Two steps forward, one step back - the dance

MISSING: 1997 Chevy Express Van, white, goes by "Sebastian." Stolen from in front of our house Tuesday morning, April 25. This was our work van - and because I'd been teaching a four-day class, it was packed full with the bulk of our equipment and supplies, including all of our tables, floor mats and paints and about 100 of our hand-painted silk scarves and accessories.

Many of those scarves were made by children in our outreach programs, and of course every design is one-of-a-kind. The bright colors and swirling designs were a daily reminder of the special uniqueness of each maker, and we are saddened to think that these beautiful creations are gone.  Similarly, we mourn the loss of five of our hand crafted wood trays and a bin full of hand made rakes and custom made marbling combs.

After rain canceled so many of our events this past winter, April was gearing up to be one of our best months ever, and now this.  

So, how do we respond to the unexpected storms that life drops on us?

“Optimist: Someone who figures that taking a step backward
after taking a step forward is not a disaster, it's a cha-cha.”
― Robert Brault

First, instead of dwelling on what we DON'T have, we take stock of what we DO have.

1. Thankfully, we have enough supplies in stock - including trays, unmixed paints, blank silks and tools - to allow us to move forward with scheduled events, bringing the Mayu Silk Art Experience to our community without interruption. 
2. We have each other. Our shared dream, our belief in the intrinsic worth of this baby of ours, our confidence in our ability to overcome obstacles or find ways around them - these convictions are not swayed.
3. We have an abundance of loving and supportive friends and family. When it seems like we are flailing in the wind, it is good to have strong ties that keep us grounded.
4. We have our art. "Let the art lead you" is one of our mantras, and it has never rung so true.  This art - the very one that brought you to this page - is powerful and amazing in its' ability to bring people together, to create new memories, to bring joy, and to heal.
5. We have you. Our community at large. The people who have seen for themselves the magic that makes The Mayu Silk Art Experience so remarkable, and who are excited to be part of it.

 
So, while Phil scrambled to replace necessary (and sometimes expensive) equipment and supplies, Star took to social media to rally the troops, setting up a GoFundMe account to replace the biggest loss:  our beloved workhorse van, Sebastian.   Without wheels, we simply cannot continue. 

With events already on the books for a trip to Arizona to make scarves with families at the Children's Cancer Network, and a big scarf-making event at Hoag Family Cancer Institute, and an event with the Eddie Nash Foundation for Foster Youth, we don't want to be sidelined by the lack of reliable transportation. 

We need $6000 to cover the gap in insurance and put us in a safe, reliable vehicle.

We're hoping our network of support will come together in this time of need to help us get back on the road. Come ride with us, won't you?!

---

DONATE NOW TO KEEP US ROLLING

If you prefer to make a direct donation, please call Star at (949)424-3458 or mail your check made payable to Mayu Silk Art, 501 E. Katella Ave #16C ,  Orange CA 92867.  Please write "Van campaign" on the memo line. 

Thank you. You are amazing.