“Commit yourself to a dream. Nobody who tries to do something great but fails is a total failure. Why? Because he can always rest assured that he succeeded in life’s most important battle, he defeated his fear of trying.” Robert Schuller
Greetings! The Dreamers into Doers received permission to post pictures of our trip to NY sponsored by Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.
I was in awe as we were taken on a tour of MSLO. Everyone we spoke to loves their jobs and it was evident from the creativity in action. I am in awe of Martha Stewart – a lady who took her passion and built an empire. My thanks to everyone at MSLO and the Sisterhood of Dreamers who made the event possible.
Photo of "Dreamers" with Martha Stewart
More pictures coming – so stay tuned!
Yesterday I posted a picture of the painting I presented to the director at Safe Horizons. Here is the painting’s story and why I named it “New Beginnings”:
This painting symbolizes a life full of New Beginnings.
The tree is each and every person who walks through Safe Horizon’s door. The Tree of New Beginnings grows upward and outward, reaching for heights never dreamed of before. It’s bright, symbolic of freedom to create something new. It’s a fresh start, a white board where one is given the opportunity to begin again. It contrasts with the dark background because the background and the past do not matter. The focus is on the present and the future.
The container is Safe Horizon. Like the container, Safe Horizon provides a protective place for people to live and grow; a place where each person can be nurtured, encouraged, understood, cared for, protected and healed.
If you look closely, there are little green leaves starting to sprout. These represent the new life skills and experiences people go through as they transform their lives. As each person continues to grow, he or she learns new skills. As these new life skills are nurtured, the leaves on the Tree of New Beginnings continue to sprout and flourish.
Lastly, there are red hearts sprinkled on the tree. These represent the hearts of the people at Safe Horizons whose lives are touched by those who are creating their New Beginnings.
Greetings! I’m back from NYC and it was a fabulous trip! I was surrounded by wonderful, energetic, talented women who gave from their hearts.
Because the painting I painted was a surprise for the director of the shelter, I didn’t post a picture. Now that it’s been presented, I’m posting a photo. Tomorrow I’ll share the symbolism of the painting with you all – the same as I shared at the event and in my presentation.
Until tomorrow – Cheers!
New Beginnings - 20x30" Oil on Canvas
Today I travel to NYC to meet the Sisterhood of Dreamers into Doers. I hope I can post to my blog while there. If not, I will have so much to share when I return.
As van Gogh once said, “I have walked this earth for 30 years, and, out of gratitude, want to leave some souvenir.” I have walked this earth for over 50 years and want to leave a souvenir. My hope is the work that has been done for the women at the shelter will help heal spirits that have been broken; bring hope to those who thought they had been abandoned; inspiration for a brighter today; the power to trust others and God; knowledge there are those in this world who do care.
And now, onward……
“Today, be aware of how you are spending your 1,440 beautiful moments, and spend them wisely.” Anonymous
Well, two days until I land in New York and meet all the Sisterhood of Dreamers into Doers. I am excited! To have been a part of this great adventure has stretched me as an artist. But, more importantly, it’s been a very unique spiritual journey.
I have my inspirational talk ready. I hope I can deliver it without tears. The emotions I’ve felt as the Shelter Event has come together have been so moving and so meaningful, I hope everyone would be able to experience such a flood of positive energy in their lives each and every day.
Without Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia embracing the idea for the Dreamers into Doers (http://dreamers.marthastewart.com/) coming to NYC, this would never have been possible. My thanks go out to Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Alexis Tirado, Terry Grahl (http://Enchantedmakeovers.org ) , Jolene Macks (http://www.creatingquitethestir.com), Rachel Gaffney
(http://www.rachelgaffney.blogspot.com) and ALL the DiDs for these past weeks of inspiration, unbridled enthusiasm, positive attitudes and giving hearts.
“We’ve only just begun…..”
Five more days until the Sisterhood of Dreamers into Doers take Manhattan! The outpouring of donations, time and talents to the women and children of Safe Horizons has been – almost – unceasing. They will be so touched and surprised by the warmth and caring……I know I am!
I’m pulling together ideas for the 10 minute talk I will be giving at the shelter event. The words come straight from my heart. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone.
Well, The Sisterhood of Dreamers into Doers are only nine days away from meeting in NYC! I can’t tell you how energizing it has been preparing for this adventure! I have met some incredible women over the web as we work to pull together the Shelter Event. I have seen some of the items that were made for the women at the shelter. It’s been overwhelming - the caring and giving hearts of each and every entrepreneur is indescribable!
Being a part of this Sisterhood has been a life-changing experience for me. Knowing how we will touch so many lives – and make a difference – is inspirational and meaningful. I will make every effort to continue this journey when I return from NYC. That is to say, find other ways to reach out and make a positive difference in this world.
Think about this: How can you make a positive impact in this world?
I am very blessed. These past few days have put me in touch with people who are or have gone through some emotional, difficult times. Each one has a story that has moved me to tears. As I listened or read about their situations, I wanted to reach out and comfort them. But how?
Then the answer came to me – by utilizing my talents, the gifts I’ve been given.
Think about this: how can you lighten some one’s burden, how can you reach out and make a difference in some one’s life? What can you do to help someone?
Remember this: You reap what you sow. Give unselfishly. You will be repaid beyond your comprehension.