Hello friend,
In this edition of The Nova News, we've put together some great links from around the web - handpicked especially for you. Get an update on how our Big Anniversary Party Giveaway is shaping up (still 7 more winners to be announced - it's not too late to enter), and see a summary of the latest Discounts & Specials.
But before we get to all that, I wanted to take a few moments to reflect & get a little deep with y'all (I live in the South now... so I get to use that phrase, LOL).
These past few weeks have been a trying time for many of us, with hurricanes impacting & threatening the homes & businesses & safety of so many. My husband Mike has been in Florida for the last 3 weeks for work, so I was watching the news of Irma very closely. Fortunately, he was far West enough (in the panhandle) to miss the ill effects, but some of our friends & students were not so lucky. If you, or any soap/cosmetics crafters that you know of, were negatively affected by Hurricane Harvey or Irma, check out this Hurricane Assistance Program from the HSCG.
In addition to September marking our 14 Year Anniversary of when The Nova Studio began back in 2003, as you know, this month is also the anniversary of 9/11.
When the 9/11 tragedy occurred in 2001, I vividly remember watching the events unfold on TV in real time, in total disbelief, wondering what on Earth is happening. I found myself pondering big questions like what is life all about, and digging deep about how not to squander mine. Fresh out of grad school and looking to begin my "career" as a college speech teacher, I had a memorable realization that life is short and you never know when yours will come to an end.
Because of 9/11, I made the decision to follow my passion & dedicate myself to teaching others about making natural handmade products, instead of perusing a traditional teaching career. I felt compelled to spend my time on this Earth doing something that really mattered to me.
When the world seems in chaos, sometimes it's hard to know what to do. Donating to charitable causes like The Red Cross is important & helpful, but sometimes it doesn't seem enough.
It's often at times like this that it's easiest to focus on what really matters, like the health/safety/well being of our loved ones, contributing/giving back, and by sharing our gifts/talents with one another. It's that thing that only we can give - whether it's through our job, our hobbies, or how we choose to spend our free time.
I am grateful to have discovered one piece of the puzzle in my life, and for 14 years, be able to share my gifts with others through The Nova Studio. In teaching & helping other entrepreneurs/hobbyists/teachers, I get back at least as much as I give. I'm a perpetual learner, a student at the core, always searching for more ways to contribute in an authentic way.
Have you ever had a positive result out of something horrible or negative? How have you made sense of the chaotic & sometimes terrifying events happening around you? What are your special gifts, and are you sharing them? Hit reply & let us know. We'd love to hear from you.
Let's keep learning together,
Lori Nova Endres
Find us & stay in touch:
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Blog ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest
