Swings Tampa Bay

Have you heard about Swings? Swings is a non-profit organization that's out to make the world a better place; starting with the Tampa Bay Area.

The idea is simple, the materials are simple, the effect has been dramatic. Before becoming 2011 recipients of the 10-100-1000 award (and a $1000 dollar grant), Reuben and Hunter were hanging swings made from wood, paint and rope in surprising places around St. Petersburg. They found that complete strangers would step out of their paths to experience the simple joy of swinging. A swing has the power to spark conversation. A swing created interactions and an appreciation for the spaces they were hung. A swing has the power to unite the community.

Then they won. Using 100 percent of the proceeds to jump start this non-profit they have been networking and expanding at impressive speeds.

This past weekend I had the opportunity to volunteer with Swings at two of their maiden events. We invited the community to come, learn, paint and donate at the Saturday Morning Market, and Sweetwater Organic Farms (Sunday).

Here's a quick run down of what went down on Saturday:
2 co-founders, 5 volunteers, 1 tent.
Multiple hidden swings hung around the market.
1 large chalk drawing station.
100 swings painted for free by those who live in and/or love Tampa Bay;
ages ranged from brand new, to not so new.
Elongated family style tables allowed for conversation to spark while people painted.
1 large map to mark locations that could use a swing.
Info graphics and ropes gave patrons the chance to take their swings home for a $20 donation.
Fabulous artisan swings painted by local artists gifted for donations over $70.
4 hours later, all 100 swings were painted with inspiring messages, Florida inspired art and other creative musings.
We raised over $600 in 4 hours.
Over $800 total over the weekend.
We almost matched their grant.
All for the sake of Swings.

Truth is, everyone who walked by walked away with a smile. I knew this project had the possibility to make people happy, but I was really taken aback by how much people supported us.
How much they believed in this project and it's potential. I hope that you'll like Swings on facebook, donate a dollar or two to "help keep us swinging" and come out to visit us at our next event!


High-five,
Shannon

Letting go

God, I used to love to swing. Sitting on the edge of that hot plastic seat and feeling the clunky metal chains always gave me butterflies. I'd pump my little legs and lean back into the wind and feel it sweep of my face. Filled to the brim with excitement, loving the feeling of blood rushing, wind whistling and the top bar creaking when I swung a little too high. My friends and I always used to dare each other to jump, to see who could land the farthest. And I'd be nervous, tingling with the fear of letting go. Then I'd gather some courage and jump, sometimes landing on my butt in the sand.

I know some kids who know some kids who have sprained or broken their wrists this way but for me it was always worth the risk. I still love to swing but don't make it to the playground very often these days. I got older. I'm continuing to get older. :) And I have developed a fear of falling. I get nightmares sometimes about walking up stairs, tripping and slamming my jaw into the concrete. I got pretty queasy the first few drives over the new bridge to Clearwater beach, after the pilings fell in twice during construction. I'm becoming more cautious. We don't jump back into action like we did when we were 5 or 6. Don't heal as quickly and (at least) my brain can't seem to adapt to absorbing new pain and letting it go.

This applies to a lot of areas in my life right now, especially as I continue working on "The Catharsis Project." Every time I feel I've conquered a mountain I get emotionally drained, sit a moment, then brush off my knees with elation. "I know I'm tired but I finished a piece!" However, when my eyes raise off the ground to see the path ahead of me all I can see is that I'm still a long ways off from my destination. The horizon is still littered with hills, peaks and valleys. I understand that each obstacle is going to teach a lesson and help me grow as a person and as an artist, but I still have trouble convincing myself it's worth the sweat and pain I put into it.

I see little kids skim boarding at the beach all summer. Maybe it's because they don't have as far to fall before they hit the ground but they are resilient little buggers. They'll hit a rogue wave then get up immediately to do it again. Today I'm focusing on channeling that little, fearless me. And part of that entails letting go of frustrations. I have scoured my apartment, done my meds, met with a very inspirational friend for lunch, and completely re-done my website slide shows. (Please check them out, I'm terribly excited!) :)

Today I'd like to remind myself (and you) that eventually we can get to where we want to be. Whatever you're struggling with today, I'd like to encourage you to take a deep breath. When you exhale let go of the frustration and give thanks for something positive happening in your life. It could be as small as your breath, or the extent of emotion that allows us to feel good and bad, a smile from a stranger, a determination to keep moving, friends, family, health, AMEN!

Jaxson

Breathing Room

Steven and Heather