The Dare Dreamer Movement by Julene Fleurmond

Here’s an encouraging interview for singles with Cheryl McKay, screenwriter of the award-winning movie, The Ultimate Gift, and co-author of the novel, Never the Bride. On an episode of the show Top 3 on JCTV (a channel for young adults), Cheryl talks about how she learned to give God the pen of her life to let Him write the love story He had in mind for her – and how that story was even better than she had ever imagined:

Find out more about Cheryl, her movies and books at her sites: http://cherylmckay.wordpress.com and http://www.purplepenworks.com.

As you may know I design customized wedding invitations and other stationery and gifts for special events, and I love everything having to do with weddings, decor and event planning. I’m also a lover of the vision and passion behind TOMS , and was excited to come across the custom hand-painted work of ‘Soled By Melissa’ created by entrepreneur Melissa Hendricks. She has done hundreds of personalized designs that combine intricately detailed patterns, bright colors and the clients preferences, from designs that match party schemes to sports teams.

I especially loved the pair of TOMS wedges (pictured at the top of this post) she recently painted to match one couple’s design and color scheme. It looks beautiful and whimsical all at once, and give a unique touch.

To find out how you can order a custom pair of TOMS visit Melissa at http://www.facebook.com/soled.bymelissa.

(Speaking of TOMS, this is the pair I aim to get next, I wonder if Melissa can do a little custom work for me:).

In honor of Women’s History Month, here’s a tribute for women everywhere – “Every Woman.” (The poem and graphics below were part of a project I created for a Women’s History Month celebration I had the opportunity to chair at the University of Miami.)

The last two stanzas were added in 2012 and inspired by my friend Kara Norman, founder of Empower Her, Inc. She is truly making a mark by inspiring girls and women through her work: http://www.empowerherinc.com.

Every Woman

by Julene Fleurmond

Every woman should learn
To look past her imperfections
To nurture the essence of her spirit
To embrace her own reflection.

Every woman should live
Never compromising herself
To dream dreams that are impossible
To know when to ask for help.

Every woman should know
That within her are the seeds of greatness,
That she is loved by a Love even greater
And that she is too blessed to stress.

Every woman should believe
That she is divine royalty
Placed on this earth to leave a mark,
To share her heart and write history.

Every woman should walk
In purpose, grace and confidence
Because she has the power to impact the world
And change begins with a single step.

This song “Pieces of Me” by Ledisi (which was Grammy-nominated this year by the way) is so uplifting and beautiful, and a great anthem for Women’s History Month:




In the Lyrics
People just don’t know what I’m about
They haven’t seen what’s there behind my smile
There’s so much more of me I’m showin out
(These are the pieces of me)

When it looks like I’m up sometimes I’m down
I’m alone even when people all around,
But that don’t change the happiness I found
(These are the pieces of me)

[Chorus:]
So when you look at my face
You gotta know that I’m made of everything love and pain
(These are the pieces of me)
Like every woman I know…

I can run the business and make time for fantasy
(These are the pieces of me)
Now I’m gonna make mistakes from time to time
But in the end believe that I’m gone fly

I’m a woman…
These are the pieces of me…

We all miss out if you keep your dreams, talents and passions buried inside – arise and shine.

Check out more shirts from the Arise and Shine Collection of my apparel line Envibrance Dream Creations.