Marisa told me about Christine Mason Miller recently, a California-based artist that has more than talent, but a huge heart. Christine has the reputation of being supportive, kind, and extremely helpful to her peers, which gives fine testimony to the type of person she really is inside. Christine is known for not simply looking after herself, but identifying needs that exist, hurdles others face, and then stepping up and helping to find solutions so that all are impacted in a positive way. That’s powerful! Life is really just a big circle and you get back what you put forth. I’m always encouraged to hear about those in business for themselves that take the time to support others running alongside them. You don’t always see this in the corporate world, there is so much face stepping as the ladder is climbed, but I do see it more amongst crafters and artists. There’s a real network, a sisterhood (or brotherhood), that is formed and with hands holding other hands, that chain isn’t easily broken. The spirit of giving is so much better than constantly waiting to receive. If more people followed this, so much good could be accomplished in the world.
I recently heard that if you want something, that means you’re lacking it. I never really gave much thought to that. Upon hearing it, you almost want to say, “Well, duh!”, don’t you? But once you’ve settled into the thought, giving it some time to sink in, it’s a pretty weighty statement. If you’re lacking, you aren’t truly whole, which can easily mean you are never satisfied or happy. It also makes you appear as weak if you think about it, because if you walk around always wanting things, you obviously can’t get them for yourself. If you want power, that must mean you don’t really have it, and if you want praise, it’s because you aren’t perhaps getting it so you’re in want of it. Try to look for ways to give what you do have, extend yourself, just like Christine has the reputation of doing. Good people respect and recognize good works. You want to attract positive people and experiences, do your best work and then, support others. Asking for help is one thing, constantly wanting, wanting, wanting, is another. You get back what you give out. People often want things that they aren’t willing to give themselves. Power, praise, money. Those that are the most successful at anything in life are those that empower others first.
Here’s a glimpse of some of Christine’s work (above), her etsy store, and her website. Thank you Marisa for telling me about Christine, and thank you Christine for being a lady known for your good energy and supportive, giving personality. It’s a joy to know you’re out there helping your fellow artists to thrive alongside you. That’s the sign of someone truly confident and secure in themselves and in their work, and that’s so great to see put in action.
(images from christine miller)
June 19th, 2007 at 6:10 pm
When i read this post i felt really warm & nice inside. i’ve been reading a lot of books of late which say what you’ve said in different ways. So true. As they say ‘what goes around comes around’. I hold a full time job at advertising and do quite a bit of freelance & always get involved (or atleast try to ) in projects for the love of it. But there are 2 factors – like time & economy that prove to a be a bit of the stick in the mud. But on this new project i’ve involved another junior on the job- am paying him – so he earns & learns too & i’m free to pack in that much more in a day. I cant tell u, Its such an empowering feeling. Such a simple solution. But it took me time to come to it.
Yr post has also got me thinking about ways in which we limit ourselves in our own heads- cause we r so conditioned to thinking- i dont have enough of this or that, or I am not enough of this or that- that we dont end up feeling good for all that we have & all that we are. Thanx once again for this sexy blog.
June 19th, 2007 at 6:34 pm
That’s a good point. My husband and I both talk about this topic a lot, especially since he’s German and finds life in America to be both exciting and the people very innovative and open-minded, but also this insatiable quality that is good on one side (when it comes to education, knowledge, one must always be open to learning new things) but also a bit of a downer because so many are insatiable in the wrong areas. Like wealth, money, power, things. Lots of material things! Never being happy where you live, in the home you have, driving the car you have, enjoying the wife or husband you have. Always looking outside for more, more, more. Even a better marriage partner or better friends. There’s this inability for so many here in America to be satisfied because we are taught early on that satisfied equals lazy or unmotivated.
It’s a struggle. I often wonder what it’s like in Thailand, India, China, and other countries I haven’t visited yet. I wonder if people are more at ease in their own skin, in their culture, or are they constantly on the go, looking for more, never really happy with what they have?
Can you comment on this? I think you said you are from India, correct?
June 19th, 2007 at 6:36 pm
Thank you for this wonderful post! I like the sentiments you’ve expressed so much and hope you don’t mind that I share your post on my blog today.
June 19th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
No Edina, Not at all. In fact, please do because it opens up a chance for you to have an interesting conversation with your readers and spreading this message is important, and we bloggers have the potential to influence people in positive ways, so why not use it to promote goodness in the world. I think it’s important because we all need encouragement. It’s so easy to get discouraged sometimes, I can’t stress how positive voices really have the power to change and motivate.
June 19th, 2007 at 7:27 pm
Yes i am anIndian :)
Its an interesting question because here in India- we are a developing nation. theres a clear polarity between the big cities and smaller towns- in terms of value systems, perspectives, attitutes towards money. Interesting because where we traditionally, culturally & hisorically come from a more grounded, “eat to live, not live to eat” philosophy. But increasingly in cities and particularly the younger generation one sees a
very hungry breed- which can be a good & a bad thing like you were saying.
My friend was part of a team that conducted a survey on diamond jewellery & its purchase in connection with marriage. She told me that a lot of the mothers were clearly worried for the futures of their daughter’s marriages- because they were not sure that their daughters will be willing to put in the amount of understanding/compromise that they believed was the secret to a lasting married life. This is a very urban-affluent phenomena. So which is better? how much of the old to keep & how much of the new to embrace? Its a choice we make with every decision in our day to day lives. I think in the long run- individually our value systems begins to matter a lot over here, you weigh the pros & cons in every situation & arrive finally where u are comfortable being.
June 20th, 2007 at 12:18 am
I was really moved by this post and I agree that “if more people followed this, so much good could be accomplished in the world.” The gift of giving is so satisfying and worthwhile and so easy when it comes from the heart. It is good to know that there are others in the arts industry that live by these values. Thank you for not only recognizing these values in Christine but taking the time to share it with others.
June 20th, 2007 at 12:23 am
As a faithful reader of your blog, I’d like to say that you consistently model the spirit of giving and helping others by providing inspiration and exposure. I enjoy your creativity and goodwill, and it’s refreshing to find your blog is always a “no snarkiness zone.” You are an inspiration! — Louise
June 20th, 2007 at 1:22 am
Thank you all for your comments, it’s very nice to know that something I said made you feel good inside. :)
Holly
June 20th, 2007 at 5:26 am
christine is a friend of mine. she is a mentor, an inspiration, and dearheart. i’m glad to see her over here. and everything you said today is true, and the idea that when we are doing what we’re supposed to, the universe supports us. christine is all about that and goodness, and talent, and love.
June 20th, 2007 at 7:03 am
Holly, I am constantly amazed by the kindness and generosity I see from bloggers (including you). In some ways, it’s the most kind realm in which I operate and I feel that it’s taught me a great deal. I feel very lucky to be part of it. Thanks to you for the important role you play.
Just a word from another part of the developing world. In South Africa, there’s a concept called “ubuntu” which basically means that your humanity depends on others, so taking care of others is taking care of yourself. Unfortunately, the MORE! mindset seems to be a very seductive one, so people (even the poorest) get themselves into ridiculous amounts of debt in their quest to live the good life. But the theory is great. Maybe Ubuntu will help us change the world one blog at a time?
Cheers
Heather
cheers
Heather
June 20th, 2007 at 7:33 am
What a beautiful post. Yes, thank you again for your thoughtful commentary and inspiring articles. And of course, thank you for sharing the beauty of Christine, both her art and her spirit. She’s a wonderful gem of a gem! As are you :)
June 22nd, 2007 at 3:20 am
this post just makes me happy. christine’s blog was one of the first i started reading over two years ago, and when i started one of my own and began sharing my artwork, she became a dear source of encouragement for me. i am lucky enough to have an original piece of her work in my home.
it is wonderful to feel a true network of support in blog world. thank you for writing about christine and spreading that message here.