Blessings & Curses

It's been a strange week.

It started off with a funeral and is ending with a wedding. Throw in a baby shower, an acceptance into the Social Venture Institute at Hollyhock and you see why it's been strange.

A friend of mine, Dallas Smith, lost his beloved wife, Tatiana (33) to cancer. Ever the optimist and a strident believer in God, Tatiana never lost faith that she would beat this disease that ravaged her body. You can read her story here. The funeral was as one would expect - full of tears and statements on what we, the living, can take away from such a short-lived life. What struck me was the message that one of her friends shared - Tatiana always asked people what did they do that day that helped someone else. She was always saying how she wished she had more time so that she could do more for others (believe me, she did a lot!). The person sharing this message suggested to everyone to mark the last day every two months as Tatiana's day... and set your task-reminder or some alarm to notify you. On that day you are to see what you have done in the two-months prior that helped someone else. So will you do this? Will you help carry Tatiana's spirit forward?

Tatiana didn't just look at what she could do personally, she engaged others in her life - her charity of choice is the Canadian Women's Foundation because they help girls become business leaders. Tatiana moved here via the States from Soviet controlled Russia ... BY HERSELF. She got an education, started a successful marketing and communications company, founder the love of her life, had a beautiful family and managed to make time for community activities. I will be forever thankful to have had her in my life.

Shortly before I heard the news of Tatiana I received a phone call from a client - A Star Studio about her latest success story. You can see it on Perez Hilton's website (small clue). What Anita and her team are striving for - creating a social message movement addressing bullying and creating stronger community connections through dance and flash mobs. I am so excited to be on this journey with her as she moves her dance studio to a new level!

So, that's been my week. A star is burning strong in a dance studio and a star is burned out. Both of these stars have left an indelible mark on my life, and the lives of thousands of others.