June 9th - "On the Couch" with Just As I Am

As Rodney and I have been on this "Just As I Am" journey, we've done a lot of thinking and growing and learning. It's like our project has been a catalyst for us to put our focus on the human body and how it relates to our personhood--our whole being. We've seen people experience healing on very deep levels, people completely shift the way they see themselves, people change how they view others. It has exceeded our expectations. Rodney simply responded to a need for art that celebrates the beauty and dignity of who we are as people, with the hope that he could also help some of his clients who struggled with body image (sorry for the over-used term). It has done so much more.

On the 9th, we would like to share with a wider audience some of what we've learned from this project. We would love for more people to benefit from the message and the art in our book. (And to find more homes for the stacks of books in our studio!) And we think that hearing stories from people who have experienced transformation through the project will inspire and encourage people. We've planned the evening to feel like a talk show, complete with guest appearances by a musician and a comedian. It should be a fun night.

Here are the details:

Wednesday, June 9th
7:30-9:30 (doors open 7:00)
Gas Station Theatre (River near Osborne beside Subway)

A talk-show style event. Come be part of our live audience as we tape our version of Oprah/Ellen/The Hour...

Find out why 80+ Winnipeggers bared all for an art project and how it is changing lives and challenging perspectives.

Hear the story of why the project began, what it has led to, and where it's going.

Plus, expect some other guests providing entertainment and their own commentary on the potentials and effects of this project.

Tickets $10 at the door. Call 221-8413 (10-5) to reserve and make sure.

Rodney the Dreamer

John Lennon once wrote a rather well known song the chorus of which went something like this:

“You may say I’m a dreamer

But I’m not the only one

I hope some day you will join us…”

I feel very much like John; except for the problem of have a kajillion dollars to deal with and of course the dead thing. I too am a dreamer, I dream of a day when we all can look in the mirror and like what we see. I dream of the day when we can look at each other and instead of judging them, lusting after them or being suspicious of them we can simply look and wonder what their story is. I dream of being a lover and forgiver. I dream of a world where homelessness and addictions are a thing of the past. I dream of a world where we can all love and honour each other even when we disagree with each other… I dream of a world where I can eat Chocolate, drink Pepsi and still have a perfectly chiselled body.

If you are a little like me and have such dreams please join me in doing a few little things to change the world that we live in; you might want to start by buying our book ‘Just As I Am’, help someone who needs help, simply smile at someone, tell someone they are beautiful, tell someone something you love about them, Buy the book ‘Just As I Am’ as a gift for someone (That always makes me smile), look in the mirror and tell yourself you are special, and/or live life to the fullest.

You may say I’m a dreamer

But I’m not the only one

I hope someday you will join us

And the world will be as one.

Rodney

Stories from our Readers #1

When I saw you last week, Sonya, and you had your book, I was instantly compelled to buy it. I'm not sure why, but I am sure it wasn't the reason that I'm GLAD I bought it. I probably acted impulsively in purchasing the book to support you and Rodney, or maybe to have as a "coffee table book" of art. I had no idea what I was in for.

I have been VERY insecure about my body since I can remember being tall enough to look in my bedroom mirror on top of my dresser. I've always been "too skinny" or "too fat" but no happy medium. When I first opened the book last night (finally) I didn't read the forward or the journal entries--I just looked at the pictures and very few of the "Who am I?" answers below them. I'll admit it: I was judging, not admiring. I wasn't offended, but I wasn't connected either.

After flipping through the book, I put it down on the nightstand, shut off the light in my room and and rested my head on my pillow feeling no more secure, special or beautiful than I did any other day in my life. When I closed my eyes I was instantly overcome with a feeling of curiosity. "Why? Why was the "Just as I am" project created? Why would these people do this? Why would the women, some of whom I knew quite well, pose for these pictures?"

I turned the light back on and decided to take my time, start with page one and simply read. I read the journal entry, I read the testimonials of the participants and I read about your purpose. Once I had read all of that, I knew exactly WHY these pieces of art were created and so beautifully honoured. I honestly couldn't wait to slowly look at each picture and the answers to "Who am I?" below them.

I cried myself to sleep last night and not because I was sad--I felt a freedom I've never felt in my entire life. When I woke up this morning, undressed and walked by a mirror to head into the shower, I did something I haven't ever done in my life. I stopped, looked at myself, smiled and told myself I was beautiful.

Your work on this project will change lives time and again. You should be VERY proud of how you have chosen to work with our Creator's bodies and works of art.

This morning I wrapped the book up in the nicest wrapping paper I could find to give to a very close friend of mine. This is not a coffee table book. This is a gift meant to be given.

Much love and thanks,
Heather