Every year I like to choose five words to guide my year. Since 2019 is well under way I thought I would share this years words with you and maybe you will see yourself in these five simple words.
Growth
Starting the Women’s Brick Initiative is a giant leap of faith. Will anyone join us? Can we create a community of like minded women and girls interested in exploring the creative opportunities of LEGO? So far the answer seems like it might be “yes”. As Alice, JacQ and I lay plans for the year, there will be plenty of room for growth, both individually and within our little community. How far can we take this kern of an idea? I have no idea, but I’m going to find out.
“If we don’t change, we don’t grow. If we don’t grow, we aren’t really living.” Gail Sheehy
Wonder
I’m a naturally curious person and that’s why I’m so excited about the Women’s Brick Initiative. What will happen when we connect like minded women and girls across the AFOL community? What will happen when we harness our energy, celebrate our mutual accomplishments and inspire the next generation of LEGO builders and creatives?
I want to see a look of wonder on the face of a child or parent as they give themselves permission to play and try new things. When I see that expression I know that we’re successful in our mission.
“Think and wonder, wonder and think.” Dr. Seuss
Friendship
My life would be a colorless place without the friends I’ve made through the LEGO and toy photography community. Certainly the Women’s Brick Initiative would not have sprung up without three women connecting through their love of LEGO and a mutual respect and admiration. Our friendship was quick to follow.
We’re deep in the planning stages of our first and hopefully many more, Women’s Brick Initiative events in 2019. I’m sure that I will make more connections through the love of the brick and a few of those connections will become life long friendships. Because you know what, you can’t have too many friends!
Especially ones who love getting down on the floor and snapping a few bits of plastic together. Or jumping into the car and heading off to a nearby park to find bits of mass and light to take photo of minifigures in. If this sounds like your cup of tea, then you should consider joining us on our adventure!
“Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.” Helen Keller
Giving
I like to think we live in a world of abundance; the more you give, the more you receive. It is through this metaphorical lens that I approach this new community. I’m glad I’m not alone in my feelings of generosity. Alice and JacQ are right there with me; we are all dedicated to sharing our knowledge with our community of female LEGO fans.
“No one has ever become poor by giving.” Anne Frank
Learning
I have no doubt that by helping to create the Women’s Brick Initiative I will be asked to stretch and learn. Honestly I look forward to this experience. My team mates, Alice and JacQ have so much talent and expertise to share. Sometimes I look at what they’ve accomplished and I’m in awe!
But there is so much knowledge we can share and learn from each other. I’m sure there are lessons to be learned and skills to be acquire from my fellow brick aficionados.
“Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.” ―Abigail Adams
Leap of Faith
I’m all about leaps of faith. I’ve been taking them for the past six years, ever since I took my first LEGO photograph. I keep learning, making friends and giving back to all the communities I’ve been involved with. With this new leap of faith, I’m looking forward to an amazing year playing with LEGO alongside my friends, both new and old.
If you’re interested in taking a leap of faith with Alice, JacQ and myself, I encourage you to join our forum and together we can create the future we all want to be a part of.
Shelly