The tightrope…

Many people are finding today’s times to be challenging.  The tightrope between where we were and where we yet want to be is longer than we first thought.  Like many I was push onto a tightrope.  Once I balanced I found that there are many ropes crossing the chasm between where I once was and where I hope to be.  Some of the paths offered tightropes bridging shorter distances—those with small islands of reprieve from the stress of rope walking.  There were ropes lower to the ground so that if I fall, the flight and landing would not be too scary or damaging.  Then there were the high ropes…the long ropes and the ropes that were unclear to what trials would be endured during the journey.

There are times you may find yourself balancing over a chasm before you had time to choose which rope, which path, to take. To switch under these circumstances will require a leap of faith.

Some have recently lost a job or incurred a health problem and with a not so gentle push, you are now walking your own tightrope.  The first instinct when pushed onto a tightrope is to look down.  Our arms shoot out to both side for balance and our gut wrenches….until….our sights locate a safety net.  The strength of that net combined with cheering supporters gives us the courage to cross the tightrope or even use the moment to climb higher.  The larger the group of people cheering us on…the less reliant we become on the safety net.

I think life is a perpetual series of tightrope walks. With balance, cheering fans, appropriate safety nets, we are able to cross each chasm and maybe even climb to new heights.

So if you are crossing a tightrope that at times feels like it is too far above the ground or too tremulous, my suggestion is…don’t look down.  Listen to those who are cheering you onto the other side and stay focused on the next step to where you are going vs. where you have been.  You may have less of a safety net than what you would like, but if you stay focused, stay balanced and keep putting one foot in front of the other, you will reach the other side.

Kitty T-Shirt Craft for Girls

Now you can dress like Alexis!  Make your own “Ten Acts of Kindness” T-shirt!

Paper Carryall Bag Craft for Girls

Since most girls are thinking about Trick or Treating about now, I thought this paper bag craft might make for great dollfriend fun!  Color your own design and follow the directions to assemble your own Trick or Treating bag for dollfriends.  This is a fun craft for any time of the year!

A Journey of Passion

Passion may be just another word for crazy and Vision may take many straight to the poor house.  I write to you today about my journey to survive building a business in the middle of a recession.  Why now?  Why not wait for better times?  The answer is fear.

I fear for today’s young.  Media has run amuck and toys are no longer designed for children’s well being.  As an educator of marketing for a highly regarded world-influencing university, I can’t turn off my understanding of what big business is doing to our young.  The mother inside of me hurts and is angry.  It is like watching a movie on the big screen knowing the plot will end tragically.

I’m not grandstanding.  Take a look around.  Pregnancy under the age of 15 is increasing; boys bring guns to school to create mass murder, education has become so expensive that many are now telling our youth that higher education is a poor return on investment—they will be no better off with a college education.  Even our own government is so busy with their own interest they fail to see what will be left for the children.

So call me crazy but I have to do something.  Via E is not about making money…although I hope I can stop having to use garage sales and creative money management to pay my bills…

Via E is about:  EDUCATION – fun learning that will build solid futures, RESPECT – for yourself and others, COMPASSION – for those who need help, LEADERSHIP – because God knows we need more good leaders, SAFETY – a place girls can play where parents know their best interests will always be put before profits.

Miley Cyrus feels she is a good business person because her shocking behavior will sell.  I don’t know which makes me more ill…the fact that she would sell herself in this manner or the fact that she is right—she is hitting the top of the charts.

We have to stop this…one girl at a time.  They deserve better…they are better…Miley is better, she just was never told so and now millions of girls will follow.

I care…I can’t stop from caring so this passion, this vision… even when I’m on my last penny, when I’m so tempted to just get a normal job…  will cause me to fight to make a difference.  I hope you will too.  It won’t be easy but it will be worthy.