Polina Rayko. (Photo: birdinflight.com)

Polina Rayko. (Photo: birdinflight.com)

If you are on Instagram, you have likely seen the above image of Polina Rayko’s home. After a series of losses, she chose to paint the interior of her home to bring some happiness. She was not wealthy or trained, yet she transformed her home with inexpensive paint and tools. She covered every inch with charming images. You can read about her here.

(Photo: introducingnewworlds.blogspot.com)

(Photo: introducingnewworlds.blogspot.com)

Home of Polina Rayko. (Photo: introducingnewworlds.blogspot.com)

Home of Polina Rayko. (Photo: introducingnewworlds.blogspot.com)

A cozy corner with an embroidered tablecloth. (Photo: introducingnewworlds.blogspot.com)

A cozy corner with an embroidered tablecloth. (Photo: introducingnewworlds.blogspot.com)

Taras Hryhorovych Arrives From His Exile to Flowering Ukraine, 1968. Maria Pryimachenko.(Photo: wikipaintings.org)

Taras Hryhorovych Arrives From His Exile to Flowering Ukraine, 1968. Maria Pryimachenko (Photo: wikipaintings.org)

Another talent was Maria Pryimachenko.

Kochubarka, 1991.

Kochubarka, 1991.

I Stole the Tow From My Granny and Span, 1980.

I Stole the Tow From My Granny and Span, 1980.

Tragically, all these wonderful creations are in jeopardy of being forever lost.

Maria Pryimachenko. (Photo: rugyourlife.com)

Maria Pryimachenko. (Photo: rugyourlife.com)

Here is the beautiful artist pictured in a traditional Ukrainian blouse. I have been a fan of this embroidered clothing for a while.

Ways to help.

One way of helping is purchasing from some of the Ukrainian sellers on Etsy. There are many lovely offerings. Some of my favorites are here, here, and here.

For needleworkers, Threadwritten is hosting two workshops. The first is a Stitch Gathering for Ukraine on Thursday March 17. Proceeds will be divided between Wings of Hope donating to children in need and a Unesco charity aiming to preserve sacred sites and works within Ukraine. The second workshop teaches the Ukranian curly stitch on April 16. Proceeds will go to Razom for Ukraine.

José Andrés is such an inspiration. Donating to World Central Kitchen is a wonderful way to help.

“How to find a way to paradise…”

Polina Rayko

Casa V supports Ukraine with prayer and donations.