Sometimes There Are NO Words…

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Hi Everyone,

Almost a year ago, in my blog Brokenhearted Dawn, I wrote “The worst mass shooting– 49 killed and 53 wounded– in our country’s history happened Sunday night, right here in Orlando where I live. Like many in our community, I feel somewhat shell-shocked; this hit a little too close to home.”

It seems totally surreal that there could have been another mass shooting here in Orlando, one week before the anniversary of the Pulse massacre. Today, five innocent people were killed by a gunman who then turned the gun on himself. One of the five victims, Kevin Clark, was the father of my son’s classmate, Gavin. Kevin and I sat at the same table the school’s Leadership Banquet last month, and I really enjoyed talking with him. He was a talented photographer, and spent most of the evening taking pictures of the event. Kevin’s wife died unexpectedly in 2010, so he knew first hand the grief of losing a spouse, and the challenge of being a single parent. My heart goes out to Gavin and his 14 year old sister, who will have to find their way in the world without either parent to guide them.

One of the things I’ve learned on my journey from grief to gratitude, is that when something unimaginable occurs, it’s a wake up call; you realize that all you have is today. Although this realization can be scary, it can also be a blessing as it gives you the opportunity to reevaluate your life, and to re-imagine your future.

Last week I shared the exciting news that I had signed a licensing agreement to publish a trade edition of When You Lose Someone You Love, and that I’ll be doing some book signings, leading seminars and teaching workshops. The book debuted at “BEA” (Book Expo America) this week, and my publisher said there was a lot of interest. I was really happy to see this photo, since I couldn’t be there for the launch.

I am heading to Philadelphia and Lancaster later this month, and hope I’ll get to see some of you while I’m there. If you live in the Philadelphia area, and would like a free copy of the book, please join me for one (or both) of these two events:

Both events are free, but space is limited– especially for Saturday’s hands-on Zenspirations® workshop– so reservations are a must.

Click here to reserve your spot for the Thursday evening, June 22, program, which begins at 7:00 pm. It’s called The Journey from Grief to Gratitude, and this is one of the designs I created to share during the presentation.

The workshop will be called “Color, Creativity, Grief & Gratitude“, and I’ll be teaching Zenspirations patterning, and helping each participant create a personalized memorial piece to honor the memory of their loved one.

Click here to reserve your spot for the Saturday afternoon, June 24th, workshop, which begins at 1:00 pm.  

I’m hoping for a good turn-out, and since the events are only a couple of weeks away, I’d appreciate your sharing this with anyone you know who lives in or near Ambler, Pennsylvania. Even if they haven’t lost a loved, they might know someone who has, so thanks in advance for sharing.

Stay Zenspired,

Joanne

 

12 thoughts on “Sometimes There Are NO Words…”

  1. That is so kind of you Joanne, but those of us that know you already know you are kind. I do know a lot of people in the Philadelphia area so if it’s ok will share this for them to see.
    I’m terribly sorry to hear about the father of one of Jonathan’s classmates. Such a senseless act.

  2. Love this blog and all your write about your journey. May God bless and keep you.

  3. I’m so so sorry for your loss and the pain and anguish that goes along with it. 20 months ago we lost our daughter. last year my father-in-law and 7 friends…During the Boston bombing my son, wife and 2 children were in between the bombs. My granddaughter had a ball bearing on her coat. One of my twins goes to UMass Dartmouth and one of the guys attending the college with her….The forensic people went through the local trash and found some of his stuff. SO scary when it’s so close to home…This S@%t needs to stop…

  4. What makes it exceptionally sad is that our daughter should have been having a wedding not a funeral…

  5. I think it’s wonderful what you’re doing and I think it will help many people. I received the bible journaling book and With God All Things Are Possible book and both are lovely. Thank you for included the M initial. That was such a nice touch. I’m an artist also and am inspired by your work and the meaning that’s in it. Thank you.

  6. I continue to admire what you do Joanne! You reach so many people!
    Guns have no place in a decent society! Too bad they can’t just vaporize, or just magically stop working!

  7. I would love to come but I live in WI do you ever travel here I’d love to meet you. I love anything that is self help etc. Here is picture I just finished I have​ been collecting pens N markers etc for the last 3 yrs. I will have to send it separately. I’d love. Copy of the book if we’re able to.

    Butterfly

  8. Your book resonated with me. It made me feel like I wasn’t alone. Thanks for that!

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