Strength of a Tree

I started writing inspirational sayings six years ago after I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I needed something positive to focus on to help get me through some anxious times between surgery and the months of waiting for treatments. One of my favourites was "The Strength of a Tree". 

At the time, I had an online shop which sold many of my photo/writing combinations but "The Strength of a Tree" was only ordered once. However, it remains one of my favourites to this day.

So imagine my surprise and delight when I was contacted by the Soroptimist International of Bellflower, a non-profit volunteer organization located in California.

My "Strength of a Tree" inspirational photo was printed on a gift card that they are attaching to a "Tree of Life" necklace for a group of women attending an event today.  Nancy wrote to me "In reading the words on the photograph, they seemed to pop out, as if to explain that these women, like a tree, have weathered many storms and high winds; and to have gone through so much in their lives, I know that your words of encouragement will give them the strength to carry on and survive whatever they may encounter in their life's journey."

I am quite thrilled that my image and writing will be used to inspire others.

Strength of a Tree

I updated the image and used a photograph from a series I took of two very large apple trees through several seasons. These trees stand in a farmer's field and have been standing for approximately one hundred years. It is a winter scene and to me it symbolizes the difficult times that we go through in our lives.

gift card created by the Soroptimist International of Bellflower using my image & verse

Two of the organizations supported by the Soroptimist International of Bellflower are:

Su Casa ~ Ending Domestic Violence” is a nonprofit, community-based organization dedicated to the philosophy that every individual has the right to live free from violence or the threat of violence.   Their mission is to empower individuals and families to live free from domestic abuse and build partnerships with communities to end domestic violence.  Su Casa provides their clients with both an emergency shelter and transitional shelter, as well as counsel and legal advisors; helping their clients to live free from Domestic Violence or the threat of violence.  Soroptimist International of Bellflower has been supporting Su Casa since 1979, and currently has several club members who serve on the Board of Directors of Su Casa.

Little House Recovery Home exists to support women through the work of recovery by providing a residential treatment program with a safe, supportive environment.  Little House, a residential recovery center for women fighting addiction from drugs or alcohol, is rich in history and tradition. Six women who were dedicated to providing treatment for sick, alcoholic women founded Little House in 1952.  They offer 28 residents the opportunity to remain in the program for 6 months or longer depending on their needs.  Bellflower Soroptimist has provided financial support to Little House almost since its inception; as well as providing a Christmas Holiday Lunch.