Everyone Has a Dream

People fleeing from all over the world and begging entrance into other countries due to fear, starvation, persecution and worse has made immigration more prominent now than I can ever remember. Take away all of the political chatter and you realize that immigration is simply (people) who leave their own home and country of birth to go live permanently in a foreign country. Their reasons for doing so are probably as long as their list of names? Whether to pursue a dream and/or to find better opportunities for themselves and their families, human migration has been going on since the dawn of time.

Alongside my own personal research, I've been having some intriguing conversations with my Dad the past few years regarding a certain immigrant we knew who has long ago passed and was so very loved by many. Due to circumstances beyond his control, and in hopes of having a better life, this man immigrated to a foreign country all by himself, when he was just sixteen years old. He had been apprenticed to a cabinetmaker at age ten and didn't speak a lick of English when he set off on the epic adventure that would take him to a place he would, for the rest of his life, know as home.

Respectful and kind, this intense individual always had a friendly smile on his face and spoke his words with passion and fire all at the same time! He grew incredibly delicious tomatoes (and tons of other vegetables), created furniture that filled their home and always had a stash of his own homemade wine and vinegar in the basement cellar. His wife, of almost 65 years, loved to sing and sew. She was an immigrant as well.

Without a doubt, immigration is a prominent subject that deserves attention. I'd humbly like to shine the spotlight on the journey of one very special man. A man I simply knew as Nono; a man they called Ned. He stood proud and persevered! That's a consequence of living life.

Comments

She's a little bit country. She's a little bit rock 'n' roll

I bought this piece from a guy named Jake. I saw it advertised and loved it, so I called him right away to inquire and we spoke about it for a few minutes. He owns a bike repair shop in Denver and didn't have the space for it anymore - I texted him the next day and what turned out to be the day after to reiterate my intentions. I really wanted it, but wasn't able to get up there till later in the week... would he hold it for me? Turns out I wasn't able to pick it up at all... and a week or two passed. Fortunately for me, when I texted him again, apologizing for my absence..and, was it still available, he said yes. I was really attracted to it's Mid-century modern shape. Jake (a cool, young dude with tattoos, a wild head of hair and a bushy beard) told Russ (who so kindly picked it up for me on his way home from work) that he had "painted it black a few years ago" as they worked together to load it into the truck. The thing is heavy...

Re- Purposeful

One of my recent projects has been a new frame for a gorgeous hand painted watercolor I bought when in Yuma for Christmas. My "Mom" (and friend), the fun and adorable Doris and I did a little shopping and had a blast! We were just out and about looking for "stuff"... I've been a closet junk shopper for a few decades now... I guess I first started hunting on my own when I was in my first year at WSU; around that time my friend Jackie introduced me to a gal who lived on her dorm floor. Her friend Jennifer collected vintage dresses and I recall thinking it was an interesting but odd thing to collect. I definitely didn't like the idea of wanting a closet full of musty old dresses... but I also remember the pride she had while showing off her marvelous collection. She told me she found her dresses at thrift stores and Estate sales. Hmmm! I rem...

The Embracing of Change...

This has become my Signature quote. It became such after one of the gals in District, who has really been implementing her learnings out in the real world and as a result, has been exploding her business (in an awesome, incredible, eye opening, jaw dropping way), told me that it was really inspiring, she completely believed it and absolutely loved it! In my position, I help others to learn how to run their own small businesses. I've been believing in, nurturing, empowering and encouraging others to pursue their dreams by being their own boss so that they can work when, where & how they want. After all, that's pretty much the ultimate American dream, isn't it?! The thinking goes something like: if you work for yourself you'll love what you do, you'll work hard, you'll reap what you sow... right? Most importantly, you won't have to be chained to the Company's desk, calendar, agenda, program, ho...

Welcome!

Search This Blog