A dandelion...

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 enthusiasm?  It is the ability to react with eagerness.  The enthusiastic person has the capacity for generating excitement about ideas, people, events...anything.  They respond to 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 you are dead."

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

Alec was touched and amazed by 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.

Alec was then impressed to learn another artist and
I were both seventeen when a large art gallery represented us...the youngest artists ever represented by a gallery at the time.  He saw my prints, paintings, and drawings, which were all horses.  Alec was even more astounded to learn I owned and rode horses!

"Oh my gosh!  How...HOW do you get ON them?"  As soon as anyone hears about my horses, I always get asked this question, you see.

Other bits and pieces then 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, my horses, sense of humor, hopes
and dreams.

Alec kept seeking insights into how such a young, very physically challenged person managed to have so much optimism.  Especially in light of all the mean rudeness encountered each day as a Little Person too.

So I shared with him the story in "A Touch Of Wonder," Mr. Gordon told describing an encounter he had on the beach with an old Rabbi friend early one morning.  The Rabbi picked up a shell, held it high, 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 constantly has an awareness for the gifts and wonders of life with appreciation and enthusiasm, somehow always seems to rise above their tough challenges without becoming dragged down by them.

Alec said, "Wow.  You have shown ME so much today!  What a gift you are!"

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 gifts of enthusiasm and optimism are indeed contagious...the best gifts in the world, dear ones...BUT...it is said that to keep the gifts of enthusiasm and optimism, you must share them.  Let
them pour forth.  Like love.  Like a ripple effect which keeps spreading outwards.