Every book involves group effort and without the help of so many people, this book would not exist. My talented, innovative editor and friend, Tonia Jenny, has always been a supporter of my book ideas. Without her endorsements and belief in my work, I would not be publishing my fourth book with North Light Books. I appreciate her hard work, sound advice and freedom she gave me to write this book according to my own vision. I will always be grateful and indebted to this very special being. Thank you, Tonia.
I am thankful to all of the gifted people at North Light Books who have made the production of this book possible.
I would like to express deep gratitude to my dear friend and talented photographer, Susanna Gordon, for checking over those toughest chapters to execute—Chapters One and Two—the most technical.
Important friendships that did not wane despite my creative absences, I am so grateful for.
Thank you to all of the talented contributors who have given of their gifts to this book. Your sharing of your art and knowledge help to move so many people forward.
Thank you to all of the souls who allowed me to photograph them. It was a privilege to capture you. Thank you for trusting in me.
Readers, I thank you for taking a chance on this book. I cannot promise that it will meet your expectations. I can only promise that I have shared with you what is in my heart and what is important to me. If I can take the light I feel inside and with it light at least one other candle, then I have done my job.
I thank my beloved family lastly but certainly not leastly (my finale)—Howie, Elijah, Rose, Grace and Grammy Wendy for your continual love, words of encouragement and support, which came in many forms. A special thank-you goes out to my soulmate, Howie, for taking care of our family when I desperately needed more quiet time to accomplish the grand feat of completing this book.
LOVE!, Susan