April 22, 2020 – Take a close look at the picture from the post. Most of you can probably make up the icon from the logo and header of my site. The picture is of a painting that hangs on the wall opposite the desk in my home office. I can at any time lift my head, look at it, smile from the sweet feeling it gives me and go right back to work. This picture brings me Joy, for like everything that surrounds me, it holds a story and has meaning. It is the story of my enduring friendship with Gina, started when we were both teens in High School. Gina and I discovered each other on my first day of school at the Catholic Institution run by the Good Sisters of Ste Rose de Lima. It was love and mischief at first sight. We both loved to talk and we had so much to tell each other and so much to catch up upon from birth to the teens years that we could never stop. So much that before the end of the school year, the nuns had eventually figured out that they had to either separate us or move us to the back of the room to afford the other students a chance at learning. We were fifteen then and we are now with grown children and a life time of joy and sorrow between the two of us; and we are still talking.
I love Gina! She is one of the most generous persons I know and one of the most talented. When one can succeed as a CFO and as a prized artist, it means that the god fairy was present at both the moment of conception and during birth. I love Gina’s artwork and have it all over the house, so when came time to give birth to my blog, I could not think of anyone else who would understand what I was trying to bring forth and represent it as well as she.
Plus, a little vanity does not hurt. When you are blessed with a gifted famous friend, you cannot just have a logo from just any marketing professional. My logo and theme had to have a meaning and a story. And so, I made the call. When Gina sent me the image she had created, it was perfect. She knew exactly what I needed and what I was trying to express and she knows me intimately to know what resonates with me. And so, I placed it in my home office so that whenever I lift up my head, the symbol for My Voice My Journey provides me with inspiration and joy. It reminds me of the gift of joy that comes from a friendship exemplified by generosity, love, kindness and infinite goodness. That is my friend Gina.
Gina’s artwork can be found at www.samsonart.com
Regine is a Transportation Executive with a long record of leadership and excellence. Regine uses her professional success to enrich her life and others’ through creative and philanthropic initiatives in the US and Haiti. She seeks to sustain her Joy and live with Purpose.
Find me on: Instagram
Thank you so much for the heartfelt words, it is wonderful to see dreams and experiences come to fruition, with vision, determination and action, the special qualities that drive you ! I am looking forward to the new adventures and discoveries ahead. I have deep appreciation for our friendship and our ability to keep it through time, distance, and all the roads traveled since that day at Ste. Rose school, when I met sharp intelligence, practicality, common sense and laughter all rolled into one ! We are still learning, growing, finding joy in the people we are blessed with and the time and opportunities we are given, and still have the capacity for a little mischief and finding humor in unlikely places ! Dream big and make it happen 🌍 Gina
Author
Thank you for your lovely note. Everyone can tell why I love you so. 💖
Thank you Regine for sharing this beautiful story. I hope that more people will bless someone with the gift of random kindness. This year Nextpointe Real Estate donated one percent of our profits to various families. Let’s keep the CHRISTmas spirit flowing into 2021!
Author
💖
Gina sounds like a truly special woman, Regine. And what a talented artist! The friendships we forge in our teens are amazingly strong and everlasting. I giggled at,, “It was love and mischief at first sight.” Just speaking from personal experience, I’m still in touch with my best friend from high school – even through multiple moves, various partners (hers 🙂 ), wildly different life experience – I still love her. So, I can relate.
On a separate note, I want to tell you how much I enjoy your writing style – it’s so positive and very engaging. I think you’ve found your joy. I’m so glad that you reached out to say hello. You made my day! All the very best, Terri
Author
Terri, you are the one who made my day! I am high in the clouds. Appreciate the insight, from an experienced blogger like you. Wishing you joy! And yes, Gina is a truly special woman.
I am finding out that you are a truly special person.
Aww, thanks Regine. I’m really looking forward to reading lots more of your posts. 🙂 ~Terri