As a survivor of losing every possession and our home in a wildfire, I sometimes get to share my story with others who have a special heart for helping hurting families. Recently I was asked to share some insights about situational forgiveness by Rev. Misty Tyme on her podcast. (Link here: Situational Forgiveness). We hit all the biggies, what it was like to evacuate, and how to find a path for forgiveness for self, others, and even God in the midst of stark tragedy. I was very open about how people treated us, both good and bad, and how we…
LEGOLAND and Ark Encounter – Great Family Outings
Teen and Tween Blog Post This fall come check out some new attractions like Legoland’s newest rides and get your parents to go with you! A big part of making the most of every day is finding new ways to have fun. Sometimes your parents need more fun, too! We’ve got two great ideas in California and Kentucky, and I’ll bet there are great places where you live as well. New rides at Legoland, and a visit to Star Wars Miniland. My son Joey takes you to see the newest Ninjago rides and his favorite places in Miniland. I…
Never Let Go Of Magic with Author Shannon Messenger
Recently I met Shannon Messenger, author of the middle grade Keeper of the Lost Cities series and the Sky Fall series for young adults. Shannon is a delight and her stories are so wonderful. It was a genuine pleasure to meet her and hear about her books for both groups. Shannon is an accomplished artist and really helps us to never let go of our love for magical things in life. Her characters learn that belonging isn’t as important as being genuine and realizing their true value. Shannon gave me great swag (photo below) for two lucky winners of…
Great things and Giveaways, Author Interviews in September
Here’s a quick video update about wonderful things coming, starting TOMORROW! With Shannon Messenger’s interview about Keeper of the Lost Cities Series for middle grade and her young adult series as well. Later this month we’ll see Sara Ella and learn more about having a creative life with Wendy Speake and Kelli Stuart’s new book, Life Creative. We’ll dive deep with updates about bullying and what you can do to not feel so helpless if it happens, how to diagnose it with young ones too. Sign up for the blog and my first giveaway, wonderful swag from Shannon Messenger and…
Writers, Television, Podcast, and more! Summer Recap
This summer was extraordinary for Thorn & Vine, and with its launch came many opportunities to nurture the writing side of things, and also start spreading the word about resources for teens, tweens, and adults for more resilience in life. Daytime at Nine I was honored to share a snapshot of our experience as wildfire survivors as well as tips to thrive in times of adversity on Fox News San Antonio. Here’s the interview! http://foxsanantonio.com/daytime-at-9/hope-can-come-after-a-tragedy One of the special connections I made was with author Pam Vredevelt who helps people find a path from losing children. She is such a…
Get Ready For A Sparkling September
September is our kick-off month for three blog themes to encourage, embolden, and inspire you, and some sparkle not to miss at Disneyland before the end of their 60th Anniversary Diamond Days celebration. Late August Note: As a gemologist, I’m always on the lookout for something beautiful to see. Pictured above is some sparkle not to miss at Disneyland before the 60th anniversary is over on September 5, 2016. Make sure to stop by The Disney Gallery right as you enter Disneyland to view this spectacular castle and some other gorgeous gems with Swarovski crystals. There are also fascinating paintings…
A Dog with Diamonds
A Dog with Diamonds? An intriguing curse? A miserable queen? Could so much adventure be wrapped up in the Hope Diamond? This may sound like a storyline for Raiders of the Lost Ark, except this all involves one very famous gemstone called the Hope Diamond. It is an extraordinary deep blue color and weighs 45.53 carats. It was brought from India to Europe in the 17th century, when it was known as the Tavernier Blue and sold to King Louis XIV of France. It came to be considered bad luck for all its subsequent possessors, including Maria Antoinette, Lord Francis…
Wild Lessons Ready to Go
When we wandered into a beautiful quilt store, these bundles were all packaged, ready for someone to create a thing of beauty. Eight years ago on October, 22nd, 2007, we lost everything we owned in a wildfire that came through San Diego. More than 300 neighbors did as well and thousands others in surrounding areas from five wildfires that grew huge that week in Southern California. Ours was the Witch Creek fire. Now we’re launching a new vision for Live A Resilient Life™ with great resources for people making new beginnings. It reminds me of these quilting bundles I saw…
Refocus and Rebuild With Fun!
Fairy Tales at Once Upon A Time If you love fairy tales, here’s a wonderful exhibit coming up at the Bowers Museum for kids, called Kidseum, in Orange County, California. Pretend you’re in the book Anasi and the Talking Melon, or play a harpsichord in Beauty and the Beast. Then turn a corner, and it the Cinderella coach and a slide that looks like a castle and Jack and the Beanstalk, and more. It starts April 16th and run for the summer through August 28, 2016. For more information, see the website here. Chinese Gardens at Huntington Library in Pasadena…
Thorn & Vine
Thorn & Vine Welcome to Thorn & Vine, and our new blog and YouTube channel as part of the Elizabeth Van Tassel website. To view a list of posts click HERE. Resilience is more than a hallmark, it’s a lens through which I strive to learn and grow in life’s challenges. Have you ever wondered what resilience is, and whether some of your favorite authors had any difficulties in their own lives to overcome? Stay tuned for one-on-one, in-person visits with authors like Debbie Macomber, DiAnn Mills, Cara Putnam and Pepper Basham. For the young adult audience, we’re talking with Nadine…
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