No Spin on a SPUN Story - Spun Organic Clothing

OKAY - UPDATE!!! I just got an email from Sara - I have to say, I'm NOT shocked but I AM THRILLED - she's offered to send ME a cardigan!!! When you see me spinning about in my SPUNderful cardigan, it's because I can't contain my joy! :-) HOW GREAT IS THIS DAY?!!!

So, Tina's jewelry wasn't the ONLY thing I was bidding on at the fundraiser for Keyahna - but, Tina was bidding on what I wanted and, really, it made me happier to see her get it than to actually get it. The cardigans up for auction from Sara Seumae at SPUN are more than beautiful - more than one of those great, classic items that look stylish for a lifetime - they're inspired by a mom with a passion for her children and the world they will inherit. I have to say, it was genuinely rewarding to meet Sara and to learn about her and her focus as a mom.

SPUN makes organic clothing (no toxic dyes, etc.) that are stylish and elegant. What I think she's done well with her new line is not limited to making a real appeal to women who are tired of living in "throw away" clothing (or a "throw away" society, for that matter) - she's created clean lines and silhouettes that flatter and show off the "jewel" (my great grandmother was a model and, according to my mom, she used to advise never to wear a whole lot of distracting jewels or fashions - that YOU are the jewel and whatever you wear or put on as an accessory should always bring the eye back to that fact).

Sara's clothing feeds a woman's beauty, inside and out - and what we feed, grows. I hope you'll go and take a look at SPUN's high quality, stylish, "green" AND affordable collection. And, uh....Santa...if you're reading this..go see Sara's website - I know YOU will love her stuff!!!

© 2008 Tristan Benz, all rights reserved.

Another Star is Born

I received a donation in the mail yesterday - a check for $25 for Keyahna. This is from a friend I've known many years now. A friend who has NO business, in present circumstances, donating at all. She knows who she is if she reads this. I have to say, it truly touches my heart. Because it shows me not only how much she cares about this lovely little girl in need, but how much she supports what I care about in life. That is friendship. That is support. That is love. That is beauty. And that, to me, is the stuff of stars.

My dear friend - you know who you are - I honor you in this post on my blog. Your act of kindness has lit up my day. I'll send this on to Mandy, for Keyahna. I've put an update on my homepage - Keyahna goes to Mayo in MN this next month!

I end this post with unexpected emotion from this act of charity - it makes me think of the quote that was on my homepage last week - "A bone to the dog is not charity. Charity is the bone shared with the dog, when you are just as hungry as the dog." - Jack London

UPDATE - I just got an email from this friend. Apparently, this Jack London quote has been on her fridge for ages - a quote I'm grateful to have - YES!!! THIS is spot on!!!

I would rather be ashes than dust!
I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze
than it should be stifled by dryrot.
I would rather be a superb meteor every atom of me in magnificent glow,
than a sleepy and permanent planet.
The proper function of man is to live,
not to exist.
I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them.
I shall use my time.

© 2008 Tristan Benz, all rights reserved.

Stars in My Eyes - Tina Stone and Garden Baby Boutique

The stars at the fundraiser for Keyahna were out in force! After a day of this and that - from scrubbing the front porch to wandering about in the antique store to making curtains for the gazebo - I am finally settling down to write.

I'm thinking about all of the beautiful people who are stars, in my eyes. Pictured above is Tina Stone, a woman I'm proud to call friend. We met at a show last November and have been 'connected' since. We were both so busy at that show that we were no more than two booths away but didn't get to talk until nearly closing! And, when I realized what she did and had in her booth, I was EAGER to trade (and I'm notoriously unwilling - it has to be special!). I won the item she's holding at the silent auction last night (gorgeous necklace and earring set - just try and PRY THEM OFF OF ME!!!). Her lampwork beads are the work of a true artisan - when she's not teaching, she's making. Her color palette is bright and each piece is different, vital and interesting. You can contact her at sales@tinasbeads.com or by phone at 206-769-8030.

Another star I'm proud to know and support is Courtney Brown, owner of Garden Baby Boutique in Port Orchard (360-874-2323 - 821 Bay Street, next door to the candy shop with great fudge :-). She came by the night before the event with a fabulous basket of art supplies and a gift certificate for her store. This is not the first act of participation in helping raise money for Keyahna - she's included her in a raffle at her fashion show and put out a donation box in her store, as well. She made a deposit of funds at a critical time (she wasn't aware but I knew...) - the family's gas bill was overdue and, on a prayer, Mandy checked the balance - and, on the day they were going to shut off the gas, there it was - just enough to cover it! Call it Kharma, call it coincidence. I call it follow-through and compassion. Courtney wasn't asked to put that box in her store - she just did it of her own accord. In my book, that deserves major kudos! Not only does she have a beautiful heart, but she has impeccable timing :-).

Okay - time to crash. More stars coming to a blog near you!

I end this post with a twinkle in my heart.

© 2008 Tristan Benz, all rights reserved.

Everybody WINS!

The benefit for Keyahna was a win for all - it raised roughtly $1,700 and everyone ate well, enjoyed the food, company and prizes, too. Items were raffled and auctioned (even I participated in a bidding war for Tina's jewelry *and won* - her lampwork beads are GORGEOUS!). Again, we thank ALL the contributors who donated, participated and showed up!

Actually, Tina offered to help out and, as my post was at the door, Tina and my daughter sold barrettes at the other end of the hall with all proceeds going to benefit Keyahna. It was so lovely to have such a great role model at my daughter's side all evening and they did a great job! Not only is Tina's work gorgeous and meticulously crafted, her character is too. I am going to blog about her and a few other wonderful people next - right now, I'm pretty tired. But I did want to let people know how it went.

Right now, my kitchen may be cleaned but there is lots to do - not the least of which includes lounging about :-). It's been a crazy busy summer so far and I'm looking forward to letting my hair down for a few days.

I end this post with a simple but large THANK YOU.

© 2008 Tristan Benz, all rights reserved.

Ciao BELLA!

I’ve decided to go the random route and let my keyboard go in the direction it desires, blogging about all the lovely contributors for Keyahna’s Spaghetti Feed Fundraiser.

First, since it popped into my subject line, Bella Luna, a children’s store in Bremerton. Tawny Van Hollebeke is the owner and I’ve worked with her for…yikes, time flies (she’s had a whole baby in this time, let’s see – like people have half babies, what am I saying this for?!) close to two years now?! Tawny is a breathtakingly gorgeous woman - a great role model for her daughters as she juggles business and more children than I have!! Tawny is no stranger to kindness and helping in the community. Mandy asked and Tawny delivered – a lovely gift basket for the silent auction.

Her store is a combination of new and old – a place where you can bring your children and not worry they’ll break everything but know that you CAN find gorgeous breakables, at the same time! A place where, even if you have budget constrictions, you can still say ‘yes’ to that constant tugging on your dress, “Mom…can I have?” Honestly, I dare not deliver my products to her store in person, as I would not make ANY money – the girls LOVE her store. There’s stuff for moms there, too. And, best of all, she has created a totally relaxed environment where you can get lost in the looking, knowing you'll be served without being bombarded with “selling” – I love that. Tawny has done a great job and I hope, when you’re at the Blackberry Festival in Bremerton this summer (which is great – kids loved playing in the water fountain there last year), you’ll take a moment to go meet Tawny yourself.

We’ve got lots to ship today and lots of admin. to do so I can’t afford to write at length (which is what I feel like doing at the moment). But I kept thinking, the first thing I wanted to do was to acknowledge those who have helped in years past, with raffle items and gestures of kindness, in an effort to help Keyahna. So, the quick version is:

The first thing we ever did was a garage sale fundraiser at the home of Erin Dumas – Erin and I had a raffle and the children hung paper apples in her apple tree, for every ticket sold. I remember this with fondness – and, one thing in particular is the recollection of two people who drove up on a motorcycle at the very END of the sale – and when they heard it was a benefit sale, they started picking up stuff they couldn’t possibly even carry on a motorcycle!!! So, again, don’t let the tattoos fool you :-). It was a great event.

After that, the article came out in the Kitsap Sun – coinciding with a raffle in my booth in Gig Harbor. Here's the list of contributors three cheers to them all! Raina Del Mar (SF jeweler), Kaukiki Farms (lamb meat – all natural), Point of Change (massage), Anthony Salon (haircuts), By Leah Wong (jewelry), Kim’s Teriyaki (yum), Tracey Ryan (massage), Moments To Treasure (rag quilt), Erin Dumas (art), Dirty Deeds (house cleaning)… I pray I haven’t forgotten anyone.

Soon after that, Courtney of Garden Baby Boutique (Port Orchard) included a raffle in her fashion show event on the waterfront (I’ll blog about her store and upcoming fashion show next) and put out a donation box in her store. And, after that, Kim Kecham went absolutely overboard over the holidays – you can read about that on the website on the “old page” (accessible via the “about us” page). Stunning, just amazing what she and her family did to ensure Keyahna and her family had a memorable holiday season. And, here we are now – a whole new group of caring individuals and businesses to thank and praise! Thanks for taking the time to read this and, again, I hope you’ll shop with them a way of commending them all for their stellar participation as a community.

Okay – coffee time!!! Tim’s coffee is opera-inspiring so go cover your ears!!!

I end this post with thoughts of community. Hope to see you all on the 26th!

© 2008 Tristan Benz, all rights reserved.

Christmas in July?! Surprise visit + Lynn Lewis - what a gift!

Santa was wearing long, blonde hair today - driving a dark teal, four wheel drive vehicle, bearing gifts for the girls! Apparently, Santa has one elf with a growth disorder (we all know how they stay small forever…). But THIS elf has grown out of all sorts of things – clothes, toys, wonderful boxes and things to read, as well. The girls now are at the base of the stairs, dressed to the nines and deep in negotiations as to who gets what!

It was a surprise visit that came as my daughter was walking on my back such that, when I arrived at the door, I’m certain Santa recognized the pattern of my carpet on my cheek! Thankfully, Santa understands tired and worn out better than anyone so – whatever!

The show was TREMENDOUS. So lovely to see returning customers, wonderful friends and new faces, too. The girls helped and stayed out of trouble. They played the “match game” and read books and ate lunch under my table (my “child labor” popped out whenever I was in need of bags, tissue and help, much to the surprise of those in my booth!). Saturday morning, I had the pleasure of meeting Lynn Lewis, a beautiful sparkplug of a 75-year-old woman – vivacious in body, mind and spirit. She sat down at the bench facing my corner booth and quietly set out a small table, an easel and all of her pastels. She went to work while I was still setting up (slowest setter-upper in town but at least I wasn’t the LAST person to leave this year…!) and stated, “I’m going to draw your booth.” Okay! She did her thing, I did mine and, throughout the day, my girls and I visited her, crowds came and went, admiring her work and, finally, we bartered and I am now the proud owner of a delightful rendering of my booth (well, she added a flag and I agree I need one!). Life is amazing! She picked my booth, of all booths – such a lovely, incredible and unexpected joy to receive at the show! Such a blessing to have the good fortune of her company and gift of talent (her watercolors are tremendous – she brought me a few the next morning). I love Lynne L. Lewis. There you have it.

I also met some fantastic people – people with ideas and thoughts and cares of their own. People who may have been there to shop but had no trouble shifting gears into lively discussions and laughter. This is what I live for at shows! I know there were times when others in my booth became ‘lost sales’ but I didn’t care – because some dogs needed water and some people had incredible things to share! The weather was perfect – not boiling, not windy. And I was grateful to be invited back to this show this year. Carol and Barbara – thank you both. I send you my love and gratitude!

Well, there is a mess where the artist has been – threads from the bottom of the stairs to the top of my attic. Time to vacuum and put life back into order. And time to get focused on the fundraiser for Keyahna – again, I hope you’ll all plan on attending the spaghetti feed fundraiser on Bainbridge Island on the 26th (read more in my previous blogs and on the website). And, in the same breath, I must figure out which contributor to blog about first! SO hard to choose!!!

I end this post with some thanks and insider notes – first, thank you Santa. Thank you Lynne. And, Titanium (you know who you are!), thanks for helping and putting up with all the interruptions in my booth! To others who also know who they are, invites go out this week for Thanksgiving in August – I look forward to seeing you all, as well as some new faces, too – should be lovely!

© 2008 Tristan Benz, all rights reserved.

My Claim to Perfection

I'm punchy after so much sewing. Got to chatting and laughing with my mom today and we decided my claim to perfection is as follows: I'm 97.5% impure!

My mom is a woman with a great many talents and a fabulous sense of humor. I cracked up when I heard that the latin sign currently over her door roughly translates to 'over the dunghill' - i.e. if you're going to enter, leave it at the door - life's too short! As I recall, she used to hang out some pretty funny signs when I was growing up. I'll never forget how, with good reason headed her way, she'd race to the door with one she had made that read, "sorry, I've aready been converted!" She also went through a button phase, as I recall - she came up with things like, "Please, let's not get impersonal" and "Merry Crisis" - just funny stuff.

My mom was always painting, writing and creating - still is. I'm actually going to bring some of her work to share in my booth. One poem was printed by the University of Alabama book arts program on paper made and marbled by one of the leading paper marblers in the world. China Point - an incredible poem about the Chinese on Cannery Row. I really only have her more 'developed work' - there were, however, simple pieces that I recall memorizing as a child - when I was nine and she first sold her poetry at a craft fair in Carmel and people gathered and stayed and read poem after poem after poem. I remember one woman stood bone still, for the longest time and then cried as she bought this one (simple as it was):

Nevermind the doorbell
the dinner or the dishes...
It's time you mended rainbows
fulfilled your secret wishes.
Take out your silks and satins
your fine and gentle ways...
Don't save them for occasions
less important than today.

Her work today is far more profound - one piece written after the Polish uprising is in an embassy somewhere in Poland I understand. A few of her poems are owned by Piet Hein. Elaine Steinbeck was a personal friend and had a lot of my moms 'Steinbeck poetry' (my mom lived in the old Wing Chong Market building for many years - lots of wonderful poetry was written there - lots of wonderful memories for me, reside there, still. Suffice it to say, I am most proud of her and her work. Dunghills, yes, we have had a few. But we overlook our claims to perfection and revel in what really counts - our beauty and potential - as it should be.

I end this post with gratitude - I gladly stake my claim to perfection and joyfully step over those dunghills for anyone with the character and courage to do the same.

© 2008 Tristan Benz, all rights reserved.

How things SEAM to me...

As I'm sewing in my 'sweatshop' today, preparing for the show in Gig Harbor (it's HOT HOT HOT here) and my children are helping snip threads and turn things in between visits to the pool and freezer (YES, I admit it - it's child labor but for the perks - note to self, I ought to buy stock in Creamsicles...!), I'm thinking about the subject of power.

I'm often amazed at how life can be - like how people change - sometimes, imperceptibly so and at a snail's pace...and, other times, in quantum leaps, in an instant, in a heartbeat. Also, how things take on a theme for awhile - coming into our lives and going out, like the musical movements in a symphony.

Power is the thread running through my observations at this time. Where we get it. Why anyone wants it. What's it all for, anyway? It comes in so many flavors and combinations. And there are so many motives behind seeking it, in all of its various forms - from power to make a difference to the power people seek to do little more than fill their own, personal void, where action falls away and crumbles into thought...if only...if only...

Only a month or so ago was I given unsolicited advice on how to be perceived as a powerful leader type. Apparently, there are only so many types of leaders - and they can all be fit into tidy little classifications with animal names - like Lion or Beaver. Power, by this theory, is all very simple - it all boils down to tactics of manipulation. Here are the cliff notes:

1) use fewer words (keep speeches under seven minutes)
2) say only things you think people can handle
3) don't use words that people might have to look up in a dictionary
4) - the one that cracks me up the most - bring the husband on board (apparently, if a woman wants more power, all she needs to do is bring the husband up, even if only in conversation, for 'backup' and wham - she achieves instantly increased power in getting people - specifically women - to perceive her as a powerful leader type).

I've unconsciously chewn on this stuff for over a month and it's coming to the surface, as I'm sewing - it's all such bunk! Nothing beautiful comes from such nonsense. When people seek to influence in such a way, they are not leaders. They are merely additional followers of bunk.

Leaders - true leaders - tap into what resides in each of us - in the tissue of our beings. Every one of us who exercises or minds and hearts in the solitude of our being and connects with others who do the same is a leader.

The best kind of power, as I see it, is the power to transform that voice of 'if only' into action. It cannot manifest by way of push or shove. It cannot be achieved by means of presentation of a carrot. There is no magic. No smoke and mirrors. No animal packaging required.

Indeed, the power to transform "if only" is more like what lies between grains of sand on the beach. In that little, quivering space. That insignificant synapse where potential is found like a fountain of youth - infinitely present and aways ready for life. When we are enlightened, we recognize what is in the void - that it is not a void, at all. And, when we understand this, we gain real power - to infect others with the joy of what is truly an unruly, chaotic, inspiring and delightful thing in the house of our soul.

My thoughts go to this quiet, beautiful, natural power in all of us.

Now - it's back to the sweatshop!!

© 2008 Tristan Benz, all rights reserved.

Jessica's Halo Remembered

If you came to read about Keyahna and the FUNDRAISER, please scroll down to the post before this one.

In my last post, I mentioned having fallen hard more times that I'd care to admit... I just came across my letter to Jessica, a young woman I tried to help many years ago - she was in a halo at the age of 17. I learned about her through someone I worked with and tried to think of how I could help. My friends and I all put a care package together - lovely things for her to concentrate on as she was in recovery. Sadly, Jessica did not make it. How I wish our efforts had been more powerful. But, the fact is, life isn't fair - we do what we can - and, much of the time, we have little more than the illusion of control...

May 10, 2001

Dear Jessica,

I emailed some friends in my effort to let you know that even strangers care. One sent books on tape. Several others sent funny things for you to read—and wise things, too. I finally settled on a bird feeder that you may want to paint, as I hear you’re gifted in that department.

My inspiration comes from the fact that I spent most of my senior year either hunched over, unable to stand up straight (in denial of anything that could be happening to a 17-year-old) or, for the most part, bedridden and/or recovering from surgery. And I remember that I spent a lot of time alone—not just alone in the sense of an absence of company, but alone in the sense that one experiences when their experiences are not completely shared by others around them. And, much of that time, I spent watching life go by; looking out windows. It seems like a lifetime ago, though, at the time, it felt like a lifetime to me. One thing I learned was that, not only can anything happen to anyone at any time, but, that life continues, in spite of any of our personal pain. For me, instead of a tragedy becoming a greater tragedy, my experience actually became one of the most defining and blessed experiences a person could have at such a tender age. For the rest of my life, I would know that the notion that every day is a gift and everything we are and do matters—isn’t just a notion. Since that time, I have lost a friend to ovarian cancer (she was only 41) and seen my brother in law come down with a case of giam-beret (not spelled correctly, but that’s how it sounds...!) and spend 4 months going from being on a machine to wasting away to bones in ICU and then making a near 100% recovery. Each time, I realize that my experience, though difficult, was far from the most tragic in life... and each of us has to make the best of all the things we have (not dwell on that we don’t). I can’t imagine being in a halo. My experience pales. I hope, however, you will encounter other experiences that make your own pale, as well. No matter what, you have gifts and insights and so many things that are of value. Celebrate those, through it all. As I see it, people have the capacity to make tremendous contributions in life, especially if they really understand how brief our time is and how much it matters to contribute uniquely, as only they can. And, though I wish no pain or tragedy on anyone, I do believe those who experience it early are some of the most fortunate in all the world.

May the feeder and the birds bring you some measure of joy each day. I hope you’ll take many deep breaths along the way and realize that, while it seems like it may be an eternity you’re now serving, it will, one day, be but a memory—know that your good fortune is that you have many, many better days ahead to make all of your wonderful contributions in life. Start with your painting, fueled by the love of those who support you in all you are, do and endure.

With love,
Tristan

© 2008 Tristan Benz, all rights reserved.

We're doing GOOD, together

My father used to say, "go ahead, swing at those windmills" - and "you can always pump gas." It's true - we can all go out and pump gas and do what we need to do to survive in this life. Beyond that, we can swing for those windmills - aim for those miracles.

Many times, I have swung at windmills and, more often than I care to admit, I have landed hard. I understand how lots of people who shoot for the moon eventually develop a thick skin (I think mine just must have gone the route of media mail...?!) Then again, some give up - chalk it up to 'wisdom' I guess. Or die trying - chalk it up to idealism? I don't know. But, a few actually watch the wheels turn - see things happen - witness the beauty and the miracles in life.

As people come out of the woodwork to donate on behalf of the fundraiser for Keyahna, it is clear to me that the 'go effect' of such beauty can be chalked up to the united participation of a community. The gift truly is in the giving - my eyes well up at the generosity and my heart swells with each email that says, "yes - I want to help." Makes those hard landings as forgettable as labor, upon seeing the beautiful newborn at long last...

I will be blogging over the weeks to come, about each of the individuals and companies that have contacted me, in order to donate for Keyahna's silent auction / raffle part of the fundraiser. Each one deserves mention as a valuable part of what we hope will be, at the very least, a chance at a concrete DIAGNOSIS for this beautiful little girl... a child that could be any of our children, but for her own landings in the roulette game that is genetics.

I'm excited to share the beauty of the moms, entrepreneurs and individuals who have shown, by their ACTIONS, who they are. I hope you'll visit their stores and websites, as a form of applause. I'm also going to REMEMBER my camera (REALLY I am!!!) so I can get some snaps at the fundraiser - it will be neat to see who wins what and to celebrate the outcome of this event.

I hope everyone will mark their calendars for July 26th, 5PM - ALL YOU CAN EAT SPAGHETTI FEED and SILENT AUCTION / RAFFLE FUNDRAISER(more details in my previous blog).

© 2008 Tristan Benz, all rights reserved.

Don't let the tatoos fool you...

I arrived at the show to find about a thousand Hells Angels and their bikes parked outside the stadium - looked to be a fundraiser for children's hospital. I love to see this kind of contrast in life - reminded me of a very funny memory. Some friends of ours owned a motel in Carmel Valley when I was a child. They later bought a "resort" way out in Arroyo Seco and I remember my mom telling me that it was in a pretty bad state and that Stella intended to "clean the place up" - there were lots of interesting types who were used to drinking (and fighting) and camping out at that location and she wanted it to be a place with a family atmosphere. One of the first things she did was to stamp hands upon entry to the restaurant / bar. She also required all weapons be left at the door (and let's just say, she did a lot of collecting in the beginning!). Anyway - one day, Stella (who was a skinny little blond, as I recall) was busy stamping hands, when a huge biker guy's hand hit the counter with a THUD - and, apparently, she was looking down and just froze for a second - then, she slowly looked up the length of his arm...which was SO FULL of tatoos that she was at a TOTAL loss as to where to stamp him!

Anyway - my daughter and I trekked through the crowd of people who, in my book, clearly have inner beauty going for them - supporting Children's Hospital - fabulous! Which leads me to two things - first, I'm going to update my site next, as I want to ensure everyone knows about the upcoming fundraiser for Mandy's daughter, Keyahna. Many of you know about her and our efforts to help - the most recent development is that she's eligible for going to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for up to 10 days of treatment, all medical expenses paid (to the best of my knowledge, this is the deal) in order to hopefully reach a DIAGNOSIS for her (they still haven't got an official diagnosis yet). The thing is, they don't pay any of the travel, food, stay, etc. for the family and the family is not in a position to be able to pay for the journey. SO - I'll be announcing this on the website as well as an email to our clientele but, if you can come or tell others to come, there's going to be a spaghetti feed event on Bainbridge Island, as follows:

ALL YOU CAN EAT FUNDRAISER EVENT for Keyahna
When? Saturday, July 26 5:00PM
Where? Bainbridge Island Masonic Lodge on High School Road

There will be a silent auction and raffle, as well (I'm donating a limited edition handbag and lots of companies all over are putting up super prizes - you can help Keyahna and enjoy something for yourself, too!) I hope we'll get a great outpouring of support for this event - I hope to see you there!!!

Oh - you can learn more about Keyahna at www.caringbridge.org (type in Keyahna Vaughan). There is also a benefit account set up for her at Washington Mutual - you can go to any branch and donate in her name.

Okay - so the second thing that relates to the Children's Hospital topic (it's so strange how things connect) is that, at the tradeshow yesterday, I met a nurse who actually works on the neursurgery floor at Children's! She and her husband were such neat people and what did I just learn this morning? Carol (Baby Chaleco) emailed me a link to his blog - and, AGAIN, I am gobsmacked! People are full of amazing kindness and surprises! For a second time, then, I'm not going to gush and steal any thunder - I'm just going to let his beauty speak for itself - go see what Brian wrote.

I end this post with simple gratitude. Happy Tuesday!

© 2008 Tristan Benz, all rights reserved