Thursday 13 January 2011

The Aftermath



There are so many people here whose homes and businesses are completely wrecked.  People have lost loved-ones and some people have absolutely nothing left. 

My family and I are so lucky and so thankful.  Our homes and businesses have been unaffected.  However, a lot of our friends and clients have been directly affected.

The concept of the cleanup is just so hard to even contemplate.  There is going to be mud everywhere tomorrow and apparently the smell is horrible. 

I am concerned about a few of the businesses we deal with like our upholsterer and our furniture painter.  Their workshops are in the worst effected areas.  I have been trying to contact them to offer our services in the clean-up but I have been unsuccessful so far.

I have decided to re-open Black & Spiro tomorrow as I think we have to try to move on and try to resume life as normal.  People like our upholsterer and furniture painter are going to need us to send them lots of business so that they can get back on their feet therefore, we need to re-open as soon as possible. 

I was so glad to read that most of my favourite Brisbane bloggers are okay too.  We are the lucky ones and we need to reach out and help everyone else try to reccover from this unbelievable disaster.

92 comments:

Fru R. said...

Hi
This is just so tragic. We follow this from Norwegian TV, so many that are affected and who loses everything. You must be thankful that it's gone so well for you.
I am thinking of all those affected by this tragic has happened.
Good hugs from Mette

C. Anne said...

I've been catching glimpses on the news this past few days and I can't imagine how much courage it takes to persevere through a situation like this! Continue to stay safe, I'll definitely keep all Australians affected by the floods in my prayers.

Tegan McIntosh said...

good idea, it is good to get back on track. The pharmacy where I work has been open the whole time, although we are running on a skeleton crew. It gives everyone the chance to come together and do something normal again, instead of just watching the floods.

sharon santoni at my french country home said...

I think the whole world has turned eyes towards you at the moment, we Europeans especially have difficulty comprehending the extent of the flooding and the damage of course.
Glad to hear that you haven't been affected,
Sharon

LatteLisa said...

This is so hard to comprehend. I'm just glad to hear that you are OK and that your business escaped the disaster. I really hope the people you do business with are unharmed.

Best wishes from Belgium,
Lisa

Anonymous said...

I've followed the news here in the Netherlands. What a terrible situation! Hopefully, you and everyone on the affected areas can rebuild their lives quickly. Nice initiative to re-open Black & Spiro. Wish you all teh best!

Ann said...

Good to know you and your family are okay...

My prayers go to those people affected by this calamity...

Jessica Thor-Miller said...

I'm incredibly glad to hear you are reopening. I wish you and all of your friends, family and business associates an expeditious recovery. I can't even imagine what you've all been through.

MT

Anonymous said...

Hi Anna,

Glad to know that you and your family are all safe. I am not one to comment much, but wanted to let you know I was thinking of you and Black & Spiro.

I am still in shock, after helping my sister in law and her neighbours move furniture into their roof spaces and evacuate from Grimes Street in Auchenflower yesterday morning. It was very surreal.

My heart goes out to your readers and friends who have been affected.

Take Care.

Ash Nolasco
Bracken Ridge, Brisbane.

Kerri - Driftwood Interiors said...

Glad to hear you and your family are safe and sound Anna. As hard as it is, I agree that we need to return to normality as soon as possible, if only to keep the things ticking along as best we can. Hoping your business friends are ok and back in business very soon. K xx

pve design said...

Bless you and your kind and considerate heart, of course you will be thinking of all your contacts and support those in need. Miracles do happen and you have such a gift to share goodness, not only in your design and your shop but straight from your creative heart.
I ache for those that have to start over and re-build from all the flood devestation.
pve

Porchlight Interiors said...

I don't think we can comprehend the clean up to come and sadness felt for those who have lost their lives. Glad you and your family have faired well through this.

Unknown said...

From far-far up north, I'm thinking of you all!
Take care,
u.

Anonymous said...

I agree Anna, everyone needs the support now, so hard to comprehend, but glad all is well with you and your family.

Urbanstems said...

Its going to be a long and tough road for lots of people. Glad to hear you are okay and your business. Sinead

Marina Saclley @ Iced VoVo's said...

It's been heart wrenching to watch all this unfold on TV.
Happy to hear you are alright ... but very sad for the lost lives and missing.

I love the way Australians just soldier on when something like this happens ... and add a little humour ( The motto: Keep calm and carry on - in the kayak is quite important in these times)

Stay safe Anna ...
xx

MER said...

Keeping everyone in our prayers as we watch from London.

Unknown said...

I follow your blog regularly from Richmond, Virginia in the US. I've also followed the news about the horrible flooding, and I'm so sorry for the terrible loss. We are praying that your community will get through this with strength and resilience.

Fiona said...

We are all thinking of you in America. My cousin and uncle in Brisbane had their houses spared; I wish everyone were so lucky.

RAFFY said...

I hope you return soon to normal life, although disasters like this always leave a mark.
I am from Florence, Italy, and in 1966 there was a terrible flood. I was not born yet but the memory is everywhere ...
I’m glad to know that tomorrow reopen your shop, is definitely a concrete sign and I am sure that your upholsterer and other employees will thank you!
Best wishes, we are close despite the great distances!
Raffy G

Caroline said...

OMG! What a photograph! I hope that wasn't right next to your home? My prayers go out to your community, I am grateful that nothing happened to you, funny that you still had window shoppers!
Wishing you a speedy recovery, Caroline

Lindsey Suggs said...

Hi Anna,

Sending you positive thoughts and prayers to you and your neighbors from the East Coast of the US. My hometown flooded after a hurricane over 10 years ago, and I will never forget all of those who were affected and how much it changed my town. Wishing everyone safety and a speedy recovery...

Brown Button Trading said...

What an incredible photo, where was it taken? Thoughts will be with you as you return to work tomorrow - I know cash donations are one of the best ways we can support the state from far away, but as you hear of other ways please let us know. lots of love from the south xx

Becky Brocato said...

They are calling this disaster "Australia's Katrina", and being from the Gulf Coast in the US, we totally understand what you are going through. Looking at all the coverage, it looks like it has affected a much larger area than Katrina did, so we wish you all the best in your recovery.

The Faux Fashionista said...

Hi! I've been following your blog silently for quite some time but I think now would be a good time to leave a comment.

First of all, am glad to hear that you and your family are safe, and that Black and Spiro is unaffected. I also think it's really admirable that you are thinking about others and offering help wherever possible.

I actually heard on the news that there's "too much help" coming forth, which is extremely heartening especially in such tragic circumstances.

Prayers to all of you!

A Perfect Gray said...

thinking of you all...

donna

Fiona Cartolina said...

i was thinking about some of my Australian blogging friends and wanted to offer my condolences and concerns.
It's a great idea to open Black and Spiro at this time.
Best of luck to you.
Fiona - Cartolina

Unknown said...

So sorry to hear about all this flooding. Good luck with the clean up and the aftermath.

Erika Machamer said...

I am glad you are okay.

It is hard to know how we can help ... can you please let us know organizations we can contact or work with from afar to support the recovery?

Australia is very dear to us - my husband is my souvenir from a wonderful trip there.

Again - please let us know how we can help - I would love to know from someone there vs. a news outlet.

Stephanie said...

Hoping for the best to come and having my warmest thoughts for all the people in Queensland.
Wishing you the best from Luxembourg.

Yer Cinnamon Girl said...

As soon as I saw this I thought of you and a couple of other people I follow out of Brisbane. I am so happy you are okay and sorry for others who are not. It is a tragedy! I send my love and well wishes to all.

I Dream Of said...

Hi Anna, I was traveling this week and not able to keep up with my favorite blogs, but whenever I heard about the news from Brisbane, you and Black & Spiro were on my mind. I am so glad to check in this morning and read that you stayed dry, but feel for your friends and neighbors who weren't as fortunate. Reopening your doors and trying to get back to normal does seem like the best way to support your community. I hope that everyone is able to recover soon.
Best,
Jeanne

Habitually Chic said...

I'm so glad to hear that you and your family are safe and your homes were unaffected. The coverage on the news was very scary. I can't wait to meet you soon!

Anonymous said...

I've been seeing footage of this here in the States as well, and my heart goes out to you. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way, and I'm glad that your lovely business is still intact.

Lee Nicholson said...

So glad you & family are okay. With people like you helping others all will be right once again.

Gunn said...

I am also pleased to hear that you and your family are ok. Good and also important to help your friends and colleges. I wish you all the very best!

quintessence said...

Such a tragedy - but so pleased to hear that you and your family have been spared in this dreadful natural disaster. My thoughts go out to all those who have lost their businesses and homes. May they be on the road to recovery soon.

Anonymous said...

thank you for the update snippets that you have been sharing with us. we have family in the brisbane area that we've been worried about and have had a somewhat difficult time getting a hold of. being so far away (we're in hawaii) kicks up our anxiety about our family and friends that are having to deal with the flooding and aftermath ... especially since there is nothing we can do except send our thoughts and prayers out to all of you. take care of yourselves!

Unknown said...

Following the news from the States! Grateful you are alright - the photos have been terrifying - thoughts and prayers to your countrymen and women -

Unknown said...

Hi Anna
I am so sorry to hear about the disaster in your area. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kindest Regards
Patricia

k.somerville said...

Stay strong and sending thoughts and prayers your way from Kentucky.

Jennifer of chambersstreet.blogspot.com said...

So grateful you and yours are ok. Huge prayers for your country. ~Jennifer

Pigtown*Design said...

Anna... i've been thinking of you and your fellow brisbanians and wishing you all the best.

 Viv said...

Much love to you all in Brisbane. I can't imagine how scary it must be x

paula said...

truly heartbreaking... praying for all affected.

Pineapple Villa said...

I agree with you about opening...those people you deal with ARE going to rebuild and you are right they will need your business once that finally happens. I cant really comprehend how or when this clean up could happen as the scale is so, so mind blowingly big. take care all, Mel xx

The Avarice said...

Sending thoughts and prayers from South Carolina, USA. My mother's home was destroyed in Hurricane Katrina and I have been glued to the television watching this tragedy unfold. I am glad to hear you and yours are okay and I'm sending sunshine and healing vibes to Brisbane and all of the cities and towns affected.

Jane said...

very glad to hear you are ok. I wish I could help the many thousands of people who have been affected.....

Lisa said...

Glad to hear that you and your family are okay! Our thoughts are with those who were not so fortunate!

Unknown said...

This will not break Queensland's spirit, be proud of who you are and where you come from. We will get through this time of terrible disaster. We are in this together. Well done Anna for keeping everyone informed.

My Life of Domestic Bliss said...

My prayers and thoughts go out to all who are impacted by the floods. I do know how it feels because I was flooded in 1994 here in Georgia. It is a scary feeling... it does get better and life does go on. Hang in there, Brisbane!
Sending good thoughts,
Lisa

Carolyn Chebaro said...

Sending you good thoughts and prayers from South Florida

Luciane at HomeBunch.com said...

Oh, Dear Anna and all Australian friends...

All I have to say I say to God during my prayers... I'm thinking about you. I feel for you.

Be strong... it will get better.

xo

Luciane at HomeBunch.com

beachvintage.com said...

Oh Anna, it's so bad. I agree though that we need to get open and keep our local economy moving along as best we can. I am glad to hear your shop was OK - as mine. It's just completely devastating.

Glamour Drops said...

Bravo to your attitude Anna! Yes, I think we all need to support Qld businesses now as much as possible - and I will be specifying products from your region as much as I can to help local business. Wonderful to hear that you are obviously on high ground and quite safe. Warm thoughts from Melbourne.

Louise (Table Tonic) said...

I think it is virtually impossible to comprehend a natural disaster of this magnitude. As much for those in the thick of it as for us interstate Aussies. Pleased to ear you all remain relatively unscathed (I've been thinking about you up there - my brother and his wife/her family are in Brissie too).

It seems strange to say, but if there is anyway you feel I can help support you and your people, yell.
xxx
Lou

Anonymous said...

WOW! What a shocking and important post. Thanks and best of luck to you!

Betsy

Carly {covet.collect.connect} said...

Hi Anna - these things are torturous at the time, and the financial cost can carry on for many years, but it's a big reminder how none of us, or our businesses, are islands (so to speak!) - wishing you and all your suppliers lots of sunny days as you get back on your feet and creating and working again.

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you are all safe and your business has not been affected by this terrible disaster, my heart breaks for the loss of peoples homes, businesses and treasured possessions like photo's that can never be replaced, not to mention the loss of lives, all we can do is go out and help those in need x

Jenny Castle Design said...

Thinking of you and all of those who are affected. Hang in there.

amelia farah said...

Good to know you and your family are okay...
Here in Brazil we are also suffering from the revolt of nature, it is very sad to see beautiful places to be destroyed and people lost everything, but we have hope in better days. good luck.

Robin Baron @ Simplifying Fabulous! said...

Wow what a crazy picture! I'm glad you're safe and my thoughts are with everyone affected that they can recover soon!

Shirley Crowley said...

i've been following your blog and this story from san francisco. wishing you the best of luck - and THANK YOU, for being courageous and moving on with life. this kind of strength is important and will be comforting for all of your friends and clients and suppliers who have been adversely affected.

Shirley Crowley said...

i've been following your blog and this story from san francisco. wishing you the best of luck - and THANK YOU, for being courageous and moving on with life. this kind of strength is important and will be comforting for all of your friends and clients and suppliers who have been adversely affected.

Unknown said...

I feel deep sadness. My prayers and thoughts are with you and those around you.

girloliver said...

Thoughts and prayers from CA, USA....

White Tapestry said...

It really is a horrible thing that has happened..so happy to hear you are going to get back to normal, as much as you can. My thoughts are with everyone.

Unknown said...

I am happy to read that you are ok! I have been following the tragic developments over the last days and was shocked to see how fast things could turn from bad to worst.
Any way we can help?
Is there a nationwide collection through Red Cross going on, where we could donate something?
Anything else? I feel so helpless sitting here just offering words of support!

xoxo Victoria

crt said...

my city experienced a flood of such proportions last year, so we in Nashville, Tennessee USA understand how you feel. we send our thoughts, prayers and wishes to you in Australia. much love

mOnTy @holasomos7 said...

Ohh my God. I feel terribly sorry hearing of this. We also suffer a natural disaster long time ago, I was a child. I'm glad to hear that you and your family are ok.! From Spain. Monty.

Tracey said...

Thanks for your updates. It's a crazy world out there. Thinking of everyone affected and sending good vibes. x

marthalena said...

So glad you, your family and your store are ok. I'd been waiting anxiously for your update. My heart goes out to those less fortunate...Hugs from Canada.

Exquisite Accessories said...

So glad that you & your family are safe Anna my thoughts & Prayers are with Brissy & so many other QLD towns So proud to be a Queenslander wish I could be there to help!! x

cathyswatercolors said...

We are sending our love to you in Australia during these trying times. xoxo cb

Letitia Linke - The White Shed said...

Glad to hear your business and home are ok and like you am thinking of all of those who have lost everything! Letitia

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

I am sad for what is happening in your beautiful country. I send my prayers from Chicago.

Fondly,
Glenda

lillelykke said...

Your blog is the first one I ever read. I was stoked when I found out your shop is in New Farm. I used to stay in Harcourtstreet as a backpacker and my sister just moved to Brisbane. They're now living just off Oxford street and luckely they're also fine. But the devistation is enormous and the worries overseas from her family huge. My heart goes out to those who have lost in this flood. I know people say it's just 'things'. In one way that is true but those things come with a lot of memories.
All the best,
Caroline from the Netherlands

One of my Hobby Blogs said...

so glad to hear you are ok, and your lovely shop! It's a terrible time up in QLD, down here in Melb has had a few probs with floods, but nothing compared to you guys. thinking of you...

The House That A-M Built said...

So pleased that Black and Spiro sits on a 'grassy knoll'... (that's what I refer to any land that was spared). Your gorgeous things would not 'do mud' that well. As I said to Simone (Beach Vintage), I need to go shopping for something pretty for my walls/high up. A sort of, 'yay, we were spared' present. If anything in your shop comes to mind for my 'humble digs', let me know! :) See you back at school! A-M xx

Hunt Studio Design said...

It's hard to even imagine the depth of this disaster. Love and prayers to all who are affected

Veronica Fukuda said...

In Brazil we are experiencing a similar tragedy in Rio de Janeiro. I understand how you feel about this drama. I am solidary to you. I hope everything will be fine.
Hugs from Brazil.

Mélanie A. said...

This is a tragedy . I have been thinking of you . I'm glad to read you are fine

designchic said...

Our hearts are heavy as we see and hear the news of your beloved Australia. Thinking of you all!

tippaniny said...

Glad to hear your shop is OK - it was so heartbreaking to watch my hometown go under water and speak to my folks as they worked on the cleanup of their place. Thoughts are with everyone and definitely keep business going and city alive! :-)

Luciane at HomeBunch.com said...

Anna, my dear...

I am anxious to hear about and yours.


I live in Canada but I was born and raised in Brazil and my family still lives there. We're having the same problems with flooding as you guys in Australia. More than 600 people lost their lives.

I just feel really sad about this all... you watch and you can't hold the tears. I am praying for all of this to stop soon.

I feel for you and all the Australians, and now my people brazilian people too.

xo


Luciane at HomeBunch.com

BeColorful said...

I had a long comment all typed out for you but somehow lost it. So now, in short, I just want to say how sorry I am to hear and see this. I am from Iowa in the U.S. and other than the deaths ( we were unbelievably lucky) I understand first hand what you are going through.
I'm not going to lie to you. There are some very difficult and frustrating days ahead and recovery from this type of event is slow. With a tornado people have insurance but many of the people in our area didn't have flood insurance and that has complicated and really slowed our recovery. It has been two years since our flood. I posted one month after, one year, and two years into our recovery if you are interested in what to expect in the months and years ahead. You can find it all archived under Rebuilding Cedar Rapids.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Hugs to you and your community.
Pam @ BeColorful

The Buzz Blog @ Diane James Home said...

This is so tragic - our hearts and prayers go out to all of those affected. We are very happy to read that you are safe.

Mimi said...

We are just passing by the same tragedy here in Brazil. From last week till now, more than 600 people have died in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Beautiful cities like Petropolis, Terezopolis and Nova Friburgo, once filled of tourist who were looking for peace, fresh air and wonderful views.
We have no idea how to "fix" the cities, and we know we'll never be able to "fix" the souls of those who've lost everything, every detail of theis past and history...
We're too sad.
God help us all.

A Whimsical Girl Named Debbie said...

My prayers go out to you all! It is not for us to try to understand, "Why?!" But we must believe that through this tragedy GOOD will prevail! I am asking God to keep you all safe!

http://girlwhimsy.blogspot.com

Julie Richard - Shelter said...

I've actually been thinking of you and everyone in the area. My heart goes out to you, your family and everyone in Australia effected by this terrible disaster.

Take Care,
Julie

GirlNamedJames said...

This is one of the most beautiful and gut-wrenching photographs I have seen in a while.

Anonymous said...

Anna, I saw on TV today that Australia has suffered from the rain. Honey, here in my country, Brazil, two weeks ago was the greatest tragedy. There are now 840 dead. God help your country and mine. Hugs.