I have to say that my entire life I have known what I wanted to "be when I grew up" I thank my parents for guiding, nurturing and supporting my clear passion/direction when I was just a child.
I was recently asked, What is your fondest memory growing up? Aside from the obvious family memories, my fondest times were sitting on my bedroom floor stringing beads and gluing small found objects to larger ones and adding a pin back! Today, again aside from the clear wonderful moments with my children, my fondest moments are still the quiet time I spend (with no music, just my thoughts) stinging beads on my floor. While the materials have become more precious and the clients more serious, my passion and conviction are still the same.
I assumed that every child had the same support and passions as me. It was not until, I had my own children and saw children as so much of a "blank canvas" or "sponge" excited to learn and explore. I realized the gift my parents gave me, sharing the world with me. I was so overwhelmingly saddened to find children excited to learn with no support to guide them.
With the education foundation, I have found a wondrous place to share what I do. It seems so simple to me. So, effortless. Recently, I was asked to give a talk to 60 teachers about me personal journey and received an overwhelming number of thank you notes for my time. I was so touched. I never realized that I had something to give. Never thought, sharing my story could help another person find their way or even heal.
Click here to see Amanda's beautiful jewelry.
Thank you Barb & Kathy for the nice write up!
It is my hope that all children can find their life's passion early as I did.
Thanks Mom and Dad for supporting the crazy artist in me!
May everyday be a sparkly one!
~Amanda
Posted by: Amanda | March 24, 2010 at 12:50 PM