Share your passion with the world.

Discover how sharing your passion with the world will feel.

Full disclosure here! I’m taking a course, and as part of the course we’ve been asked to write something we have expertise in. And then, we were asked to post it.
This feels a little odd because it’s my first ever post. I haven’t even introduced my new publication, Gathering Joy, to all of you. I’m going to trust that because many of you know me, you’ll be feeling as joyful reading my course lesson as I have been writing it. xo

I’m known as an expert at spotting talent. In fact, some friends call me a talent-seeking missile.  Let me explain.

You see, talent lives in their eyes - they sparkle like diamonds and their faces illuminate when they share what they love to do.  They are embodied with pure joy.

I saw it that night.  A chance meeting with a friend of a friend, followed by an invitation to her home for dinner which I gladly accepted.  Three of us were on the guest list.  Not knowing her well, I had no idea what to expect.  

We arrived early.  Mesmerised, we gazed at her cherry-coloured front door, dressed for the season in a wreath woven from willow.  Sunflowers and daisies circled the wreath and a small piece of wood in the shape of a home sat in the center and read, Welcome Home.

Suddenly the door opened and there she stood.  Dressed in a bright yellow apron, she greeted us, escorting us through her kitchen to her back yard deck.

It was a sunny Autumn evening and the golden hour was approaching.  Twinkle lights hung about the table and cozy blankets were draped on the back of the chairs.  It was clear this setting had been styled with perfection in mind.  What a sacred space we’d entered. 

A burlap tablecloth and linen napkins, a garland of fresh ferns and forest moss, candles softly burning, wicker charger plates held mismatched dinnerware and a grazing board had been laid out waiting for us to enjoy. 

Our meal followed.  It was fit for a queen.  Grilled chicken and veggies with the most perfect barbeque grill marks, a salad of corn, tomato and basil picked fresh from the garden just hours earlier and the most delicious cheese buns, layers of flaky buttery pastry filled with cheese. Our beverage, hibiscus iced tea served in vintage glassware.  Pavlova made from her grandmother’s recipe was served for dessert. Earl Grey Lavender tea followed as did conversation and laughter long after dark.

That night I knew this talent of entertaining, styling and cooking needed to be shared with the world.  I suggested she consider practicing her passion in a new way by teaching a culinary workshop at a live in-person gathering I was organizing.  To my delight, she said YES.  

Ten women participated that evening in a fun, celebratory experience learning how to easily prepare vegan appetizers.  We learned about the benefits of a whole-food, plant-based diet which is believed to improve your health, boost your energy levels, prevent chronic disease and provide a lighter environmental footprint.  We connected with others through table conversations and sharing of knowledge and experiences naturally followed. 

I felt so honored to receive a thank you note the next day.  It read…

Are you next? Or perhaps you know someone who has a passion to share? Someone who might be a little shy and unsure and needs a little cheerleading towards their potential. Watch out, my talent seeking missile may land soon. In the meantime, let’s chat about your passions, your fears, your curiosities.

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