Dandelions

I would rather see one brave dandelion flaunting its little bright yellow banners in the chill of an early spring wind, than a hothouse of perfect red roses.

Once when I was being interviewed for a magazine about my life and artwork, I shared the above quote with the reporter, who was so taken with not only the quote, but what he described as all this enthusiasm and optimism he said I had pouring forth which he felt was a very refreshing thing to encounter.

Alec had only been told I was a unique artist, when assigned the interview.  Well, to Alec most artists are unique anyway, so he didn't think much of it...that is, until he met me, discovering I was an artist AND a Little Person.  Immediately he became intrigued.  Very intrigued.

Back to enthusiasm a moment...

Emerson said, "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."

So, what exactly IS enthusiasm?

From my cherished book, "A Touch Of Wonder," Arthur Gordon, says, "Enthusiasm...no other single human characteristic (with the possible exception of kindness) contributes so much to happy and successful living."

"Yet what exactly is it?  I would define it as the ability to react with eagerness.  The enthusiastic person has the capacity for generating excitement about ideas, people, events...anything.  They respond to the stimuli of life not only with their five senses and brain, but with their emotions as well.  They feel things...care.  And in proportion as they care, they are alive...just as when you stop caring altogether you are dead."

"This is why the display of enthusiasm is such an endearing and contagious thing...because it has optimism in it."

What Alec then really wanted to know was how I came to be this way...especially as a Little Person with so many MANY challenges.

Until Alec shined a spotlight on this, I hadn't realized my exuberant way of living was unique.  I assumed most everyone aspired to experiencing and living life this way.  You know, the "Aspire to inspire before you expire," kind of living?

Then Alec wanted to know all about my journey.  One thing he then immediately learned was I owned and rode horses.

"Oh my gosh!  How...HOW do you get ON them?"

Sigh.

Other bits and pieces came out, like the first spine surgery (at THAT point) when I learned to walk again.  Actually, at the time of this interview, I was still using a cane.

For two hours we talked, discussing my Art and Theatre Set Design...what they meant.  Then my piano playing, horses, books, hopes and dreams.

But most of all Alec sought insights into how such a young physically challenged person managed to have so much optimism.  Especially in light of all the mean rudeness encountered each day as a Little Person.

I shared with him how in "A Touch Of Wonder," Mr. Gordon also described an encounter he had on the beach with an old Rabbi friend early one morning.  The Rabbi picked up a shell, held it up, and exclaimed with excitement, "Oh look!  The sun is shining from within it!"  Mr. Gordon saw shells all the time, yet never saw the wonder in them before the precious way the Rabbi did, and realized how this applied to everything.  For one who has an awareness for the gifts and wonders of life with appreciation and enthusiasm, somehow always manages to rise above their tough challenges without inwardly becoming dragged down by them.

Alec said, "Wow.  You have shown ME so much today!"

Anyway, Alec went on to write a lovely article which received many letters conveying how the piece about this artist had such an impact upon them.  I was quite touched.

The gift of enthusiasm is indeed contagious...one of the best gifts in the world, dear ones...BUT...it is said that to keep the gift of enthusiasm, you must share it.  Like love.  Like a ripple effect which keeps spreading outwards.

And finally, be sure to keep in mind what the famous French writer, Colette, said regarding enthusiasm...

"In life you may do some foolish, crazy things along the way...just be sure you do them all with enthusiasm."