If you go to JENNIFER BELTHOFF‘s ‘my story’ page at her site, you will find that she lists the five most altering experiences of her life (so far) — attending Squam in 2008 is the first thing she names!
*mind blown*
Although she has been wonderful in expressing this to me over the years— I think seeing it there in black and white really made it hit home for me.
The power of words. How we shape them,
how we place them, how we use them —
Jennifer is a master at this magic. In fact,
her gift for poetry and writing continues to grow
and expand since we first met.
Recently, I reached out to Jennifer with a bit of a HUGE request for help.
A dear, dear woman I know– single parent of two girls — sweetest, kindest, most generous, most hard-working spirit– had just been diagnosed with breast cancer and was facing and immediate mastectomy. I was gutted and wanted so desperately to shower her with love and light (and cards and cards and cards) to let her know she was not alone.
I asked Jennifer if there were any chance I could share this story with her LOVE NOTES crew in the event any of them would be willing to write to a perfect stranger on my behalf and offer love and support.
No doubt you are already way ahead of me on how this little story ends— Jennifer responded with an immediate YES.
My friend called me a few weeks later overwhelmed with gratitude– not only did the shower of cards that kept showing up in her mailbox lift her spirits— she told me how much they meant to her two daughters, 14 and 11 years old.
I had never even thought about that.
Anyway, getting a bit emotional here on the other side of the screen, so I will just direct you to the chat Jennifer and I had for Morning on the Dock and you will get to meet this gentlest, kindest soul whose inner light is FIERCE, strong and filled to the brim with warrior spirit.
I am so honored to share our conversation with you — and, if you are interested in the LOVE NOTES project– the next session begins July 10th and you can sign up HERE.
bisous, Elizabeth
PHOTOS courtesty of JENNIFER BELTHOFF
