In 2010, four enthusiastic entrepreneurs were accepted into the ARTbundance class, created by the wildly creative Marney Makridakis, founder of ARTellaland, an online community for artists and writers. Marney intuitively felt that the four of us would  work well together, and she was right! The synergy was magic! 


Angi's portrait captures the essence of each personality beautifully - from left to right - Deborah, Angi, Mikell and Carrie!  Deborah is coming from Bali to Baltimore at the end of October (reminder: I just moved to Baltimore a few weeks ago!!! How perfect is this?) Angi, Dr. Kowitz Orobko, creator of  Hearts That Care will definitely be able to join us and Carrie is exploring schedule changes to make the reunion complete!!!

More to come!

"Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold." . . . so the saying goes. 
Carrie Faden, you are platinum!

Carrie and I first met in an on line course, and we felt a very special connection immediately. We shared common interests and beliefs, and kept in touch by e-mail almost daily. Carrie was a constant support for me after the flood, seldom letting a day pass without checking in, asking for updates and providing encouragement. 

One cold and drizzly  July morning, I was particularly discouraged, missing my home and wondering when I'd be able to return and have my own space.

To distract and cheer me, she directed me to a website advertising an upcoming cruise, a Michael's craft store 'Where Creativity Happens' cruise, destined for the Caribbean and scheduled for October. My spirits soared as we made plans and scheduled our week long adventure. 

Planning the cruise provided a distraction from my situation, something to look forward to in the late fall, and most of all, an opportunity to meet a friend so dear to me that there simply are not words. For her to take a chance to go away with me for a week, when she had never even met me, was one of the greatest gifts I've ever received. The trip is documented on my live journal site and begins here, from October 23 to the 28th. 

As I decorate my new home, my gifts from Carrie remind me of how blessed I am to have her friendship.  The "believe" journal she made me holds the daily log of our journey, and the "Hidden Treasures" box is filled with dreams and wishes: many have already been manifested and the rest are on the way! Both are exquisite works of art, made in Carrie's very distinctive Victorian Bohemian style - treasures of a life time! 

Carrie, your coming into my life was divinely choreographed, and as you and I both know, it wasn't the first time and it won't be the last. I love you dearly. 

For some reason, Rocky is never content until he can get as high as possible - and even then, he continues to look in disbelief that he has really hit the ceiling! I could learn a lot from this cat  I tend to get very comfortable and don't climb to the highest peak. It isn't Mount Everest, but for Rocky, it is as high as he can possibly go! 

Today's treasure is my French Bulletin Board with cards and inspiration from loved ones!  

On July 26th, the day following my last post on "the top 10 signs a huge dream of yours is about to come true", I traveled to Towson, Maryland and found my new home! By August 10, I was living here.

After numerous frustrations in rebuilding following the flood of April, 2011, I finally realized, and accepted, that God had far greater plans for me than I had ever envisioned for myself. When he sent the flood, it was not so that I would return and continue the same old same old. It was to lift me out of my comfort zone and take me to a better place!

The lessons, encouragement, support and love I've received along the way have been miraculous and I am feeling abundantly blessed.  Here is my new home!