REALLY, REALLY HAPPY FEET, HAVING SHOES OF OUR OWN!

WONDERFUL WORKSHOP FACILITATOR WITH CREATIVE INGENUITY:

ARTIST CLAYTON SINGELTON

(ENJOY MORE WORKSHOP PHOTOS ON CLAYTON'S FACEBOOK PAGE)

As we express our gratitude,

we must never forget that the

highest appreciation is not to utter words,

but to live by them.”
John F. Kennedy
(1917-1963); 35th Us President

I am a new fan of the Artist, Clayton Singleton. I think Mr. Singleton is a delightful anomaly among men and women. He’s not only a very reflective individual, but he’s engaging, warm, insightful, witty and yes extremely artistic. I am sure others would agree with my observation and assessment of this art educator, motivational speaker and mentor! No he can't be pigeonholed! He’s a stellar individual that desires to impact the world in a most meaningful way. I had the distinct pleasure of participating in a very creative endeavor entitled: A SHOE OF YOUR OWN WORKSHOP and was that ever therapeutic, and not to overlook that it was just great fun to be creative! The focus was to tell your story with your very own shoes. Each workshop participant was invited to bring their worn and new “soles”.

The interesting shoes that each participant brought ignited lots of conversatiion and good laughter. Some of the shoes were sparkly, some were tennis shoes, high top sneakers, others were a part of their bygone days of a corporate uniform. Some shoes were playful, run over, a memorable hospital boot worn for foot surgery, some were a cute but uncomfortable sling backs (those were mine) and several were fierce stilettos. All of the shoes and boots seemed to have made a pronounced statement prior to the appliqués and paints. But afterwards these adorned creations magically sang with exuberance. The shoes varied just like their owners! We were all happily engaged and serious about this creative project. I thoroughly appreciated this artful expression on a Sunday afternoon at the d’Art Center.

It was a mutual sigh of disbelief when the time wound down. We weren’t ready to conclude. It was good medicine. Had it not been for my friend Linda, I would have missed out on a treat. Workshop participants were invited to a private viewing of the A SHOE OF YOUR Own exhibit in the Seldan Arcade's d’Art Center Gallery. It was evident that each featured artist shared not only their love for shoes, but stepped out of the confines of society’s dictates regarding footwear. Like the textile kaleidoscope of the stiletto’s created by Mixed Media/Textile Artist Peggy Beardslee, this was indeed some extremely artful interpretation.

Thanks to the brilliance of Clayton Singleton, this was no ordinary day! I encourage you to visit the Seldan Arcade filled with awesome art galleries and amazing artists at work! And be sure to stop in a visit Clayton Singleton. The instance you say, “Hello", you’ll know you’ve encountered an extraordinary human being! Give him my fondest regards when you see him! Since his parting words of wisdom, let him know we’re walking prouder and some of us are even skipping!

The d'ART Center
Selden Arcade
208 East Main St.
Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: 757-625-4211 757-625-4211
Fax: 757-965-4091

Expressing Thanksgiving & Joy!
Linda Mose Meadows, Author & Inspirational Columnist:
The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

SHARING A WONDERFUL “WOW MOMENT": PUBLISHED IN THE INTERNATION REVIEW OF AFRICAN AMERICAN ART!

http://museum.hamptonu.edu/store/

for subcription and art information visit :

THE INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF AFRICAN AMERICAN ART

VOL. 23: NO. 1

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,

"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

New International Version (NIV)

Author, Linda Mose Meadows and son, Michael

Celebrating a "WOW Moment" on Youtube

Keep believing friends in unexpected blessings and brighter days on our horizons! This is no cliché, God does have great things in store for you and me. My YouTube video is a good news report; it’s my creative way of sharing my recent personal "wow moment"!

This “wow moment” is about my literary contribution and it being published in The International Review of African American Art Volume 23, No. 1, 2010 edition. My article is entitled: "Superior to Circumstance – The Splendor Within," an "Art, Body and Soul" column on visually-impaired sculptor Chappelle Letman, pg 41. Mr. Letman is an incredible artist and human being with resilient faith!

The icing on the cake was learning that my son, Michael is also sharing this testimony of how God will honor your heart's desires. He's a newly published journalist and has written about the renowned artist Samella Lewis. His column is entitled: Samella Lewis Visits The HU Museum pg. 50. The International Review of African American Art Volume 23, No. 1 2010 Editor, Juliette Harris chose to place our columns in the same publication. Now that’s clearly how God orchestrates his blessings! He provides us with a universal testimony.

Art by Samella Lewis

I hope this news encourages you to stay the course and continue on your journeys, assured that God knows the plans He has for each of us, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11.

For the bible and our celebratory moments tells us so!

Expressing Thanksgiving & Joy!

Linda Mose Meadows, Author & Inspirational Columnist:

The Blessedness of Believing

A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

JOIN RELIEF EFFORTS FOR CHILE AND HAITI

“A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds.

A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship,

and he who plants kindness gathers love.”

Saint Basil, Bishop of Cesarea

URBAN VIEWS WEEKLY

In Print & On-Line

Friends, Kindly Visit My Inspirational Column

in

Urban Views Weekly
for:

March 10, 2010

JOIN RELIEF EFFORTS FOR CHILE AND HAITI
by Linda Meadows
Pg. 3

http://urbanviewsweekly.va.newsmemory.com/

Sharing in Faith,Linda Mose Meadows,

Urban Views Weekly Columnist and Inspirational Author of :

The Blessedness of Believing

A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

WHO TOLD THEM, THAT THEY COULDN'T SUCCEED?

SHANI DAVIS, OLYMPIC GOLD & SILVER METALIST (2010 & 2006),

CURRENT WORD RECORD HOLDER, 1000M AND 1500M (2009)

How precious is your unfailing love, O God!

All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings.

Psalm 36:7

I don’t know who told them that they couldn’t do what they dare to dream and succeed in? Don't know! Who am I speaking of? Athletes and those with athletic spirits of course! But, I do know what they’re accomplishing speaks volumes about their grit and resolve! We can relive the history of their amazing accomplishments because of this innovative age of the internet. I thank God for that marvel of technology! Need some awe inspiring moments to get your momentum and stride back?

Well friends put your olympic gear on and celebrate with Shani Davis and the other sellar olympians. Choose your favorite team or personality it doesn’t matter. What matters is these athletes are true spiritual models in human form. They are fearfully and wonderfully created. They are winners, who don’t give in and give up. Winners that are breaking records and defying the odds, ignoring the nay sayers and donning the gold, silver and bronze metals. But as Shani reminds us it’s about being humaniatarians on a journey, a quest to make a difference. Here let’s take a look at these youtube channels and web sites:




2010 Olympics Womens Freestyle Aerial Jumps




Speed Skating WR 1000m 1.06,42 by Shani Davis
http://www.youtube.com/ShaniDavis2010#p/p/E6FB92D7B22F39B1/2/_cf5ruGfUBI

http://shanidavis.org/data/asp/pagina.asp?land=nl&info=nieuwslijst&cat=News&id=1

Theses videos chronicle persuaverance and demonstrates tenancity and grit. What we’ve witnessed I pray makes your spirit leap! Whether it be the forceful and determined glides or the death defying freestyle aerial feats of the USA 2010 Olympics Women-all of this encourages my heart, that I simply need to start, do the work, begin the journey and trust that outcome will be favorable. Let's get on board with that perspective. But we must begin. Faith that’s what these athletes have. I don’t pretend to know what voice they’re embracing, but I trust that it’s one that says, “You are a winner don’t quit, stay in the game!” Yes, we too are in the shadow of God’s wings! Oh my friends these brave at heart souls give deeper meaning to the scripture:

“How precious is your unfailing love, O God!

All humanity finds shelter in the Shadow of your wings.”

Psalm 36:7

Expressing Thanksgiving & Joy!
Linda Mose Meadows, Author & Inspirational Columnist:
The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

CELEBRATING LUCILLE CLIFTON

CELEBRATING THE PROLIFIC LUCILLE CLIFTON !

Expired on Februay 13, 2010 at the age of 73

http://project1.caryacademy.org/echoes/poet_Lucille_Clifton/Defaultclifton.htm

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Distinguished Poet, Author, Humanitarian, Poet Laureate, National Book Award Recipient, Professor, an American Literary Giant, Her book: “Good Woman: Poems and a Memoir, 1969-1980” (BOA, 1987) was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry in 1988. She won in 2001 for ‘Blessing the Boats.’ She was also the first African American woman to win the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize.

BORN:

Thelma Lucille Sayles was born on June 27, 1936, in Depew, N.Y., and reared in nearby Buffalo.

MARRIED:

In 1958 she married Fred Clifton and together they had six children.



Some of Ms. Clifton’s early work was published in “The Poetry of the Negro, 1746-1970” (Doubleday, 1970), edited by Langston Hughes and Arna Bontemps.

The Poet Society of America will honor Lucille as planned on April 1, 2010, at 7pm at the National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park, New York.

This prominent woman shook the literary world with her exuberance and honesty.

May her works continue to inspire and leave indelible impressions in our hearts and minds.

We love you Sister Lucille!

let there be new flowering

by Lucille Clifton


let there be new flowering

in the fields let the fields

turn mellow for the men

let the men keep tender

through the time let the time

be wrested from the war

let the war be won

let love be

at the end

poery from: http://www.literary-arts.org/pim/poems/1997/16/

Expressing Thanksgiving & Joy!

Linda Mose Meadows, Author & Inspirational Columnist:

The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

WHEN TROUBLE SHOWS, HELP AWAITS YOU!

CONVERSATION
By Agnes Nyanhongo
Born 1960 Nyanga, Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Sculpture: A Tradition in Stone @ The Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport

There are two ways of exerting one’s strength:
one is pushing down, the other is pulling up.”
Booker T. Washington






URBAN VIEWS WEEKLY
In Print & On-Line

Friends, Kindly Visit My Inspirational Column in Urban Views Weekly

for:

February 3, 2010

WHEN TROUBLE SHOWS, HELP AWAITS YOU!


BY


LINDA MOSE MEADOWS
Pg. 7



http://urbanviewsweekly.va.newsmemory.com/

Sharing in Faith,
Linda Mose Meadows, Urban Views Weekly Columnist and Inspirational Author:
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

CHAPPELLE LETMAN HAS INNER VISION

Photographer Don Snyder

has beautifully captured

Chappelle Letman's creative essence in this picture!



“When there is no where else to turn, turn inward.

Enter into the sacred silence of your soul and

ask for healing, guidance and personal peace. ”
Michaiel Bovenes (born 1963);

Spiritual Empowerment Teacher, Professional Speaker

Values.com Your Billboard Chappelle Letman: A remarkable sculptor with eyes of faith.

I am very pleased to introduce you to an outstanding man. He's an amazing person that I am elated to call friend: Chappelle Letman. Our initial introduction occured when I was selected to become a contributing journalist for The International Review of African American Art. I quickly learned that this sculptor and visual artist was no ordinary man. Literally he walks by faith. This Spring 2010 Edition of The International Review of African American Art will include a glimpse Chappelle Letman and feature one of his select pieces of sculpture.

I wanted to do more. I felt the urgency that there must be another way that would allow me to further contribute and share with others about this phenomenal artist. Values.com provided the perfect venue to share what my heart wished to convey about Chappelle's humor, joy of living and deep abiding faith in God. When viewing his art and conversing with him, it is evident that his inner vision and resolve push him to persevere as a visually challenged in a "sighted" world. What's better than a billboard on the information highway-the internet? Values.com, Foundations For a Better Life is an inspirational website-one of my favorites which allows all of us to create an inspirational community billboard! ( Enjoy creating a billboard also! On the Home page, click on the red banner CREATE YOUR OWN BILLBOARD.) I knew of just the right photo of Chappelle. I contacted Greg McGrath at The Cleveland Sight Center, sharing my endeavors and then Don Snyder of Don Snyder Photography, Inc. requesting his permission for use of his photos of Mr. Letman.

God answered my prayers; Mr. McGrath was enthusiastic about my project and Mr. Snyder graciously consented for my use of his Letman photos-for that I am grateful! And then I got busy creating! The Holy Ghost spoke to my heart and here's what I entitled the billboard and was prompted to write:

Chappelle Letman: A remarkable sculptor with eyes of faith.

INNER VISION

http://www.values.com/your_billboards/3250

"Mr. Chappelle Letman is a 21st century master sculptor, a true
renaissance artist. Prior to losing his vision permanently in 1992 he worked in
construction to supplement his income, this artist loved painting with oils
which depicted nature scenes, cityscapes and people. Eight years later
transitioning into a new reality of being visually challenged wasn’t necessarily
easy for him. Mr. Letman recalled his loving mother’s promptings to excel and
live his best life. She instilled wisdom and a sound work ethic which he
continually exhibits. His spirit conveyed, “Don’t panic, have faith.” This life
lesson carries over when he humbly encourages young artists challenged visually
and physically to express themselves and not live by other’s dictates. He
echoes, “Stay alert and use your instincts.” He uses his own words of wisdom
which have prepared him for independence and creative expression. He’s surely
humble, but no shrinking violet. His life skills coupled with California’s Sight
Center instrumental instructions regarding technology devices and visual aids
helped Chappelle Letman live life with dignity. His heart is open to God’s
leading and his hands become the instrument for his creative expression which
have been captured by the photographer Don Snyder. Art and healing is a
phenomenal partnership. Chappelle Letman’s life is evidence that healing can
occur if we remain open to what God reveals in our inner visions. He receives
support and is in partnership with organizations that promote independence for
the visually impaired: the Ohio Arts Council, the Cleveland Sight Center and
Kentucky‘s American Printing House."

We celebrate your inner vision Chappelle, your creative energy and most assuredly thank God for you beating the odds as you continually encourage our hearts!

Expressing Thanksgiving & Joy!
Linda Mose Meadows, Author & Inspirational Columnist:
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/