Linda Lewis, Creative Artworks, www.creativeartworks.cc

Linda Lewis is an artist whose life has come full circle . . . through a lifetime of fears of inadequacy and failure, back to the freedom and innocence of emerging creativity. And she did it as a result of the
inspiration of a friend . . . a friend who was dying from breast cancer.

"Debbye Hughes was my best friend, and while she struggled mightily in her fight against breast cancer, she inspired and challenged me to confront my own fears and try to create the artwork that had always been in my heart." That challenge from her dying friend taught Linda some valuable lessons and serves today as her impetus to reach for her dreams and encourage others to do the same. "Life is too short to waste on regrets of what you "could have done, if only . . . Throw away the tired excuses! Figure out what you've always wanted to do and then GO FOR IT! Push yourself to the limits of your ability, and then push some more! Do something that scares you on a regular basis. Try new things . . . learn every day . . . accept new challenges. And while you're being challenged, reach out and try to give a hand to others. Take the time to tell people how very much they mean to you, how much you value them as people, and what joy you feel in knowing them. Do the very best you can do every day!"

Linda began to create, setting up her initial retail web site to showcase her art in January, 2001. But by January of the following year, she had decided to promote her friend, Debbye’s “Just DO it! - what do you have to lose?” attitude by opening her site up to other artists looking for a way to sell their work online. It was then that her son, Brian, helped her expand the site to turn it from a one-woman show to a full-scale online art gallery and gift site celebrating art in all forms. "Many of the artists on the site can't afford to start their own site or have no interest in that. Others have their own web sites, but feel they benefit from the extra exposure and partnership with Creative Artworks. Currently the site showcases the work of multiple artists from all over the United States and several foreign countries. We’re continuing to grow and are enjoying every minute of it!"

Artists and crafters interested in having their work listed on Creative Artworks should contact Linda Lewis, linda@creativeartworks.cc

Carolyn, a customer and than friend and a cancer patient herself, bought several of our Cinna-Minnie angels, and gives them out in a very special way. One time I asked her what she was doing with all of the angels she had ordered. As it turned out, she worked at a hospital and would give the angels to cancer patients, so they would have a special angel to comfort them. I found her actions to be so caring and unselfish. I was, and am still honored that she chooses to give our cinnamon angels to those who were and are still suffering from cancer. Here are some of the updates that this very brave lady has agreed to let us use in this special issue newsletter:

“Tomorrow my 1st Minnie goes to its new home. My daughter’s friend has found a lump in her breast and she has breast cancer in her family. We will pray for the best and send an angel to her. I hope you truly understand how these lil angels can brighten someone’s day. This young woman needs to have a lumpectomy, which in itself is a scary thing. She is newly married and it just has to be so scary for her.
Do you see why I love these Cinna-Minnies so?”

And more . . .

“I haven't been feeling very well these past few days . . . even made a visit to the ER. I have been giving my Minnies out and I just can't tell you how much everyone loves them! All I hear is “where do find this stuff?!” I love them!! They are the cutest. You do such a wonderful job with the faces . . . they really do look like little angels, you know . . . the kind of face you dream an angel to have. At least I do!! You have helped me to give a part of me that will really last a life time and it makes me feel so happy . . . you are an angel!”

And another note from this wonderful lady:

“Just wanted to tell you that this weekend I gave a Cinna-Minnie to a girl I know from work, but have never met. She just had surgery for ovarian cancer and I gave her a Minnie. Well, she called me and told me she put her right in her room!! She LOVED it. I also put one of the snowmen into a raffle basket. What a hit! The girl who won told me she went online at her husband’s job and ordered some of her very own. She loved your site! So, what a job you have done my friend! I will be sending in an order this week. I am between treatments and will find out I hope this week, if I am beating this crazy disease.”

And finally . . .

Thank you soooo very much!! Today I sent a friend into my workplace with a Minnie for a woman who sent me a little something, and Rochelle I didn't think this lady even knew who I was. But she sent me something about what cancer can not take, like friendship, courage, etc., and it was so true. But what really mattered was that she even thought to send it to me; and like I said, I don't even know her. That is kind of the way I like to give these little angels. I mean who wouldn't LOVE to get them? I told her it was to bring her blessings.......... so again, thank you. Kindness matters!!! Always. I am still fighting each and every day........... my trust is in God and I pray. I found these words to be so true . . .

From another special customer - A Cinna-Minnie Off to College!
(this has been shortened and altered a bit for space considerations)

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