from a slinky, sometimes fuzzy, vulnerable yet not entirely defenseless
illusive
adapting to its environment…and food it’s about to devour,
a nuisance to some, a delicious nutrient for others
a caterpillar
the audacity to adhere to its true expression, its true nature
to transform itself into something ever more beautiful, graceful and Light
A butterfly is Born!
We kicked off our 2011 Butterfly Tour™ this month at the Connecting Spirit, Mind and Practice Speakers Platform Series sponsored by Banks Enterprise founded by the dynamic Velma D. Banks, MSW (banksenterpriseonline.com). Our event was held in the heart of Harlem, New York City.
Educators, teen counselors, a theologian, human service professionals and students, were among those who were engaged as I recalled how my brother and I ended up in foster care (our mother wasn’t home and a neighbor had had enough of seeing us being home alone – or in social work terms, “unsupervised” – at ages 4 and 6, p. 2, “Removed” Validation Denied, Grace Bestowed:somewhere between the ghetto and God was something called foster care….).
Educators, teen counselors, a theologian, human service professionals and students, were among those who were engaged as I recalled how my brother and I ended up in foster care (our mother wasn’t home and a neighbor had had enough of seeing us being home alone – or in social work terms, “unsupervised” – at ages 4 and 6, p. 2, “Removed” Validation Denied, Grace Bestowed:somewhere between the ghetto and God was something called foster care….).
We enjoyed mouth-watering hors d’oeuvres and treats by Ruby Valdez and Cook Time – Betty Anne, President/Chef, but for me, the icing-on-the-cake – no pun intended - was meeting *octogenarian Frances Manning, MSW. She gave us a taste of her own wisdom as a legendary MSW* and she bought a copy of my book! I guess it’s safe to say my experience was the equivalent of a sophomore songstress meeting Chaka Khan or Dianna Ross, Tina Turner, Pattie Labelle or any of the true divas of our time. Visit banksenterpriseonline.com for information on how to meet Ms. Manning in December!
It’s always great to be with and bask in the wisdom of the legends of any profession.
I’d like to end by inviting you to get Validation Denied, Grace Bestowed. Here are 5 of my top favorite selling points:
5. you will appreciate (perhaps even be inspired) how meditation played a pivotal role in Quelyn’s ability to forgive her past, love self and no longer crave validation of who she is
4. Quelyn keeps her word to find a very close relative (p. 77 “Beginning of the End”)
3. Quelyn shares show she learned to contemplate her experiences and translate epiphanies- aha moments - into action
2. Validation Denied, Grace Bestowed lends an honest yet entertaining portrait of a (defiant teen) turned productive woman….without the ‘fat’
1. the intent of Validation Denied, Grace Bestowed is to inspire freedom from guilt and other negativities associated with one’s past or current situation.
For appearances, book signings and talks contact: The Butterfly Book Tour™Team at beyondlabelz@yahoo.com.
Thank you for reading and keep expressing your own truth!
~ Quelyn
*Fun Fact: Octogenarian – a person who is 80 years young!
MSW – Master of Social Work
Copyright©2011 Quelyn Purdie
Copyright©2011 Quelyn Purdie
