com·mu·ni·ty:  kə-ˈmyü-nə-tē, noun   1: a unified, interacting body of various kinds of individuals with common interests

Within Bleu’s community there are a variety of individuals and groups that have helped to strengthen both our professional and personal “connectedness”.  This includes friends, family, partners, and clients that we interact with on an almost daily basis.

Also included in this community are various business associations; and, over the past few weeks, we’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in an assortment of activities that are sponsored by these groups. 

One of the ones that stands out the most is the AIOHO (”An Income of Her Own”) seminar sponsored by NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners - www.nawbosa.org).  Bleu was invited to paticipate as a facilitator of this event, which creates opportunties for teen women to learn about entrepreneurship and the financial realities of lifestyle choices from local women business owners.   Participating as a facilitator earlier this month allowed us the privilege of spending the day with a group of female students from area high schools whose main demographic is considered by most as “disadvantaged”.  There was nothing disadvantaged about these girls, however, when it came to personality, drive, and determination.  They were absolutely amazing; and, we feel all the more blessed to have had the chance to experience their beauty and hopefulness. 

Another event that has truly impacted Bleu is the CASA (Child Advocates San Antonio - www.casa-satx.org) “Speak Out”.  The mission of CASA is to recruit, train, and supervise court-appointed advocates who provide constancy for abused children and youth while advocating for services and placement in safe and permanent homes.  The organization has created the bimonthly “Speak Out” events as a way to increase community awareness; and, as a participant in a few of these sessions, Bleu has been both honored and humbled to help “spread the word”.

In addition, Bleu has also recently been involved with the local chapter of MPI (Meeting Professionals International - www.mpithcc.org) by helping to sponsor the Senior Companions Luncheon.  As was the case with the aforementioned teen women, spending time with individuals who are considered members of the “older generation” was a true delight.  They were all so gracious and extremely appreciative of even the slightest kindness that was shown them.  Again, it was both a privilege and an honor to be a participant in such a worthy event.

So, as is illustrated by the above examples, Bleu’s community is not only great in breadth and in depth, but also in joy.  And, while many are focusing on the challenges of the current times, Bleu is choosing to stay positive and count the blessings. 

And, with that, just one last thought…

“First it is necessary to stand on your own two feet.  But the minute a man finds himself in that position, the next thing he should do is reach out his arms.”  - Kristin Hunter

What an amazing few weeks it has been!  Where to begin…

Simply put, we’ve been enjoying the company of our brides; and, with four weddings “just around the corner”, we’ve been spending quite a bit of time with them, too. 

Arriving first on the calendar, and in just a couple of weeks, is the Brightman/Ruhl wedding.  What a joy it has been to be a part of the planning.  For more than a year now, we’ve been working towards what promises to be one of the most blessed days of 2009.  Alex and Klaus have been nothing short of fabulous, and we feel extremely honored to be assisting in making it all come together.  We’ve got a shower this weekend, another the following, and a rehearsal and dinner the weekend after that; and, then finally, the special day will be upon us.  WOW!  What a joyous ride it has been; and to think, it all started with a simple phone call from a parking lot just last January. 

Following closely behind is the Dennis/Hunt wedding in April.  Once again, we’ve been so fortunate in having the opportunity to work with such a spectacular couple.  Jennifer is simply a ray of sunshine, and she brightens every room she enters.  We’ve been working with her to finalize some of those “last minute” details.  It’s all coming together beautifully; and, just like it’s March predecessor, it will certainly prove to be an unforgettable day.

And, so as not to break the pattern, we then have a wedding the first weekend of May and another the first weekend in June.  WOW!  What a season for love!  It’s as if the gods of fate are shining down upon us and blessing us with dream clients, because these two brides are just as spectacular.  Valerie wants a day surrounded only by those that she is closest to; so, her plans include an intimate affair in the back of her parents’ property.  Paige also wants “simple elegance”; and, although her wedding will take place in one of the most elaborately gorgeous churches in the city, the day will also be an intimate celebration shared by those closest to her and the man who will be her husband. 

So, all in all, bleu’s life lately has not only been about brides, but also about love.  And, on this day before the day in which we are all due to celebrate that everlasting emotion, what better way to honor it than to reflect upon that which has been sprinkled upon us.  YEAH LOVE!