So, I have always been fascinated with dreams…I was that curious little girl with the dream interpretation books…looking at every meaning…every definition. Absolutely intrigued by every word…every way to apply it to my life…people from the past…future hopes and dreams…what does it all mean? I had a dream when I was eight that I traveled to Africa to help the children (at that time my own age) that were poor and did not have as much as we do…to meet another culture and give as much as I could. All those commercials I saw devastated me…I felt guilty for having all the things I had. I still do. One day I sat down and told my mom the only reason I wanted to go to college was to have an opportunity to study abroad and see the world through another’s eyes. I made that happen by the grace of God and determination. God works in mysterious ways. I moved to Spain for a summer to study and was given the opportunity to travel to Northern Africa while I was there. Needless to say, it changed my life…just for the short time I was there… was given the experience to see their village…play with the kids on the streets…gain an understanding that I had never known before. It was a very impoverished area…a lifestyle that most cannot even imagine. But at the same time…it was their way of life…with not even a quarter of the pleasures…necessities we have in America…they were truly happy people. A beautiful culture living off the basics. I guess I’m writing this to try to help others in their day to day routine… realize how much we take for granted and on that same note…believe in your dreams. If you have the opportunity to do something great in this world no matter how small…no matter how grand…make it happen. Believe in the power of ‘you can do that’… I am nothing compared to the people I have met. I hide behind lenses most of the time and capture those moments in time…maybe for my own personal fulfillment…maybe to try to live in their world just for one moment and understand…maybe bring peace in my heart by realizing how wonderful people really are…people different than me… to mend the heart that was broken when I was a little girl. To bring back a piece of reality that most will never understand. I know not everybody has the resources to travel around the world, without the opportunity through college I would have never had the chance… but if you believe…you will succeed. Even here…most importantly here in our hometowns…down the street…wherever… take what God has given you and share it with other people…it’s not all about money…it could simply be lending a hand…it could be a hand to hold. It could be a conversation that nobody thought they could have. Ok…well hope this makes sense and keep that love in your hearts! Carmen

Join the Simon team at one of the most fabulous fundraisers of the year on Wednesday, April 21^st. It is the 9^th Annual Empty Bowls fundraiser/luncheon for the 2^nd Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina! Miranda and I will be serving you the best lunch in Winston Salem all for a great cause. (yes, we will cater to you and make sure you leave with a full belly!) It is all happening at the Millennium Center (101 West Fifth Street) in downtown Winston Salem from 11:00 am till 2:00 pm. You will enjoy lunch like no other, with live music by ‘One String Over’, a choice of savory soups (as well as salad, bread and dessert) dished up by local celebrity servers, a silent auction, a new store with Triad Community Kitchen goodies…and a large selection of beautiful handcrafted bowls. The bowls are not used for soup. Instead they remain empty; a reminder to those who go hungry in our community. Proceeds benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank’s core food distribution program serving nearly 400 nonprofit partner agencies in 18 counties, and the organization’s childhood hunger programs, feeding hungry children locally. If you need more information about how to get tickets (you can also get your tickets at the door) email me at carmen@987simon.com We have been involved with the 2^nd Harvest Food Bank for a while now and realize how important it is to help our community in this time of need. There is no reason a child should go to bed hungry with all the wonderful people in the Triad that can get involved…make a difference…volunteer…donate food…whatever it may be…please help out in anyway you can. Again, join us Wednesday, April 21^st from 11:00 till 2:00 pm for the 9^th Annual Empty Bowls. As always, make it a good one! See you there

So, it feels like summer already and I am trying to figure out where Spring went? It went from 30 degrees to 90 within like 1 month –global warming? Ha-ha –I think notJ I hope everybody had a fabulous weekend and you got to enjoy yourself. Easter was great, in my family we all gather at my Grandmother’s house for lunch, which makes that little man’s Great Grandmother. How cool is that! I remember growing up and I had my Great Grandmother until I was 16. That is so rare. So we cherish every moment with her. She still does it all, cooks, cleans, gets bossy –ha-ha – Like Grandmother like Granddaughter. Have a good week. Make it a GOOD ONE!