Alrighty! We’re on to Day TWO of 8 Days of Giveaways which is AWESOME partly because giveaways are rad but MOSTLY because I have now done something I said I would do TWO DAYS IN A ROW, which is, like, a record for me. I mean, not to put too fine a point on it, but my showering regimen could seriously learn a thing or two from my giveaways regimen.

8 Days of Giveaways:
Day TWO!

Art Print by Melanie Weidner of Listen for Joy

My friend Melanie is the artist behind Listen for Joy. Not to gush, but I love Melanie a lot. A lot, a lot. A lot, a lot, a lot, a lot. Partly because she radiates peace, deep compassion and wisdom, and I want to sit at her feet and learn from her, and partly because she does this one thing that’s super, duper weird. 

I’m going to tell you what that weird thing is, and I think you’ll find it as bizarre as I do.

Ready?

Here it is: Whenever Melanie and I talk, she really listens.

I mean, Melanie really listens. Like, intently. To everything I say.

She makes eye contact, and nods her head, and then, when I’ve completed a thought, Melanie pauses to think about what I’ve expressed.

Also? She does this to everyone.

She listens to everyone like they have valuable, important things to share and like they’re gifting her with bits of themselves.

In other words, Melanie listens to understand and to love others well, and not simply to respond, which is, obviously, the wrong way to listen and not how we do things in America. And where Melanie finds light, love and joy in others, she reflects that back. With words. In writing. Through art. Because she actually believes there is that of God in everyone.

Melanie’s a love-reflector, and it used to totally wig me out because, you see, I’d talk and Melanie would listen like I mattered and like I was worthy of love, and I’d think the whole time, “I’m not this interesting, Melanie. What I’m saying is dumb, you know. I AM DUMB. What is wrong with you?” and I’d feel squirmy and uncomfortable and afraid that, if Melanie listened long enough, she’d find me out. Discover my unworthiness. Have the “ah HA!” moment and figure out I was smaller and sillier and stupider than my facade.

She never did, though. She never discovered what wasn’t there, after all, because it turns out I’m not small or stupid — just human and divine like all of us, perfect and imperfect and learning to be the version of me that listens to joy and follows the way of love.

Melanie is one of the first people who made me feel like what I have to say, and the things I think, and the way my heart moves is important. Melanie is one of the reasons I write in this space and try to listen well and believe to my bones there’s something holy in all of us.

And Melanie’s art, which I’ve followed for 20 years now, reminds me, always, to seek what is true and what is kind and to extend that kindness even to me. All of which is why I’m excited to share her with you, in the hope you see comfort in her images like I do.

The Giveaway: One 11×14″ color art print in a clear sleeve with backing, suitable for gift giving or easy framing. Choose your favorite image from the ListenForJoy.com Shop. $27 value. Melanie is happy to ship it to you or directly to the person of your choice.

TO ENTER the Listen for Joy art print giveaway, simply leave a comment on this blog post anytime until 11:59pm Pacific Time on Friday, December 11. (Psst… don’t enter on Facebook — though I LOVE comments there and read every one, I’m using the blog comment string to randomly select a winner). Any comment will work to enter, but if you’d like a prompt, I’ll ask you this… who’s your Melanie? Who reminds you to listen for joy? Who whispers to you the truth that you’re deeply worth of love, exactly as you already are?

This giveaway is now closed.
Congratulations to Kristen! I’ve sent you an email with all the details.

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Melanie Weidner‘s art inspires people of all kinds, especially those interested in spirituality, mindfulness, and healing. Her images stir the soul and inspire compassion, self-reflection, and peace.

Melanie also offers engaging creativity and spirituality retreats in summer and winter in the glorious Pendle Hill Arts Studio, a Quaker Contemplative Retreat Center near Philadelphia, PA.  See more on her Workshops and Events pages. You can find Melanie’s blog here, her Facebook page here, and her Listen for Joy shop here. 

Melanie lives with her wonder-full partner, Hollin, their dog Tashi, and Milagrita the cat in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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Do Note: Multiple giveaways are going simultaneously — one every day for 8 days and each of them open for 48ish hours, so check back every day to see what new giveaways there are!

Also Note: This giveaway is open worldwide. None of this “America only” crap. We do not have time for America Only in this ComeUnity. Melanie is providing the art print and U.S. shipping; I’ll supplement shipping if one of you wins from elsewhere.

Also-also Note: The artists selected for this giveaway were hand-picked by yours truly. They did not pay for these spots, nor do I benefit in any financial way by hosting these. Emotionally? I get a HUGE benefit. ‘Cause this stuff makes me happy. Each artist received a spot on the right sidebar (or, if you’re viewing on your mobile, at the bottom of the page) to advertise his/her stuff (hint: you can catch a preview there of what’s coming over the next few days), which is my gift to them to thank them for partnering with me. They’re rad.