Thea Donna is the title I use as a non-denominational minister. It literally means "God Mother," a wisdom I hope to embody at this point in my life: an auntie, a crone, an old soul who delights in new ideas. "Godmother" enjoys the humor of children, has little tolerance for the intolerant. She treasures dreams and finds stories, symbolism, intuition, and nonsense equally delightful. Godmother exudes the essence of the Divine, rooted in the concrete world: a Realistic Mystic.
I began singing as soon as I could make noise. I encouraged my nieces and nephews to do the same. My early goal was to be a teacher. By the time I was ten, I wanted to be a music teacher. For nearly 13 years, I shared my love of music and imperfect techniques with students ranging in age from 3 years old through high school. Today I perform with a show choir of men and women who met performing musical theater in high school. (We're now in AARP!) Not long ago, I returned to high school to implement a dramatic arts program, rekindling my delight in leading students into performance. Now, as in dark ages, performance may be the most effective form of education.
I began dabbling in arts, crafts, and poetry as a Girl Scout. Twenty years later, I was delighted to discover a gift for turning my blurry vision into impressionist-style paintings, thanks to the guidance of a wonderful artist and teacher. For a few years, I sold my paintings. I stopped because each painting was deeply connected to my inner vision, not a commercial enterprise. In the last few months, I've realized that many adults doubt our innate creativity. I've begun leading workshops that provide a nonjudgmental space where we can draw, color, and delight in the first "visual" art we've created since childhood.
Some time ago I returned to work after being absent for a staff meeting. I found a new motivational tool on the wall: Post-it Notes with comments stating “I am happiest when…” I could recognize every one of my colleagues by their comments. I didn’t put a note on the wall, but I knew mine would say: “I’m happiest when I’m riding on the back of a motorcycle singing show tunes at the top of my lungs.” If the folklore is true, what you do on the first day of the year lays the groundwork for the rest of the year. On the first day of that New Year, I did what makes me happiest. Shouldn’t every day that starts with routine hold the same promise? That is the point of my motto, "NOW is your Finest Hour! How will you spend it?" At the start of any day we should claim a full measure of joy despite the challenges of circumstances, personalities, or doubts.
There are lots of things I wish I did more: dancing, sketching, painting, designing, playing piano, skipping, learning violin, singing, dining with my friends, visiting new cities, and, and, and. I did some of those in the last two years. I did not buy a violin. As I prepare to publish this website, before my next birthday, I know that whatever this new year offers, today will allow me to shift any SIMPLE MOMENT into a FINEST HOUR!
I began singing as soon as I could make noise. I encouraged my nieces and nephews to do the same. My early goal was to be a teacher. By the time I was ten, I wanted to be a music teacher. For nearly 13 years, I shared my love of music and imperfect techniques with students ranging in age from 3 years old through high school. Today I perform with a show choir of men and women who met performing musical theater in high school. (We're now in AARP!) Not long ago, I returned to high school to implement a dramatic arts program, rekindling my delight in leading students into performance. Now, as in dark ages, performance may be the most effective form of education.
I began dabbling in arts, crafts, and poetry as a Girl Scout. Twenty years later, I was delighted to discover a gift for turning my blurry vision into impressionist-style paintings, thanks to the guidance of a wonderful artist and teacher. For a few years, I sold my paintings. I stopped because each painting was deeply connected to my inner vision, not a commercial enterprise. In the last few months, I've realized that many adults doubt our innate creativity. I've begun leading workshops that provide a nonjudgmental space where we can draw, color, and delight in the first "visual" art we've created since childhood.
Some time ago I returned to work after being absent for a staff meeting. I found a new motivational tool on the wall: Post-it Notes with comments stating “I am happiest when…” I could recognize every one of my colleagues by their comments. I didn’t put a note on the wall, but I knew mine would say: “I’m happiest when I’m riding on the back of a motorcycle singing show tunes at the top of my lungs.” If the folklore is true, what you do on the first day of the year lays the groundwork for the rest of the year. On the first day of that New Year, I did what makes me happiest. Shouldn’t every day that starts with routine hold the same promise? That is the point of my motto, "NOW is your Finest Hour! How will you spend it?" At the start of any day we should claim a full measure of joy despite the challenges of circumstances, personalities, or doubts.
There are lots of things I wish I did more: dancing, sketching, painting, designing, playing piano, skipping, learning violin, singing, dining with my friends, visiting new cities, and, and, and. I did some of those in the last two years. I did not buy a violin. As I prepare to publish this website, before my next birthday, I know that whatever this new year offers, today will allow me to shift any SIMPLE MOMENT into a FINEST HOUR!