Change is in the wind.

As it is with many great plans, sometimes life gets in the way. I have recently discovered that I will not be able to travel to Malawi as planned. Although I am terribly disappointed, I am comforted to know that all the beautiful postcards that have been made will indeed still travel to Malawi.

There is no question in my mind that women everywhere will find their hearts and their voice through Traveling Postcards. I encourage everyone to reach out to other women and share what you have learned and what you know to be of value.

I am happy to say that Traveling Postcards will continue to collect and distribute postcards. If anyone knows a group of women who would like to participate by making cards, or would benefit from receiving cards, please let me know.

Traveling Postcards is able to move and to grow and to change. All of our lessons and our stories will move through time, blowing in the breeze, and land where they are most needed. I look forward to all the new and exciting possibilities in the months to come and will post on this blog the next Traveling Postcards event. Stay tuned!

JFK University /Pleasant Hill Event

JFK University held the first of three Traveling Postcards events on December 3rd. All female staff, students and faculty were invited to participate in making a postcard for the women of Malawi. I photographed groups of good friends and several women brought old photos from home to honor loved ones who could not be present. All materials were provided, including old buttons and some beautiful owl feathers.

I am continually amazed at the creativity and individuality I see in each postcard. No two cards are the same and the essence of each women who participates shines through her words and her art.

Everyone seemed very pleased to take time away from working and studying and devote a few precious moments to create a heartfelt message for another woman. I send a BIG 'thank you' to JFK women!

Next event: JFKU Campbell, January 2009!

Amazing Women!

November 15^th marked the first large scale Traveling Postcards event. Twenty one women and children participated and creativity and generosity flowed freely.
The event started with a mini portrait session, where women could come and be photographed with a woman they loved. I used old fashioned Polaroid film as it seemed fitting to keep all
processes within the hand made realm!

Three large tables were filled with art supplies from gel pens and paint, to feathers and buttons, and anything else that would fit on a 4x6 postcard. I especially loved seeing some old photographs that I had discarded, reused and turned into a new works of art.

Women adorned their cards and then wrote heartfelt messages on the back, acknowledging their lives and sharing their valuable stories.

All the postcards will travel with me to Malawi, where they will be
shared with a community of women in hopes that they will take pleasure in these small gifts of creativity and love. It is my hope that Traveling Postcards can be recreated in Malawi, as well as many other places around the world.

It was such a pleasure for me to watch women working with their creative spirit to make a connection with someone they may never know, and doing this all through the sharing of pictures, stories and hand made art.

I believe connections begin with just one woman’s voice flowing through obstacles and time to reach an awaiting need.

NEXT EVENT: December 3rd. JFK University, Pleasant Hill, California.