“Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.”
-Buddha

Dear Tina (& friends),

I am not sure I have the “right words” but I felt compelled to write after hearing about the tragedy at the Boston Marathon. Boston is so close geographically and I have visited often over the years. Seeing and hearing the stories of why people feel compelled to run this marathon and the training involved is awe-inspiring. I can just imagine how it would feel being there at the finish line, cheering for someone you knew running not just any race but that race. This time last year Brett & I were sitting in a bar downtown talking with parents whose son was running the race. They were SO PROUD! You having lived in Boston and being a runner must connect to this emotionally as well?

I heard the news last night driving home from the studio, I had called my sister and was in THE BEST MOOD after having a great day of painting. I casually asked her what she was up to and she said, “Trying not to watch the news.” My heart sank, What now?!?!? This is when she told me about the explosions in Boston. Going through a range of emotions I woke this morning and made a decision to choose optimism over hopelessness. My intention both in my artwork and in life is to do my best to see the good in the world. I believe most people are good. This tragedy will not alter this belief. It will make me go out of my way to be kinder, to do something nice for someone else, to smile extra bright & take action TODAY to let the people in my life know how much I care about them. It may seem like such a simple thing at such a tragic time but I believe this is when we need to express and share kindness even more. I believe through our actions, however large or small, collectively we can make a difference.

Today I choose LOVE because my heart could not bear it otherwise…xoLaura