Hazel Wonderland Blog

Become Your Dream: Heather McKay Bowes

March 21, 2013

Meet photographer, Heather McKay Bowes (yep, that’s her playing in the snow). I asked Heather for an interview for my Become Your Dream series. When I received her interview with her images, I was reminded how much I love her work. Her works tell a story, which I wanted to share with. A story of love, adolescence & family, a story I want to remember and hold onto. These pictures remind me of what it felt like to be a kid, so happy, full of imagination and wonder. And what it might feel like to be a parent. I had a hard time limited or editing Heather’s images because they are that amazing, so here they are in full glory.

Heather McKay Bowes Photographer Family Children Become Your Dream: Heather McKay Bowes

Heather McKay Bowes Photographer Family Children 1 Become Your Dream: Heather McKay Bowes

1) Tell us about yourself and where you’re located.

Hello! What a wonderful treat to be interviewed here at Hazel Wonderland. When I first came across HW while looking for a logo designer I completely fell in love with the art and vision that it is.

I live in Epsom, NH in an 1850 farmhouse with my husband and our two children Jack and Maggie. We live surrounded by farms and forests and a great community of neighbors. We have been here less than a year, having moved from Park City, Utah.

2) What is your business and what sets you apart from others?

I am a photographer with the majority of my work being commissioned portraits of children and their families. I have also photographed intimate weddings, birthday celebrations, family reunions, and some commercial and editorial assignments. You may also find me backstage bumping elbows in the photo pits of some pretty incredible concerts. In the last year I have begun mentoring artists and photographers in helping them find their true vision, using nature to find their path. It has been so inspirational.

Heather McKay Bowes Photographer Music Become Your Dream: Heather McKay Bowes

What sets me apart? Well, there are so many incredible portrait photographers out there and I suppose that I have set myself apart by following my heart. My love of nature is as strong as my love of photographing people, they seem to have become one. Some have described my work as more of a Naturalist photographer than a Portrait photographer. I use simple composition with a sense of serenity between my subjects and the natural world asking my clients to allow me to photograph them as they are, their everyday ordinary events. I also avoid much of the pomp and circumstance in the social media world of forums and such, try to stay off the grid as much as possible. Doing this while running a business is a tricky bit, but I feel it more important to do what I need to stay grounded.

Heather McKay Bowes Photographer Family Children 3 Become Your Dream: Heather McKay Bowes

Heather McKay Bowes Photographer Family Children 7 Become Your Dream: Heather McKay Bowes

Heather McKay Bowes Photographer Family Children 9 Become Your Dream: Heather McKay Bowes

3)What is your passion in life and/or business?

My passion in life is to raise my children to find inspiration, peace, and wonder in the simple beauty which surrounds them. To find joy not in the material things but rather in life experiences and the people they share them with. In business my passion is showing others through photographs, the beauty they each possess. To allow them to see that they have a truly magical and wonderful life no matter how simple, chaotic, or uncertain it may seem.

4) What brings you ultimate joy and inspiration?

Being outdoors with the people I love. Climbing mountains, a tent by a river, laying under the stars with my family on a warm summer night. I am always inspired by just how small we are and just how grand the world is, how perfect it is, a true masterpiece.

Heather McKay Bowes Photographer Family Children 5 Become Your Dream: Heather McKay Bowes

Heather McKay Bowes Photographer Family Children 6 Become Your Dream: Heather McKay Bowes

Heather McKay Bowes Photographer Family Children 11 Become Your Dream: Heather McKay Bowes

Heather McKay Bowes Photographer Family Children 10 Become Your Dream: Heather McKay Bowes

5) Who are your dream customers/clients?

My dream clients are the ones who trust me and push me. It is a give and take, my work is always a collaboration.

6)What has been one of your biggest lessons or challenges as an entrepreneur, and how did you learn from it?

Having the confidence to charge what I ought to. I give too much away, and then that is time away from my children, my family, which I can’t get back. Learning that time IS money and that I need to sometimes remove my heart from my art when it comes time to make a profit, to pay our bills. It has taken much discipline to keep my numbers visible and firm. Something often difficult for those of us who work in the creative field.

7) Where do you see yourself in three years from now?

This is usually an ongoing list which gets revised monthly and sits on the right side of my desk. Here is a bit of the less immediate list:

bigger vegetable garden and more canned storage space in the basement

flower garden

4 beehives (I get my first package of bees this April!)

learning the art of encaustics and using it with my photography

filling more pages within our passports

more mountain tops reached and national parks explored

more nights under the stars

increased editorial work

more portrait clients across the country

a published book

8)30 seconds in an elevator with your role model, who would it be and what would you say?

John Muir. I would say “thank you”.

9) If money were no issue where would you be and what would you be doing?

Dream time! I like this question.

First I would purchase the 150 acres surrounding our home for the dairy cows down the road and to be sure it doesn’t get developed. A small cabin in Tollgate Canyon, Utah outside Park City so that we could visit our friends and be in the mountains often. Spend a month camping, hiking, photographing Big Sur with my family. I just drove the 17 mile Highway in CA last week in a hurry and promised to return to be under those trees. My husband would be home more, working less. Most certainly I would be exposing more film and gifting more prints to those who can’t afford to have portraits made. And teaching, teaching children, artists, and anyone who has lost their vision and could use the help of a few nights under the stars and among the trees.

10) Any words or wisdom you would like to share with others looking, striving to become their own dream?

My immediate words are simple. Go Outside

Don’t compare yourself to others, don’t compare your work, your process, your art or your dreams. Stay humble and stay curious. Do what you can with what you have. Remember, THIS is where it is beautiful. Right here, right now.

Heather Mckay Bowes Stuio Photographer Become Your Dream: Heather McKay Bowes

I am currently listening to: DeVotchka

Favorite Book: Gnomes by Poortvliet/Huygen

My Favorite Business Tool: other than my camera it is my Field Notes. (www.Fieldnotesbrand.com) “an honest memo book worth fillin’ up with good information”

Favorite Quote: “I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, I was really going in.” John Muir

Find more on Heather here at her portfolio, tumblr and blog. And Heather, thank you – you have reminded me how grateful I am to be here.

Picture of Heather by Dan Campbell

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Beautiful Food: DragonFruit

March 19, 2013

Dragon Fruit Illustration Watercolor Beautiful Food: DragonFruit

Dragon Fruit Photo Beautiful Food: DragonFruit

If you have been following my blog, you may have caught on that I love food. But not just any food, healthy, nourishing, colorful, organic, local and beautiful food.

I am always looking to grow my knowledge of plants, herbs and food so I thought I would pick up some new fruit I don’t know much about and have never tasted. Here is just one of many photos and illustrations of the fruits I sampled. This one is the dragonfruit, or pitaya.

The dragon fruit is native to Mexico, Central and South America, but can be cultivated in places like East and South Asia, Hawaii and Australia. Like a kiwi, you consume the fleshy part, not the skin. Unlike the colorful and striking exterior of the fruit, the flesh was bland with a slight sweetness like that of a melon or kiwi. The dragonfruits are a good source of vitamin C and is rich in fiber and minerals like calcium and phosphorus. The seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Dragonfruits contain phytoalbumins, which have antioxidant properties that help prevent the formation of cancer cells. Additionally, dragonfruits are also known to increase the excretion of heavy metal toxins from the body. These are just a few of several nutritional benefits you will find about the dragonfruit. More fruit and food profiles coming soon.

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Information for the dragonfruits was found here and here.

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Become Your Dream: Christine Lindstrom of Mai Autumn

March 15, 2013

There is nothing more present than the sense of calm and beauty when I look at Christine Lindstrom’s work. I have admired her work for the past few years and finally had a chance to connect with her by inviting her to be a part of Become Your Dream. The lovely, talented and inspiring Christine Lindstrom of Mai Autumn welcomes us to her world of serenity & simplicity through every stroke of the brush and humble word. I am elated to have her here.

1. Tell us about yourself and where you’re located.

My name is Christine Lindstrom and I am currently in the lovely little beach town of Ocean Grove, NJ. I am such a nature lover, and my work is so very inspired by the feeling of calm I get when I can grab a second to just relax outdoors – whether it’s for a cup of tea on my porch, a bike ride around town, or a long walk on the boardwalk to clear my mind. I often think of myself as similar to a plant, in the sense that, if I don’t have sunshine, I wouldn’t be able to live!

Mai Autumn Bird Painting Flowers Calm Become Your Dream: Christine Lindstrom of Mai Autumn

2. What is your business and what sets you apart from others?

I am an illustrator and designer, and I like to think that my business is an ever changing, constantly growing expression of my creativity. I love all things pretty, and my goal in life is to simply keep making, sharing and experiencing things that make a person feel delighted at the sight of them. I have always made it a point to stay true to my own vision and intuition when I make my work, so I suppose my business is unique because of my own personal taste and vision. I have never been good at this question when I’ve read it in business books, except to know in my heart that I am unique because I stay true to what’s in my heart at all times. Not many people live by that guiding light so stubbornly as I do

3. What is your passion in life and/or business?

My passion in life thus far has been to inspire people and to bring a little beauty into their lives. I used to work as a pastry chef for a cake decorator, and the feeling of satisfaction I got from knowing that I had created a memory of happiness, just through something I created, was amazing. I am passionate about our connection as human beings and I feel that art speaks to this connection and brings all of us closer in a world where we are often so alone in our own minds. It may be a small contribution, but I have had many experiences when one piece of art, whether it be a song, a book, a movie, or a painting, has changed my trajectory so drastically, that I know deep down that I am doing something worthwhile.

Mai Autumn Studio Become Your Dream: Christine Lindstrom of Mai Autumn

Mai Autum Bird Painting Become Your Dream: Christine Lindstrom of Mai Autumn

4. What brings you ultimate joy and inspiration?

It’s the little things that always make me happy and inspired – a sunny day, French macaroons, buying new art supplies, a quiet moment in my garden with my sketchbook, watching my cat enjoy a spot of sunshine, grocery shopping, fresh flowers. The list of little things that inspire me is endless. I find that happiness comes easiest when one pays attention to simplicity.

5. Who are your dream customers/clients?

I’m obsessed with Anthropologie, and my dream would be to sell some of my stationery or future home decor designs in their gorgeous stores. Other than that, I don’t really know if I would weigh any other customer as more of a dream than any other. All of my customers are so lovely and the messages they send me about my work is always such a dream in and of itself!

6. What has been one of your biggest lessons or challenges as an entrepreneur/artist, and how did you learn from it?

Dealing with the ebb and flow of business has been a challenge from day one. Even years later, I find myself worrying that one day this will all just come to a complete stop. I always need to keep myself balanced, calm and confident, though, knowing that I have created this business and I have structures in place to continue its growth. Reminding myself that all of this has come from hard work, and not luck, has been a good mantra to live by. Also, keeping a healthy work/life balance is a constant struggle when you work from home and your to do list beckons you at all times. Actually scheduling in down time and time to see friends and family has been helpful at evening that out lately.

7. Where do you see yourself in 3 years from now?

“A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do.” – Bob Dylan
As long as I’m still living by that statement, then I’ll be happy. From what I can tell now, that would mean painting, eating good food, having people in my life that I love, and experiencing all this world has to offer. I don’t need much, what can I say?

Mai Autumn Stationary Flowers Become Your Dream: Christine Lindstrom of Mai Autumn

8. If you had 30 seconds in an elevator with your role model, who would it be and what would you say?

This is interesting, because the universe has somehow brought some of my role models into my life and turned them into actual mentors. So, I suppose any new role models that I come across in my life would probably simply get me saying something like, “I’m a big fan of your work. How’s it going?” That has worked out pretty well in the past.

9. If money was no issue, where would you be and what would you be doing?

I would definitely still be painting, but would probably experiment a LOT more than I already do. I have always wanted to spend my summers here in New Jersey with my friends and family, and spend winter someplace warm (as much as I love nature, I can’t stand the cold for more than a few days). I would also travel a lot – spending time someplace different for a month or so at a time would be fantastic.

Mai Autumn Painting Painter Flowers Become Your Dream: Christine Lindstrom of Mai Autumn

10. Any words of wisdom you would like to share with others striving to become their dream?

Be authentic to who you are and listen to your intuition. Also, it’s good to remember that life is constantly changing and often comes in cycles of good, bad, stressful or blissful. Learning to accept the shifts and changes as they come is important to keeping the balance.

Fun facts
————
I am currently listening to: I can’t get enough of Lana Del Ray lately!
My favorite book is: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Or The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle
My favorite business tool or piece of equipment is: Romantic answer: My Russian watercolor set, or a new panel or canvas to paint on. Practical answer: My iPhone. It does everything!
My favorite quote is:
“I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: ‘If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?’ And whenever the answer has been no for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.”
― Steve Jobs

Find Christine’s work here: Shop, Blog, Pinterest and Facebook. Hey Christine, let’s meet- we only live 4 hours from one another!

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Scenes from Screen-Printing

March 13, 2013

Last week, I screen-printed menus & programs for a dear friend’s wedding. It looked like this.

Screen-printing tutorial coming soon, sign up to be notified (enter email where it says “SUBSCRIBE” and be notified each new post- I post about 2-3 times a week).

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Become Your Dream: Heidi Brown of Heidala’s

March 7, 2013

Heidi Brown Designer Become Your Dream: Heidi Brown of Heidalas

Meet Heidi, a beautiful, talented and strong woman. I first met Heidi a few years back and asked her to design and construct my wedding dress from recycled material. After dozens of drawings and fittings, we landed on the perfect dress. I call Heidi strong because I know that designing a wedding dress from scratch, for a neurotic Bride like me, couldn’t have been easy. So, thanks Heidi, you helped make me feel beautiful while allowing me to wear a dress that was locally and sustainably made. You are an inspiration to me and I am so grateful to have worked with you. Enough about me, here she is:

1. Tell us about yourself and where you’re located.

I’m Heidi Brown, a clothing designer, step-mom, and fabric hoarder. I spend my days in my studio sewing, patternmaking, designing graphics, planning photo shoots, and being generally productive. I spend my evenings doing mom stuff. My nights, often very late nights, are spent conceptualizing collections or at the sewing machine.

I’m lucky enough to live just outside Ithaca, NY in Slaterville Springs (although my address says Brooktondale). My family and I have a house on top of a hill with lots of forestland surrounding us. It’s a pretty wonderful life.

2. What is your business and what sets you apart from others?

I’m the proud owner of sustainable design company, Heidalas. I’ve always thought that what sets my clothing apart is the equal emphasis on style and sustainability. I don’t sacrifice either in my designs. I like to think that my clothes speak to a style that is fresh, fun, and just a little different. I use all organic, renewable and recycled materials in order to be nice and respectful to Mother Nature.

Heidelas ClothingDesigner Become Your Dream: Heidi Brown of Heidalas

Heidalas Clothing Become Your Dream: Heidi Brown of Heidalas

3. What is your passion in life and/or business?

My passion in life and business is the same: to create. I like to make things, using my brain and my hands. Really, it’s more like a need. A compulsion. The sustainability aspect is such a part of my day-to-day life that it never occurred to me to design in another way. I buy organic and recycled fabric for the same reasons I buy organic food and recycled clothing for my kids: it just makes more sense to me to live that way.

4. What brings you ultimate joy and inspiration?

Nature. Nature and silence. In a moment of silence the city can be almost as enchanting as the forest. Both settings seem to bring out a feeling of awe in me that often compels me to be creative.

Heidalas Inspiration Image Become Your Dream: Heidi Brown of Heidalas

5. Who are your dream customers/clients?

My dream customers are the ones that keep coming back! But really, I like to think that modern women like Summer Rayne Oakes (Source4Style founder, activist, and model) would be drawn to my style. Classy, adventurous, conscious, women that take the world by the reins. An expendable income sure helps, too!

6. What has been one of your biggest lessons or challenges as an entrepreneur, and how did you learn from it?

My biggest lesson came when I approached my second store. The owner tore my designs apart, and rightly so. It was terribly humbling, embarrassing, and totally opened my eyes. I realized that I wasn’t really designing anything new, that I was embellishing the used. I went straight to work and have spent the last five years learning to drape (for real), make patterns, and build a sewing repertoire. I’ve been testing designs at craft shows and local clothing stores throughout that time and finally, with Spring/Summer 2013: Simple is Better, I feel like a real designer.

7. Where do you see yourself in 3 years from now?

Three years!? I barely plan 3 weeks ahead! But by 30 years of age, I would like to have established my brand with a couple dedicated team members and be working on one of the other 50 or so sustainability or fashion related projects I’d like to see happen here in Ithaca, NY. Maybe another little human running around the house, a few more rooms painted, another garden up the hill. Pretty standard, I think.

8. If you had 30 seconds in an elevator with your role model, who would it be and what would you say?

30 seconds in an elevator with Betsy Johnson. I’d say what are you doing for the next meal/do you want to grab a drink. And then I’d ask her to tell me everything and promptly shut my mouth.

9. If money was no issue, where would you be and what would you be doing?

I’d be traveling all the time and sewing only when I feel like it, or can’t help it. My studio would be it’s own building next to the house with separate rooms and unlimited supplies for painting, drawing, designing, sewing, and maybe stained glass (my Mom does it, I’ve always wanted to try). We’d be adding tons of ridiculous additions to the house, paving the driveway, and generally sprucing the place up.

10. Any words or wisdom you would like to share with others looking striving to become their dream?

Trust yourself, don’t give up, don’t give in, and only believe half of what everyone tells you. The trouble is learning which half.

Fun facts about me:

I am currently listening to: The Lord of the Rings (I can’t listen to music while I sew; dancing at the sewing machine is dangerous!)

My favorite book is: The Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood and Little Altars Everywhere

My favorite business tool or piece of equipment is: My serger.

My favorite quote is: Life is 1% what happens to you and 99% how you react to it.

……

And just in case you were curious about my wedding dress, here it is.

Heidalas Recycled Wedding dress Eco Become Your Dream: Heidi Brown of Heidalas

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Natural Home Decor: Drying Flowers

March 1, 2013

Hanging Dried Flowers Natural Home Decor: Drying Flowers

Driend Hanging Flowers Natural Home Decor: Drying Flowers

Hanging Dried Flowers 1 Natural Home Decor: Drying Flowers

If you were to visit my home, you would find flowers or herbs hanging to dry and at least a dozen vases full of the same. It’s one of my favorite ways to add color, nature and beauty to my home.

Have a beautiful weekend everyone!

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Become Your Dream : Katie Decker of Laura Catherine Photography

February 28, 2013

It is with great pleasure to introduce my next interview with Katie Decker of Laura Catherine Photography. Katie and I met almost 2 years ago and became fast friends. I’ve had the wonderful pleasure of working with Katie on her business branding and most recently, her wedding paper design (she’s getting married in April!). Katie has helped me build this blog and website, photograph my portfolio work and overall offer advice, support and love when launching yourself into the world as a creative entrepreneur. Thank you Katie, you inspire me to no end.

1. Tell us about yourself and where you’re located.

- Hi there! My name is Katie Decker. I am a photographer, editor, graphic designer, vintage junkie and sometimes I dabble in website design. I love ice cream, Italian food, and my giant Labrador -Yellah Dog. I’m originally a Texas girl, but I currently live in Atlanta, Georgia.

2. What is your business and what sets you apart from others?

- I own Laura Catherine Photography and I am a vintage curator at Inherit Supply on Etsy. I believe in doing what you love completely and fully. I think my ability to wear so many hats, has given me the advantage of a seeing things in a different light. I can use my passion for vintage and design in my photographs and vice versa. It really helps to cultivate my eye.

3. What is your passion in life and/or business?

I feel blessed everyday to get up in the morning and do what I do. That in itself gives me happiness and passion. But, my true passion is film photography. You really have to slow down and focus on what you’re doing- I just love that.

4. What brings you ultimate joy and inspiration?

I think my ulitmate inspiration are my friends, family, and surroundings. But, my favorite thing to do is go for a walk with my dog and fiance. It really helps to clear the mind and give way to some great inspriation.

5. Who are your dream customers/clients?

I really love clients who completely hand over their trust to me. It really shows their faith in my skill or product. Personally, I do my best work with these types of clients as my creativity knows no bounds.

6. What has been one of your biggest lessons or challenges as an
entrepreneur, and how did you learn from it?

I’m a competitive person by nature, so I am guilty of constant comparison. For me, that has been my biggest challenge by far. It took me a good year of anxiety and stress, to realize that I cannot compare myself to others and their successes. I learned to slow way down and take my time with everything and trust in God that he knows when it’ll be my turn. Since then, life has been a lot easier and a lot more fun!

7. Where do you see yourself in 3 years from now?

To be honest, I’m not sure. There are so many different directions I could go. My goal is to be in a different Southern city and maybe travelling more. I love learning about other cultures and documenting my adventures through my lens.

8. If you had 30 seconds in an elevator with your role model, who
would it be and what would you say?

I have a few role models, but my ultimate role model is Tec Petaja. He’s a film photographer out in Nashville and will be photographing my upcoming wedding. So, I guess if I were to meet him in an elevator, I’d say, “Thank you for inspiring me to become something more and do something more with my life.”

9. If money was no issue, where would you be and what would you be doing?

- Oh, geez, so tough! Well, I’d split my time travelling between Texas, Charleston and Italy. My dream is to own a little flat in Tuscany and a historic home in Charleston in the French Quarter. Oh, and I’d probably by another camera.

10. Any words or wisdom you would like to share with others looking
striving to become their dream?

- Don’t be too hard on yourself- it’s a steep hill that we have to climb and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the big picture. Take it one day at at time and find people you admire and look up to. Surround yourself with them- they will encourage and inspire you. And, know that everyone has their own path. It’s very easy to compare yourself to others and measure their success to your own. Try not to let that influence you- your time will come.

Fun Facts:
I am currently listening to: Trent Dabbs and The Lumineers
My favorite book: anything by Pablo Neruda
My favorite tool: Contax 645
My favorite quote: from my dad, “better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick…”

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Easy Dairy, Sugar and Gluten-Free Granola

February 25, 2013

granola1 Easy Dairy, Sugar and Gluten Free Granola

granola2 Easy Dairy, Sugar and Gluten Free Granola

My husband has mastered this amazing gluten, dairy and sugar-free granola recipe that dresses any parfait perfectly.

Natural, Nutty Granola

3 c. gluten-free rolled oats (we use bobs mill)
1/2 c. cashews
1/2 c. pumpkin seeds
1/2 c. almonds
1/2 c. raisins
1/2 c. dried banana chips
1/2 c. maple syrup
4-6 tbs. of grape seed oil
1 tbs. cinnamon (optional)

Mix everything but the raisins & banana chips in a large bowl. Spread onto baking sheet.
Bake at 300 degrees till golden brown, about 1 to 1.5 hours. Mixing every 15-20 min.
Let cool and toss with raisins & banana chips. Serve. Enjoy!

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DIY Cold Remedy Elixir

February 20, 2013

CREImage DIY Cold Remedy Elixir

CREImage3 DIY Cold Remedy Elixir

A quick fix from my Herbal Encyclopedia for this sick lady (meaning me). I call it the Cold Remedy Elixir:

the juice of half a lemon
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp of shredded ginger
honey to taste
steep in hot water

Drink 3-5 times daily while symptoms persist.

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Philanthropy : On a Mission

February 19, 2013

For those of you who follow me on pinterest, you may have noticed a new wave of pins onto my new board “Philanthropy”. First off, lets talk about Philanthropy. According to Wikipedia; Philanthropy etymologically means “love of humanity” in the sense of caring for, nourishing, developing, enhancing, what it is to be human. I never realized what philanthropy really meant until I started donating blood, reading “The Power of Half” and supporting companies with a mission to give to others.

Donating blood.

Let’s see, I started donating blood over a year ago when a facebook friend invited me to facebook event. This event was “Anywhere, Anytime” and acted as a movement to inspire others (anywhere) to donate blood. Originally created by a friend of friend who was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer, myelodisplastic syndrome, this facebook event reminded me I had something to give that cost nothing. Thus began my mission to donate blood as often as I could, to help others. Bonus; I discovered I am O positive which means I produce blood that can help save anybody’s life, no matter what blood type they are. Donate blood today.

The book.

This book was suggested to me by Amazon (yes I buy so many books from Amazon that they know my tastes well). I Started reading just a few weeks again and it has elevated my thinking. The Power of Half : One Family’s Decision to Stop Taking and Start Giving Back, is a book written by Kevin Salwen and his 14-year-old daughter Hannah in 2010. It describes how the Salwen family came to decide to sell its home, so that it could donate half the proceeds to charity. The family then bought a new home for itself, half the size. It also discusses what the family went through in selling its home, donating half the sales price, and down-grading to a smaller home, and what they learned in the process.

Companies/Business that Support One for One.

Last year, while browsing online for frames, I purchased these specs.

Out of the millions of frames to choose from online, these stood apart from everything else. Why? Because these frames are from the company, Warby Parker, a business that has built their company around the idea of One for One. One for One is when a consumer buys a product and someone less fortunate receives the same product for free. Like Toms Shoes and OLPC (One Laptop Per Child), these ideas moves me.

One last amazing mention, Hand in Hand. A husband & wife force of social entrepreneurs, Hand in Hand donates a bar of soap for every bar purchased to help save lives.

So, I’m thinking, what can I do? One idea so far is I have scraps and mistake paper & envelopes after completing a design or addressing envelopes. I’m thinking there might be something I can do with those. While searching online, I remembered this Recycled Card Program. This doesn’t help with all of the leftover envelopes, but it does help with all of the cards I have from the holidays. The Recycled Card Program created by St Judes Ranch for Children, recycles your used greeting cards and creates new holiday and greeting cards for any occasion. They are then resold in packs of 10 for $10 to support their programs and services. For all of you who don’t know about St Judes Ranch for Children, their mission is to transform the lives of abused and at-risk children, young adults and families by empowering them to create new chances, new choices and new hope in a caring community.

I am redirecting my focus. I am unsure how, but I am not ignoring the feeling. In fact, talking about it to you helps me visualize it a little more, it give it more weight and perhaps you can help me discover how I can help others with the gifts that I was given.

Do you know of other, or are you a, small business(s) that embrace(s) this idea that I didn’t mention? I would love to know you or hear from you and learn more. Please leave any thoughts or mentions in regards to philanthropy below in the comments or send me an email at [email protected].

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