Mold It. Live Your Passion.

Julie Shaffer and Matthew Metz

My friend, who grew up in Avila, Indiana and now lives across the pond, Marge Duehmig introduced me to one of her East Noble H.S. classmates, Matthew Metz. He graduated from Ball State. Matthew is a ceramic artist/potter.

Matthew introduced me to the music of Harry Chapin and took me to Chapin's concert at the Embassy Theatre.

Matthew lives the words of Chapin's song, "I Wonder What Would Happen To This World:"

"Now if a man tried to take his time on Earth

And prove before he died

What one man's life could be worth

Well, I wonder what would happen to this world?"

Thank you, Matthew, for continuing to live your passion and making the world a little bit better for it.

Please see the artist statement at http://www.art-stream.com/exhibiting-artists/matthew-metz/ for more information.

My Person of the Week: August 20, 2017

Berlena

As the week begins...I have decided to choose a person of the week for the next few weeks instead of "Eating Sheet Cake!"  (Tina Fey can explain sheet cake.)

My person of the week is Berlena Brock. I met Berlena when I first moved to Seattle at First Christian Church. She is uplifting and plays songs I sing with my residents.

Berlena reminds me a little bit of Mary Tyler Moore because she can turn the world on with her smile. You also know when Berlena is coming and going because her license plates read: "Berlena."

Ask Berlena about the umbrella in the church's lost and found box. I'm still laughing. She is my favorite activities director. She is a woman of faith. She is a woman of compassion. She serves others.

Thank you, Berlena, for being my person of the week.

My Person of the Week: August 27, 2017

Robert

As the week begins...Robert Andrade is my person of the week.

I first met Robert on Sunday, August 23, 2015 at his popcorn tent: "In His Hands Kettle Korn."

"My coffee maker and iron gave out after many years of use this past week. Fitting in my budget, I stopped by the Renton Walmart. I found a parking space far out in the lot. A young man asked me if I was okay because I limped as I walked towards the store's entrance. I said, "I am fine." I thanked him.

When I left the store with my purchase, I noticed a sign on a popcorn fundraiser: 'Need Prayer? No Purchase Necessary. Just Sayin.' I slowly walked towards the parking. I then walked back to the side of the awning closest to the store. I mentioned his sign about prayer. He asked about my prayer request. I briefly explained about my leg and believing in a miracle all of these years.

He prayed and it was heartfelt and beautiful and no purchase was necessary."

This is more than kettle corn. It is a kind word. It is compassion. It is nourishment not only for the body but for the soul.

I encourage to stop by to see Robert. He serves a diverse and sometimes a vulnerable population in Renton. So when, I have a few dollars in my pocket, I give a donation to Robert. He provides a bag or two of popcorn to someone, who is hungry and cannot afford food or just needs to be uplifted.