Think about the worst day you’ve ever had, and try to remember how you felt. No doubt it was extremely difficult to keep a positive attitude as you faced whatever it was you were going through. Now imagine suddenly being in a situation that leaves you without any arms or legs, and ask yourself what kind of outlook you would have if faced with that. Chances are, it would be infinitely worse than the attitude you had on your worst day, except that it would be magnified by the realization that this…

It is doubtful that anyone who has battled cancer and undergone weeks of chemotherapy would describe the experience as one that leaves you feeling upbeat and ready to tell a good joke. The mental and physical stresses on a person can be overwhelming, and for most people it takes every ounce of strength just to accomplish the basics like getting out of bed and eating. So when you hear the story of someone like Beth Kaufman, a New Jersey mother and attorney diagnosed with Stage 3B breast cancer who…

Like so many of us, Carolyn Blashek was deeply moved by the tragedy of September 11thand was determined to do something. What makes Carolyn so special is that she actually tried to enlist in the military, an act considered quite brave on its own merits but even greater in Carolyn’s case since it meant leaving behind a son and daughter not even in high school. Although at 46 she was above the age limit set for active duty, Carolyn was not deterred, and instead volunteered at the Los Angeles airport…

  Artful Vision thanks everyone who entered the “Thanks Mom” tribute contest. There were four winners – the grand prize goes to Debra Cox; the three honorable mentions go to Juliana Palmcook,  Evelyn Markasky, and Linda Landowski. Their entries are listed below. Grand Prize Winner Debra Cox I found out just how special my mother was early on in my life. She had five children in the 1950’s when times were tough. My dad held a job in the steel mill and my mom worked full time in the grocery…

There are many ways to determine the true measure of a man, and there’s probably no better way than to see what they do for the benefit of others. For some this may be as simple as making a donation to a worthy cause, but for others it means overcoming adversity and turning a debilitating injury into a positive force. There’s a lot we can learn from a man like Christopher Reeve. Once an accomplished actor at the height of his career, Christopher’s life changed suddenly in 1995 when his spinal…

“You can help people who are homeless in lots of ways. You can share what you have by donating food, clothing and some of your money, but mostly what you can do is be nice to them. If they are cold, share your mitts. If they are sad, say “Hi” to them and give them a hug. If they are hungry, lend them a sandwich – and just love them like family. They need that most of all”                                                                …

Paul Newman wore many hats throughout his life. Of course, we know him as a famous actor who starred in over 80 films beginning in 1954. Did you know that Paul Newman served as a pilot during World War II, flying missions in the Pacific theater as a radio operator and a gunner. Do you remember that he was a racecar driver, a supporter of same-sex marriage and free speech, as well as a staunch anti-war activist. Then there is the fact that his opposition to the Vietnam War earned him the No. 19 spot…

Bette Midler might be known for her distinctive curly hair, powerful voice and sharp, exuberant wit, but there is another side to her that some people may not fully recognize, and I venture to say has a far greater impact. Since the 1960s, the glamorous singer, actress and comedian has brought her style and charm to the silver screen and to the recording studio, starring in movies such as “Beaches” and producing albums including “Broken Blossom.” Born in Hawaii, Midler moved…

In academic circles ‘The Last Lecture’ is known as an opportunity for professors to address students with what they would share “if” this were to be their ‘last lecture’. Randy Pausch, a professor of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University, gave his last lecture on September 17, 2007. On that day, 46 year old Randy’s last lecture went on to inspire millions of people only one after he received a diagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer. Sadly, Randy died in July 2008. This incredible…