I’m really excited to share an adventure from Nathan Garbig today. He spent the summer studying abroad and his great photography on instagram helped me take a virtual vacation to Europe. He’s sharing helpful tips for anyone considering studying abroad in the future.
I want to introduce you to Bill Fowler. I went to school with his daughter, Deanna and I found out about her dad’s inspiring adventure from a recent facebook post. I immediately messaged her to see if Bill would be willing to be interviewed. His answers will inspire and encourage you to make a difference however you can.
Why are you bicycling across America?
Many years ago, I lost my wife and soul mate to cancer. It devastated me. Faith, friends and two small children that needed a father even more than before were the only thing that pulled me through. Years later, God blessed me with another wonderful wife and soul mate. I have even more children and nine grandchildren. Even with all of these blessings, I carry a scar on my heart that is tender beyond belief.
As much as my loss hurt, I cannot imagine what the loss of a child would be like for a parent. Now my son and daughter-in-law face the very real probability of the loss of their son, Logan, to Duchenne muscular dystrophy. I cannot not sit idly by, facing the loss of my grandson.
Why is your cause so important to you?
There are approximately 30,000 youth that die each year from Duchenne muscular dystrophy and they often die before they are mature enough to have a voice. If I do something bold and daring enough, maybe I can help in being in voice for them. We have cured many diseases. Duchenne’s can be cured also.
Where did you get the idea to cycle solo across America?
There are walks, runs, rides and such all the time for good causes. I wouldn’t begin to know how to organize one of these. However, I thought that if I did something bold and daring enough, it could fire the imagination and accomplish something useful in the fight against Duchenne’s. An old man riding 500 miles? That seemed too short! Ohio to the east coast? Half of a continent still seemed too short. I decided to go all the way across – and to add to the challenge – to go solo.
How did you prepare for your trip?
I began training in January, six months prior to departure, using a three-phased approach. Phase One was conditioning. I used a cross training workout, with a heavy emphasis on cycling. At first, I trained one hour a day, three days a week. Eventually, I increased this to two hours a day, five days a week. I knew that I wouldn’t be as strong as I needed to be, but I planned to start slow and increase my efforts as I built up my strength. Phase Two was knowledge. I read numerous books, blogs, and articles from others who had done similar trips. Phase Three was putting a plan together for the journey based on what I knew and what I wanted to accomplish. Phase Three has changed numerous times and continues to evolve even as I travel.
How long do you plan on being gone?
My original plan was to be on the road for about 8 to 9 weeks. At my current rate, it looks like it might be more like 10 to 11 weeks, but I’m getting faster and the road conditions are improving.
What do you hope you accomplish?
My hope is to raise over $100,000 for Duchenne muscular dystrophy causes and to raise awareness of this disease that affects over a quarter of a million people.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to start your journey?
I had to find the courage to say to the world that I was going to do this, even though I wasn’t sure I could. And I had to leave my wife with a heavy load and tremendous anxiety. I worked hard to leave her with as light a burden as possible before my departure.
What challenges have you encountered on the road?
I’ve encountered hours of physical exertion so intense that it left me unable to eat. Cycling up mountains in 100 degree temperatures with no ability to stop, put me close to heat exhaustion. I’ve had several incidents where I ran out of water and didn’t know where or when I would find more. I’ve had hundreds motor vehicles passing too close for safety. I’ve experienced loneliness such as I haven’t felt in years. Finally, I’ve worried about whether I’m a worthy voice for the thousands afflicted with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
What have been some of your most memorable experiences so far on your trip?
What have you learned about yourself during this journey?
I have learned that even though age has softened my body, mentally, I can be as strong or stronger than I have ever been. It has also reinforced my knowledge that, with God’s blessings, nothing is impossible when people pull together.
What have you learned about the people you’ve met along the way?
I knew that I would meet some wonderful people during the course of my cycling trip. However, the kindness and generosity of people that I’ve met has been unbelievable. One person responding to my blog said that my stories had restored their faith in the goodness of people.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to raise awareness for a cause?
Even at my advanced age, I feel more confident in my ability to meet the physical challenges than in my ability to raise awareness for a cause. With that said, I’d recommend having a good story and sharing it far and wide. It’s important to recruit and use help – friends, family, organizations and such. It’s also helpful to have a website and a blog and to use social media, flyers and business cards. Last, but not least, prayers.
How can someone connect with you on social media?
Easy! People can read more about the trip on my website grampsbicyclingamerica.com. They can also find me on Facebook and Twitter or can email me directly at bill@grampsbicyclingammerica.com.
I want to introduce you to Shalee from Shalee Wanders. I met her a few years ago on a media trip and I instantly connected with her over our love for travel and adventure. We even auditioned for the Amazing Race together after only knowing each other for a few days! Her incredible pictures will inspire you to travel and explore more often. I asked Shalee to share about her adventures along with some of her tips for traveling in your 20’s.
What are the advantages of traveling in your 20’s?
Learning is the biggest advantage. Someone once used the term “reverse retirement”, and I completely agree with that concept. I think we should travel when we’re young because you learn about the world.
Traveling while in your 20s is also a freedom unlike any other. You can survive by sleeping in hammocks, eating freeze dried potatoes and living off very little sleep. I like to hike mountains and jump off cliffs—everyone in their 20s is slightly stupid enough to do things like that.
Share some of your favorite adventures so far.
It’s so hard to choose! A few weeks ago I did the east coast and had a blast, so that one is stuck in my heart at the moment. Australia was my first big trip and it opened me to a whole new world of travel. Yosemite was killer, I would be perfectly okay with being a hobo in Hawaii and Canada always blows my mind.
What challenges have you overcome to travel?
Managing and saving money was my biggest challenge. My background doesn’t include a trust fund or a family that can afford travel. When I left high school and moved away to start college, I was really lost. I wanted to travel, but could barely afford gas to go to work. Once I developed a saving method and found out travel was possible, I knew I was hooked. It saved me from a really difficult time in my life.
What are your tips to save money and finance your fun/travels?
Tracking where you spend your money is the most important way to save. A lot of people don’t realize how much their morning coffee costs overtime. If you’re spending $4 on Starbucks coffee 5 days a week, your total over one year is $1,040…that adds up to a pretty epic trip!
Before I had a travel credit card, I would pay in cash for almost everything. When I would receive any one dollar bills back, I would put them away and act like I didn’t receive that change. In 6 months I managed to save over $400 in single bills alone. It’s a really great method.
What adventure were you scared to try, but you did it anyway?
Hawaii was my first big solo trip and I was terrified. I left on my first plane without a secure place to stay once I landed. I really thought I may have to sleep in my hammock my first night there. Thankfully, it worked out and I had the time of my life!
What adventures are on your list right now?
America’s northwest, Iceland and Thailand! I’m headed to Iceland in August and couldn’t be more excited. America’s northwest is my last unvisited region in the United States and Thailand has a culture that really intrigues me.
What advice would you give to someone who thinks they don’t have enough money or time to travel?
You do! If you make travel a priority, there is always a way to make it work. Make the most of your weekends and travel regionally if you must. I don’t get to travel non-stop, I have school and another job to balance, but I make time. Too often we get caught up in school, work and society and forget traveling is always possible.
What are some of your favorite travel hacks?
Finding cheap flights is my specialty. When I booked the trip to Iceland, my ticket was $450 round trip—including a $65 baggage fee. I am flexible with my travel dates and use sites like Skyscanner and Wow Air, who can offer amazing deals.
I also rarely stay in hotels, unless I use Hotwire. I like to use Couchsurfing, which is an online community of people who let you stay in their homes for free when traveling. Hotels are often the most expensive part of a trip and I try to avoid them as much as possible.
What have you learned from your solo travels?
People will either think you are the weirdest or coolest person alive. It also allows you to open up and meet other travelers. It’s hard at times when something goes wrong and you have no one to lean on, but it’s part of the experience.
Most importantly, it taught me the world is not as scary as it seems and the number of good people far outweigh the bad.
What did you do to make sure that you were safe during your solo travels?
I always try to make smart choices and follow my gut instinct. I’ve never been put in a bad situation, so that is good. I think it’s really helpful that I’m not afraid to speak up and be a complete brat to anyone who thinks they can take advantage of the fact I’m alone.
Most importantly, it’s important to stay in contact with loved ones back home. I give addresses to every place I’m staying and contact them daily. Even when I don’t know where I’m staying until last minute, the first thing I try to do is send the info their way.
You take amazing pictures, what are your tips for capturing a great shot?
Thank you! I try to capture images that tell a story. I have an IPhone 5 and a Canon 70d. Some of my best photos are taken with my phone, so having a big expensive camera isn’t a must.
You can never take enough pictures on a trip and the best ones are sometimes the candid unexpected shots. I’m a big believer in the rule of thirds, which means that the subject of the photo should rarely be in the center of the shot. Lastly, I never use filters or big edits on my photos, I think over edited photos ruin the image.
Where do you find travel inspiration and adventure ideas?
Everywhere and anywhere. I find a lot through social media and other blogs. I also get ideas from others who have been places and recommend them. I have a giant list of places that I’ve seen or heard from somewhere that I want to go. It continues to grow every day! I love seeing a place—especially in the Midwest—that I never knew existed. It’s so exciting to start planning a trip to go there.
What is your blog about?
My blog focuses on adventure and budget travel for people in their 20s. I focus on destinations away from tourist zones that will bring travelers back to nature. My specialty is anything related to hiking, camping, adventure, the Midwest and mountains.
Right now I am based mainly in the Midwest and Michigan region, but will be moving globally next year. I cannot wait to see what the future has in store!
How can someone connect with you on social media?
I love connecting with followers! Anyone can find me on Instagram and Twitter , Facebook and my website Shalee Wanders.
I had the privilege of interviewing Astar Daniels. When I heard about her story, I knew that I had to do anything I could to meet her. What makes Astar so interesting? Where do I even begin?????
Well, first off, Astar, at the young age of 94, will be repelling down the 10 story YMCA building in downtown Cincinnati to help raise money for affordable living for seniors. That alone is AMAZING!!!!!
So why is she passionate about raising money for affordable living enough to rappel down a 10 story building?
Astar Daniels also makes me feel like I need to up my game when it comes to adventures. She has experienced many.
How have your dreams and goals changed over the years?
Astar is also an artist. During my visit to interview her, she showed me some of the art pieces that she created.
The picture below is a self portrait.
What will the fundraiser money go toward?
Episcopal Retirement Homes (ERH) now has open online registration for the Over the Edge for Elders fundraiser coming June 12th and 13th. Instead of asking people to sponsor walkathon participants, ERH has brought in a new twist and people will be sponsoring Edgers who will rappel down a 10-story building! It’s all part of the summer fundraiser for Affordable Senior Living by ERH communities. The event will take place at the Central YMCA at the corner of Elm Street and Central Parkway, where the top six floors are being renovated by ERH into 65 apartments for older adults with limited incomes.
The two-day event kicks off June 12th with CELEBRATE! — ERH’s annual fundraising BBQ dinner, and auction – where 10 celebrity Edgers will rappel to get the action started. The next day, June 13th Over the Edge for Elders will feature 92 Edgers rappelling the 10-story YMCA building to help raise money for the cause. The event also offers a “Toss your Boss” category where employees can donate to see their favorite bosses take the rappelling plunge.
A major fundraising goal for ERH has been to ensure that support services are fully funded at its Affordable Living communities. This effort is essential now with its expansion goal of operating 30 limited-income senior residences by 2020.
Maureen Gregory, ERH Fund Development Manager, explains, “As we expand we need to triple our annual fund to have the money available to operate our support services. All of our communities will have extra services not often found for seniors with limited incomes. The ERH model goes well beyond the HUD requirement of safe and sanitary senior housing because ERH believes that deserving seniors who include our veterans, former teachers, firefighters and others who have worked hard all their lives, deserve to live in a safe, enriching environment no matter what their current income status might be. For every apartment that becomes available, there are 10 seniors who are qualified. There is a housing crisis that is looming, and ERH is making a difference.”
About Episcopal Retirement Homes
Since 1951, Episcopal Retirement Homes (ERH) has dedicated itself to improving the lives of older adults through innovative, quality living environments and in-home and community-based services delivered by experienced and compassionate professionals. ERH owns or manages fourteen senior living communities: two premier communities, Deupree House and Marjorie P. Lee, in Hyde Park, and twelve affordable living communities for low-income seniors. ERH also operates in-home services such as their geriatric care management service, Living Well Senior Solutions; delivers 75,000 Meals on Wheels annually; and provides counsel and support to 75 churches to renew their role in healthcare through advocacy, education and wellness programs through Parish Health Ministry.
I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to meet Astar. She is one of the most positive people that I’ve ever met. Her gratitude and willingness to still try new things at her age is so incredibly inspiring!
How can you help?
You can help Astar reach her $1,000 fundraising goal by donating on her fundraising webpage.
You can learn more about Over the Edge for Elders or donate on their website and learn more about ERH affordable living here.
For more information, visit www.episcopalretirement.com, or call 513.272.5555. ext. 4288.
I discovered Geeky Explorers because of their amazing pictures on instagram. Their profile also mentioned their blog website which intrigued me even more because they sold everything to travel by RV across the country. I immediately knew that I wanted to interview them for the blog. Tricia and Keith graciously agreed to meet me at Coffee Emporium before they started the next leg of their journey. They were fascinating in person too. I always admire people who take the leap of faith to live their dreams.
My former highschool classmate, Jaclyn Kleier, is living her dream by singing professionally for the Cincinnati Opera. I asked her a few questions to learn more about what it’s like to be an opera singer.
How long have you been singing for the Cincinnati Opera?
My first season with Cincinnati Opera was in 2000. At the time I was the youngest singer they had ever hired. That began my career as a professional singer. This season marks my tenth with Cincinnati Opera (I took 3 seasons off to sing on cruise ships).
How did you get started?
I have been singing since I was young. My mother was music minister for two Catholic churches and I sang in the adult choir rather than the children’s choir because my voice was maturing much faster. I went on to take private lessons and eventually won the Kentucky All-State High School singing competition my senior year. Several colleges approached me about music scholarships after I won.
What challenges did you have to overcome to live your dream?
The expression “starving artist” is not a myth. It is real both figuratively and literally. Traveling all over the country for auditions, paying for vocal coaching and music, and singing as many resume building roles as possible for free, all the while sacrificing time that could be spent working a job that pays money, often makes for a very down-and-out existence as a young professional singer.
What are your favorite parts about your job?
The costumes and wigs!
What are some misconceptions about the opera?
That it’s only for the wealthy or affluent class. We have patrons from all walks of life. In fact, once a year we hold a community open dress rehearsal in which many inner city schools and youth programs come to see their first opera.
Do you have any tips for learning a foreign language?
No. I don’t know how I did it myself. I had to take 4 semesters each of French, German, and Italian as part of my undergrad degree as well as Lyric Diction. It just took lots of studying and repetition to get it down. I’m not fluent in any of the languages now, but I am able to sit down and translate my music and pronounce each word of the language precisely.
Why should someone check the opera out?
Because it’s not just people standing on stage screaming. The music is beautiful and often ignites a huge emotional response to its listeners. Seeing the opera in person rather than just listening to it on a CD or something allows you to put the story together.
What advice would you give to someone who dreams of a career that involves singing?
Work hard and learn to take rejection as an opportunity to grow as an artist. Also, have a backup plan…a singer’s career is often very short. There is lots of competition out there!
I got to watch Jaclyn perform in the community performance of “Aida” and was really impressed by the amazing singers, elaborate costumes and stage set.
Check out the Cincinnati Opera’s website for more information on upcoming operas.
Have you been to an opera before? I would love to hear about your experience.
I first learned about Cinderella’s Closet several years ago while living in the area.
A close friend told me about the organization and later volunteered and loved it. Unfortunately, the dates never seemed to work with my schedule and I tucked away the idea to check it out in the back of my mind.
A few Saturdays ago, I finally got to witness a small snapshot of what this amazing organization does to make every girl who walks through the door to feel like a princess. The volunteer positions were all filled and Erin graciously let me come and observe to help share what they are doing.
I found myself fighting back tears several times as I observed the event unfolding.
The girls were treated like princesses from the moment they arrived.
They were also given dignity and shown love. Each girl gets a personal shopper otherwise known as her fairy godmother who is there to guide her through the shopping experience and give undivided attention to make her feel special. The fairy godmother helps the princess select a dress. Sometimes a princess could try on dozens of dresses in the dressing room before finding “the one.”
Next, they select shoes. There are shoe attendants who bring out 3 selections of her shoe size to choose from until she finds “the one.”
Next, each girl can select three pieces of jewelry. They are presented with different options from another volunteer on serving trays.
The princess can then go to alterations if she needs any minor adjustments to the dress.
After her selections, the princess can enjoy refreshments while her fairy godmother slips away to write a personal note and selects a purse for her princess as she waits for her dress to be steamed and her accessories to be bagged.
Each volunteer had a story of why Cinderella’s Closet meant so much to them.
Some were there because a friend had volunteered and encouraged them to join them after an amazing experience.
I met a volunteer named Angela, (bottom left in pic) who was head fairly godmother and was there because her daughter was reluctantly a recipient one year and after her daughter’s experience of feeling so special she wanted to volunteer. Her daughter tragically lost her life in a car accident a year later and her mother now volunteers and organizes an annual fundraiser named the Katy Shell Memorial Fundraiser for Cinderella’s Closet to honor her legacy and to help continue making girls feel as special as her daughter did that day.
I asked Erin Peterson, the founder, a few questions so that we could hear her heart on why Cinderella’s Closet is so important to her.
Why did you start Cinderella’s Closet?
It began in 2006 when I overhead a girl in a consignment shop talking about a beautiful turquoise prom dress that she wanted but could not afford. I heard her ask the sales lady if she could hold the dress until she spoke to her foster mother. I didn’t even see her or the dress, but I knew she was dreaming of it and I could make that dream come true. I didn’t know how much it would cost when I offered to buy the dress, but it turned out to be $39.95. It’s the best money I have ever spent. As she walked out the of store, she told me she would look just like “Cinderella”.
That afternoon I prayed and told God that if he could use me again to do his work, then to please let me notice. I thought I would get some of my friends together and we would take a couple of girls shopping and give them a “big day”. Little did I know that God had other plans. I was in the consignment store in October 2006, in March 2007 Cinderella’s Closet became a ministry of Immanuel United Methodist Church and we had 1,500 dresses and served 115 girls. Each year after that we have served nearly 450 girls per year in 13 counties in Kentucky. There are now Cinderella’s Closet ministries in Cincinnati, Frankfort, Lexington and in 10 other churches throughout the country based on the model and ministry developed in Northern Kentucky.
What was an obstacle that you had to overcome when you started Cinderella’s Closet?
I think one of our largest logistical obstacles was that I didn’t consider that Cinderella’s Closet would cost any money. I was very naive, I thought people would donate the dresses and we would give them away. For some reason, it didn’t cross my mind that we would need things like dress racks, mirrors, dressing rooms, etc. It also never entered my mind that we would ever need to purchase items to give away like plus size dresses, shoes and jewelry. All of those items are never donated in the quantities required. We were so poor in fact during our first several years, that my husband once gave me nearly $1,000 in small bills for valentines day. He had eaten peanut butter and jelly for lunch for 6 months and saved the money his lunch would have cost. He didn’t tell me, but surprised me on Valentines Day. I remember asking him why all of the bills were so small (like fives and tens), he said that he didn’t want me to notice he was saving the money. He wanted me to know that he had been thinking of me and this ministry since the summer. I think it was the sweetest and most thoughtful gift he has ever given me.
What have been some of your favorite responses so far?
Wow! So many. Every girl that visits us has a story, but I’ll share one of my favorites from this year. I was walking out of our dress room and I saw a very excited almost “giddy” princess. She was standing behind her Fairy Godmother because she didn’t want her foster mother to see her, until she made an “entrance”. So I asked her if she wanted to be introduced. She responded with “Princess Stacy, please”. So that’s what I did I walked out to the waiting room and announced “Princess Stacy” to the cheers of the other mothers waiting. Everyone clapped and smiled as “Princess Stacy” walked the room and twirled. That is what it is all about for us, not the dress, not the jewelry, but giving the young ladies that visit us an unforgettable experience, unlike any other they have ever had. Dresses are fun and fancy, but showing girls that they are loved and cherished is our only goal.
How has Cinderellas’ Closet changed you?
It has humbled me, each and every day that I think about it or work on it. I feel so blessed that I would be allowed to do a bit of God’s work here on earth and to be able to show His love in a powerful and tangible way. Each day I thank God for the opportunity to serve others in His name.
What are your dreams for Cinderella’s Closet in the future?
I don’t think about the future because my ideas have always been less than God’s. I would have never dreamed Cinderella’s Closet would be what it is today, it is quite overwhelming for me. We will continue to do our very best to serve the girls that dance through our doors and will continue to help others do the same.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a non profit?
I think my biggest piece of advice would be to find a mentor that has done it before. It makes the learning curve so much lower. It is always important to learn from those that have been in your shoes before.
What are your biggest needs for Cinderella’s Closet?
Donations:
All Fancy Prom Dresses Short or Long in all sizes. Our most needed size is 14 and plus size dresses (16-32) are always in short supply.
Formal Shoes – Any size
Formal Jewelry – It is never donated in the quanity required. In order to serve 450 girls, we need nearly 2,000 pieces of jewelry per year.
Formal Purses – We would love to be able to give a purse to each girl that visits us
What are some ways that someone can someone help Cinderella’s Closet?
-Volunteer to be a Fairy Godmother at our give-away events. You can also get the link via our website at www.cinderellasclosetusa.org
-Support our annual Spring Boxed Lunch Sale
– Be a Glass Slipper Sponsor – each year we ask folks to be a Glass Slipper Sponsor and purchase three accessory items that are needed for our event and are not normally donated. We need about 250 Glass Slipper Sponsors per year to meet our needs. To find out more information about being an individual sponsor or to have a Glass Slipper Display for your work, church, school, group, etc please email us at: contactus@cinderellasclosetnky.org
Can someone start a Cinderella’s Closet in their city?
Yes, we are please and honored to help those that want to start a Cinderella’s Closet ministry in their city. We request that Cinderella’s Closets are geographically about 1.5 hours apart. We have found that is a good geographic reach and a good use of resources.
Where can I drop off donations?
205 Grandview Drive
Fort Mitchell, Kentucky
Monday-Friday 7:00am to 6:00pm
4 Hidden Valley Drive
Highland Heights, KY
Monday-Friday 6:30am to 6:00pm
70 Wildcat Circle
Warsaw, Kentucky
Youth Services Center – See Regina Danaher
Monday-Friday during school hours; closed for summer
1120 Eminance Road
New Castle, Kentucky
Youth Services Center – See Karen Wilson
Monday-Friday during school hours; closed for summer
2359 Old US Highway 27
Youth Services Center
Falmouth, Kentucky – See Kelly Staten
Monday-Friday during school hours; closed for summer
11340 Century Circle E.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Healing Center, donation bins located on the right side of building
Label donations “Cinderella’s Closet”
Anytime Day or Night
5962 Hamilton Mason Road
Liberty Township, Ohio
Monday-Thursday: 8am to 4pm
Friday: 8am to 12pm
Sunday: 8am to 1pm
1210A Ohio Pike
Amelia, Ohio
Saturday-Wednesday 12:00pm to 6:00pm
See Kristie Patterson
You can help turn dresses into dreams!
Thanks again to Erin for sharing her heart and inspiring us to make a difference one life at a time!
Please email Cinderella’s Closet at: contactus@cinderellasclosetnky.org for more information and details.
I first met Connie at a Social Media Club meetup in Evansville, Indiana. During our meetup intros, I found out that she was a writer. During the 2nd meetup the following month, I found out that she had traveled all over the world. She really had my interest when she shared that she had traveled India solo on a motorcycle for 5 months.
After that meeting, I knew I wanted to know more and that she would inspire us with her bravery to step out of her comfort zone and live her dreams.
So here we go!
What was the turning point that made you sell your belongings and travel?
While I loved travel, especially by car, I never wanted to travel outside of the States. I thought I was perfectly happy working my way up the corporate ladder until one day the company announced it was downsizing and relocating across country. At first, I thought “I’m going with you” but then something inside me shifted and I up and quit my job.
I think that moment came about as an accumulation of things. I was not satisfied in my position, but after going to New Jersey on a company-sponsored look-see trip, I realized my standard of living would be less than what I’d been enjoying. I was looking at not moving up but rather down in lifestyle.
That was churning around in me when a co-worker brought in photos from a recent trip to Germany, showing them to me on the same day as my supervisor passed out our relocation packets. I remember sitting at my desk looking first at vibrant pictures of Europe––ancient farm houses with thatched roofs and flower boxes spilling over with blooms––and then at the slim sheet that spelled out my financial future if I stayed with the company. Seeing the two side by side caused something in me to snap and I quit, sold off most of my belongings, and bought a one-way ticket to Europe. I planned to stay gone at least six months but no more than a year. I was gone six years before I moved back to the States.
What was your most challenging experience while traveling?
I want to say the most challenging experience was leaving the airport in Frankfort after quitting my job and flying to Europe. I’d prepared, or so I’d thought, for life abroad but when I landed it hit me how unprepared I was. I knew no one, didn’t know how to read the 24-hour clock the trains ran by, and had never changed money in my life. On top of that I was way overpacked. I sat in the airport luggage terminal for hours giving myself a “you-can-do-it” pep talk before I managed to leave and start traveling.
What fears have you had to overcome?
The biggest fear I had to overcome was the fear of trying. To simply learn to jump off the edge of safety (or my idea of it) into the unknown. I was a shy and somewhat introverted kid, so leaving the world as I knew it and venturing off on my own was really scary. But there was something that scared me even more: not trying.
What was your favorite experience and why?
I don’t know that I have a favorite experience of the journey. Truth be told, the journey like life was a series of ups and downs. And I think that is the way it is supposed to be. My overall favorite part of the journey was meeting and getting to know people so different from myself along the way. It’s the experiences in life that stay with us, and for me that always centers around the people I encounter.
What experience demonstrated love to you on your trip?
My experience as a woman traveling the world alone has been very good. I’ve found that people everywhere are kind and caring. I suppose the most dramatic example of this would be when I crashed my motorcycle in an isolated part of India. People came out of nowhere to help me off the road, gathered my belongings, and see that I got the medical attention I needed. The village women at the scene were particularly giving and loving. They were like mothers to me. And, even though it was a terrifying event I can look back now and feel the love those people had for the stranger who landed in their lap.
(This truck crash was one of many I SAW during my 5 months out there.)
What motivates you to travel or push yourself beyond your comfort zone?
There are two things that motivated me to upend my life and venture down a completely foreign path.
First, when I graduated high school I went to work in the factory side of the company I eventually left, as a line attendant. There I was surrounded by people with badges announcing their years of service. I’d look at those badges and the faces of the women who wore them and wonder what they had really wanted out of life. I couldn’t imagine that they’d dreamed of working in a factory their entire life. That scared me. I worried that one day I’d wake up and find my life had passed me by, and I’d never even tried to do anything else.
Second, my father dropped dead of a heart attack on my 23rd birthday, one week to the day after he turned 53. I never got over how short life was, and how we never know when our time would end. There is nothing like death to make a person take a long hard look at their life.
Later, after I’d earned a degree in journalism and worked my way from the factory floor to an office overlooking the Ohio River and was looking at my co-workers pictures and my relocation package, these two things were surely a part of my decision to quit and follow my dream, even if that dream was rather undefined at the time.
How did living your dream affect your relationships? Did friends and family understand your decision?
I’m blessed to have an extremely supportive family. My mother always told me that it was my life and I had to make of it what I wanted. She was not thrilled with my decision, but she kept that to herself. It was my life and she wanted me to be a free and independent person. But I was free in other ways too. I was not married nor did I own a house. I knew, however, that by going abroad things might never be the same in my life again. I didn’t know just how much my life and myself would change though. Travel, especially long-term travel changes a person. It has to, you see and live too much to not be affected.
What misconceptions do people have about the people living in India?
I would say there are probably a lot of misconceptions people who have never been to India might have. It is a complicated country and culture. There are 28 states and 7 union territories, and each state has its own language, foods, and dress style. Additionally, there are thousands of dialects spoken. So it’s complicated.
Recently someone asked me if I had to always cover my head and face while in India. Purdah is not part of the Hindu culture. Women do not cover themselves from the world. Some young brides might still be expected to exhibit modesty by pulling their dupata across their face when in the presence of males outside of family members. This would be found more in villages, though. There is, however, still segregation between men and women. That of course is changing (albeit ever so slowly) as India transitions into a more modern world.
Did you feel unsafe traveling by yourself? Did you have any close calls while traveling?
Whether a woman travels the world alone or her hometown she has to be aware of her surroundings and capabilities. For me, it is always important to play the What If game, so I’m prepared for the worst if it happens.
I don’t expect bad things to happen to me, because in my personal experience people abroad are really helpful, and see a single woman alone as someone to take care of more so than a man. But as a woman who might not have the physical power to thwart an ugly situation I’m even more focused on having the mental power to do so. I know I need to always be aware and have a plan.
To answer your question, no I don’t feel unsafe because I’ve already considered what I might do if A, B, or C occurs.
Because of this I’ve not had many close calls, but there have been one or two situations that I wasn’t prepared for. They came out of me lowering my guard and not anticipating or realizing the scope of the situation.
How would you encourage someone to live their dreams?
When I think back on the moment when I decided to leave it all and travel, I view it as the hand of God pushing me through an open door. I would encourage people to look for the open doors in their lives and not be afraid to walk through them if it means following your dream or passion. I think you have to be brave enough to step somewhat blindly off the edge of life, to have faith in yourself and humanity. But most of all you have to not be afraid of failing. That is part of the process we call life, and we are made better by our failures.
Thanks for sharing your adventures with us Connie! Make sure you check out Connie’s blog listed below for her newest adventures.
Connie L. Stambush is a professional writer, national motorcycle instructor, and international traveler. After quitting her job of 14 years, she took off for Europe, the Middle East, and Asia where she lived, worked, and explored 19 countries in six years. She lived and worked in India for four years as a journalist and editor before buying a motorcycle and touring the Subcontinent alone for five months. She is working on publishing a memoir based on that journey titled Naked on the Edge: a Motorcycle, a Goddess, and a Journey Around India. She blogs about the adventures of writing an adventure story (plus, shares some insights to life in India) at www.clstambush.com.
It’s always fun to see my friends getting to live their dreams. I want to introduce you to a band that I would listen to even if we had never met.
I first found out about Heartside during an Art Hop night in our city. After stepping inside, I immediately knew that I wanted to come back and take the tour and learn more about what they are doing. After the taking the tour, I knew I had found a place that I wanted to begin volunteering.
Heartside is all about helping people and art. Which is why, as we stepped inside one afternoon for our tour, I immediately wanted to cry. Cry in a good way. Cry, because I walked into a crowded room of people, many of whom were from the streets, who were creating art…..really good art.
Heartside is a free art studio open to the “neighbors” of the Heartside community.
“Heartside Neighbors* are often homeless, with little or no income, struggling with mental and physical disabilities or addiction. Poor in the things of this world but rich in the things of the spirit, they are brimming with talent, resolute in their faith–hopeful, caring, and deeply committed to the community they have found with one another.”– Heartside webpage
The statement above says it all.
You can see why I LOVE this place.
They value people, love them where they’re at and also see what they can be.
The art the artists create and the environment at Heartside are a catalysis of hope. The hope of stepping out in courage to try something new and stepping into who and what you can be. Many of the artists at Heartside have discovered a hidden talent they never knew they had. They’ve also been given something that has given them confidence, community, and compassion.
Our tour guide, named Denis, showed us the studio then took us downstairs to see the woodshop,
pottery studio, frame room, and fiber arts room.
The walls of each hallway we walked thru were covered in artwork that had been created at Heartside.
Heartside also has social programs to assist neighbors as well. They helped Denis to get aid for an apartment in his time of need and through the gallery he reconnected with art and his lost love of writing. He now writes regularly for “Spoon” which is a monthly publication for the writers of Heartside.
The artists at Heartside each get a space on the wall after they have been making art consistently.
Each artist gets their name on a shelf and eventually has hopes of selling their art in the gallery.
The artists gets 85% of each sale while 15% goes back toward purchasing supplies.
It not only gives confidence but helps create income.
Every piece of work has a story. The stories behind the people who created them and what they have overcome, is even more inspiring.
The people you meet like Katalina, (who is pictured above), Kathy Sams and Cory are just a few of the many, who have been given hope here. (I had the honor of helping Cory pick out a few pieces for his upcoming placement on the wall.)
We recently purchased a bird feeder for my mother in law from Anthony. He has been sober for several years now and has aquired several artistic skills since coming to Heartside. He makes the bird feeders out of recycled materials from old buildings. He signs, dates, and shares which old building the materials came from. Each purchase is a piece of history.
Many of the supplies are donated and artists use creativity to recycle items that would be seen as trash somewhere else. They turn trash into treasure.
The Miracle
I’m still here and that’s a miracle
And the reason for the story
Unusual and yet in some ways typical
The mean streets, the cold nights
There’s no jobs, no futures
And the homeless live through the twilight.
Out in the streets
And at the shelters
Where we live in the city
Is still just short of miracles.
So don’t give up
And don’t give in
God is in the streets
And Jesus is near.
Where we live is where we meet
For the message from Heartside rings clear
There’s a miracle everyday
For the people at Heartside facing change.
We’re still here against all odds
We’re the world of Heartside under God
For those who came before us
And those yet to arrive
It’s just another miracle in our struggle to survive.
Here at Heartside the winter is fading
When spring comes alive, the seasons are changing
It’s the miracle of life.
-Denis Burket
You can show Heartside Gallery and Art Studio some love by stopping in and purchasing an item.
Most items are priced between $10- $40. This is a way to have original art at really great value and directly support people. You can also “like”them on facebook, stop in for a tour, donate materials, art supplies, time or finaces to the ministry.
If you know of other organizations with a vision incorporating art similar to Heartside, I would love to hear about them.
