Robbi Firestone Custom Portrait, Featured Art Experience at PONCHO

Dear Friends, I would so appreciate your support in my latest venture. I hope to see you at the upcoming PONCHO Gala on April 12, 2008! Please forward this message to friends or colleagues you feel may be interested in this event or information. Blessings and Namaste, Robbi Firestone ____________________________________ For Immediate Release Contact Inforation: Jamie Chase jamiejchase@mac.com (253) 732-4369 Tacoma Portrait Artist Robbi Firestone Featured at PONCHO 46th Annual Red Carpet Gala Tacoma - (April 1, 2008) Would you like a coveted, commissioned Robbi Firestone Spirit Capture oil portrait of a loved one? How about a trip to the Valencia Formula One race as part of the Renault team? A Breakfast at Tiffany's in New York? Four tickets to the Grammies AND the Celebration Party? For any of these, there is only one place you need to be, the 46th Annual PONCHO Gala on Saturday, April 12th at the Westin Hotel at 5PM. During this glamorous, black tie affair, dozens of luxury lifestyle items and exclusive experiences will be auctioned to support the arts in communities throughout our state. No stranger to the black tie red carpet, now Tacoma resident Robbi Firestone's work can be found in some of the most prestigious homes, admired by Hollywood's 'celebutante' community. She relocated from Los Angeles to the Puget Sound after discovering the PNW's rich appreciation and support of the arts and artists. Firestone travels extensively painting portraits for clients around the world. "The arts have flourished in our region largely due to PONCHO's 46 years of major contributions. Arts education is imperative for creative problem solving. It is our responsibility to provide creative learning environments for our children. This is why I support PONCHO's mission," said Robbi Firestone. A major honor for her art work, the Seattle-based PONCHO - Patrons of Northwest Civic, Cultural and Charitable Organizations often selects a Seattle artist for this honor. "As Gala Chair, my goal was to offer our patron's auction items that are unique only to PONCHO. Robbi's art form is beautiful. It is an honor to introduce her to our audience, who I know will be impressed with her creativity and talent as I was," says Gala Chair Rose Dennis. For the winning bidder of this exclusive, custom art experience item, Robbi Firestone will visit your home for a one day sitting with the subject of your portrait. "My Spirit Capture oil portrait represents your inner essence. We discuss your vision for life, your joys, passions and dreams. I script an intuitive reading into the background of the piece, speaking of the divine 'Beauty I See in You," says Robbi Firestone. Other glamorous auction items include trips to Iceland, Istanbul, Spain, London, New York and Paris, premier tickets to Seattle sporting events, fabulous fashion and jewelry items, and once-in-lifetime gourmet dining experiences. The Nouveau Green Section which will feature the latest in "going green" items, experiences and services involved in sustainable living. This year's theme is Nouveau Glam. Under the majestic vision of Gala Chair Rose Dennis, guests will be treated to an alluring evening of humor, fantasy and glamour while indulging in signature cocktails, spectacular, multi-course cuisine and a fresh, behind-the-velvet ropes 'after party' in the edgy Fashion Lounge. To inquire about the Robbi Firestone, Spirit Capture oil portrait item, or to purchase tickets to PONCHO's Nouveau Glam Gala call 206.623.6233. You may also visit the event website: http://www.poncho.org/galaauction.shtml The evening is proudly sponsored by the evening's Presenting Sponsor, JP Morgan. Media Sponsor is Washington CEO. NOTE TO EDITORS: Robbi Firestone is available for interviews. Contact Jamie Chase at (253) 732-4369 or email jamiejchase@mac.com or Robbi Firestone (310) 990-4018 or email Robbi@RobbiFirestone.com About Robbi Firestone, Oil Portraits Robbi Firestone attended Parsons School of Design and Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She worked as an art director in top Manhattan advertising and publishing firms, and then moved on to produce, assistant direct, and coordinate projects in Hollywood's entertainment industry. Now a full time oil portraitist, Firestone is a graduate of the Artists Trust EDGE program, and featured artist at Seattle's 2008 PONCHO Gala. Please visit www.RobbiFirestone.com or call (310) 990-4018 for more information. About PONCHO PONCHO is dedicated to enriching the quality of life in this region through increasing resources and community support for the arts. Since 1963, PONCHO has allocated more than $33 million to nearly 200 area arts organizations through the PONCHO Gala Auction, PONCHO International Wine Auction and the PONCHO Invitational Fine Art Auction. PONCHO achieves its mission through those who support PONCHO's vision of a financially stable arts community where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate the region's world-class arts. More information on PONCHO can be found at www.poncho.org # # # Thanks for your support! I hope to see you at the PONCHO Gala! Blessings and Namaste... Robbi Firestone Spirit Capture, LLC | 2315 N. Pearl Street | Suite 10-235 | Tacoma, | WA | 98407 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost.

Vision for More

Since last I wrote, I have been fortunate to travel to Loreto Bay, Mexico, Los Angeles, California, and now I glance out my window at the deep, soft white of Utah snow, high on the mountain at Alta. The sun is piercing through the clouds, banding a slice of laser white light across the highest peak. I often think to myself, "When I am so blessed, how do I dare vision a life of 'more'?" Since February I've personally met Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Dr. Deepak Chopra, Hillary Clinton, artist Robert Shetterly, and seen Marianne Williamson speak at Agape International Spiritual Center. Where in my consciousness do I have the right to ask Spirit for more than I have right now? This is a common questioning I bring forth in my life. 'Deservedness.' When I was younger, if I saw a person who had a disability, I would fall into guilt; "Why do I have two functioning arms and legs, an clear processing brain or other advantages that they do not?" I felt a profound unworthiness at having 'more' than 'the other.' I lived in NYC, and I worked as a counselor at the Young Adult Institute in my 20's. Counselors were responsible for supporting adult clients with mental and physical disabilities as they moved through their daily tasks such as dining, showering, or other scheduled activities. One day a client named Ramona sat down and began drawing on paper. She had never expressed an interest in art before, and she was thirty three years old with the measured mental capacity of a five year old. Very focused, Ramona frantically created an extraordinary repetition of amoebic shapes in a distinct, perfect asymmetrical order. It was the most powerful artwork. Beautiful. As her hands erupted in a frenzied execution of her creation, quiet giggles trickled from inside her until they, too, erupted into an empowered, deeply heart felt, unrestrained, joyful laughter. Tears fell from her face as she created, and I watched in wonder as this woman felt a glee drawing that I rarely felt. One day I was talking Ramona through her daily shower. I somehow triggered her schizophrenia. With the same impassioned power she used in her art, she grabbed my hair and threw me into the shower stall, pummeling me with her fists. I was fortunate to have escaped with only a black eye and some deep bruises. Reflecting on her 'disablity', I realized that Ramona taught me the freedom to feel my art, and my deepest rage. She was emotionally free. How dare I be so self centered as to believe I had any 'more' than this woman who taught me so much? Ramona may very well look on my life with pity...She was not disabled with my societal norms, familial masks or religious guilt. My personal, historical, socially constructed habits canceled out my potential moments of laughter erupting from my belly. My familial or religious masks neutered my ability to create art from the depths of my heart. How can I compare my experience to hers, and feel guilty as if I have more? Only my previous perceptions were placing her as 'less than' or having less. I certainly think she did not feel the inequality that I created in my mind between us. Now I dare to desire 'more', guilt free, acknowledging with gratitude that I have much. I know that I am a Distribution Point for Good. If I recieve more into my life, if I create a life of plentitude and joy, then I have more to give. I commit to giving-to supporting my world community by daring to dream for the ultimate More. I claim and stand for the right of World Peace, that every mouth be fed, and every child educated in a way that supports their intellectual, spiritual and cultural growth. I vision for dis-ease to pass into the void, replaced by brilliantly vibrant cells. I claim the Truth behind the facade that we must as individual nations consider ourselves separate.. I challenge you to dream and vision more for your life. We deserve ultimate abundance of health, wealth and wisdom. Dare to Dream. Vision for more. Be as Grand as you can be. Your 'more' will help the world. Love and Blessings, Robbi

Caucus at 1PM today...

Dear Friends, Today—Saturday, February 9—all eyes are on Washington as voters make their voices heard in the Democratic nomination race. With a neck-and-neck race between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, what happens in the Washington caucus could determine who ends up in the White House next year. Your vote WILL count. So please vote tomorrow. And bring your spouse, kids, parents, roommates, partner, neighbors, co-workers, or anyone else you can take along with you. Unlike typical primary voting, caucus voting requires being there at an exact time. Doors open at 1:00 p.m. and delegate selection begins shortly thereafter. Any Washington voter can participate. Where to vote: You can find out where to go by clicking here: http://www.wa-democrats.org/caucusfinder And here's a guide with answers to some frequently asked questions about caucusing: http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3405&id=12096-4755624-tCO5bm&t=219 Make your voice heard! Blessings, Robbi

Spew: Posts from February 2, 2008

Spew: Posts from February 2, 2008: "Firestone scores PONCHO SUZY STUMP: PONCHO IN THE FACE >>> She might be originally from red carpet row in Los Angeles, but now Tacoma resident Robbi Firestone has scored a major honor for her art work. She has been selected to be the featured artist for the 2008 PONCHO red carpet gala auction April 12 at The Westin Hotel in Seattle. More often than not the Seattle-based PONCHO — Patrons of Northwest Civic, Cultural and Charitable Organizations — selects a Seattle artist for this honor. Not this year. Tacoma represent. Posted on February 02, 2008 at 10:12 AM in Arts & Culture, Tacoma, Visual Arts | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Digg This | Save to del.icio.us"

Meeting Dr. Deepak Choprah and Nobel Peace Prize Microlender, Dr. Muhammad Yunus

This week I had the pleasure of meeting two great Visionaries in person, Dr. Deepak Chopra, Scientist/Spiritualist and Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize winner for creating Grameen Bank. Best known as the 'Banker to the Poor' he changes the world through Microlending. 80% of Bangladesh's poverty stricken have now borrowed money from Grameen Bank, fully changing the face of the country's economy. If you have an opportunity to discover Chopra or Yunus' work through their books or speaking engagements, do so. The power and light emitting from these people makes me remember and recognize my own power and grace. They inspire me to live my best life, using my business to make a difference. My commitment since the inception of my company, Spirit Capture, LLC is to contribute (at least) 10% of sales to charitable causes. Although this goes against the traditional concept of 'maximizing profits' in capitalism, I believe in taking care of each other. And I believe my company will succeed greatly because of this belief in taking care of each other. After seeing Dr. Choprah and Dr. Yunus, I continue this commitment with more passionate dedication than ever. Three cheers for these heroes. May they continue to support millions in their entrepreneurial quests for a living wage. May they continue to inspire us all to support our own communities. Join me in volunteering your time or resources to causes you love. My work, your work, will be better for it. My Blessings and all my love, Robbi Deepak Chopra: http://www.chopra.com/ Dr. Muhammad Yunus http://www.grameenfoundation.org/?gclid=CPul0ujEj5ECFSGXiQodwG07Ag

The Politician's Hand

I've had cause for much of my adult life to be in the presence of celebrities and politicians. This evening after a lovely dinner out among new friends, smiles and goodbye hugs were exchanged. My friends joyfully extended themselves, savoring our time together, thinking on fun times to come. The evening celebrated the opening of a meaningful, non-profit arts institution. We toasted the success of the woman who birthed the project: a remarkable, gifted, creative, humble, generous, and intelligent,...a politician to be. During jubilant farewells, I heard a strange statement, "So-and-so doesn't hug," referring to this magnificent young woman. The Politician doesn't hug. With her hand formally outstretched, far from her body, stiff and curt, she kept safe distance: in the important practice of protecting her personal space. Photographers will be everywhere as her rightful leadership path emerges. Her presence is meaningful to the press, and will become moreso. My heart ached. This extraordinary woman who is phenomenally generous with her personal funds, intelligence and energy supporting the arts, teaching people to fish rather than throwing promises away...this woman I will vote for when she is ready for office. But oh, how my heart ached. This magnificent woman, whose mission is Love, whose focus is productivity, wellness with strength and kindness...well. She doesn't hug. Is this OK for me as a citizen of this loving country? I have created the environment where leaders must so protect their virtues that the simple, truthful act of a heart-to-heart hug with a new friend cannot co-exist with a political dream. It's a powerful choice. I don't know her motive: if this is a sacrifice for her, or even if the 'no-hug' policy is politically motivated. But with much experience in celebrity folds, a famous 'hello' squeeze turns into an tabloid instant affair if photographed. Simple as that. Who are we becoming as a nation that open affection is prohibited for our leaders? For our entertainers? What about for beloved new friends of friends? I'm not sure. It just 'IS'. I'm a hugger. Heart to heart. Soul to Soul. Gratitude to Gratitude, and Song to Song. I send this noble woman a hug, silently, from my laptop right now. Over the airwaves. Through the void. I hope, in some small way, she feels my appreciation for all she is doing for the community. I look forward to seeing what she does for the world. I'll be behind her, sending her silent hugs all the way. Blessings, Robbi

On Overwhelm

What am I meditating for? My life is hectic now. If I act as I profess, I wouldn't even say these words. and true prayer, meditation, reflection, contemplation, (whatever your way) alleviates that. But here I go again with another day of overwhelm. Three portraits on my easel being finished simultaneously. I've returned to 3 quarters of full time school to complete my BFA. My home is being renovated (all floors torn up and no kitchen). I am far from peace. That said, I am incredibly grateful for the abundance all around me (received 27 calls on my birthday!), and yet I cannot get a grip! Six months ago, a friend invited me to Buddhist Sangha, and last night I finally stopped in. Sangha is the Buddhist practice of coming together to meditate. For an hour, we sat in silence-deep silence. With a strong man 'holding the space,' he brought us back from our thoughts continually. How turbulent my mind has become! Out of an hour, I had a total 12 seconds of almost quiet mind! Ground zero start-over guaranteed after breaking my spiritual practice. During the second hour, we listened to a CD on the Buddha's instruction. (Paraphrasing) It was said that we would never find peace if we meditated/prayed for peace. Buddah said to pray for Connection to the Source. Connect to the source. Imagine that. These past two months I have been praying for balance, internal peace, time! Pray for time? Does Time want my prayers? What the heck was I thinking? All I have to do is sit, quite my mind as best I can, and FEEL the Spirit within me! Connection. In the philosophy/religion Science of Mind (I've just completed my License Practitioner training) the teaching is such: in prayer (I am IN prayer, AS the prayer), there are 'steps' one can use to connect... 1) Recognize Spirit is all there is. (whatever name you give it.) 2) Unify with this God. (I am of this God; of its substance.) 3) Realize my desire. (This is the fun one. State my desire, and feel that I have it, i.e. the teachings of the wildly popular and best selling book and movie, The Secret. You have to feel it with every sense; your participation in or with your desire.) 4) Thanksgiving. (Thanking God that it responds to my call. Thanking God for existing and being within me.) 5) Release. (Sometimes this is the most difficulty. You've really gotta let the prayer GO! TRUSTING that God's gotcha covered, and has the power to create your dream within you. Its not an outside power either. You are releasing and trusting yourself, too.) This stuff is good, juicy teaching. I dig it enough to have studied through license. Now I'm off to Wisdom University to study more diverse paths. (After my full time BFA is complete (wish me luck)). I feel peaceful now. Thanks to that Sangha last night. Oh, and thanks to my doing the work to connect WITH my God, and not just appeal to it for my peace. God is my peace. How could I have forgotten? In the words of the great Homer Simpson, "Doik!"