I recently participated in a "workshop/retreat" in Brooklyn and I must tell you, it's had a profound effect on me. you might not notice a change in my day to day but the insides of me are all a flutter and I believe I've been deeply seen.
In the past I haven't been the one who would openly tell you a story or just come out and tell you something about myself. If you had questions, I would jump all over it but never one to take that initiative. Of course there are many issues around this but that's who I was, who I became. But after this weekend of being around such kind, loving souls I am easing out of this role I've been in and opening up. Opening up to my stories, telling you, you and you.
You see I learned that the stories I tell you can have the same effect as the ones you tell me. The ones I yearn for, the stories I am honored to hear. You feel the same way about mine. I was seen.
Another reason why my NY trip was so rich is also another secret or just hasn't made it's debut this site. I'm in the process of writing a book! The thought behind it is; interviewing women artists who don't have the typical story/path.
The ones who've come into their inner artist later in life, have children through it all, ones that work a full time job that isn't their creative path ~ anything really. I get to sit down with these amazing women and hear their stories, document their path and learn from them.
I also am photographing them; seeing them in all their glory.
I've only started recently but what I've done so far has enriched my life beyond words.
I'm hoping to create a book to send out into the world by either a publisher or myself. That has yet to be determined.
The support I've been getting has blown me away, the love, the words, the excitement, the interest ~ all so sweet and rich.
This is also a call out to everyone ~ are you one of these women, do you know one of these women? They can be writers, painters, illustrators, musicians, photographers ~ you name it, any creative crafters!
I want to meet them, I want to hear their unique stories. So please pass along my information to them (Stefanie at StefanieRenee dot net) or email me their information and I can get in touch with them.
Thank you dear readers for sticking with me and for "seeing me".
xo
s
you are truly wonderful! xo
Posted by: Liz at March 8, 2010 06:35 PMI am one of these women.
You can email me at: patriciadolan@comcast.net
Posted by: Trish at March 8, 2010 10:35 AMi am so excited for you! here is to a new year of stories and manifesting! xxoo p.s. i like that you are thinking of creative mamas too:: it is hard!
Posted by: Emily Perry at March 7, 2010 09:02 AMI love the concept of your book! I especially like that you're photographing them too. What a great concept to have had - it'll be such a joy to put together as well as to read the final product, I am certain.
Remember the signed copies promise? I'm holding you to it. (And Danielle's blog is http://myhiddenmuse.blogspot.com/)
Posted by: Lauren at March 5, 2010 02:56 PMThis is a beautiful post... Can't wait to hear more of your stories, see & read the book, and watch you continue to grow. You're such an inspiration to me (and so many others!).
Posted by: cynthia at March 5, 2010 02:38 PMStef! What a pleasure to meet you (and share sleep space)-- and to laugh and get to know you and yes, to hear your stories. Your project lit me up with a great big YES and I cannot wait to see it unfold in whatever form or forms.
Transformation is such a sweet deal when it opens up spaces in us and between us for creativity and delight-
Your images are magical, i love your site and will be haunting you often and pulling for you always.
with big love,
Kate
i am so happy you went to this. jen has such an amazing way of bringing our stories out, doesn't she?
your book sounds amazing, i can't wait to read it!
xo
Posted by: stacy at March 5, 2010 12:58 PM*many blessings*
Posted by: Michelle Ensminger at March 5, 2010 12:21 PMYes! Yes! Yes!
you rock, Stef!
Posted by: Julie S at March 5, 2010 11:53 AMlooking forward to the end result...
& to supporting you every step of the way.
love and blessings.xo
yes, yes, yes.. love this.. we all have stories to tell and you are such an interesting person, i really do long to hear more about you, who you are, what is inside...
the book.. wow! cannot wait to hear more.. stories again.. yes, so very, immeasurably important.
Posted by: lisa at March 5, 2010 11:49 AMWow.. Good for you.
I met with 2 ladies in NYC that weekend who told me you were at the workshop... and I mused out loud "oh, that Steph is lovely ".
I didn't know you before SAW but meeting you there and visiting your site ever since - I have to say... I do think you're a woman with so much to share. And? I think your photos are pretty fantastic.
Good luck to you with your book. And high five for being brave and telling your stories.
It's true, Stef--we long for your stories. Let love be your safety net as you keep taking your bold and brave leaps.
Posted by: Jen Lee at March 5, 2010 03:51 AMxo
big love
steph.
i'm so vastly excited for you and this project. i love the concept!