Cover Backstory
By Amber Wanlass
To be new, to begin anew, to turn the page. Greg Sweet’s painting, used on the cover,
sparks in my mind a feeling of potential and infinite possibility bursting forth. I wanted to use this image to explore contrasting states of being and what it means to be new, not as a discarding of oneself to be replaced with an entirely new form, rather to use one’s experiences, both good and bad, as a substrate in a transmutation where the overall composition, value, structure, and recognizable features remain intact.
The highest intention is to bring celebration to the places where we shed the darkness and limiting beliefs that may be holding us back and inject our way of being with vibrancy and color as we shift into the best possible version of ourselves. This is a left-to-right transition, symbolized by revealing the old giving way to the new, the painting in superposition with both states existing at the same time, and the inherent choices and power available to us—that is, to daily, consciously, and intentionally choose to occupy the new.
Amber
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Margaret worked eleven years in the lumber milling industry, then while a meat wrapper for 5 years, she pursued a real estate license, then trained and became a Licensed Massage Therapist for 35 years, was a Licensed Reflexologist, creates one-off silk scarves using a 13 step process, loves planting and growing, knows and loves horses and dogs, and is an excellent shot . . .
Roland is a giant presence, a hard worker always, a retired fireman, and a widower . . . His wife Jean passed away unexpectedly.
I’m a 21-year Air Force Reserve veteran—18 years enlisted—with most of my career spent as a photojournalist before becoming a public affairs
officer, a role I still serve in today. I’ve had the privilege of working all over the world, camera in hand, learning how much people have in common no matter where you land. I also hold a degree in fashion design, which feeds
my love for visual storytelling and creative exploration. My faith in Jesus is the anchor in all of it and quietly shapes how I see, serve, and create.
On the civilian side, I’ve spent over a decade in community mental health in counseling and social work roles. I live in Tacoma, Washington, with my husband and our two young children. I love multimedia art, journaling, talking to strangers, collecting ephemera while traveling, getting outside, and creating whenever I can. I try not to take myself too seriously, but I take people, stories, and showing up with intention to heart.
Best,
Heather Cozad Staley
This photo happens to embark on a personal level to me. Sometimes in life, we are undervalued as individuals. Especially from the closest people in our lives. This photo I took of myself was taken when I went through the hardest times in my life. It was an artistic expression of me seeing “me” in a mirror that goes on forever. But the reflection is also a deflection of power, beauty, expression, experience and human emotions that no matter what we all mean something.
We are all powerful and on purpose because we have a blueprint from the beginning to the end. But actually, it never ends. Hey, I see it! I see you. I am a hair
therapist. “Hairapist” an artist a mother, a grandmother, a best friend, a sister, and image designer to make others express and feel their best self now.
I help what people want to reflect from the inside out. All stages of our human experience. Young, middle and older. I help people recreate themselves to Match
what their inner paradigm is feeling in this human experience. I am also a licensed PMU and SMP artist as well as a para medical professional who has worked many years here in the western Washington region. I love what I do! Every single day is a gift and blessing from God
Prologue: Ode to Parkinson’s
Gregory Wayne Sweet
November 9, 1966—August 22, 2015
He was a child of God, as are we all, and wore the badge with humility.
He gave his coat to a homeless man; he made and passed out sandwiches. Those in need were always welcome; he stood nonjudgmental and knew the power of forgiveness.
His spirit could fill a room, his voice an auditorium, and his laughter and wit any heart. He loved his family and his friends.
He knew God, and he knew how it all worked.
Greg was gifted in many ways. He adapted, invented, and built; wrote, composed, and sang; and he could see ahead to what the future needed.
He had little or no fear and knew where he stood. He never had a broken bone or lasting injury from extreme sports or dirt bike racing.
He took lessons and learned to paint to gain advantage over the shaking. He studied and knew what was coming and what would
be closing in on him, yet he never lost an ounce of faith.
He left his heart for us; however, couldn’t we all use a little help when the memories roll through or we wish for one final glimpse, smile, kiss, or another chance to say and do more?
Maybe what we didn’t do is in the tears that hit the table or somewhere behind the heart that strains from the hurt of loss
and stretches to wish for that one last precious moment.
His last words on his way were, “Dad, I’m free.”
Greg had “pinned it” one last time.
[By his own hand, Greg, our beloved son, brother, husband, and father went back to God at exactly 5:55 p.m. on August 22, 2015.
By NO coincidence, the number 555 (“grace, grace, grace”) had meant a lot to him in regard to giving to others. He had printed t-shirts to promote 555 as a symbol and message for all, to support their faith and to share his own strong beliefs.]
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Dedication
Richard “Chief” Quiles
September 5, 1956-May 14, 2020
On May 14, 2020, Chief Warrant Officer Richard (Rich) Quiles, 63, passed away peacefully after a long, courageous fight with cancer.
“This is what we do.”
Rich was in Walter Reed Hospital being treated with chemotherapy and, between his own treatments, was sharing how he was helping others and lending support whenever possible. Then, without pause, he said, “David, send down some of your books, and I’ll pass them out to the people in here.” Done.
That was Rich: “This is what we do.” Helping others no matter what. Rich owned insightful, heart-felt humor, and a love of life and family.