One of the songs I find myself singing or humming is from The Sound of Music “These Are A Few of My Favorite Things.” Since my February theme was about things I love, I am taking a bit of license to change this out to “These are a few of my Favorite People.”
Let me introduce you to friends who inspire me and
others. They aren’t nationally well-known people but those of us who know them
recognize their dedication to the less fortunate in our society.
Kris Bella and I’ve been circle sisters and friends since
the mid-90’s. I will admit I didn’t understand why it was important to her to be
one of the founders of Free Arts Northwest, but a decade and more later, I can
see what she has accomplished. This non-profit provides opportunities for at-risk youth
to be involved in art. Kris has her master’s in art therapy and is an adjunct
professor in Marylhurst College’s Art Therapy program so she does know how
healing art can be. The program Free Arts NW has that I’m most familiar with
is Spring Break Film Camp. While I’ve not been to every premier I’ve been to
more than one.
During this week in March, youth write, direct, perform, edit, etc. their own films. After they are professionally mastered, the Hollywood theater is the venue for the Premier. What I love about this program is that these youth not only have a chance to express themselves but they learn all the pieces to the creative film-making process thus gaining a life-long skill. Many of the youth come back year-after-year until they age out.
During this week in March, youth write, direct, perform, edit, etc. their own films. After they are professionally mastered, the Hollywood theater is the venue for the Premier. What I love about this program is that these youth not only have a chance to express themselves but they learn all the pieces to the creative film-making process thus gaining a life-long skill. Many of the youth come back year-after-year until they age out.
Kris is someone who dreams big and then follows her
dreams. Check out her latest dream manifestation – Arte Soleil, a Studio and
Marketplace (Gift shop) that she and her musician husband, Pete Fennell started.
If you are in the Portland, OR area, check out Arte Soleil’s website to see
hours and when Open Mic and other special events are scheduled.
When my neighbor Juanita retired, she told me that she
wanted to volunteer. She’s always loved animals so she looked for opportunities
to volunteer with programs that support animals. Initially her time was spent with Project Pooch, a non-profit program that matches stray/rescue dogs with
incarcerated youth.
Juanita started Beading the Odds another non-profit that
she heads up under the auspices of Janus Youth Programs. BTO volunteers travel
every Sunday to teach young men how to bead. They learn to make necklaces,
bracelets and earrings. Juanita attends
several events a year to sell the items these young men create. Profits go into
their accounts. They can keep items and give them as gifts to family members
and friends.
Again, when they are released, these young men have a
skill they can use (some are Very Talented artistically) on the outside.
Both Free Arts NW and Beading The Odds accept donations
(cash or supplies). You can reach them directly or if there is a problem,
please let me know and I’ll connect you.
Who do you have in your life who is an inspiration?
Who do you have in your life who is an inspiration?
My first non-fiction book, Staying Sane in a Crazy World is
available at your favorite e-retailer. By
following the simple process outlined in this book, you can create your own
personal staying sane plan when the world around you goes crazy.
Do
you ever feel as if the world around you is tumbling out of control and there is nothing you can do to make your world a better place?
Do
you ever wish there was?
Staying
Sane in a Crazy World may help guide you toward stopping the tumbling and
choosing how to take effective control of your life.
The
reality is there is no One answer that fits all but we each have Our answer.
In
this short guide, Judith Ashley leads you through a straight-forward process
that allows you to find Your answers. Answers you’ll use to craft a Personal Staying Sane Plan that will
help you regain and keep your balance whenever the world around you is
out-of-whack.
© 2018 Judith Ashley
2 comments:
Truly humbled!!
Well-deserved!
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