Jump for Joy! Photo Project
Showcasing the beauty of the human spirit - in mid air - around the world.
NEWSLETTER
Jump for Joy! Photo Project
Showcasing the beauty of the human spirit - in mid air - around the world
Quote of the week:
"The grace to be a beginner is always the best prayer for an artist. The beginner’s humility and openness lead to exploration. Exploration leads to accomplishment. All of it begins at the beginning, with the first small and scary step." -
Julia Cameron
Featured Jumper of the week: MELISSA DEMMERS! 
MELISSA DEMMERS ... From: Born in a little town in the Okanagan called Penticton Lives: grew up in Vancouver where I still live and love! Work: I have many hats! Mostly, I am a teacher and an actor. I have also been a Lottoball, Twitter typer, and a tutor. I mostly teach grades 4-7 and high school Spanish! I am fairly new as an actor...only been doing it for about 4 years. Still navigating how to fully follow my passion as an actor and be able to feed myself. Hence the many hats. ;)
Q: What inspires you to want to jump for joy?
A: Given that this weekend was so beautiful, it was a reminder...SUNSHINE! I love the heat and the sun. Spending time with my family (especially my grandparents). Great conversations with people, no socks, traveling and speaking Spanish, Italian or French. :)
Q.What was your experience like doing the jumping photos?
A:I wasn't sure what to expect with the jumping but I knew I wanted to do it! It was fun...I've always liked leaping (and as I learned apparently I like leaping into a ballerina pose with my mouth WIDE open! haha) I couldn't help but smile and laugh.
Q: What inspires you in life?
A: People who really commit to their goals and dreams, no matter what the obstacles may be. Who push even when it's scary and hard. Also, my grandparents, who after 54.5 years of marriage are still enjoying life and learning (my Nonna is becoming a master emailer) and my Nonno is so strong and working in the garden every day.
Q: What is your greatest passion in life?
A: I've loved acting since I was 11. I really love singing (even though I've had no training, but I sing anyway. ;) People...I really love connecting with people. I'm fascinated to hear stories from people who come from different backgrounds and circumstances. I love talking to older people...they have such great stories. And right now, FOOD. I'm learning to navigate what foods work best for me to be healthy and I'm a bit consumed with research and trying out recipes! :)
Q: What is your driving force in life?
A: Sometimes it's comfort. However, I am working towards pushing myself to live fully and enjoy this wonderful life I've been given.
Q: What is your philosophy in life?
A: One of my mottos for many years was "No Expectations". I think it's great to be clear on what I want, but I strive to be malleable and open to the results being different than what I expected. Open to change. Also, I love this quote from Eleanor Roosevelt: "Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent". It's so true... we choose how we react and who we are in the world and nobody can make us feel a certain way.
Q: If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?
A: I would be a professional singer and performer. I've always loved singing. Currently I'm in an Italian Choir! I would travel all over the world. Greece, to Brazil to Egypt...so many places.
Q: What work/art/projects are you working on?
A: I recently mostly finished working on a local indie feature film that is still filming. I have quite a few friends who are awesome and creating/filming their own projects! I'd love to support them! Here are a few: My friend Rebecca Davis' project!!! And the True Heroines are knocking it out of the park right now...watch their Webisodes! Support BC Film! AND if you love great music, this local band will rock your socks! http://www.loveheyocean.com/
Q: Mini bio, interesting facts about you or something special you want to share.
A: Born in the Okanagan to my mamma who was 16 years old. I attended 12 different schools growing up. (13 if you count university!) I lived in Encinitas, CA for a year and a half when I was 13 (I love it there!) I can speak 3 languages quite fluently (English, Italian and Spanish) and conversational French.
I lived in Korea for 8 months, teaching English. My parents joined a spiritual community in West Van when I was 10. I was vegetarian for 16 years. I love animals...so much so that I escort spiders out of the house in jars. I love my Nonni (grandparents) more than anybody in the world. They are amazing!
This is one of my favourite poems: The Invitation by Oriah Mountain Dreamer... Here is a snippet...
"It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive."
All photos of Melissa were taken in Kitsilano, BC Canada.
JOY! WHAT MAKES YOU JUMP FOR JOY?
Please email me at: info@jumpforjoyphotoproject.com if you have feedback and suggestions on how to improve the project.. I would love to hear from you.
For more frequent updates and jumping photos, stop by the Jump for Joy! Photo Project web page/blog
Help me to keep spreading the JOY! SUPPORT JUMP FOR JOY!!
Have a great week, with lots of fun and filled with joy!
Much love, Eyoälha
Self-portrait of Eyoälha taken in North Vancouver, BC Canada. |
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