exceptional people magazine – may/june 2010 issue part two

Extraordinary Profiles

4

Cover Story—

Osprey Orielle Lake—A Visionary of Mother Earth

8 Mona Purdy—Saving the Soles

of Thousands

Inspiration

10 We Learn by Trial and Error

13 Marcus White - Looking

Beyond the Past

16 Should You Forgive? - Six

Steps to Releasing the Past

12 Everyday Creativity

The Lighter Side

19 Express Lane Rage

21 Creativity Blowing in the Wind

23 Profile Resources

24 Writers and Contributors

Cover photo by Richard Heckler

A unique treasure lies within you. A unique treasure lies within you. A unique treasure lies within you. A unique treasure lies within you. Discover it. Then share it.Discover it. Then share it.Discover it. Then share it.Discover it. Then share it.

May-June 2010

CONTENTS

www.exceptionalmag.com

COVERCOVERCOVERCOVERCOVERCOVERCOVERCOVERCOVERCOVERCOVERCOVER STORYSTORYSTORYSTORYSTORYSTORYSTORYSTORYSTORYSTORYSTORYSTORY

Extraordinary ProfilesExtraordinary ProfilesExtraordinary ProfilesExtraordinary ProfilesExtraordinary ProfilesExtraordinary ProfilesExtraordinary ProfilesExtraordinary ProfilesExtraordinary ProfilesExtraordinary ProfilesExtraordinary ProfilesExtraordinary Profiles

A Visionary of Mother EarthA Visionary of Mother EarthA Visionary of Mother EarthA Visionary of Mother EarthA Visionary of Mother EarthA Visionary of Mother EarthA Visionary of Mother EarthA Visionary of Mother EarthA Visionary of Mother EarthA Visionary of Mother EarthA Visionary of Mother EarthA Visionary of Mother Earth

Osprey Orielle LakeOsprey Orielle LakeOsprey Orielle LakeOsprey Orielle LakeOsprey Orielle LakeOsprey Orielle LakeOsprey Orielle LakeOsprey Orielle LakeOsprey Orielle LakeOsprey Orielle LakeOsprey Orielle LakeOsprey Orielle Lake

at the intricate details of her magnifi-

cent art, each piece tells a unique

story and one can only be inspired to

appreciate the natural beauty of the

world.

Lake explains, “I was drawn to create

nature-themed art in order to create a

bridge that could remind us of the

vital relationship we have to our liv-

ing planet, and the importance of

celebrating and protecting our earth’s

beauty, ecosystems and bountiful

gifts. I think when we embrace our

connection to the natural world and

to each other, and combine that with

the lessons our ecosystems are teach-

ing us, we have a better capacity to

find answers needed in our efforts to

create sustainable living models. In

fact, I think it is completely neces-

sary to connect to nature if we want

an enduring and truly viable civiliza-

tion. In this sense, the mystery, won-

der and elegance of the earth have

been at the core of my artistic inspi-

ration.”

As a sculptor, teacher and public

speaker, Osprey has inspired others

to connect with the beauty that nature

offers, allowing them to create their

own masterpieces.

She serves on the adjunct faculty of

two San Francisco universities and

volunteers locally and internationally

to assist environmental and social

change organizations.

She also serves on the Board of the

Praxis Peace Institute in Sonoma,

California and is the Director of the

Women’s 2020 Climate Change lead-

ership Caucus with the Senate World

Forum. Osprey is the founder and

designer of the International Cheemah

and Mari Monument Projects.

Lake shared with Exceptional People

Magazine her extraordinary vision as

an artist and her desire to instill a

deeper appreciation for the earth and

all that it has to offer.

EPM: I understand that you have

been a lifelong advocate for environ-

mental and societal issues, which led

you to diverse but compatible profes-

sions. You are a sculptor working in-

ternationally with bronze statues and

you are also the Director of the

Women’s 2020 Leadership Caucus

focusing on climate change issues.

What inspired you to devote your life

to designing sculptures and monu-

ments?

Osprey: My mother was an amazing

painter and printmaker and she has

always been a deep source of guid-

ance and encouragement for me.

Early in life, I was inspired by the

northern coast of California where I

spent much of my childhood hiking

along remote beaches and among the

redwoods. This beauty deeply

touched me and I knew that I wanted

to do all that I could to protect these

special places and to bring more

awareness to the need to protect na-

ture. I understood this early on be-

cause I had experiences of seeing the

devastating results of magnificent old

growth forests that had been clear-cut,

forests that I loved and knew were

irreplaceable. It broke my heart. The

words of Rachel Carson also guided

It is through her vision as an artist

that Osprey Orielle Lake has used her

extraordinary talents to bring us

closer to nature.

Lake is one of a small number of fe-

males who design monuments. She

infuses a reflection of cultural diver-

sity, nature and a sense of connection

into her designs. Through her work,

she allows citizens of the world to see

the true beauty of nature. She ad-

dresses how “narrative artworks can

bring balance, connection and hope

into the hearts of our cities and

homes.”

Through her statutes, Lake attempts to

foster within each of us a deeper per-

sonal and societal appreciation for the

land in which we live.

It is often said that beauty is in the

eye of the beholder. When one gazes

people Extraordinary Profiles

Osprey Orielle LakeOsprey Orielle Lake

Artist and Visionary of Mother EarthArtist and Visionary of Mother Earth

4 | Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2010

May-June 2010 | Exceptional People Magazine | 5

me at that time, especially when she

wrote, “I believe that the more clearly

we can focus our attention on the

wonders of the universe about us, the

less taste we shall have for destruc-

tion.”

I think what people see and experi-

ence on a daily basis influences both

societal direction and cultural well-

being. With the earth’s population

living primarily in cities now, it has

become more difficult for us to focus

on our natural environment. We have

become susceptible to a sense of dis-

connection from nature. We are not

separated from the natural world, we

are absolutely a part of it, but this

sense of separation can cause a great

deal of imbalance, both personally

and as a society. I decided to create

nature-themed art to remind us of the

vital relationship we have to our liv-

ing planet and the importance of cele-

brating and protecting our earth’s

beauty, ecosystems and bountiful

gifts.

EPM: Can you tell us about the

physical aspect of your sculptures?

Osprey: In addition to nature-themed

artworks, I have been very interested

in the tradition of female sculptural

images that have inspired people all

over the world throughout history

-- to name a few, the Statue of Lib-

erty, Mother Russia which overlooks

the Volga River, the Kuan Yin god-

desses throughout Asia and Liberty

on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

I design my pieces to be dynamic, to

express movement. My sculptures

range in height from 16 inches to 46

inches and my public artwork ranges

in height from 10 to 18 feet. My first

consideration is the story that the art-

works convey. Secondly, it’s the

composition lines, how to create feel-

ing and movement that express the

deeper narrative.

EPM: When did you realize you had

the vision and talent to design sculp-

tures and monuments that could in-

spire global change?

Osprey: Well, I would be honored

and delighted if in fact my art does

inspire global change. This is some-

thing I certainly aspire to do. I’m not

sure these kinds of things are ever

“realized” by the person doing them.

It is more a sense of feeling com-

pelled to create something--to “write”

an epic love poem to life in the form

of sculpted bronze and a deep desire

to contribute to making a better world

for current and future generations. I

had the great fortune of having many

long-time supporters who have be-

lieved in my work. I greatly appreci-

ate each of them.

EPM: What message or messages do

you wish to convey in your sculp-

tures?

Osprey: My smaller sculptures and

monuments honor cultural diversity,

integrated with an appreciation for

nature and they create a sense of be-

longing and connection. I believe one

way we can change our communities

and the way we live is by encouraging

and exploring a new cultural narra-

tive. The outer landscape of our world

will change, particularly as we trans-

form our inner landscape, culturally

and individually. To do this, I think a

new narrative is needed, one that is

based on loving and protecting our

shared earth, all the earth’s people

and all species. I think it is necessary

for us to have the courage to acknowl-

edge what is happening to our world.

We need courage to protect what we

can and the courage to grieve losses--

Mari, Waters of LifeMari, Waters of LifeMari, Waters of LifeMari, Waters of Life


recognition and grief can be powerful

motivators for change. It is difficult to

care for something we have no rela-

tionship with, so fostering a connec-

tion to each other and the natural

world is important to caring. Through

my art, I introduce images that cele-

brate cultural diversity and nature and

I hope to encourage people to think

about creating a responsible and com-

passionate future. I hope that my art

will serve as a reminder of this amaz-

ing place we call home.

EPM: It is often said that art is a

common denominator that crosses all

boundaries. How do your sculptures

and monuments bring cultures to-

gether?

Osprey: I love what Kofi Annan said

about artists when he was the Secre-

tary-General of the United Na-

tions: “Artists have a special role to

play in the global struggle for peace.

At their best, artists speak not only to

people; they speak for them. Art is a

weapon against ignorance and hatred

and an agent of public awareness. Art

opens new doors for learning, under-

standing and peace among peoples

and nations."

I see art as a universal language and I

think most artists strive to change our

views on how we perceive the world

and each other. All cultures have in-

corporated art as a statement. A great

deal of what we know about ancient

cultures, we know through their art.

Art often reflects who we are or want

to become as a society. In this sense,

creativity is perhaps one of the most

distinctive attributes of the human

spirit. Our creativity and ability to

innovate survives under the most

stressful conditions. I would suggest

we remember that the ability to imag-

ine and create is an unstoppable

force.

To answer your question about cul-

tural connections, I often incorporate

symbols from cultures around the

world in a single piece of art, so peo-

ple can experience a sense that al-

though we are wonderfully diverse,

we also share in human adventure.

EPM: You combine your work with

the concept of going green and sup-

porting global concerns. How do you

incorporate these concepts into your

designs?

Osprey: At the moment, I am work-

ing on the Drop of Water, Drop of

Life project. The idea for this artwork

was to create unique water fountain

sculptures that celebrate our local wa-

tersheds and create a way to revitalize

a personal connection to water. Each

fountain is a one-of-a-kind, region-

specific fountain designed from a wa-

ter crystal. The water crystal is

“grown” from a water sample col-

lected at a local watershed where the

fountain sculptures are to be installed.

My intent in creating this type of de-

sign is to link communities directly to

their local watersheds in a lively, ar-

tistic and educational manner. Citi-

zens will see what the water coming

from their taps looks like in a crystal-

lized form. Our bodies are 70% water

and we cannot live without it. Mak-

ing the connection between our daily

needs and the local watershed can be

a powerful way to create water aware-

ness and protection.

EPM: How are you

using your vision and

works to inspire oth-

ers to follow their

dreams or enhance

their communities?

Osprey: As young

children, we mostly

dream of a future that

brings us success, ad-

venture, loving rela-

tionships and mean-

ingful experiences.

This dream never

really dies but it can

be forsaken in the tu-

mult of societal and

personal challenges.

The question is how

do we revive and cul-



tivate these dreams? I strive to com-

bine images, stories and symbols

from the past and present them in

works of art that are transcendent,

that recognize the time in which we

live and mirror the things that we

hold most precious. As many wise

people through the ages have indi-

cated, we should keep our dreams

alive. I believe when a piece of art

touches someone, it can help them

recall their dreams.

I like to make presentations at inner-

city schools, conferences and univer-

sities, encouraging people to follow

their dreams, participate in civic proc-

esses and become involved in what-

ever they are passionate about. I am

deeply heartened by young people

who have great energy to live full and

meaningful lives and we should sup-

port them.

EPM: Speaking of the civic process,

can you tell us more about your work

as the Director of the Women’s 2020

Leadership Caucus?

Osprey: The Women’s 2020 Leader-

ship Caucus is a branch of State of the

World Forum, a non-profit organiza-

tion based in California. For many

years, I have been involved with envi-

ronmental and societal change organi-

zations. My most recent direction

with this involvement has been as the

Director of the Women’s 2020 Lead-

ership Caucus. This gives me an op-

portunity to collaborate with extraor-

dinary women in the U.S. and other

countries. We are developing alli-

ances that can assist the most vulner-

able communities in Africa that are

currently dealing with climate change.

EPM: What is your next big creative

project?

Osprey: Actually it is something

different from sculpting but it contin-

ues the same “song”. I have a book

coming out this autumn. The working

title is Uprisings for the Earth: Re-

connecting Culture with Nature.

EPM: What has been most reward-

ing about your life’s work?

Osprey: There has been so much it is

hard to pinpoint. I think for me, as it

is for many people, the reward comes

from giving -- giving to others and

expressing appreciation for the earth’s

magnificence. I’ve had the opportu-

nity to help artists in Russia, Europe

and China, as well as here. It’s al-

ways wonderful and invigorating to

connect with artists and support their

efforts. Through the Women’s 2020

Leadership Caucus we are connecting

women in many diverse fields and

this is exciting, as I look toward the

coming years and the many things we

will do together. So in addition to giv-

ing, I would say collaborating with

others is also a wonderful reward.

When our hearts connect with others,

we have so much more to share and to

give of ourselves. I think collabora-

tion is the key to navigating through

the challenging times ahead. �

Tree of LifeTree of LifeTree of LifeTree of Life



Saving the SolesSaving the SolesSaving the Soles

of Thousandsof Thousandsof Thousands

It was a defining moment and a

trip that left a lasting impres-

sion on Mona Purdy. She never

imagined, while visiting Guatemala

with a cycling team, that she would

witness such heart-wrenching living

conditions.

Mona stated, “The kids had feet I’ve

never seen before. They painted hot

tar on the bottom of their feet so they

could run a race during their village

festival. I was trying to run without

crying because I kept thinking of my

kid’s feet and all the things my kids

have in abundance. I have always

taught my children to be aware of

other people and their situations. On

the way home I kept thinking of the

song by Diana Ross -- Reach out and

touch somebody’s hand, make this

world a better place if you

can. Something changed in

me. When I arrived home, my kids

also noticed the change in me.”

During her travel to Guatemala Mona

met an American orthopedic surgeon

who regularly visited the region to

perform amputations on children's

infected limbs because they had not

worn shoes for so long. Changing the

world is what Mona Purdy has been

doing for over eleven years, two soles

at a time.

Upon returning home Mona took im-

mediate action, asking families and

schools to donate used children’s

shoes. She collected and delivered

the shoes to an orphanage in Hondu-

ras. What she thought was a one-time

trip turned into her life’s work. Thus,

Share Your Soles was born, an or-

ganization that collects shoes to de-

liver around the world.

Before long, Share Your Soles be-

came a movement. Schools,

churches, Girl Scout troops, civic or-

ganizations and other groups began

drives and shoes began pouring in

from all over America.

Mona has traveled to some of the

most dangerous locations, risking her

life to help families. “After these

people wait in line for the shoes, the

mothers wait in line for the boxes to

use them for beds for their children or

flooring in their homes. We’re trying

to change the world one pair of shoes

at a time,” says Mona.

Before any of the shoes are shipped,

they are sorted and sanitized. They

are polished and sorted. Battered

shoes are discarded. With such great

enthusiasm and involvement from

others, Mona began enlisting the aid

of airlines, shippers, major corpora-

tions, small businesses, government

agencies and embassies to help fur-

ther her mission.

An amazing network of volunteers

across the United States has helped

Share Your Soles deliver over one

million pairs of shoes in a span of 11

years, within the U.S. and across the

world in countries such as Central

America, Africa, Eastern Europe and

India.

There are no boundaries for Share

Your Soles when it comes to putting

shoes on the feet of people in

need. Mona Purdy’s children have

traveled with her on many occasions

to deliver the shoes. Mona says,

“They’re learning from me how not to

judge people.” �

Mona PurdyMona Purdy



InspirationInspirationInspirationInspiration

“May the winds of peace surround “May the winds of peace surround “May the winds of peace surround “May the winds of peace surround “May the winds of peace surround “May the winds of peace surround “May the winds of peace surround “May the winds of peace surround you, and may they guide you on a you, and may they guide you on a you, and may they guide you on a you, and may they guide you on a you, and may they guide you on a you, and may they guide you on a you, and may they guide you on a you, and may they guide you on a path filled with the richness of life.”path filled with the richness of life.”path filled with the richness of life.”path filled with the richness of life.”path filled with the richness of life.”path filled with the richness of life.”path filled with the richness of life.”path filled with the richness of life.” MonicaMonicaMonicaMonicaMonicaMonicaMonicaMonica

Another stumble… a slip-up …an

error…

And the frustrations of past mistakes are so overwhelm-

ing, they’re dashing your hopes for the future.

Maybe you made an error in judgment, a wrong decision

or took a bad turn.

But just because you have made an honest mistake along

the way doesn’t mean it’s over for you. It is only the end

if you quit!

I’ll paraphrase a story a friend told me about the advice

that a coach of a college basketball team explained to her

players. Before practice one afternoon, as the team was

all gathered together in the gymnasium, the coach said,

“The team that makes the most mistakes usually is the

team who will win.”

One student, a bit puzzled, asked, “Coach, what do you

mean?”

The coach looked at each team member in the eye, and

declared, “Let me explain... It is the doer, the go-getter,

the positive achiever who makes honest mistakes. Why?

Because mistakes are made from doing…”

Then, she encouraged, “In sports, in school, and in life in

general, we must anticipate obstacles. So if you fall

down, stand up. Make the necessary corrections and try

again!”

The athletes nodded with understanding. For that moment

was a turning point in their lives, when they realized: to

not run and hide or feel sorry for themselves or guilty

because of an unintentional mistake. Instead, they must

persevere.

Thereafter, enthusiastically, the coach exclaimed,

“Success comes when we learn from our mistakes and

when we keep on going, and earnestly, honestly keep on

doing!”

Thus, we must allow for errors in ourselves and in others,

bringing to mind that mistakes are a part of the learning

process. So don’t draw back and give up. Be patient and

tolerant. Remember, we learn by trial and error. Look at

mistakes as wise teachers and use them to make correc-

tive changes, seeking constructive solutions.

Consider that those who have extraordinary accomplish-

ments also have had crushing defeats. A successful entre-

preneur that I know who has had his share of ups and

downs suggests, “In my experience, less than one percent

of people or businesses in general are an overnight suc-

cess. However, those who push through the learning

curves and hang in there to the end are those who win!”

We Learn by Trial and Error We Learn by Trial and Error We Learn by Trial and Error We Learn by Trial and Error

By Catherine Galasso-Vigorito

potpourri Inspiration


My oldest daughter plays the clarinet in the school band.

And a few weeks before her winter concert, I heard melo-

dies coming from her room, as she practiced repeatedly just

the last part of a song.

I walked upstairs and asked her, “Honey, why are you just

practicing the end of that composition?”

She put the clarinet down on her table and said, “I think

that the last measures of the music are most important,

Mom.”

Confused, I questioned, “What makes you think so?”

Wisely, she clarified, “Well, if I make a mistake in the be-

ginning of the performance, the audience will most likely

not remember it. So, I have to make the last part of the song

the absolute best.”

Perhaps, your start in life was less than perfect. Or you

have stumbled and fallen, and suffered much. Whoever or

wherever you are today, you can pick yourself up and go

on, without wasting a moment in regret. God’s love toward

you never changes. It’s unconditional and His mercy and

grace are always there for you. Let go of emotional

wounds, begin again and be determined to make the next

chapter of your life the absolute best! �

Every experience does help us gain more useful informa-

tion, wisdom and stamina for the next time. Setbacks are

chances to rise up even stronger. But if we allow an inad-

vertent mistake to continually be the focal point of our

lives, living with bitterness and regrets, we can miss the

blessings God has for us that are yet to come.

I read that Edgar Allen Poe once wrote, “My personal

library has two thousand books in it. Unfortunately, they

are all copies of my first book.” The lesson here is that

Edgar Allen Poe did not center his attention on the prob-

lem. In its place, he worked on a solution by using his

creative energy to persist in writing. Focused on positive

possibilities for the future, Poe went on to become an

illustrious writer and poet, and his works continue to in-

fluence literature in America and around the world.

It’s been said that, “Life follows thought.” The way we

approach difficulties will determine their outcome.

Therefore, let’s keep our vision clear on our upcoming

goals. And with faith, positive expectation and courage,

work and believe for the best.

American author and philosopher, Ralph Waldo Trine

penned these wonderful words, “There is no experience

in any life which if rightly recognized, rightly turned and

thereby wisely used, cannot be made of value; Many

times, things thus turned and used can be made sources of

inestimable gain: Oftentimes, they become a blessing in

disguise.”

With the right frame of mind, a mistake can be ‘a little

step back’ that may actually lead you to ‘two big steps

forward.’



Do you tell yourself that you are not a

creative person because you can't

draw or play an instrument or write

poetry? I often hear many of my cli-

ents bemoan, "I'm not creative!"

This isn't true! We all have the ability

to be creative - it is a God-given gift -

but you might not be noticing or en-

joying your particular form of creativ-

ity. It's important that you become

aware of which forms of creativity are

fun and fulfilling for you, because

expressing your creativity is a power-

ful way of feeling filled up and joyful

within.

Creativity naturally pours out of my

three-year old grandson, Everest, as it

does out of all little children who are

given the opportunity to express it.

When I was spending time with him

recently, he was playing with a chil-

dren's microscope that has little slides

with various bugs and other little

creatures that he can slide in. He slid

in a little shrimp and then starting

running around the room saying,

"Grandma, the shrimp is in the heater!

Get it out!" Once I coaxed out the

little shrimp, it now magically ap-

peared under the table, or in the lamp,

or back in the heater! He delighted in

running around pretending this little

shrimp was everywhere and engaging

me in his magical game, laughing as

he thought up new places for the

shrimp to hide! I could see the pure

joy he experiences in expressing his

creativity.

How can you express your creativity

in everyday ways?

Perhaps you really love scrapbooking

or making photo albums, creating

ways of enjoying memories. Do you

enjoy setting a beautiful table, or cre-

ating a lovely flower arrangement

from flowers that you grow? Do you

love creating a wonderful garden?

How about creating a bulletin board

in your home or office for others to

enjoy? Perhaps you just enjoy putting

on music and allowing your body to

dance around the room. Do you love

being in your workshop, making

things out of wood for yourself and

others? One man I know decided to

express his creativity by carving a

totem pole, even though it was some-

thing he had never done and had no

idea how to do it!

Maybe picking out fabrics and mak-

ing clothing or blankets is fun for you,

or knitting or crocheting for yourself,

family and friends. Do you have fun

making cards with stamps? Maybe

you enjoy making collages with pic-

tures from magazines.

You might be a person who expresses

your creativity through your kindness

or through your humor. Perhaps vol-

unteering is a form of creativity for

you. Perhaps you have learned to ex-

press your creativity in saying some-

thing kind to each person with whom

you are in contact throughout a day.

The point is, all of us have many

ways in which we can express our

creativity, and expressing it is vital to

our wellbeing. It is a wonderful form

of play. If you spend all of your time

just getting things done and do not

allow time for your everyday creativ-

ity, you will not feel alive and content

within. The old saying, "All work and

no play makes Jack a dull boy" ap-

plies to all of us. We feel dull inside

when we don't allow time for play, for

creativity, for kindness to ourselves

and others.

Creative expression will occur natu-

rally when you open your heart to

yourself and others, allowing the gift

of creativity to flow through you from

the spiritual source that is always

available to you. New ideas are al-

ways waiting to be expressed through

you - you just need to open to them

and allow the time for them. When

you do, you will feel the joy and ful-

fillment that comes from everyday

creativity! �

EverydayEverydayEverydayEveryday

CreativityCreativityCreativityCreativity

By Dr. Margaret Paul



Looking Beyond the Past…New BeginningsLooking Beyond the Past…New Beginnings

Marcus WhiteMarcus White

Once you have been to prison, not only do

you lose your freedom while incarcer-

ated but your life changes drastically

once you’re released. Does that mean

one should give up on the pursuit of

happiness? Absolutely not!

Like many young boys in America,

Marcus grew up fatherless and poor,

on welfare, surviving on food stamps.

In a little town called Rectortown,

Virginia is where life began for Mar-

cus. “When I look back on my child-

hood, I see more of what I did have as

opposed to what I didn’t have, as far

as material things. And growing up

‘without’ in a lot of ways is what

helped me to become who I am to-

day,” explains Marcus.

That experience taught Marcus that

money isn’t everything. “I have two

daughters, but I don’t live with them

currently. The relationship that I do

have with them – I know it was culti-

vated strictly on the relationship that I

have with my mother and with my

grandmother. Not knowing my father

has instilled something in me that

made me say, when I have children,

I’m going to be everything to them.”

Growing up without a father culti-

vated feelings of emptiness and Mar-

cus feels that way today. “At 38, I

still feel like I missed out on some-

thing, and I feel like there were so

many things that I was forced to learn

on the sly about being a father be-

cause I didn’t have that teacher when

I was growing up.”

Marcus had to experience a few hard

lessons as a young boy. He became

involved in the street life, selling

crack cocaine. Marcus explains why:

“It was the environment I was grow-



When asked what he is most proud of,

he replied “I’ve never been asked that

question, and it’s funny because not a

lot of people expected a lot out of me,

so that makes me feel mushy. I’m

most proud of the relationship I have

with my daughters. They just love me.

And the fact that I’ve been to prison is

an afterthought. I know they’re proud

of me. I had to go to my youngest

daughter’s class the other day and

stopped by her locker, opened it up,

and sure enough she’s got a picture of

one of my postcards right there on the

front of her locker. So they’re proud

of their father.

Next, I have to say that I’ve been able

to somehow accomplish so much with

the baggage that I’m carrying – the

fact that I am a convicted felon. I

have a great job, and I work in an in-

dustry that fortunately hasn’t suc-

cumbed to the economy and problems

with the country. I just bought my

first house. That’s big.”

“Change is possible,” says Marcus.

“If you’re proud of where you’re go-

ing, you don’t have to

be ashamed of where

you’ve been and I’m

not. I’m not ashamed.

I’m in a position now

where I’m almost happy

to tell people that I’ve

been to prison because

they can look at me now

and say, ‘Whoa.’ And,

honestly, I feel like I’m

just getting started.” �

ing up in. Quick money – just the

same reasons pretty much we all had

when we got involved in it.”

After serving four years in prison,

Marcus knew that he did not want to

be incarcerated again. Through the

support of a caring family he was able

to survive the daily grind of prison

life. “They had my back the entire

time. I had visits and letters. They

sent me money. They did everything

and I couldn’t have made it without

them. What I am most grateful for

though is that I’m not forced to do

things that can send me back to

prison. I am grateful that I have peo-

ple who believe in me and are proud

of me.”

Marcus is a success story. He made

bad decisions but he wanted to change

his life. He redeemed himself by tak-

ing advantage of opportunities that

were presented to him. He was able

to find gainful employment, an oppor-

tunity that’s not available to a number

of ex-cons. “I hate to say that I’m a

success story because that implies that

you’re finished. I like to say that I’m

accomplished and I’ve met several

goals and crossed a lot of things off

my list. But I still have a lot of things

I want to do,” is how Marcus sees it.

Today, Marcus works as a computer

repairman, enjoying the opportunities

that life has to offer, including the

privilege to vote. He wants to share

his story with other youths to inspire

them to make the right choices. Since

becoming a free man, Marcus has

written two books, ‘Time Served,’

which focuses on his life before, dur-

ing and after the four years he spent in

prison. His second book, ‘Roots and

Branches’ delves further into his fam-

ily life from a very personal perspec-

tive, with a focus on his children and

how he feels about becoming a father.


“If you are proud of “If you are proud of “If you are proud of “If you are proud of where you are go-where you are go-where you are go-where you are go-ing, you don’t have ing, you don’t have ing, you don’t have ing, you don’t have to be ashamed of to be ashamed of to be ashamed of to be ashamed of where you’ve been.”where you’ve been.”where you’ve been.”where you’ve been.”

Marcus WhiteMarcus WhiteMarcus WhiteMarcus White


4. Focus on the lessons you’ve

gained from this experience. Are you

stronger, wiser, more assertive or in

other ways a better person as a result

of this situation? Have you moved in

new directions that you might never

have explored were it not for this

challenge? Can you see these traits as

benefits or payoffs for the lessons

you’ve learned?

5. Now create a second list – writing

down the attributes you now have

resulting from the past. Compare it

with the first list. Can you see a

smarter, more confident, better you as

a result? Are you ready to move on

and embody those new traits? Are you

ready for joy and peace in your heart?

Is it time to stop feeling like a victim

and start acting like a victor?

6. Give yourself permission to for-

give those who have hurt you (and

yourself) for all the pain in the past.

Sit alone, or invite special friends to

join you, in a ceremony celebrating

your new life. Take your two lists and

burn them, tear them to pieces, place

them in a bottle you throw into a river

– whatever you choose to symbolize

your letting go.

Whatever we focus our energy on

naturally increases. Forgiveness frees

you up to put your energy where you

want it – on you and the future you

desire. Don’t waste another minute

feeding grief, pain, sorrow and the

wounds of yesterday. Forgiving is

healing. If for no other reason, do it

for your children! ♦♦♦♦

Forgiveness can be one of the hardest

concepts to understand – and one of

the most personally helpful actions to

take. It is as useful in the business

world as it is in your personal rela-

tionships. This is especially so if you

are a parent role modeling behavior

for your children. If you want to move

on and give yourself and your chil-

dren the better future you deserve,

consider the power of forgiveness!

Here are six steps to assist you in

the process:

1. Be aware that forgiveness is all

about you – not the person being for-

given. It does not mean you agree

with or accept their behavior -- nor

that you will you permit it to be re-

peated.

2. Reflect upon how holding on to

your anger has been creating continu-

ing pain in your life. Are you filled

with tension or sorrow, spending

sleepless nights, experiencing head-

aches and other stress signals? Con-

sider who is being more adversely

affected by your lack of forgiveness.

Aren’t you tired of hurting?

3. Create a list of how you were

wronged. Review it again. This time

ask yourself to what extent you might

have been responsible for the out-

come? Were you totally honest about

your feelings? Did you agitate the

situation with your own behavior or

comments? Did you fail to assert

yourself when you might have? Ac-

knowledging your part is a step to-

ward feeling less like a victim.

Should You Forgive? Six Steps to Releasing the Past

By Rosalind Sedacca


Presented by Presented by

Exceptional People Exceptional People

MagazineMagazine

Coming on DVD in 2010!Coming on DVD in 2010!

TTTThhhheeee

LLLLiiiigggghhhhtttteeeerrrr

SSSSiiiiddddeeee

Now what were Now what were Now what were Now what were you saying?you saying?you saying?you saying?

Judge: Counsel for the prosecution, you may proceed with exam-

ining the witness.

Attorney: Thank you, Your Honor. Ma’am, would you tell us

your name?

Witness: Carol Walker.

Attorney: Ms. Walker, what happened on the afternoon in ques-

tion?

Witness: Well, I was picking up a few things at the grocery store.

My nephew Mike had called at the last minute saying he’d be in

town. Mike is awfully fond of my chocolate pie, but I didn’t have

a crust on hand. I suppose I could make one, but those pre-made

graham cracker pie crusts are a nice---

Attorney: Excuse me, Ms. Walker....could we skip to the part

where you get in line to pay for your groceries?

Witness: Certainly. I had seven items, so I got in the express

lane.

Attorney: Was there a sign indicating the maximum number of

items?

Witness: As big as day.

Attorney: What did the sign say?

Witness: It said “Twelve Items or Less.” I remember distinctly,

because it should have said fewer. The rule is, if you can count

individual items, use “fewer.” If they can’t be---

Attorney: Thank you, Ms. Walker. Now, there was a man---Mr.

Smith, over there in the blue shirt--in line two people ahead of

you, correct?

Witness: That’s right.

Attorney: Do you recall how many items Mr. Smith had in his

basket?

Witness: Sixteen.

[murmur throughout courtroom]

Judge: Order! Quiet down!

Attorney: You counted them?

Witness: Of course. I always count the items of shoppers in

front of me in the express lane. Doesn’t everyone?

Attorney: All right. Apparently the woman in front of you also

counted Mr. Smith’s items and confronted him. What hap-

pened next?

Witness: Well, first Mr. Smith claimed he thought the sign said

"twenty items." Of all the nerve!

Judge: The members of the jury will please sit down and stop

shaking their fists in the air.

Attorney: Continue, please, Ms. Walker.

Witness: He had a bottle of shampoo and a bottle of condi-

tioner. He said they shouldn’t be counted separately because

he always mixes them together. You know, to make the two-

in-one kind.

[more murmurs throughout courtroom]

Judge: I never use conditioner.

Witness: So then the lady in front of me--the one the judge

keeps calling the accused--took a loaf of French bread and

walloped Mr. Smith over the head with it.

Attorney: Hard?

Witness: There were quite a few crumbs scattered about when

it was over.

Attorney: No further questions.

Foreman: Your Honor, we in the jury would like to go ahead

and give a not-guilty verdict to the bread-wielding defendant.

In fact, Your Honor, we know that Mr. Smith isn’t technically

on trial here…but may we find him guilty instead?

Judge: I don’t see why not.

Attorney: Fair enough, Your Honor. I suppose Mr. Smith

should be happy he didn’t get beaned with the defendant’s box

of Papa Gina’s Frozen Cheese Pizza.

Defense Attorney: My client is delighted to be vindicated.

She’d like to invite everyone over for a cheese pizza dinner.

Attorney: The people’s attorney will bring sodas.

Judge: Court is adjourned. �

Express Lane Rage

By Angie Brennan

potpourri Lighter Side




Math Quiz Okay Smarty Pants, Solve This One A riverboat carries tourists from Extraordinary City up to the Great River 60 miles to Destina-tion Place. The trip up the river takes 3 hours, and the return downstream takes 2 hours less time. What is the speed of the current, and what is the speed of the riverboat? Hint: Let b= speed of the boat in still water Let c = rate of the current Find the answer at: www.exceptionalmag.com.

The Lighter Side

Rickie: "Yes, America's a land of untold wealth!"

Dickie: "Have you been peeking at my tax return?"

Minnie: "How was your day at work?"

Mickey: "Great! My boss told me I should try to see

the big picture, so I went to the movies!"

Minister: "Do you spend much time wondering about

the hereafter?"

Grandpa: "I'll say! When I look in the refrigerator, I

ask myself, 'What am I here after?' "


To make a long story even longer, I felt less and less

creative as the day wore on while my neighbor be-

came more and more enthusiastic. On the positive

side, I did come away with a few techniques for im-

proving creativity all of which I tried in the privacy

of my own home.

1) Write about a problem you’re facing, but use

your non-dominant hand. I tried this, but I’m not

sure how creative it was because I couldn’t read it.

2) Open any book to a random page. Run your fin-

ger down the page and pick any word. Then, try to

make a connection with the word and your problem.

My problem was “How can I be more creative.” The

word was “polyribonucleotide.” Okay. Moving on.

3) Put on some Mozart. It worked for him.

4) Stand while you work. This allows more blood

flow to the brain. Plus, it makes it harder to doze

off.

5) Find new ways to do regular activities. Our in-

structor said we exercise our creativity every time

we take a new route to work, change our hairstyle,

or wear a different blouse than we normally wear

with a particular skirt. I think this is especially crea-

tive if you’re a man.

That bit of something you put in the soup that

wasn’t in the recipe—that’s creativity, though your

family might have another name for it. Using an old

item in a new way is extremely creative. And that's

exactly what I told my husband, “mister-use-the-

right-tool-for-the-right-job,” when I used his socket

wrench for a hammer.

6) Finally, the instructor asked us to think back to

some of the ways we showed creativity when we

were children. When I was a child, I sat on a little

red chair inside my closet and pretended I was in

Scotland. That is so creative that I wouldn’t even

admit it publicly, except that my family has already

told everyone we know. But they don’t use the word

“creative” when they tell the story. �

Creativity Blowing in the Wind

By Dorothy Rosby

Today, I learned that I am completely devoid of

creativity. And, what’s more I like it that way.

I began to suspect I was non-creative when the in-

structor at the creativity seminar I attended asked his

students to “be wind and rain.” I’ve acted out not

only wind and rain, but also thunder and lightning

on numerous occasions. (I’ve also been farm ani-

mals, emergency vehicles, and jet airliners.) But all

of these were in the presence of a preschooler. I

didn’t feel comfortable doing any of them in front of

a roomful of adults I didn’t know.

It was clear most of them didn’t either. But there we

were, a hundred professionals looking very uncom-

fortable as we swayed to the sound of wind and rain.

“Personally, I think he’s confusing a lack of inhibi-

tion with creativity.” I whispered to my neighbor.

“I’ve seen plenty of people who were uninhibited

but completely uncreative. Mostly they were

drunk.”

“You’re right handed aren’t you,” she said smugly,

all the while maintaining her wind impression,

which, by the way, was pretty darn good.

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“Left-handed people are more creative,” she said

between gusts.

I would have left before the wind blew any harder,

but the instructor was already moving on to our next

activity. We each received one tea bag and were told

we had just inherited a tea company. Tragically, said

the instructor, the EPA had just declared tea toxic

and we were stuck with a warehouse full of tea

bags. We needed a plan fast. The windy folks

started franticly calling out ideas: lightweight ear-

rings, back packs for mice. I asked for a cup of hot

water.




The Lighter Side of How Children See Things

Driving on one sunny day, a man was shocked to see a woman in the convertible ahead stand up and wave. She

was naked. Five-year-old Danny was shocked too. He cried, "Dad, that lady isn't wearing a seat belt!"

Little Johnny was lost in the YMCA and accidentally wandered into the ladies' locker room. As the ladies

screamed and ran for cover, he called, "What's the matter, haven't you ever seen a little boy before?"

Mom was pounding a jar and trying to open it when the minister called. Four-year-old Jeanne answered and

said, "Mom can't come to the phone right now. She's hitting the bottle."

Upon seeing Grandma's false teeth soaking in a glass of water, four-year-old Jimmy whispered, "Dad, the tooth

fairy will never believe this!"

Watching her parents dress for a party, little Debbie saw her dad put on a tuxedo. She asked, "Daddy, why do

you wear that suit? It always gives you a headache the next morning!"

Joey was looking through the family Bible when a leaf that had been pressed between pages fell out. "Mama,

look what I found," he said, "I think it's Adam's underwear!"

Suzie had just finished her first week at school when her mother asked how she liked it. Suzie said she didn't

like it because, "I can't read, I can't write, and they won't let me talk."

Have you ever wondered...

Why a wrong number is never

busy.

Why the third hand on a

watch is called the second

hand.

How to get off of a non-stop

flight.

If this is really Phillip's screw

driver.

If killing time damages eter-

nity.

If you can buy an entire chess

set in a pawnshop.

Extraordinary Profiles— Resources

Side One Levente Egry, Pg. 4 - Renowned Pianist and Composer www.leventeegry.com William R. Patterson, Pg. 18 - A Mastermind at Helping Others Create Wealth www.baronseries.com Listen to William R. Patterson’s in-depth interview on wealth and success - www.exceptionalmag.com. Additional Photo Credits: Monica Davis - Pg. 3 and Unity. Inclusion. Togetherness. - Pg. 38 Photographer: Mindy Belcher, www.everaftervisuals.com Graphics Design: Jeff Hayes http://www.plasmafiregraphics.com

Side Two Osprey Orielle Lake, Pg. 4 - A Visionary of Mother Earth www.ospreyoriellelake.com Mona Purdy, Pg. 8 - Share Your Soles Foundation www.shareyoursoles.org [email protected] Phone: 708-448-4469 Marcus White, Pg. 13 - Looking Beyond the Past Book: Time Served—www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=time+served

Book: Roots and Branches—http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=roots+and+branches Cover Photo: Richard A. Heckler, Ph.D. www.dawntreaderimages.com Additional Photo Credits: Mari, Waters of Life Image - Pg. 5 and Tree of Life Image - Pg. 7 Photographer: Lenny Eiger, www.eigerstudios.com


Catherine Galasso-Vigorito

Catherine Galasso-Vigorito’s nationally syndicated

weekly column, “A New You,”

has endeared her to readers

worldwide for over 15 years.

Known for her ability to uplift

and encourage, Catherine has

become America’s most be-

loved inspirational voice.

Catherine is the founder and

CEO of her own company, A

New You Worldwide, developing and designing inspira-

tional products. Her mission is to instill hope in the hearts

of people everywhere, inspiring them to live a better life.

She makes her home on the East Coast with her husband

and three daughters.

Visit her website at www.anewyouworldwide.com

Searching for inspirational gifts - visit

http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/app.nav/

params.class.K990/walk.yah.0101-K990.

Annemarie Cross

Annemarie Cross is a Career Management & Personal

Branding Strategist, Speaker, Con-

sultant, Radio Broadcaster, and Au-

thor of ’10 Key Steps to Ace that In-

terview!’ She is also the founder/

principal of Advanced Employment

Concepts – Career Management and

Corporate Career Development Spe-

cialists offering powerful programs

for people striving for career success

and fulfillment, as well as savvy

companies committed to building and retaining their most

important asset – their staff.

Widely considered a personal change agent and success

catalyst, Annemarie has distinguished herself as being

people-focused, caring, inspirational and life-changing in

her approach. Annemarie can be contacted at

www.a-e-c.com.au email: [email protected].

Charles Forchu

Charles Forchu is CEO of ForchuTeck Consulting Group, a

Next Generation Technology Con-

sulting firm specializing in cutting

edge business solutions utilizing the

latest technology. He is leading a

new generation of Information Tech-

nology experts into Africa who will

initiate knowledge of today’s cutting

edge technologies with the business

savvy needed to create and build

strategic technology infrastructure

and applications. ForchuTeck pro-

vides exceptional services to its clients in various areas of

technology including applications development, SEO, web

development, mobile applications and many others. The

company also provides non-technical services such as

branding, recruiting and advertising.

ForchuTeck is headquartered in Dallas, Texas with an

office in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to serve the continent of

Africa with the initiatives to end the digital divide between

Africa and the rest of the world. Visit his websites at

www.forchuteckconsulting.com and

www.forchuteckstudio.com.

William R. Patterson

Ranked as the #1 Business Motivational Speaker by

Ranking.com, William R. Patterson

is a three-time award-winning lec-

turer and international best-selling

author who uses his trademark ap-

proach, THE BARON SOLU-

TION™, to coach, train, and moti-

vate business leaders, sales profes-

sionals, entrepreneurs, and inves-

tors. His breakthrough book, The

Baron Son, has been translated

around the world and featured in the Forbes Book Club

and Black Enterprise. William is an internationally rec-

ognized wealth and business coach who has been a fea-

tured guest on over 500 television and radio programs.

William's website, BaronSeries.com, is winner of four

2009 Web Awards including: Best Speaker; Best Male

Author; Best Business Advice Site; and Best Wealth-

Building Site. For more information, visit

http://www.baronseries.com

Writers and Contributors


Kathi Calahan

Prescott, Arizona business coach, Kathi Calahan, is a Syn-

dicated Author, Certified Behav-

ioral Therapist, Professional Psy-

chic and CEO of two home-based

businesses. Her first business,

www.godseer.com, shows entrepre-

neurs how to start any business

from home, even if they’ve never

done it before. Her other business,

www.AmericanLovePsychic.com

helps lovers heal their relationships

by identifying the underlying prob-

lem and providing workable solutions, even if they’re

thinking of throwing in the towel. Sign up now for her free

and helpful small business ideas newsletter, as well as her

relationship advice newsletter.

Dean G. Campbell

Mr. Campbell advises clients throughout the country and

is licensed in securities and insur-

ances in many states.

Dean G. Campbell is President of

Campbell Retirement Planning

Centers, Inc. He graduated

Magna Cum Laude from Oakland

University in Rochester, Michigan

with degrees in Finance and Eco-

nomics. While attending college,

he also taught business applica-

tions. Simultaneously he began attaining licenses to trans-

act business in Securities and Insurances.

Upon graduation, he worked for an independent brokerage

firm then moved on to IDS Financial Services, now

Ameriprise. After becoming a top producer at Ameriprise,

Dean worked as a Financial Planner for Empire of Amer-

ica Bank in Buffalo, New York. He later became a Finan-

cial Planner for First of America Bank where he also for a

period worked as the financial consultant for the bank’s

customers at fourteen branches.

Thirteen years ago Dean started Campbell Retirement

Planning Centers, Inc. To date he has personally helped

over 2,500 people with planning there financial fu-

tures. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Eastern

Michigan Better Business Bureau and was recently ap-

pointed for his fourth term.

Through the business and personally, Dean donates to sev-

eral charities, helping those who are less fortunate.

Visit his website at

http://www.campbellretirement.com.

Securities offered through Sigma Financial Corp.

Member FINRA/SIPC

Dorothy Rosby

Dorothy Rosby is an entertaining speaker and syndicated

humor columnist whose work ap-

pears regularly in 30-plus newspa-

pers in eleven Western and Mid-

western states. She is also Commu-

nity Relations Director for an or-

ganization which supports people

with disabilities. She lives in Rapid

City, South Dakota with her hus-

band, son, mother, and hamster.

Contact her at

[email protected] or see her website at

www.dorothyrosby.com.

Angie Brennan

Angie Brennan is a humor writer and illustrator from

Maryland. Visit her website at

www.angiebrennan.com for cartoons,

spoof advice, and more.




Rosalind Sedacca

Recognized as The Voice of Child-Centered Divorce,

Rosalind Sedacca is a Certified

Corporate Trainer and founder of

the Child-Centered Divorce Net-

work for parents facing, moving

through or transitioning beyond

divorce. She is the author of How

Do I Tell the Kids about the Di-

vorce? A Create-a-Storybook™

Guide to Preparing Your Chil-

dren – with Love! which offers a

unique approach to breaking di-

vorce news to your children

based on her own personal experience. Rosalind is on the

Board of Directors of ChildSharing, Inc. and WE Maga-

zine for Women. She writes monthly columns for several

divorce and parenting websites. She is also the 2008 Na-

tional First Place Winner of the Victorious Woman

Award. Rosalind shares her expertise through TV, radio

and print interviews, newsletters, teleseminars and coach-

ing.

As a Certified Corporate Trainer and Business Communi-

cation Strategist she provides consulting, speaking, train-

ing and Executive Coaching services to organizations na-

tion-wide on marketing, public relations and business

communication issues. She specializes in gender-related

dynamics, marketing to women and employee-

management collaboration in the workplace.

In addition, Rosalind is a partner in a new business mem-

bership site for women, Women Helping Women Master-

mind, where women can network, promote their busi-

nesses, access help and advice, find resources for acceler-

ating their careers and enjoy free weekly teleseminars, a

free weekly newsletter and much more. Basic Membership

is also free to women around the world at

www.WomenHelpingWomenMastermind.com.

To learn more about her book, free ezine, programs and

other valuable resources on creating a positive Child-

Centered Divorce, visit www.childcentereddivorce.com

and www.howdoitellthekids.com.

For more information about her customized programs,

audio and videotapes, and other services, contact Rosalind

at 561-742-3537 or [email protected].

Margaret Paul

Margaret Paul, Ph.D. is a noted public speaker, best-

selling author, workshop leader,

relationship expert, and Inner Bond-

ing® facilitator. She has counseled

individuals and couples, and led

groups, classes, and workshops

since 1968. She is the author and

co-author of eight books, including

the internationally best-selling Do I

Have To Give Up Me To Be Loved

By You?, Healing Your Aloneness,

Inner Bonding, and Do I Have To Give Up Me To Be

Loved By God?

She is the co-creator, along with Dr. Erika Chopich, of the

Inner Bonding® healing process, recommended by actress

Lindsay Wagner and singer Alanis Morissette, and fea-

tured on Oprah, and of the unique and popular website

www.innerbonding.com. Their transformational self-

healing/conflict resolution software program, SelfQuest®,

at www.selfquest.com, is being donated to prisons and

schools and sold to the general public.


exceptional people magazine – may/june 2010 issue part two

Documents

unique treasure

unique story

natural world

natural beauty

naturethemed art

earths beauty

senate world forum

lake shared w