RESTORE FAITH

I took Griffin out of school yesterday to meet my dear friend Poppy (Allison Hopper) and her daughter Elly to see Barack Obama speak at a rally at nearby Widerner University in Chester, PA It was cold, windy, rainy and a sea of umbrellas! The truth of the matter is that we could not SEE Obama (though with the help of strangers we lifted Griffin up so he could see him from a distance) and it was hard to hear much of what he was saying- moving closer to the speakers did help, but what I came away with the power and energy of the experience. In some ways it reminded me of concerts I have been to before video monitors enabled you to see performers rocking on stage, where the message or the music brings you to the event, but it is the connection with other people, total strangers that gives the experience its true meaning or value. That common bond that reminds us we are all connected and it is art or music or hope that brings us together.

As I got closer to home I saw this message on a board at Gateway Garden Center in Hockessin, DE that seemed to say it all.

Have Faith.

My Day with Danny Garcia

Life, God, the Lord, Source, call it what you will... works in wonderful ways. I needed some help with my computer so I reached out to my friend Jeff Clapp who I call my Mac Guru. Jeff and I worked together a few years back when he initiated a mural project with Red Bank Elementary School. The initiative was titled "Where Art Lives" and was a group of artists led by Jeff working to create a vibrant colorful mural with the children and their families of Red Bank. Fast forward a few years later, and Jeff and his wife Donna have grown, expanded and developed their vision on a global level. visit their website www.wherepeacelives.org to see the inspiring work they are doing. Which brings me to how I met Danny Garcia.... so I called Jeff asking for some tech support and at the end he asks me if I know of anyone living in the DE/PA area because he is working with this guy named Danny Garcia who walks for peace, and is finishing up 12 years of walking 25,000 miles, etc. Danny walks for peace and for children and I guess anything else that touches his heart- or that God asks him to, because this Vietnam Vet, music promoter, teacher, husband, father, and grandfather is also an ordained minister so while he walks he prays. Heavy stuff, but apparently we were meant to meet so yesterday Danny and I walked in the Wilmington area. No heavy trucking, but a lot of heavy talking. wow.

Here is Danny's site, www.globalwalk.cc Check out what he is doing, see if it touches you, and maybe we, too, can be "Pilgrims on the Path of Peace." (from one of my favorite quotes on the walls of Kripalu up in Lenox, MA.

Who knows where this will all lead, but my lesson these days is to get that I am exactly where I am supposed to be, and as Johnny Gillepsie my yoga teacher here says, this is the time to "get into the rhythm of my life." http://www.empoweredyoga.com/index.html
I am grateful for all those who help me to remember that!
Check out his site for his schedules of great classes and his blog with some insightful Dharma talks.

Here is a picture of Danny in front of Francine's Organic Market in Hockessin, DE.

Autumn Inspirations

The leaves are turning, the air is crisp, and the days are still warm. It is Autumn at its finest. The air is also charged with politics and the economy. Trying to stay centered in this time of change and turmoil, I find myself returning to my work and my yoga and meditation practice.
I was out last week by the pond doing some monotypes with pastel. It was good to be outside, working from life and staying present. I also brought the colors, energy and energy of fish flopping about onto a larger piece with the same theme- Autumn Pond. My studio is still a work in progress, but more and more it feels like my space that I can return to.

This is also breast cancer awareness month. Ellen and I speak regularly cross country as we look for ways to continue moving forward with our book Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings and helping others in a more direct way. What I love is that the book has a life of its own. People are starting to find us and share our message with others, gifting it forward, visiting our website www.butterflykissesbook.com, or some other grace of God. Amazon, as well continues to sell the books on a regular basis through their website. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw_0_16?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=butterfly+kisses+and+wishes+on+wings&sprefix=Butterfly+Kisses

But I am especially excited that our book has been found by a wonderful new website and email newsletter. "StyleSubstanceSoul.com is a unique website whose mission is to inspire women to live a life of passion, compassion and action. Our tag line is \"Look good. Feel Good. Do Good,\" and we provide lots of great ways to accomplish those goals every week."
http://stylesubstancesoul.com/themes/butterflies/have_10_minutes.html
I am inspired that there are so many women whose mission is to inspire, support and celebrate each other. Thank you Amy Krause and Lois Alter Mark. I too, look forward to reading StyleSubstanceSoul for some Soul Food.