The Dare Dreamer Movement by Julene Fleurmond

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” – Maya Angelou

I love this quote and how it reminds me of how what may appear beautiful (or successful and esteemed) may have been molded through a long period of trial, darkness, growth and solitude. What we believe to be an over night success is never really made over night. There’s always a journey that shapes us, and a process that graces us to achieve true beauty.

(Above: I loved this quote so much that I created a little photographic illustration, using my favorite brooch and bedspread).

There is such a need for mentors and people who will lift one another up in their dreams and purpose. It’s so common for the masses to wait and jump on the bandwagon after someone’s already “made it.” Life would be so much richer if we took the time to nurture potential in those around us, even if at no other benefit to ourselves then to see another grow…

Be an “early adopter” & supporter of someone else’s success; sometimes the spark one needs is another who will believe in them and walk with them into purpose. When you invest in someone else, you grow and learn as well. As it’s said “you reap what you sow,” – your deposit may draw in others who will nurture your purpose too.

I’ve been so blessed to have amazing mentors in my life, and have seen first hand how growth occurs when we sow into one another. – Julene

“Heaven is calling for you to come higher, see everything from a new point of view…” – Heaven on Earth

Woke up to this song from the Covenant Church Worship album Heaven on Earth, playing on my ipod, what a great way to get up! There’s always something amazing coming from Covenant Church, (here’s another one of my favorites, Standing on His Promises).
Also check out their latest album, Never Going Back. It is amazing, though I may be a little biased since I attend Covenant;).

STORY is a conference geared toward creatives, from artists, filmmakers, musicians, authors and designers, among others, and takes place in Chicago, Sept 15-16, 2011. From the amazingly eccentric website, created by a design studio that continually inspires me, Pixel Peach, to the list of speakers, I’m mesmerized and hoping I can attend in the future. If the audio clips on the website were not enough to satisfy your curiosity, check out photos from 2010 and a recap here.

I was also really inspired seeing some of the works of some of the visual arts who are working on STORY, check out some of their projects here on the website of STORY’s founder Ben Arment

2011 Speakers

Here are some of the presenters this year:

• Kyle Cooper – founder of Prologue Films, leading VFX company in Hollywood
• Tom Ryan – CEO of Threadless.com
• Ed Saxon – producer of The Silence of the Lambs, Adaptation, Philadelphia
• Santino Stoner – principal of Dot&Cross, director of Nooma film series
• Esther Havens – humanitarian photographer for orgs such as Charity: Water

Continue Reading on my site Dream in Soul for More Speakers and info…

No matter what creative field you’re in I think it is always a good idea to stretch and grow yourself in what you do, and beyond what you are known for doing, even if just for fun.

For years my main methods of expression have been in the visual arts (design, fine arts, etc.) and writing but the Renaissance dreamer in me has always loved to experiment and try new things.

I’ve decided that this Fall that I’ll explore some areas I’ve always had an interest in but haven’t made time to pursue: theater, music and photography. I’ve always dabbled and been captivated by these fields but haven’t yet pursued them officially.

I’ll be taking classes and experimenting more into each of these fields and hopefully will be able to sharpen my skills as well as get a fresh perspective on the areas I’ve always pursued.

I want to document my progress and journey here on the blog – won’t you join me in stretching and growing our artistic muscles and creative sinews.

What creative fields have you always wanted to delve into; what’s stopping you?