I admit that most of the businesses and artists that I have chosen to highlight have been friends. It is obvious how lucky I am to have such talented, passionate people in my life. With the few businesses that I have chosen that I met through the process, I am very happy to have found new talent to let into my life and the new friends that came along with that.
I began reading a book that is a collection of writings from people who have been inspired by the Sierra Nevada in one way or another and show that in what they produce. The author started out the book by telling her readers about a conversation that she had with a friend. The conversation was about why there are so many passionate artists, writers and entrepreneurs that gather along the foothills, especially in Nevada County. They only came up with one conclusion and that is because we are attracted to the areas gold. We see the inspiration and wealth of the area. We thrive off of the elements that run below our feet. I am not suggesting that we are seeking riches; I suggest that we are seeking abundance and prosperity. We thrive off the mysteriousness of the trees, rivers, creeks, mines, hills, mountains and other creative elements that Nevada County has to offer. We thrive off of each other; our will to make the world be seen through the creative process.
For this month’s Business Worth the Buzz I chose a great neighbor and friend of mine. Tina Ennis, of Tina’s Creations on Esty.com has been living a sustained life her entire life. I adore her and all that she does. She sews, she cans, she preserves as much as she can, she is a serious gardener, she decorates cakes, she is constantly creating something and it seems that there is nothing that Tina cannot do. Tina has inspired me to get my family’s life “back to basics”. I began canning, I began seriously gardening, I began going back to a natural way of life. I began going back to how life was before we became so dependent upon grocery stores and gas stations. The passion that Tina has for all these “simple” elements of life spilled over the fence between our properties and inspired me to see and believe in a practical life. I hope that this inspires you to do that same.
I chose this October’s Creative Corner, not just because he is a friend of mine, but because he lives his life with purpose and passion. Tony Loverde, is a documentary photographer who shows his passion of life and equalities through his talent. Tony entered the Air Force in February 2001. He began a fulfilling career in the Air Force until his life took a major detour. In 2008, he was honorably discharged under the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy that our country has. Since then Tony has feverishly been supporting the act to repeal the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy. Tony actively supports the group Servicemembers Legal Defense Network in hopes to once and for all repeal DADT and create equal rights for all gay service members. I have seen Tony’s passion on the subject through his submissions to newspapers, write ups in blogs and online publications and by just watching the story through his photography. Tony has also published a book called, “A Slient Force”, available at http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Products/SKU-000374916/A-Silent-Force.aspx .
I hope that you have enjoyed or learned from the highlights of this month. Each really go back to basics, literally and politically. Please click on each image to view their websites. ~SH
