One person can and does make a difference

I had the most amazing experience yesterday. There is a woman here who is a very talented artist. I am going to cut her hair. I have cut almost everyone of the residents hair here at Upaya.
I decided to do it as a gift to them. Turns out they love to talk about hair and I have even given two of them manicures...people are people, wherever you go. It actually was a huge gift to myself...I love being a generous person.

Anyway the woman who is the artist is from Germany...I'll call her Germany. So Germany wanted to give me a tarot card reading in exchange for her haircut. One evening I go to her room for this reading and she shows me her art...her amazing art. I say, "Germany, why don't you sell this art to these woman at the retreat?" She tells me how the featured artist at the retreat doesn't want to share the spotlight...so I say "let's sell them out back rather than in the front...away from the other uptight artist.."...I liked Germany's art better anyway.
Well one things leads to another and we set up a very informal showing. At the last morning of the retreat I make an announcement to the group to come to our show.
Of course the women flock to see her art and she sells way over a grand's worth....with invitations to come visit some of these women in their states and have shows for their friends. (Don't worry she is coming to Seattle for all you guys). Germany is so happy, as these residents live on as little as $250 a month and because people LOVE her art...plus she gets the experience of herself...a beautiful thing to see. And two other residents have some beautiful calligraphy and wood work that they will start to sell now.
Now check out what happens...as I am collecting a check from a young woman that is buying a piece of Germany's art I say to her " I like your bracelet. There is something to be said for simplicity." It was a very simple beautiful gold cuff. She thanks me and goes on to write the check out. When she hands me the check she also hands me the bracelet and insists that I take it as a gift from her. I was, and am floored. I told her that she makes me want to be a better person. I am moved to tears by her gesture as we were strangers to one another. Not anymore though. When I get home I am mailing her a big box of girlie girl stuff from our store as a way of saying thank you. I will never forget what her kindness made me feel. Can you believe her generousity? It has had me look to see"where can I give more?". She made a huge difference for me.

I am also in negotiations to bring my LS, (nails and skin) and my daughter (make up) out to MAKE-OVER the next women's retreat....some one has to handle the toe funk, bad hair and over all denial of self love that we women are so famous for...
Please if you are reading this do something wonderful for your body this week. Uncover and own your beauty...get down off of the cross...and for Buddha's sake book a mani and a pedi!

Next golden nugget that I have to offer...rent and watch the movie "THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY". It is a true story that will blow your mind. Seriously. BTW it is subtitled, as it is in French but please do not miss the message because of that.

I am going to a natural hot spring today with some of the girls here...as my time to leave is nearing and they wanted to take me out for a special day. (Sweet huh ) I am excited....I have come to love them and I will really miss them...but we "leave a piece of one another behind", as they will always be with me.

Enjoy your day today. Look to see where you can make a difference for someone. I promise you will be filled up and overflow with joy and it is such a "high". And I believe this is how the change that we all want to see in the world will come about.

I bow to you in love and light,
lotus girl