tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16914335.post113004965714862315..comments2023-09-28T09:25:06.469-04:00Comments on Operation Eden: The Surreal Life: East of EdenUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16914335.post-1133202308248289332005-11-28T13:25:00.000-05:002005-11-28T13:25:00.000-05:00i arrived here through brian battjer's site, and a...i arrived here through brian battjer's site, and am truly inspired.<BR/><BR/>your story is proof of the hope the internet holds.<BR/><BR/>so much seems to be at stake in our age, with so much propaganda as flotsum in our psyche, and you are exemplifying the real opportunity we all have to find and understand each other. to give support and organize.<BR/><BR/>to discard our malaise and flourish and let rot all those mechanisms that seek to profit from amplifying our worst human tendencies.<BR/><BR/>crazy love for ya'llAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16914335.post-1132850335591302302005-11-24T11:38:00.000-05:002005-11-24T11:38:00.000-05:00It is Thanksgiving Day, and I am reading this from...It is Thanksgiving Day, and I am reading this from work (I am a nurse). I WAS feeling sorry for myself that I am away from my kids and family for now because of my profession, but right now I am wiping tears and snot from my face in total and utter gratitude for the good things the human race is capable of doing, and for all that I have.<BR/>Happy Thanksgiving. God Bless you, your family, and the kind people who reached out to your family.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16914335.post-1132806989339278062005-11-23T23:36:00.000-05:002005-11-23T23:36:00.000-05:00I was there, too. I wasn't a survivor. I was a hel...I was there, too. I wasn't a survivor. I was a helper. I went for warm fuzzies, I suppose, thought I considered myself more honorable at the time. I was quickly reduced to what really was.<BR/><BR/>Katrina has yet to be a cleanser for me. She was a confuser, a chaos-maker.<BR/><BR/>Katrina reduced me to the basest of me and forced me to examine some things I wasn't prepared to approach. I met some beautiful people. I cried more than I'm willing to publicly admit. I carried babies and patched AIDS patients and found methadone clinics for the addicted. I got sick from exposure to so many germs, I managed 15 hour days on crackers and cookies and I hated and hugged and raged.<BR/><BR/>The experience made me crash a bit, made me re-write my law school app, made me afraid of my character and made me love.<BR/><BR/>It's still too soon, too close, to exquisitely painful and present but I'm glad I was there for it. I'm glad. I'm glad for people like your family, too. Thank god, or whoever, for that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16914335.post-1131630628790862062005-11-10T08:50:00.000-05:002005-11-10T08:50:00.000-05:00Hi Clayton and everyone else,(First, congratulatio...Hi Clayton and everyone else,<BR/><BR/>(First, congratulations of course to Clayton's family--hooray!)<BR/><BR/>Have also been reading this blog from the beginning, and ever since it began I've been thinking one thing: There are people out there in need. There are people somewhere else who have resources to spare in terms of time, material wealth, or skills/information. This blog is one of the most effective uses of the internet I have ever seen to bring these two groups together.<BR/><BR/>Why? Because when we watch a disaster on TV, most people do think, oh my God those poor people, that could be me, I wish I could do something. And there may be an extra $50 or whatever in your wallet, and you think, "where can I send this?" and it seems pitifully small compared to the problem itself, and then you hear about the ineffectiveness of big organizations like the Red Cross, and suddenly that $50 seems pointless. Because you compare your uses for that $50 to the need of these huge organizations for it, and suddenly it seems a waste and you give up thinking about it and change the channel.<BR/><BR/>Here's the thing though. If you were right beside those people in that disaster zone, and you saw that someone there needed $100 or even $500 for food or equipment or medicine, you'd probably part with that.<BR/><BR/>What Clayton has done, with incredible pictures and eloquent, intelligent accompanying text, is put all of us (even me in Finland) right there beside his family. And we finally have a direct, concrete outlet for our concern for the hurricane victims. We know exactly who is getting our help, what kind of help, and why.<BR/><BR/>Now I want to know: Is there any way to do this kind of thing for other families/people in need as well? A website where people can tell their stories, request socks, etc, and other people can send either money or needed objects right there? Does this already exist somewhere? If this doesn't exist but were set up, is there a way to prevent fraud, so you don't get people requesting things for free and then selling them to their neighbors? There's also the problem of the people in the hardest circumstances are unlikely to have web access to tell their stories/needs. Is there a way to reach them?<BR/><BR/>I believe that people mostly really do want to help others. However, people also have jobs and lives and families, and can't really go out of their way very far to do so. It has to be made easy and straightforward. <BR/><BR/>Any ideas, people?<BR/><BR/>(sorry this was so long)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16914335.post-1131128519142721342005-11-04T13:21:00.000-05:002005-11-04T13:21:00.000-05:00Clayton,I want to tell you how much your story, an...Clayton,<BR/><BR/>I want to tell you how much your story, and what your family's experience has been, and is, has touched my heart and soul. <BR/><BR/>The images, your words, are viceral and poignant. Truth is one powerul experience. I think you do your truth, and so many others going through this experience, incredible justice by your efforts here. <BR/><BR/>I'm a stranger, but I'm a thread in this universal fabric too. Which is apparently a hell of a lot stronger than I ever imagined.<BR/><BR/>We ARE strong together, aren't we? And when we are weak and vulnerable, well...that's just strength of another kind isn't it?<BR/><BR/>All the best to you and your family!<BR/><BR/>SWPAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16914335.post-1130716367548008422005-10-30T18:52:00.000-05:002005-10-30T18:52:00.000-05:00Goddamn Seige- that's absolutely beautiful. I'm s...Goddamn Seige- that's absolutely beautiful. I'm so happy for your Mom and your brother - and for you and your girl too because I know how much you've poured into this - everything that you had and more.<BR/><BR/>The older I get, the more jaded and cynical, the more I stamp "NYer" all over my character and appearance, the more I'm thankful that i was raised by a bunch of po' country-assed big hearted bumpkins. Lord knows they might never really understand most of me, but their love and their giving nature are two of the fiercest things I have ever seen.<BR/><BR/>I think your family found something very similar in Carteret. Congrats.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16914335.post-1130707062833892472005-10-30T16:17:00.000-05:002005-10-30T16:17:00.000-05:00I have been crying for 10 minutes reading this pos...I have been crying for 10 minutes reading this post and the comments. <BR/><BR/>I am like Duchess (from a recent post)a mother of three amazing grown children and I couldn't be prouder of anyone than I am of you. You are amazing. I think you know you aren't white trash and you had your tongue firmly in cheek when you call yourself that. As for high-school, your heart, mind and soul were too big for high school, that's all. <BR/><BR/>I don't have a gift for writing like you do, Clayton, but I hope you know you and your family are loved by me.<BR/><BR/>love, love,<BR/>BAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08467488172877366805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16914335.post-1130465438229873852005-10-27T22:10:00.000-04:002005-10-27T22:10:00.000-04:00oh my god! wow. hooray!!!right on, elizabeth and k...oh my god! wow. hooray!!!<BR/><BR/>right on, elizabeth and kenny from north carolina!!<BR/><BR/>you're an inspiration as a human being and an artist, clayton. you got right down there and used what you do to do what you had to do to take care of your people. you're a warrior, man!! total respect.<BR/><BR/>i've been following _operation eden_ since your second or third post. reading this one, i realize that the power of your voice/vision is such that i've been holding your mom and brother in my heart. i'm so thrilled for them that the good connection got made and that they have a place to get stable. from here, it gets better. <BR/><BR/>take care of yourself. it's okay for *you* to relax now, too.djpoptarthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04422483131929650493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16914335.post-1130453165546636572005-10-27T18:46:00.000-04:002005-10-27T18:46:00.000-04:00It is only after your faith is lost that you can f...It is only after your faith is lost that you can find it. <BR/><BR/>Welcome back to life. <BR/><BR/>We're with you, you know. We're all we have. We have to stand together, and we are.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16914335.post-1130428039122044822005-10-27T11:47:00.000-04:002005-10-27T11:47:00.000-04:00I cried like a baby reading this. Bless your heart...I cried like a baby reading this. Bless your heart. Bless her home.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16914335.post-1130396187317014672005-10-27T02:56:00.000-04:002005-10-27T02:56:00.000-04:00AWESOME!!!!!!!!!Your courage and hope has inspired...AWESOME!!!!!!!!!<BR/><BR/>Your courage and hope has inspired me beyond belief.<BR/><BR/>Your lives have touched so many others, the vastness of this is SO huge!!<BR/>You give people strenth.<BR/>You put my faith back in humanity.<BR/><BR/>Thank you for sharing your powerful intense journey.<BR/>You make others grow, just by being alive.<BR/><BR/>The kindness of others, is your "manifestation" of your ablility to remain open thru all this.<BR/><BR/>May the power of the unseen lift you up and hold you in peace.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16914335.post-1130394463061729342005-10-27T02:27:00.000-04:002005-10-27T02:27:00.000-04:00I cannot describe how this beautiful, earnest and ...I cannot describe how this beautiful, earnest and emotional post has made me feel. I am so happy for you and your family. We are one family closer to rebuilding it all. It will be so slow and so difficult--one family at a time. But it will be done. <BR/><BR/>I'm actually crying, and I didn't realize it.missbhavenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09993878948547565140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16914335.post-1130388084103734852005-10-27T00:41:00.000-04:002005-10-27T00:41:00.000-04:00Dear Clayton;What a huge relief this must be for y...Dear Clayton;<BR/><BR/>What a huge relief this must be for your entire family. Thank goodness for people like Kenny and Elisabeth.<BR/><BR/> I have been following you and your mother's plight since almost the begining. I found your site through (after a fashion) the We're Not Afraid site and if ever a picture says we are not afraid it is the one of your brother running in the waves. I still want to see your mom back in Pearlington in Eden again though. I really hope that happens for her, if she still wants it. Good Job Clayton... Good Job.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16914335.post-1130381968881595552005-10-26T22:59:00.000-04:002005-10-26T22:59:00.000-04:00HOPE...everyone needs it and that is what you brin...HOPE...everyone needs it and that is what you bring with your photos and words, keep up the great work!<BR/><BR/>My mother-in-law and her husband just came from Bay St. Louis for a week here in CA, it was so great to hug them again! They had ridden the storm out as well, and survived...They are now living with our sister in SC, their house is now being gutted by our brother while his wife and baby reside in FL...And then the other brother barely survived in Waveland with his wife and has now decided to call TX his home...So many lives uprooted from this tragedy, and family histories that are being affected every day...But, as you have shown, everything comes full circle, and the circle will continue to get bigger, as more people "pay it forward:)"...<BR/><BR/>And, as I said, you bring:<BR/>Hope for the sad and lonely,<BR/>Hope for the down and out,<BR/>and <BR/>Hope for humanity:)<BR/><BR/>Thanks again,<BR/>JoAnn Bush<BR/>Los Angeles, CA<BR/><BR/>PS Anyone who wants to help MS schools, check out my site @<BR/>www.generation2b.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16914335.post-1130324501381079072005-10-26T07:01:00.000-04:002005-10-26T07:01:00.000-04:00Thankyou Clayton, Thankyou tor showing us what bei...Thankyou Clayton, <BR/>Thankyou tor showing us what being human really means, and giving us all a chance to join in and be human with you. <BR/>Love and peace.Flaming Goddesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09270996757770376627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16914335.post-1130313163149605692005-10-26T03:52:00.000-04:002005-10-26T03:52:00.000-04:00i just commented earlier and this came to me: thi...i just commented earlier and this came to me: this is your story of hope that the magazines were looking for...capitalize on it, it's incredibly powerful. as horrible as it may sound, you can sell this story and bring the rebuilding that much closer, it would make amazing documentary material.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16914335.post-1130312734594543012005-10-26T03:45:00.000-04:002005-10-26T03:45:00.000-04:00these were the most beautiful photos in your very ...these were the most beautiful photos in your very powerful documentation of an overwhelming personal tragedy. i've been following from the very beginning, and after seeing this post i really can't say anything adequate to the task of commenting here. this entry truly made me cry, i'm still crying, but it's in relief for the generosity shown by ordinary people. i wish i had the goodness and the resources of kenny and elizabeth, and wasn't just idly adding my comments.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16914335.post-1130297079414932122005-10-25T23:24:00.000-04:002005-10-25T23:24:00.000-04:00making everyone shmoopier...one internet blog at a...making everyone shmoopier...one internet blog at a time. love you guys.mllewanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03528069492286597786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16914335.post-1130291105497532312005-10-25T21:45:00.000-04:002005-10-25T21:45:00.000-04:00I'm thrilled for you all!I've followed your blog s...I'm thrilled for you all!<BR/>I've followed your blog since the beginning clayton....and I'm so proud of you. Your pictures are beautiful. I hope to see a coffee table book one day! My best to you and your family...and Kenny and Elizabeth!<BR/>RobynAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16914335.post-1130290733252369492005-10-25T21:38:00.000-04:002005-10-25T21:38:00.000-04:00Congratualtions man!Thats terrific news! Clayton, ...Congratualtions man!Thats terrific news! Clayton, you took your talents and put them to good use man.think on that for a moment; would Pearlington received 80 tons of supplies (as reported on NPR) if not for your endeavours? I dont think so. I think your voice and your artwork made this thing roll man, you helped to save your hometown bro, a thing not everyone gets to do. Be proud.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Now that ya'll are "in the neighborhood", if you feel like stopping in sometime let me know! Sure were in the same state, but from Charlotte to Morehead City is only four hours shorter than from Charlotte to New Orleans.It's a pretty big state!<BR/><BR/>Still, tell your momma that if she gets homesick for some good food, my MIL is from Napoleonville down in Ascension Parish, and makes the best Seafood gumbo in all the great state of North cack-a-lackee, and she, your brother yourself and your one and only are welcome any time. Come on over, I'll show you the sites, where Bill Monroe recorded the bulk of his work, where Minor Threat and played, stuff like that.Stevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16394056957171485464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16914335.post-1130290482804915372005-10-25T21:34:00.000-04:002005-10-25T21:34:00.000-04:00What a wonderful story! Please thank Kenny and Eli...What a wonderful story! <BR/><BR/>Please thank Kenny and Elizabeth and the great people in their community for all of us, too.<BR/><BR/>You mean a lot to us now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16914335.post-1130283465999370632005-10-25T19:37:00.001-04:002005-10-25T19:37:00.001-04:00I've read your blog every day, and been touched by...I've read your blog every day, and been touched by your love for your family. <BR/><BR/>Today, I'm touched by the love these strangers have shown your family. <BR/><BR/>And it reminds me that for all the darkness in the world, we can each light the way by sharing our love and what we have with others.<BR/><BR/>Pretty powerful stuff.<BR/>p.s. - Like your photography, your writing is amazing. Thank you for sharing your perspective with all of us so far away, who care so much about those devastated by Katrina.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16914335.post-1130283442821627912005-10-25T19:37:00.000-04:002005-10-25T19:37:00.000-04:00I've been reading your blog since the hurricane. ...I've been reading your blog since the hurricane. I've been tempted several times to comment and today have done so twice. I think you and your family are amazing people. <BR/>I have cried for you, hoped for you and thought about you for months now. Strangers in the ether indeed. And I feel as if I've known your family forever.<BR/>My very best wishes to you and your family. I hope this is the light at the end of the tunnel that you so badly deserve. <BR/>I hope you all rest well tonight and sleep better than you have in months.<BR/>Take care and keep your spirits up.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16914335.post-1130272262753912552005-10-25T16:31:00.000-04:002005-10-25T16:31:00.000-04:00Clayton - You've got angels swarming around you. E...Clayton - You've got angels swarming around you. Eastern North Carolina is a wonderful place full of caring people. I'm so happy for you and your family. Bless you all!keithurbanchichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03152798087789953874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16914335.post-1130270896874653152005-10-25T16:08:00.000-04:002005-10-25T16:08:00.000-04:00Out of the ethernets! My best to you and your fami...Out of the ethernets! My best to you and your family. There are good people in this world. This gives me hope too. Very soulful stuff.Marcohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15368817115763985331noreply@blogger.com