The Power of a Haven For Healing - Part 1

In the before picture even the comforter looks busy. But in the after it actually accents the room  really nice. Great job!

Mararet, you did an absolutely beautiful job with that room...I truly believe a person's surrounds have a huge effect on them and have no doubt this will help your lovely patient feel better.  What a lovely cause you've chosen.

How is that Jill Hosking?  We love her - I know she loves AR, but why don't we see her here?  Julie

Hi Fernando!  The client loved the comforter - it is a gorgeous rich burgandy with accents of gold/tan.  It really pops in the redesign with the paint!   Thank you for stopping by!

Hi Carole!  It's that feng shui thing girlfriend - lol!  The redesign really makes a difference for the client - and it is an easy and wonderful way to give back.   We really feel very lucky to be able to help the client in this small way.  The client has a lot on their plate and sometimes their space is forgotten.  Many times the clients put their needs aside (including their space needs) because they are so busy taking care of everyone else.  Thanks Carole!

Hi Julia!  I will tell you say hello!  Send her an email - I know she would love to hear from you!  Margaret

Hello Margaret,  what a fabulous difference and you help a new BFF in deed and in need.

Looking forward to hearing more of the story, and how you found  Sue.

Beautiful work from beautiful spirited women.  You just can't do what you do with such heart and not be full  of heart yourselves.  Great job and great inspiration to all of us to remember to give back. 

Hi Margaret, Your healing hands touched this afflicted woman.  What a beautiful act of love!

Thank you for sharing this inspiring story of your lovely work and kind love.

Nice!  The "after" is very soothing!

Margaret - knowing you personally I know you poured your sweet spirit and heart into the project and honored Sue with what you did for her.  The room looks much more relaxing in the after - and definitely a place where healing can happen without the distractions of too much "stuff."  Great job - and I can't wait to hear about the tricks you used to pull the look together!

Hugs - Jennie

Margaret thank you for this post.  I am compelled to comment again.  I lost a dear friend three months ago to ovarian cancer and she left a 6 year old, a friend of my grandson...we went on the Stomp out Ovarian Cancer walk this morning in her memory.  What you are doing is generous and heartfelt, and I can tell you poured yourself into it.  Thanks again for the reminder that life sometimes sends people lemons and you are making lemonade to nourish their soul while they get well.

Hi Jennifer - Thank you for your thoughts.  I have been busy working and have not had time to read AR = I am in withdrawal mode I think!  Again, thank you for visiting.

Dan - There were 4 of us on this job - it was a small space and we stepped on each other a few times (lol) but it really was a joy.  The client, Sue, is a 7 year survivor - numerous operations and over 52 treatments - and she is an absolute sweetheart!  Dan, so good to hear your voice - thank you for stopping by.  

Hi Kristina - The paint is Benjamin Moore - Hawthorne gold = but let me check that name!  Jill Hosking's creativity lead the way with helping the client choose the paint color.  Thank you Kristina! 

Hi Cathy Lee - It has been hectic - so I apologize for the late response.  Haven for Healing is the same idea as Staging Service Day for ASPs.  We are so lucky to have a little creativity and to be able to share it with others.  Thank you for stopping by!

Jennnie - Thank you Jennie!  We also did the 2nd bedroom - with an office twist.  We have been busy busy busy staging here in the heat - once it cools down I can post the pix! 

Terrylynn - We can make lemonade together!  This terrible disease is being conquered step by step with the Walk you went on.  Thank you Terrylynn.

Hi Margaret, What a great job ...Nicely done.  What a difference in the before and after picture.

What a great thing to do.   Are we to assume that this is volunteer work?

Do you have a link to the organization?   I would love to give back to the community this way

What a wonderful project. There is more functional space now, and a simplicity that is very calming.

Hi Gary - Thank you for your comment - the rooms are very different from each other - and that is what really helps the client - a way to have a fresh beautiful place to heal.  

Hi Virginia - Yes, this is a volunteer effort - IRIS redesigners are volunteering their time and effort to create havens for healing  - this is a project with the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.  A very simple way to give back and help women battling this disease.  Check out the www.weredesign.com website.  

Hi Kathy - Thank you for stopping by - we all do get caught up in taking care of everyone else and neglecting our own spaces.  This is a way to help women battling this disease - many times they have put their needs on hold to take care of their families and now need a space to heal and become stronger.  Please check out the website for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition - www.ovarian.org         

Margaret Ann - This is beautiful.  I have to call you about this endeavor - I'm not sure if I mentioned to you in the Dewey training...the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition is near and dear to my heart.

Jackie