In this episode, podcaster Tracy Crow, an author, writing coach, and Marine Corps veteran, talks with retired military nurse and LAPD reserve police officer, Bernardine Donato, "Bernie," to everyone who knows her, about how this veteran of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, uses visual art to replace the constant slide show of traumatic images from her past. Creating something from nothing, Bernie tells us, creates a better life overall. By broadening our everyday awareness, Bernie says we're able to "see more things out of others." Safe to say, Bernie sees the details, and value, in everything and everyone -- in the way bricks are used to form the corner of a building, in the competitive expression of a wounded warrior, in the clothing worn by a homeless man. The details, she shares, reveal stories that inspire and inform her artful, award-winning creations. When asked what myths she'd like to debunk once and for all about veterans, Bernie holds nothing back, so brace for impact. And we believe she's right! A cancer survivor who's currently battling two autoimmune disorders, Bernie says she's determined to live each day to the fullest, and this dynamo of positivity inspires her fellow veterans at the Durham, North Carolina, VA where she gives back by teaching art classes as a form of therapy, and her local chapter members of Team Red, White, and Blue. She's also earned top praise and national recognition from the Veterans Administration.
Click here to discover even more about Bernie and her art!
EP #34: Navy veteran, author shares excerpts from new novel, No Salvation
EP #33: Who's fired up for (stained) glass?
EP #32: How to inspire creativity at the 9-to-5!
EP #31: Fear of gardening? What could possibly go wrong?
EP #30: Part 2 -- "Train's Comin'"! Military wife reads excerpt from PTSD memoir
EP #29: Part 1 -- Military wife uses writing as a pathway through PTSD
EP #28: Portrait artist redefines self-expression through abstract painting
EP #27: A celebration of poets and their poetry -- part 2!
EP #26: DISCLAIMER -- These poems may change you!
EP #25: Pulling paintings out of the fire -- nurse practioner finds meaning in the journey
EP #24: Part 1 -- Pediatric psychiatric nurse practioner blends science and art to refill her well
EP #23: Part 2 -- Novelist, Navy vet Jeffery Hess discusses value of writing workshops, personal process
EP #22: Part 1 -- Novelist, Navy vet crafts newest book from historic events
EP #21: Part 2: Discovering stillness, gifts through life-changing Vision Quest
EP #20: Part 1-- No phone, food, or shelter...she's answering the call for a Vision Quest in the NC wilderness
EPISODE 19: Part 2 -- How viewing life through the lens of a storyteller reveals truths & the true Self
EPISODE 18: Part 1-- Going viral...writer discovers surprising gifts amid storm of negativity
EPISODE 17: Part 2 -- Army veteran reads excerpt of compelling PTSD memoir
EPISODE 16: Part 1 -- Writing journey transforms Army vet from PTSD agoraphobia to "new normal-BIG life"
EPISODE 15: After trauma, she's sewing, quilting a new life -- "one stitch at a time"
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