Years and years ago, I was 17. I was young, I was graduating high school and I had an inheritance coming to me. Not huge, but maybe a year’s worth of money. I was embracing my wild self, I looked like a hippy gypsy in long skirts, crop tops, and anything that jingled. I had fallen in love with this beautiful Vardo. Not familiar with a Vardo? They are those beautiful gypsy wagons. I even did the research and made sure my little mustang could pull a Vardo behind it. I was going to see the world, learn all of The Things, and wring my youth for all it was worth!
As so happens with many of the dreams of youth, life intruded: there were no Vardo builders nearby, I signed a lease, I had a cat, I remembered that few places have such perfect weather as the beach, and a Vardo would look silly with an air conditioner. I settled down, found my other half, and got more cats. I did responsible things, got a job, and worked for the American dream.
I still dream about my Vardo, or maybe a quaint Yurt somewhere. But now it just seems like one of those silly things that you dream about in your youth.
But Wait!
She doesn’t know this, but she’s kind of one of my heroes.
LaVonne Ellis (of The Complete Flake, One.Blue.Berry, Trust Wanda, and CustomerLove) is an accomplished writer, a radio personality, and a blazer of trails. I could really gush here, but I will try to keep it short.
LaVonne is strong, independent, and creative with a personality that is bold and beautiful without being over bearing. She’s gentle and idealistic and Earthy and she can tell a story like nobody’s business. She genuinely cares about other people and their businesses and always stands in service to other people. PLEASE visit one of her sites and learn more about her – I cannot say enough good things about this woman!
LaVonne is also setting out on a grand adventure. She’s going to be driving cross country, back and forth, visiting friends and talking to real people out there in the world, learning and sharing their stories. She is like the many storied bards of old, spreading news and life experience around our land and spinning beautiful tales of human experience. Before she goes, though, she needs to raise funds and procure some items, so I encourage you to look at what she offers.
I’ve actually experienced a voice coaching session with LaVonne where I learned just SO much, not just about using my voice, but also Using my Voice. She is a wonderful teacher, and the same warmth, simplicity, and passion she pours into voice-work and storytelling is apparent in her technical work as well. There is a lot to learn from her and I really hope you have the opportunity to tap into it and help LaVonne prove that this dream of hers – of both of ours – is not mere folly of youth.
