Community: The Artisan Group

I think some of my earliest and fondest memories are of the sense of community in the small rural farming community where I grew up in Alabama. In particular, I recall a get together under the old shade trees in my paternal grandparent’s yard. I was only about five years old at the time, but that is among the earliest of my true memories. I don’t know if we were celebrating a special event, or just coming together as community. But, that sense of being a part of something more has lasted throughout my life. In those early days, to stay connected, you visited with people after church on Sunday. You made homemade cards and gifts. You shared the abundance of your garden with neighbors. You took food to those in need. You visited the sick and lonely. You wrote letters to stay connected to those that lived far away. Of course, this was long before all the online communities that are available today. The underlying concept of community is the same, only the technology has changed.

At various stages of my life, I have been part of military, commuter, work, pancreatic cancer advocacy and handmade communities. Most recently, I have become a part of a growing and thriving community where artists come together to promote and support each other, this community is called The Artisan Group. I get the same sense of community with this online community that I experienced as a child. What I have realized is that when you become part of a community of creative souls, such as The Artisan Group, there are amazing experiences and endless possibilities all within your grasp. This weekend is one such example. The Artisan Group is participating in the 63rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards and my business cards will be included in the bags that go to the celebrities! I am honored to be a member of this amazing and talented group.

Thank you to the founders, Valerie and Nikki, and all the incredible members of the Artisan Group for providing this wonderful and supportive community.

Remembering and Reflecting

Today, I remember and reflect on that day 10 years ago, when we all witnessed the horrible events of September 11, 2001. I realize that my niece and nephew, who are two and six respectively, will always live in a world touched by the events of 911. I am so sorry for the loss of life and the sacrifice of so many brave individuals on that day and every day since then.

On the walk from the metro to my office in DC, I remembered thinking what a beautiful day it was, the sky was so blue. In a few short minutes, our world changed forever, as the horrible events in New York, DC and Pennsylvania unfolded. 911 marked the loss of our innocence.

While watching some of the anniversary coverage today, I was struck by the resilient spirit of those who lost so much. In my own experiences of grief and loss, I have learned that the only thing that eases the pain is the passage of time. My wish is that we all find a measure of peace on this day, as we stop, remember and reflect.