Saturday, December 13, 2014

The beauty of community

It's been just a little over a year since I joined the Splitcoast team - that's hard to believe! It's been a year full of learning and growth, of mentoring and being mentored, of forward motion, teamwork, creativity and friendship. Working with people is fascinating, and so often brings the opportunity to build someone else up - to encourage creativity or to bring a new perspective.


One aspect of my job is to answer the 'Ask the Artist' questions that come through the site.  Some questions come from members, and some from non-members on a search for information via another site. We answer all these questions, and it's a lot of fun. Some of the answers are posted in our weekly newsletters so others can benefit from the information. Some people are starstruck and surprised that we actually answer. :)

Last week we had a question about a card in the gallery that was found via Pinterest - it was a music themed card, and it particularly touched the heart of one 84-year-old concert pianist full of life and songs and I can only imagine how many stories... I offered to connect her with the creator of the card to inquire if she still had it to purchase. I feel so blessed to be a part of that connection, which had a happy ending - a very similar card sent as a gift from the heart in spite of some difficult life circumstances. That is community, the beautiful glue that connects our group of creative souls together.


I'm sending this card to each of these lovely ladies, since I happen to have both their addresses! This stamp was a chance find on ebay - I love collecting the Stampa Rosa House Mouse stamps, and this was a rare stamp of the month at a rare discount! They're getting harder and harder to find at reasonable prices, but I love a good challenge.

Encourage someone today!
Thanks for stopping by!

9 comments:

  1. I just wanted to let you know that when I get my emails from Splitcoast, the first thing I do is scroll down to your post! And, I LOVE House Mouse too and wish they would bring the oldies out of retirement!

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  2. Beautiful card, and I'm grateful that Splitcoast brought us together. Though we have "known" each other for years, it's a blessing to roll up sleeves, work along side and befriend another that shares similar passions. You have been a smooth and seamless transition for the position with just the right balance of respect for what's here and 'let me share some new ideas'... I adore working with you! Happy Anniversary!

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  3. what a beautiful post with a beautiful story and your gorgeous artwork. I am so grateful to have connected with you through this community, Dina. I hope to connect with you in person via Wisconsin in the near future. XOX

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  4. Dina, I've been in love with House Mouse for a very long time, I'm the happy owner of a lot of this endearing images but I've never seen this one and it's precious!!! What a lovely story you shared with us today and this cards is just amazing, I've always admired and get inspired by your work and I'm very happy to be able to see it both on SCS and here on your blog.
    I recently got a blog myself, I finally took that leap of faith at the insistence of my card making buddies, I hope you can go take a look. All of this is very new to me by I'm learning fast, I can't wait to be able to share more of my cards with everyone.
    Thank you for sharing this beautiful story and card.

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  5. It's a beautiful card and one that I'm smiling about as I teach piano to youngsters that just thrill my heart!

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  6. Beautiful card and story. You are a very talented and special person.

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  7. TFS your beautiful story with such a beautiful thoughtful ending. Hugs, Nancy

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  8. Oh, Dina, first of all, thank YOU for all you have done this past year to make SCS so special in so many ways. For me personally, as a Dirty Girl, and for the entire wonderful community! It is truly that! And what a wonderful story! I just clicked on the link that Susie Lessard added to her Favorites for the Week post. You are dearly loved, and thank you for sharing your amazing and God-given talent! Hugs, sweet friend!

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  9. I admit to being starstruck myself by you, but have always been impressed with the fact that you do answer our questions yourself. You are so talented, and it really is an honor to have contact with someone such as yourself. What a beautiful story you related with this lovely image, and how nice to be able to be a part of making two people so happy. God bless you and I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

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