"I'm sorry, but I don't know who you are", I said. "That's ok, I don't know who you are either," she said with a smile.
And this is how my introduction to Amanda Soule came to be.
Seeing as how almost everyone attending Squam Art Workshops in June could not wait to meet Amanda. It became clear that I was in the minority of not knowing this inspiring woman and her beautiful blog SouleMama.
I have to say that one of the reasons I looked forward to teaching at Squam in June, where the creative focus was more on fiber arts than visual arts, was the opportunity to meet an entirely new circle of creative people ~ one that up until June, I had no prior introduction to via the internet. Since my bond with many of these creative women was instant, it became glaringly obvious, just how much I had narrowed my internet world and community to one that was small and all too familiar ~ (something you don't even think is possible online) It's all too easy in life, whether in person or online to become so focused on your world that you forget to look up once in a while to become aware of a new world and the new people that exist outside of your present line of sight.
Amanda was one of the people, among many, who entered my awareness. And on the days when I wonder if the world will accept and embrace a consistently happy and positive family spirit during a time when so much of the cultural reference to marriage and family is one filled with cynicism, rudeness and apathy ~ all I have to do is visit Amanda's blog to know that ~ yes, genuine beauty, joy, love, appreciation and continuous exploration and encouragement of creativity do exist in American families today. While my love affair with the city I live in, called Los Angeles is slow going, it is growing ~ still there are days when I think the people with whom I share this city have completely lost sight of the simple beauty of life ~ and this is even in a city by the ocean where it's gorgeous and sunny almost every day ~ go figure.
So why am I bringing all of this up today? ~ Well one is to let you know that as a sponsor of Amanda's blog this month, I am giving away one spot in my e-course. To those of you who have already registered, please feel free to enter as well and if you win, I will refund you the course fee. To enter, leave a comment in Amanda's post over at her blog right here. And and as she suggested, if you are so inclined, tell us a creative dream you have right now - big or small! The giveaway ends tomorrow, Sunday morning at 9 am EST. {*UPDATE* AUGUST 23. The winner has been chosen and the e-course is nearing capacity, so if you've been waiting, register soon}
I also want to introduce you to Amanda and her family. If you need more reminders of beauty in the world, you should visit SouleMama as often as you can.
speaking of beauty ~ here's me wishing you an especially beautiful weekend. I am now returning to my "quiet" days away and will see you back here next week.
