Muddling through the heat!

by on July 2, 2012

Unless you are in Antarctica today — or Seattle or Portland — chances are you are roasting hot.

And, these extreme temperatures are expected to stay with us much of the  upcoming holiday week in the United States.  But never fear!

Because today’s SPARK! is a tip about a drink so delightful that you will be cooled down and cheered up just by looking at it.

Debi Lily Book
The Muddling Bar is featured in our own Debi Lilly’s brand-new book on entertaining. Debi’s book-signing table all set up. (Photos by Rob Berkley)
In just five, super easy steps we’re going to show you how to make this healthy,  thirst-quenching cocktail or spritzer. It’s perfect for Fourth of July entertaining or if you’re like me, I’ve been drinking this special drink (sans alcohol) all day long today.

But first …

I had the pleasure of celebrating and honoring a Woman on Fire in our home.  Debi Lilly, the founder and creator of A Perfect Event in Chicago, has spoken at our retreats and been a part of our community from Day One.

(She also has been a favorite and personal planner of Oprah’s for nearly 14 years!)

So it was only a natural that when Debi’s first book was published — A Perfect Event ~ Inspired, Easy Elegance for Every Occasion — we would host a book launch for her. And what an evening it was!

Several Women on Fire attended and one even sent chocolate! (Thank you, Melissa McClain in Seattle who needed a sweater today while the rest of us dripped with sweat;-)

Debi Lilly with muddled cocktail
Debi Lilly with her special, amazing drink in hand!

In typical Debi-style, she and her family whipped up mouth-watering, summer food from her new book and brought it on the ferry boat from Nantucket where she was vacationing to Martha’s Vineyard.

She arrived at our home and with grace and ease put together the party in an hour!  Her dream is making your life’s celebrations — whatever they may be — easy and effortless. No one shows us how to do that better than Debi!

To quench your thirst and dazzle your friends and family the next time you entertain, here is how to create Debi’s Muddling Bar and drink.


Step 1: Fill glasses with your favorite fresh fruits


Step 2: Assemble your favorite fresh herbs — we chose this mint from our garden as well as thyme and rosemary


Step 3: Place everything on beautiful trays for your guests to create their own drinks

Debi Lilly Muddling a cocktail
Step 4:  Select any or all of the fruits and herbs and mash with a wooden spoon into the bottom of a glass to create the “muddle.”

Debi Lilly pouring a muddled drinkl
Step 5: Pour Prosecco sparkling wine into the glass — and enjoy!


Optional Step 5: Instead of Prosecco, pour ice and sparkling water into the “muddle” and you can drink all day! I also used splashes of lemonade with the sparkling water to give it even more of a refreshing flavor.

Debbie Phillips with Muddled drink
Cheers!  Happy Fourth of July this week to you and your family and friends.

What are ways that you keep cool in the heat? You are always welcome to share your tips and ideas in the comments section below.

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And, the holiday traditions winner is…

by on December 19, 2010
Wow.
I never expected this.
I now know you can never, ever choose just one winner in a contest filled with thoughtful, kind, caring, nurturing, generous and world-changing women. What ever was I thinking?
So, with great excitement I want to thank you all for your lovely, important, accessible, relatable, holiday celebration changing traditions, stories and comments.  I poured over each and every one of them – my eyes tearing up, my heart filling with joy, and my list of new holiday, family traditions growing with every single post.
Debra Bachelder – Your Rockette kickline a la olives and toothpicks is hysterical!
Heather Wilson, Donna Kim-Brand and Lisa Aucoin – I, too, collect ornaments with each and every travel adventure.  I will now think of you with each ornament I place on my tree next season, reliving all the worldly family jaunts and travels.
Vera Nicimpaye- The African celebration and rituals were amazing, transporting, and so inspirational to read.
Ashley Smith – I, too, grew up opening one single gift each Christmas Eve.  Mine too was always pajamas – made by my grandmother out of Lanz flannel for every single aunt, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and family female to wear for our annual Christmas Eve family photo.
Dianne Phillips – You had me at Miracle Day…
Nan Katzenberger – Baby Jesus cake is one of my many new Women on Fire holiday traditions.  Starting this week!
Lorna Bricco – I could picture the winter alphabet photo session like it was in my own backyard.
June Zeringue – Turkey Day Awards are on my 2011 Thanksgiving to dos.  I help clients plan their holiday dinners too – and hope you don’t mind if I share this fantastic family celebration with them as well.
Malia Simpson, Melissa Brummerstedt, Anne Harmody and all the cookie bakers – I can’t think of a more perfect tradition than gingerbread house making and holiday cookie and coffee cake baking.  I can’t imagine the holidays without picturing my entire four-generation family (and now my own children for a fifth generation) making gingerbread houses, and my darling Grandmother pressing her holiday-shaped butter cookies into green Christmas Trees, red wreaths, and more.  These are still my very favorite sweet any day of the year.
And to Lindy Hudson – I loved your Santa story. I am also a believer – and my whole life long the tree will be laden with gifts from Santa. ‘Tis the season!
So, without further ado, my first place winner is…
Melissa McClain!
I read the post so many days ago, but I continue to see Melissa on Christmas Day, unable to stop picturing the little boy beaming with sheer joy over his new train, and. in turn. his mother beaming with gratitude.
It’s the perfect holiday story.  Giving to those — even researching the most perfect model — for someone that you don’t even know. Melissa, your tradition goes down in my book right there next to “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
But I couldn’t stop there, because there were two others that again, I just couldn’t get out of my mind.
So I would like to announce a second place winner…
Sharon Harvey, your story of keeping the spirit of your whole family, while Daddy is away on duty, has stayed with me.  I am in awe of your creativity (I need you on my team!) and brilliant hands-on activities to celebrate Dad both inside your home and on his ship at sea.  Bravo!
And last, my third place winner (trust me I wish I could have 30 winners!)…
Alice Harra, the empty box under the tree is again the very essence of a Christmas tradition.  I think it took me two minutes to place the very same under my own tree after reading your post.  And about 10 minutes for my kids to excitedly fill it up for other children on Christmas morning.
Thank you, thank you to everyone.  Our Valentine’s on Fire contest will be coming up next…and I personally cannot wait for more beautiful stories of love, compassion and life from all of you.
Cheers to happy holidays!
Debi Lilly
Chief Eventeur
A Perfect Event
3050 N. Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60657
www.aperfectevent.com

This is a guest post by media personality and entrepreneur Debi Lilly, a Woman on Fire and a most sought-after event planner.  In a contest she created for Women on Fire, Debi chose the winner of the 2010 Women on Fire Holiday Traditions.

Debie Lilly Founder A Perfect Event Chicago, Il
Debi Lilly

Wow.

I never expected this.

I now know you can never, ever choose just one winner in a contest filled with holiday traditions from thoughtful, kind, caring, nurturing, generous and world-changing women. What ever was I thinking?

So, with great excitement I want to thank you all for your lovely, important, accessible, relatable, holiday celebration traditions, stories and comments.  I poured over each and every one of them – my eyes tearing up, my heart filling with joy, and my list of new holiday, family traditions growing with every single post.  Here are some honorable mentions:

Debra Bachelder – Your Rockette kickline a la olives and toothpicks is hysterical!

Heather Wilson, Donna Kim-Brand and Lisa Aucoin – I, too, collect ornaments with each and every travel adventure.  I will now think of you with each ornament I place on my tree next season, reliving all the worldly family jaunts and travels.

Vera Nicimpaye– The African celebration and rituals were amazing, transporting, and so inspirational to read.

Ashley Smith – I, too, grew up opening one single gift each Christmas Eve.  Mine too was always pajamas – made by my grandmother out of Lanz flannel for every single aunt, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and family female to wear for our annual Christmas Eve family photo.

Dianne Phillips – You had me at Miracle Day…

Nan Katzenberger – Baby Jesus cake is one of my many new Women on Fire holiday traditions.  Starting this week!

Lorna Bricco – I could picture the winter alphabet photo session like it was in my own backyard.

June Zeringue – Turkey Day Awards are on my 2011 Thanksgiving to-dos.  I help clients plan their holiday dinners, too  — and hope you don’t mind if I share this fantastic family celebration with them as well.

Melissa Brummerstedt, Anne Harmody, Whitney Ferre and all the cookie bakers – I can’t think of a more perfect tradition than gingerbread house making and holiday cookie and coffee cake baking.  I can’t imagine the holidays without picturing my entire four-generation family (and now my own children for a fifth generation) making gingerbread houses, and my darling Grandmother pressing her holiday-shaped butter cookies into green Christmas trees, red wreaths, and more.  These are still my very favorite sweet any day of the year.

And, to Lindy Hudson – I loved your Santa story. I am also a believer – and my whole life long the tree will be laden with gifts from Santa. ‘Tis the season!

So, without further ado, my first place winner of the 2010 Women on Fire Holiday Traditions contest for her story of giving to a little boy she didn’t know and his mother is…

Melissa McClain!

I read the post so many days ago, but I continue to see Melissa on Christmas Day, unable to stop picturing the little boy beaming with sheer joy over his new train, and, in turn, his mother beaming with gratitude.

It’s the perfect holiday story.  Giving to those — even researching the most perfect train model  — for someone that you don’t even know. Melissa, your tradition goes down in my book right there next to “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

But I couldn’t stop there, because there were two others that again I just couldn’t get out of my mind.

So I would like to announce a second place winner…

Sharon Harvey, your story of keeping the spirit of your whole family, while Daddy is away on duty, has stayed with me.  I am in awe of your creativity (I need you on my team!) and brilliant hands-on activities to celebrate Dad both inside your home and on his ship at sea.  Bravo!

And last, my third place winner is (trust me I wish I could have 30 winners!)…

Alice Harra, the empty box under the tree is again the very essence of a Christmas tradition.  I think it took me two minutes to place the very same under my own tree after reading your post.  And about 10 minutes for my kids to excitedly fill it up for other children on Christmas morning.

Thank you, thank you to everyone.

(You can read all of the inspiring entries in the Comments Section below the post here.)

Our Valentine’s on Fire contest will be coming up next…and I personally cannot wait for more beautiful stories of love, compassion and life from all of you.

Cheers to happy holidays!

Debi Lilly

Chief Eventeur

A Perfect Event

3050 N. Lincoln Ave

Chicago, IL 60657

www.aperfectevent.com

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Disposable litter box? Check.

by on September 3, 2010

At this very moment, my husband and I are in the path of Hurricane Earl.

It is eerily quiet.  Even though we are a mile away from the Atlantic Ocean, I can hear the waves pounding the shore.


“Red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky in the morning, sailor’s warning.” I took this picture at 6AM today.  A sign of the storm that looms.

The uncertainty of what will happen has been rather disconcerting.  And, yet I must admit I have enjoyed the intense focus and change of pace this week as I prepared for this monstrous storm.

I feel ready.  (Fingers crossed!)

But first…

Woman on Fire Jamie Eslinger and I were discussing how to handle our pets – their dog Pup and our cat Wilber — in this potentially devastating storm (neither of us has ever been in a hurricane), when she said something rather profound:

“Isn’t it funny how we have to be faced with a crisis in order to make a plan?”

Jamie wasn’t talking “funny” as in “ha ha ha,” but rather “funny” as in “911.”

She was talking about more than a storm.  She was referring to why anyone would attempt to live an extraordinary life — without a plan. It is akin to facing a hurricane without knowing what you will do if things turn ugly!

From the day I started coaching clients in 1995, I noticed the key that defines people who live extraordinary lives are those with clear, inspiring, up-to-date plans for their work and lives.

You wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint!  You don’t want to live your life without one either.  That is you don’t, if you want to be extraordinary!

Because I am not sure how long I will have power and the Internet right now, I will make this quick.

Simply put, your plan needs to lay out your gifts, strengths and talents and the actions you are taking to express your gifts in the world.

I will write more about this in the future, but for now, if you already have a plan, good for you! Perhaps you can dust it off, if need be, and give it a good updating.  And, if you don’t have one, let’s get one going for you!

I encourage you to get started by writing down your answer to this important and provocative question:

What is the love you have to give to the world before you die?

I look forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments section below.

OK, here we go.  The wind is picking up, the lights just flickered, and the rain is quickening its strike against the house.  But inside our house I feel safe and secure; our plans are in place should the storm turn ugly.

Both Pup and Wilber are “hurricane ready.”

Pup stands guard to protect his family!

Wilber practices duck-and-cover!

Thank you to the many Women on Fire who’ve experienced hurricanes — Rosemary Nickel, Diane Torrisi, Marissa Nelson, Shannon McCaffery, Janette Barber,  Jamie Foster, Michele Woodward, Sharon Harvey, Carla Rae Gerardino, Blue Cullen and Debra Gaines — for sharing extremely valuable and practical information that allowed me to create my hurricane plan this past week.

In addition, Woman on Fire Melissa McClain referred Jamie and me to this site to get our pets ready.  Wilber’s emergency kit and carrier contains food, water, identification, medical records, leash, picture of us together (important to prove ownership if we were separated) and a disposable litter tray. (‘Cause a kitty’s gotta do what a kitty’s gotta do!)

I will see you after the storm.  Have a great Labor Day weekend.  And, if you, too, are in Earl’s path, may you be out of harm’s way soon.

 

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Are You Smelling The Roses?

by on May 31, 2010

It’s a holiday so I will be short and sweet!

On this Memorial Day weekend,  I was honored to be invited to celebrate the baptism of our neighbors’ darling baby granddaughter.

Cora with her mother Rebecca Barclay

Following 13-month-old Cora’s christening, the minister gave a sermon entitled “Stop and Smell The Roses.”  And, he asked us, “What are your joys today?”

This was just the question I needed today to remind myself to stop and smell the roses.

As the sun filtered through the upper story windows and into the sanctuary of this 17th century whitewashed New England church, I could feel myself relax and breathe in that I felt so much joy this holiday weekend for:

  • Having neighbors who treat my husband and me as family
  • Being in the company of Women on Fire Holly Getty, Melissa McClain, Sandra Carlson and Jamie Eslinger (and a surprise hug and visit from Jan Orosz, a Women on Fire coaching group member from Columbus, Ohio!) who came from far and wide and shared their lives and talents with us
  • Living in the beauty of Martha’s Vineyard and feeling a sense of belonging
  • Being clear about my life’s work
  • Having the world’s best big, white cat who provides endless hours of love and enjoyment!
20100531_MV_DP_WP_Blog

Our bundle of joy ...Wilber Philber

So, on this holiday weekend I invite you to reflect on your own life.  “What are your joys today?”  Do you stop each day to know?  You are most welcome to share the happiness that fills your soul by making a comment below.

May this holiday weekend spill over into a joy-filled week for you.

Love,

Debbie

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Life: In the Shape of a Heart

by on February 14, 2010

Happy Valentine’s Day 2010…

Ashton Kutcher said something recently about celebrating Valentine’s Day that I really resonated to.   Every day – not just February 14 — should be a celebration of love.

And, while I’m the first person to jump up and down when I receive flowers and chocolate on Valentine’s Day, today I want to share my heart and deepest thanks to some important people — the many teachers and healers in my life.  The people who’ve helped me to find my path and stay on it; people who’ve filled my heart with love and joy; people who make my life February 14 every day!

Some are my dearest friends, family and colleagues; others I barely know; and others I may never have met at all!

Though my experience with them may be over a lifetime, for a few years, a couple of days, in a moment, in a lesson, in a phrase, or from a quote they’ve all served to significantly influence me and shape my life.

I invite you to create your own list of teachers, healers, helpers and angels who have shaped you into the loving, amazing person you are today!

Today I send hearts, chocolates and flowers to:

  • Alice Walker for teaching me “there is gold in grief”
  • Agapi Stassinopoulos and Bim Bissell for demonstrating what it looks like for a woman to be comfortable in her body!
  • Andrea Dowding for permission to say “maybe I will, maybe I won’t”
  • Barbara Sher for teaching me “isolation is the dream killer”
  • Bella Abzug for inspiring me to tap into my power as a woman
  • Ben and Rosamund Zander for wise counsel to “give everyone an A and then help them earn it”
  • Bill Keesee for nurturing my talents as a reporter and writer yet letting me know my good spirit and positive attitude were what really counted
  • Blue for being the finder of all lost objects and her advice: “if you want to find something, search like a woman!”
  • Bruce Springsteen, Mick Jagger, Tina Turner and all other 60-plus-year-old rock stars for removing any excuse I might conjure up not to exercise, stay fit and give my passion my everything!
  • Cecily Saunders for encouraging me to speak from my heart
  • Carly Simon for sharing that “there’s more room in a broken heart”
  • Carole Black for her advice “to reach back and pull up as many people with you as you can”
  • Curt Steiner for the surprising life lesson that my arch-political nemesis could marry my best friend…and I would end up adoring him!
  • David Deida for asking “what is the love you have to give to the world before you die?”
  • Denise Guest for setting the example to “take the time to make the time to take care of yourself”
  • Dick Phillips for standing me in front of a mirror to repeat (under much teen-ager duress!) “I will greet each day with love in my heart”
  • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for inspiring me “to cultivate a tough mind yet lead your life with a tender heart”
  • Eleanor Celeste for viewing the world from a fresh perspective: “if we change our clothes, will it change our personalities?” and “where exactly does the sun sleep?”
  • Elizabeth Kubler-Ross for teaching me the stages of grief
  • Elvira Lang, M.D. for advising me when receiving tough medical news to “act swiftly and comprehensively”
  • Geraldine Ferraro and Ellen Wingard for showing me the importance of meeting regularly with girlfriends in a “mastermind” group to take stock and get support
  • Gloria Steinem for transforming my life by simply being the very epitome of graciousness and support
  • Holly Getty for sharing the shopping secret that if I wouldn’t pay full price for it, then don’t buy it “on sale.”
  • Hugh Fullerton for advising me to never assume anything
  • Irene O’Garden for sharing creative genius that allowed the rising tide to lift all boats
  • Jack Walker for showing me that peanut butter is to be eaten with a spoon from the jar!
  • Jacqueline Pimentel for NGUNGI – Never Give Up, Never Give In
  • Jan Allen for teaching me best friends take notes for each other in life and share them
  • Janette Barber for transforming heart-breaking adversity into humor, success and service to the world
  • Jerry and Esther Hicks and John and Annie Glenn for living lives of passion, purpose and partnership
  • Judy Tatelbaum for teaching me it takes courage to grieve
  • Julia Celeste for the miracle of a tender shoot in the darkest of winters
  • Kelly Boggs for her knack of introducing me to a wide-range of important teachers and inspirations from spiritual leaders to country music stars
  • Kippy for being a dog I could share my innermost thoughts with!
  • Libby Bradford for showing me how to live as she held my hand and showed me how to die
  • Lucinda Sweeney for being there always with unconditional love
  • Maggie Callanan and Patricia Kelley for teaching me the awareness of life’s “final gifts”
  • Margaret Mead for the words that made my aspirations seem possible: “no doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world…indeed it is the only thing that ever has”
  • Marianne Williamson for inspiring me not to stop before the miracle
  • Mary Jo Ruggieri for teaching me yoga and meditation and that the future of medicine will be energy healing
  • Mary Lue Phillips for demonstrating change is good, necessary and exciting! (And impressing upon me the importance of education…and telling me I can do anything…and reminding me never to envy anyone because we all struggle with “something.”)
  • Mary Lynne Musgrove for planting the idea that I “must, must, must write a book”
  • Mary Tyler Moore for assuring me I’m gonna make it after all
  • Max Celeste for teaching me the joy of sharing French fries
  • Maya Angelou for reminding me when I have a knife in my hand it’s best not to let my focus wander!
  • MJ Bindu Delekta for creating sacred space and the perfect landing spot on a bamboo floor
  • Mother Teresa for her example of allowing nothing to stand in the way of living life’s purpose
  • Nancy Neal for showing me open, loving hearts cross all boundaries and obstacles
  • Nikki Giovanni for the comfort I will never be without purpose: “There is always something to do. There are hungry people to feed, naked people to clothe, sick people to comfort and make well.”
  • Norman Shub for locating my “steel rods” and teaching me self-confidence is believing in my abilities; self-esteem is believing in my very being
  • Oprah for having the guts to perservere and lead the way
  • Pat Wynn Brown for sharing her bliss and urging me to follow mine
  • Phil Bradford Jr. for comforting me that God will not give me more than I can bear
  • Phyllis Krumm for advising me when guests are expecting cheese and crackers I should surprise them with cinnamon toast!
  • Rabbi Jerome Folkman for his wisdom that intelligent people get help
  • Regina Blos for courage in face of losing everything tangible
  • Rob Berkley for transforming my life and my soul by loving me to my very core
  • Roseanne Rosannadanna for having attitude: “it just goes to show ya…it’s always something!”
  • Sarah Ban Breathnach for writing a book that I read every single day for two years to keep my head above water
  • Stedman Graham for cheering me on in my new, unheard-of profession by assuring me life and executive coaching fit me “like a glove”
  • Stephen Cluney for telling me everything I need is already inside of me
  • That Girl for the hope and belief that I, too, could grow up, have my own apartment and a great boyfriend like Donald!
  • Thich Nhat Hahn for being the first to show me exactly how to slow down and mindfully drink a cup of tea, wash a dish, take a walk, breathe in loving kindness
  • Thomas Leonard for helping me to perfect the work and life of my dreams — effortlessly
  • Wilber Philber, the cat, for nudging me every day to stop and play
  • William Shakespeare for his terrific suggestion: ‘to thine own self be true’

I would love to hear your own example of someone who touched your life and helped to transform it.  Please share in the comments section below.  I look forward to reading your comments!

Happy Day of Love to you,

Debbie

P.S. Thank you to Woman on Fire Melissa McClain for the wonderful, heart-shaped image above; you can view her exquisite work at melissaAnneGallery.

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Paint By Camera

by on December 2, 2009

I’m off in Lenox, MA in the Berkshires today to meet with Dr. Mark Hyman and his amazing staff.  Many of you know him from his many books and television appearances.

Mark is a leader in a new movement called functional medicine, where medical practitioners search for root causes of illness or pain rather than simply treat the symptoms.  Because of my recent thyroid surgery, (Spark #3 “Terrible Scare”) I am making double-sure I am taking all the necessary steps for optimal health!

Before I left, I had the pleasure of selecting this week’s Woman on Fire — Melissa McClain.  I feel like the luckiest person in the world to know so many inspiring and dynamic women.

By day, Melissa works in the crisis management field. The rest of the time you can find her with her camera, or in her studio  at melissaAnne Photography and Design where she uses all of her creative talent full out. From “painting” with her camera, Melissa has created a line of wonderful fabrics and beautiful watercolor prints that both awe and inspire with their beauty.

She lives in Brooklyn, NY and having only been introduced to Women On Fire 9 months ago, she is already a regular at our New York tea parties. This weekend she launches her abstract photography in an exhibit at Linger Cafe and Lounge, 533 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, at 7PM Saturday.

I am so inspired by the way Melissa holds down a full-time job and makes time to express her deepest passion, and I believe you will be, too!

Much love,

This week’s Woman on Fire: Melissa McClain
Joined Women on Fire: 2009

How did you come to be a part of Women On Fire?

My undergrad professor and now friend Dave Neal grew up with Debbie Phillips and connected us on Facebook.

What would you like other Women On Fire to know about you, your work, and your life?

I have spent the last 12 years working in Crisis Management and becoming an industry leader in Survivor and Family Assistance program design and crisis response for the private sector.  I have created programs for and responded to mass casualty aviation accidents, terrorist attacks, and natural disasters.  It is a career where you hope you are never really needed, know some day you will be, and when you are feel fortunate to lend a helping hand and make a difference for someone who is impacted, yet wish it had never happened.

A few years ago, photography became my “self-care” practice of choice.  It soothes me and gives me an opportunity to create things of beauty and joy. Last year I took a business trip to Iceland and I took a very random picture of the bottom of an old wooden boat.


The image that started it all

The colors and textures intrigued me and there was a sense of making something new and beautiful out of something worn and weathered.  That one unexpected photo moment opened up a new world for me inspiring the melissaAnne Water Colors and Urban Colors Collections.

These abstract images, representing hidden beauty in things like boat bottoms and walls of graffiti, provide colors and textures that inspire me and others.  I didn’t know it a year ago, but this is my true passion and this is how my soul communicates.  I am now expanding the Water Colors and Urban Colors Collections to textile designs and recently began making pillows from my custom fabrics.

Which Women On Fire Aspiration speaks to you the most?

I dedicate myself to using my strengths, gifts, and talents to make a difference in the world.

I was able to do this in my Crisis Management profession and have many ideas for integrating my photography and designs to support organizations such as Women for Women International, creating a foundation for art therapy resources for kids and teens who have experienced disaster or crisis situations, and supporting Cystic Fibrosis causes through fundraiser prints and products.

What is the most rewarding connection you have made so far from Women On Fire?


Women on Fire Ann Graham, Debbie Phillips and Melissa McClain

I have been a part of the WOF group for less than a year.  In that time I have met so many amazing women who I am grateful to call my friends.  The support, encouragement, and positive energy I receive on a daily basis helps me get through the tough moments of juggling an established career while transitioning to a new passion and purpose.  The genuine championing of other women make the accomplishments, big and small, all that more exciting and joyful!  I love being inspired and being able to share inspiration with other women who want to make a difference in the world, in their own lives, and the lives of others.

Melissa McClain and Sandra Carlson at recent tea party

What does Women On Fire mean to you?

WOF is women being genuine, and caring, and compassionate.  It’s valued friendships.  Some days it’s a shelter in a storm.  It’s a team of people celebrating successes, supporting when struggles appear, and inspiring each other to keep moving forward every day.  Moving forward not just for ourselves but for all the  women who come together here with dreams and goals, because our individual movements propel each other.

What would you like to tell other Women on Fire about their own hopes and dreams?

I borrow this idea from Debbie on a daily basis, but I now realize that it all comes down to one simple sentence:  Don’t give up before the miracle.  Don’t stop being in action.  Don’t get discouraged.  Believe in yourself, push yourself, do things that scare you (I sure have!), make mistakes (I’ve done that, too!), and keep working on whatever it is you have in your heart and soul.  It’s who you are, it’s what you have to offer to the rest of us and we can’t wait to watch you and support you on your way!

Given that your pursuits are so artistic and creative, do you get stuck?  If so, what’s your favorite way to get “unstuck”?

Strangely enough, I don’t get “stuck” too often creatively.

I seem to get “stuck” in life when I’m not being creative and fulfilling my passions.

To get unstuck, well, I make a date with my camera.  When I have my camera in hand I feel complete and the world seems to speak to me in a different way.   Writing about a photography adventure and sharing my pictures with others helps, too.

~~~

melissaAnne Photography and Designs

Here is some of Melissa’s beautiful work that she has created through her business —  melissaAnne Photography and Designs

Garden of Angels


Water Colors 10

If you would like to see even more, please visit Melissa at her website: www.melissaAnnegallery.com
or her blog:
www.melissaAnnephotog.wordpress.com

Portrait of Melissa McClain by Rob Berkley

Women on Fire Tea Party photos by Shannon McCaffery

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