wedding dress elephant journal
Hello friends, please check out my new post on Elephant Journal! In this post, I take a look back at some moments from my past that left me breathless...
Thanks for reading!
-Andrea
2013: Onward and Upward
sunrise
A while back, a friend of mine accidentally coined the term "sombering" when she mixed up the words "somber" and "sobering," mashing them together. I've loved this made-up word ever since and have had more than a few experiences where it seemed to fit.
One of the most "sombering" moments of my life was when I learned of the horrific violence visited upon the people of Newtown, Connecticut on December 14th. When faced with the spirit-crushing knowledge that we live in a world where such cruelty and violence exist, it is hard to know how we can go on. I grieve for those directly impacted by the tragedy and for the millions of people who, like me, were left with a feeling that a piece of their own hope and innocence is forever gone.
I have been quiet about this because I feel I have nothing to say that can ease our collective sadness. To avoid tormenting myself, I retreated from news stories and friends' status updates that only seemed to make me feel worse. I have allowed myself to feel the grief. There are no words that will speed us through it. No easy fix.
How long is it appropriate to mourn for people you never knew? For me, it feels like it will linger a long time, maybe forever. And in that grief it can seem trivial to go on with everyday things. To write blog posts about fitness, or food, or of all things, fun.
But I do know that even in the presence of grief, we will move on. We will each continue to shine our light into the world -- a world that I have to believe is filled with more light than darkness. I'm committed to offering up my light, and to leaving this place better than I found it. For me, I'll be doing so with a renewed commitment to seeing things in the scope of the larger community. We are all one.
So on this sombering note, I am back. Back to my blog, back to my calling, as a writer, as a teacher, as an entertainer, as a mother, as someone who cares deeply about humanity and is committed to contributing love, health, happiness and yes, even fun to this world.
New day. New year. New opportunities for love, healing, kindness, compassion, and creating a peaceful world. We move on, step by step, though we are still grieving, in the hope that we can only move up from here.
May the new year bring you peace.
Silent Night, Holy Night
silent night
There is within each one of us a potential for goodness beyond our imagining; for giving which seeks no reward; for listening without judgment; for loving unconditionally. ― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
As Christmas and New Years approach, I plan to spend the rest of this year quietly. I will reflect on how I can bring more of my best self to this world, and how I can encourage the same in those around me. I will unplug. I will connect in person. And I will hold my dear ones tight.
I wish you peace and love this holiday season, from the bottom of my heart, Andrea
[photo by mandajuice]
Vamps' Night Out Recap
vampcamp
A quick (belated) post to say that Vamps' Night Out was a blast and a huge thanks to everyone who made it possible! We had a great turnout and all of the lovely vamps who participated couldn't have looked more radiant, happy and confident! Success!! And just as important, this event helped to raise $1,700 for yogaHOPE's Project Haiti.
This was the first installment of Vamp Camp, my most recent creative endeavor. My vision is for Vamp Camp events to encompass different aspects of body empowerment and self-expression. Going forward, I see Vamp Camp continuing to be a vehicle to empower not only the participants but to help raise funds for women's charities.
I've been thinking about returning to Haiti with yogaHOPE to complete my trauma-informed yoga training next April -- the fundraising requirement for this trip is $10,000, but thanks to you I'm already on my way toward reaching it!
williams_121015-9023 (ZF-7328-82593-1-007)
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Andrea 4
Julie Sterling of Oh Lah Lah Boudoir photography and Lucie Wicker captured the amazing images to make this event unforgettable!
A giant thanks to SHAG salon for providing the hip and inviting venue for our amazing night! THANKS!
And THANK YOU to all who donated their time and funds to this fabulous event and incredibly worthy cause!
