She Dreams Big

When I first met Tori she was an impish and adorable 6 year old with the longest eyelashes I have ever seen.  One of my earliest memories of this sweet girl was the day I was crammed beside her in the cab of her dad's old pick-up, her mom at the wheel, as we dashed away to save a dog who was living on a short chain.  Tori's mom and I were Humane Society volunteers, and by a very young age, Tori was skilled in the ways of animal rescue. 

When we arrived at our destination, we found a beautiful young German Shepherd mix, sorely in need of love and attention.  She was so happy at the sight of us, this unruly and neglected pup was WILD with enthusiasm.  Her joyful mania could not be contained, as she bounded and wiggled and leaped in the sky as high as our heads.  She was intent on licking every square inch of our bodies.  Tori was unfazed, this seasoned rescuer knew just what to do.  She sat on the ground and quietly waited.  She held out her hand and remained still.  It took a long time, but Tori's state of calm took over and our overwhelmed pup settled down.  I was impressed.

This would not be the last time I would be impressed by my friend, Miss Tori.  Now a stunning eighteen year old, she recently graduated from high school.  She will be leaving for college in Indiana next fall, where she has a major scholarship to study classic ballet.  Along with other talents, Tori is an amazing and accomplished ballerina.  To watch her dance is to instantly smile, as you feel your heart soar!  Having my own dancing daughter now, I appreciate her love of dance even more.  She has also been my daughter's tap dance teacher for the past two years, and what a wonderful teacher she was.  Patience, kindness, creativity, and a sense of delight- all are strengths she instilled in her young students, and skills I've seen in Tori since early on. 

I made this collage for Tori, "She Dreams Big", using one of her old pointe shoes.  I plan to make more to sell at upcoming art shows and on Etsy.  I can also take custom orders using personal photos, pointe shoes, and other keepsakes, too.  I have a college in the works now using my daughter's first pair of ballet shoes, hopefully one day I will actually finish it.... 

Tori's collage has a quote by A.A. Milne which reads "Promise me you'll always remember: you're braver than you believe, and stronger than you think, and smarter than you know."  Words so very true, sweet Tori.  We will miss you.  And we will always be in your corner, cheering you on as you take the world by storm!