Category: General

Remembering a peacemaker…


There have been several moments in my life which have been transformational. Sometimes a book, others an event, even better, a person… I’ve written about many of those experiences here in one way or another. They are reflected in my heart, and ever present on my mind. They’ve shaped who I am today, which is constantly changing…

One of those moments was discovering non-violent communication (NVC) – or compassionate communication. It resonated with some of the inclusion and diversity training I had been through at Eli Lilly as a Consulting Pair. Later, it would reveal itself (at least to me!) in the steps and principles of the twelve step movement, and in the fabric that makes up the community of abundance some call ABCD. With peace and compassion at its core, non-violent communication also reflects my recent spiritual growth around mindfulness and body work. So it is deeply embedded in my being, though I’m far from perfect living into its fullness! (I actually intend to deepen my training and practice this year…)

May I honor and remember the founder of this work in the smallest and purest of ways… This week, he passed on – in peace and surrounded by love.

Remembering Marshall Rosenberg...

Letter from Mary Mackenzie….

Life is full of newness and loss, adoration and grief.  Sending you light and love,

Todd

Send in the Clowns…reconnecting with a passion!


How Judi, Judy, Patti, Glenn, Frank, Carol & others reminded me about a little night music…

When I was a junior in High School, my mom took me to London, England for Spring Break. We saw 8 musicals in 7 days.

New to Millburn High School, NJ in 9th grade, having grown up in Louisiana and Ontario, Canada, I landed the lead in Oliver!  My voice changed the weekend of the big performance, and I still remember today to check my fly whenever I stand in front of a large crowd…(ask me to tell the story another time!)

When I travelled for work to Basingstoke, England, 30 minutes outside of London, I saw more musicals than I can recall – though my favorite was Into the Woods, in a “theater in the round.”  Heaven.

My best friend, Terry Woods, is an arranger, director and performer in the local musical theater community.  I have seen him play Into the Woods and countless other shows; listened to him arrange in his home; and watched him create numerous “tribute shows” to legends like Cole Porter, born and raised here in Indiana! 

I’ve seen Les Miserables numerous times, on the stage and on the big screen.  I missed opening day for Into The Woods on the big screen, but will see it this month.

I’ve listened to renditions by drag queens, burlesque queens, and other performers on cruise ships and in cocktail bars.

I’ve been memorized watching Neil Patrick Harris bless the Tony Awards with his creative performance genius.

I have a tradition of driving friends to / from the airport as they fly off to New York for their annual family vacation to experience “the City,” with its musicals, theater and comedians.

And today, I watched an HBO special on Sondheim. I laughed, I cried.  I learned that he spent part of his formative years (10 year old+) in the same town as my grandparents (Doylestown, PA).  I learned so much about an art form with its birth rights in America…the American Musical.

And I’ve been reminded again how each performer can bring his or her own unique style and diversity to a song’s arrangement; case in point, watching Judy Collins and Patti Labelle (and many others) sing “Send in the Clowns” as if each was their own,  new song.

So yes – I love musical theater, in all its forms.  Straight, gay, bi, thai – this is an art form to which everyone should be exposed at least once in their life.  Like my mom used to tell her grandkids:

“I just want you to try [….insert vegetable…]; you don’t have to like it or eat it again.  But please try it this once.”

Which vegetable are we going to try today?

To my friend & life coach Scott Collins – thank you for your gift. RIP.


My original post on New Year’s Day has “percolated” into the following – my 2.105  personal Brand and Intentions.  Thank you to Scott Collins – friend and life coach, who taught me some new tools for living before he left us.  Your spirit lives on.  I think of you whenever I see the “eternal flame” candle at Broadway, and for that I’m grateful.  I still use a “Scott Collins Plan” template  regularly to coach the best out of life…

Todd Fuqua, Community Connector & Reflector

Living into visible, intentional, compassionate community thru conversations, faith, meals & action

The building out of my “personal brand”

  • Baking – which is really about sharing generously with others; showing hospitality; eating meals together and building community
  • Tech Geek (digital photos, websites, social media, remixing) – which is really about creating or using tools to enhance but not dominate life and having fun
  • Travel – which is really about seeing more of our world and nature; connecting with people; and having fun… whenever possible with my soul mate, friends or family and on a motorcycle
  • Photography – which is really about telling stories; connecting with others through empathy and creativity; and building community 
  • Blogging – which is really about telling stories; connecting with others through empathy and creativity; and building community
  • Being with Loved Ones (my soul mate, family, friends & pets) – which is really about finding shelter and being home; naming, connecting & sharing one another’s gifts on a level playing field; and unconditional love 

My perceived gifts that support my “personal brand”

Empathy. Creativity. Compassion. Integrity. Authenticity. Joy. Love.

The organizational realization of my “personal brand”

CToddCreations
www.CToddCreations.com
Sharing hope through creative photography & videography

Second Chance ConneXions
www.SCConneXions.org
Connecting experienced professionals with needs in the community

Candlestick House & Engagement Center
www.Candlestickhouse.org
Individuals helping individuals lead fulfilling lives in community 

CTRecoveryJourney
ctrecoveryjourney.wordpress.com
inspiring each other to greater understanding, peace and health

 2.015 intentions for taking action
“Be Mindful, Authentic & in Community”
(knowing my Higher Power will bless my actions with Her desired outcomes)

  • Intentional community
  • Time banking
  • Compassionate communication 
  • Social Justice & Inclusion personal passion for re-entry, recovery, mental health, homelessness, poverty, LGBTQ, HIV/AIDS

Plan to be spontaneous. Live in the present.
Choose the healthier option.
Listen. Observe. Ask questions.
Be comfortable with “good enough” and “I don’t know.”
Practice serenity.
Admit when wrong. Forgive first. Love always.