may this dress convey my deep appreciation . . . .

'dress of appreciation' for my 'village'

Appreciation is the highest form of prayer, 

for it acknowledges the presence of good 

wherever you shine the light 

of your thankful thoughts. Alan Cohen

This dress goes out to so many people who have stood by me through many trials and tribulations as well as joys and celebrations. 

This dress especially goes out to all those wonderful souls who gave me a much needed boost yesterday as I struggled, in the nth hour, to complete a grant application before the midnight deadline.

Yesterday's experience has given me a new perspective on Facebook! 

As many know, I am always wondering about Facebook, 

what do we gain from it?

is it just a massive time-taker removing us further from the physical and tactile real world??  

But yesterday I benefitted from FB's existence. 

Usually with FB I post photos and work related information (with some personal pictures here and there) 

But yesterday as my frustration with myself and the grant process was overtaking me I posted a quick statement: 

help!!! the grant is due by midnight and my brain is mush!!!!! how do I write about why i make art?!?!? it is my life force sounds a bit dramatic?!?!?  — feeling lost.

then  I went to back to computer, staying away from FB as I knew it would be just another mode of procrastination. However, when I finally did take a peek, a few hours later, I found a sea of good wishes, encouragement, suggestions and even an offer to help me!!!! 

I was faklempt!!

This outpouring of good thoughts gave me new energy to tackle the grant beast.

Also I did take my awesome grant writer and good friend from high school, Theresa Arndt Rudacille, up on her offer. She helped edit my essays and I have never been more satisfied with a grant proposal ever before!! She so knows what she is doing!!! 

And for the last 24 hours or so,

I have had the expression, 

'it takes a village' 

running through my head! :)

And I so appreciate my village!!

I so appreciate the support, encouragement, 

kindness, strength and help that my village gives me!

Thank you & peace ~