Comments: Dear Kristen, 

This morning after another sleepless night, my good friend and neighbor came to my door and handed me a copy of your book Growing Wings and told me I should read it.

In some ways, I think you and I have a similar story. Except mine is just begining... My husband and I have been together for 13 years and I thought we were happy...for the most part. I guess its amazing how wrong someone can be...

In the last year, we have had to deal with my husband's job loss, all of the financial problems that resulted from that...credit destruction, a foreclosure, a short sale. In August I found out my husband was having an affair and was "in love" with a 22 year old girl. We are separating and he is moving out this coming weekend. As much as I look forward to being alone and hope to focus on myself and my two boys, I struggle to imagine a life that isn't full of so much pain, saddness and anger.

I share this with you because I wanted you to know why I found your book to be so inspiring!! Your words and art are wonderful...I was brought to tears many times. It's a book that I think I will end up reading several times. 

I too know that I am meant to fly... Thanks for reminding me. 

Jennifer

Dear Kristen,  I was at the Denver airport yesterday, getting ready for a flight home after a spontaneous trip with my daughter to visit my sister. It was a huge leap of faith taking this trip, because I HATE flying.

I was in a little store and I found your book on the counter. Your artwork and words soothed and inspired me throughout my flight home.-Shannan

Dear kristen,  I am 16...young with lots to come...I just find your art & your writing truly amazing.  I love to paint & create. I like to think my style is similar to yours but it doesn't come close to your tallent & skill.  I recently read your latest book & I found myself at peace as I read.  I just wanted to share my thoughts with you; letting you know how amazing your work & outlook on life is.  -Kaitlin

Comments: Kristen--I was browsing through a store in the Denver Airport yesterday and came upon Trying Yes.  After reading it, I stood in the middle of the store and cried.  It was that beautiful. Thank you for finding a way to express such scary joy of loving.  You are an incredible artist.  I am so happy to have found your collection

Dear Kristen-

My wife and I were shopping for a gift for a friend who was ending a long, tumultuous relationship and came across a print of "Big Love", which we purchased.  Since then, I've purchase five copies of your Growing Wings book and given three of them to clients who are going through rough times in their relationships, whether a breakup or a divorce.  Your book has made such an impact, it is the first thing I turn to when I hear about someone experiencing heartaches.  Thank you for the way you write and express yourself.  We are all better people because of you.  Michael

Kristen- I can't talk about you book to someone without crying ... think of your daughter blowing on that insect . and you relating it to GOD blowing life intoeach of us and never giving up .. you are blessed . thanks forresponding .. I think you would LOVE what we are doing! .. would beinteresting to talk to you some day if you are interested! . you touched my HEART and SOUL . and still FEEL it! . .LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE! . Bob______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Kristen

.. I am a 64 year old business executive and have 6 children and 20 grandchildren. Recently, our 39 year old daughter realized she had developed an addiction to achohol and I immediately took her to Hazendon in Minneapolis. After that shocking incident/realization, we were flying her kids to Aspen to keep with us during her treatment and a lady in a gift store in Denver saw that I was buying special cards/hope cards/ and she recommended you book. I just read it on my flight to Minneapolis as I am visiting her today and I plan to give this to her and tell her that I want to be "someone to gently blow on her soggy wings and patiently encourage her to fly." .. I had tears in my eyes from you words/stories and my life journey is very much in alignment with yours!. I give speeches across the courntry on People Centric Leadership and our Company statement is 'we measure success by the way we touch the lives of people". Your words are a gift .. I know my daughter will LOVE your words/thoughts. Let you light shine! Bob---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Kristen,I want to thank you so much for your book Growing Wings. I purchased a copy while going through the tail end of my divorce, and it helped me get through many rough patches! I have read it 4-5 times over and continue to do so. It seems when I need some guidance I just pick up your book and which ever page I am on seems to be the most profound and relevant to my situation at the time! I have since purchased at least 4 copies of your book to send to friends going through rough times. I've even considered purchasing and sending a copy to Kate Gosslin from "John and Kate Plus Eight" as she begins her journey through divorce.I truly have gained comfort, peace and insight through your book and a recently purchased art piece. Thank you for making my journey a bit easier by sharing the very honest steps of your own journey. You are inspiring and wise. Sincerely,April VEast Providence, RI--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Many Thanks:
Thank you to all of the people who call, write letters and post messages. Your support has truly Given Soul Soup its wings.
______________________________________________________________________________

Kristen,

Thank you for being who you are!  Last weekend I was in Traverse City for the first time with my mom and 2 sisters for a girls' weekend. I found your artwork and book in the Art and Soul Gallery.  Your poetry touched me as I am in transition myself after a divorce.  I am a single mom of 3 children and I am in the midst of so much loss and change.  I bought the book after looking at your artwork and knew that I would find a friend who could have empathy and encouragement for me.  ____________________________________________________________________________________

Kristen,

You are a powerful example of standing in the Flame and "walking your talk".  It is an honor to be in your Universe.  Thank you for your willingness to "just do it"...your sister in peace, Amanda Grace

__________________________________________________________________________

Dear Kristen,
we are thrilled for you , too. our home looks brighter and so beautiful! it was greate pleassure talking to you and for taking picture of you in the gallery.it inspired us and i start crying with my girl friend. Thank you so much for the right words.
when we visit traverse city maybe next year we will buy more.
Love Silvia + Rainer Germany
________________________________________________________________________
Kristen,
Three years ago while visiting Sunapee, NH, I found your "True Love" and had to get three for my daughters (then 10,17,and 18).  I just gave my oldest hers for an engagement gift and ordered "Sweet Dreams" for my niece getting married this month.  God Bless you.
Fort Walton Beach, Florida
________________________________________________________________________

Kristen,
just picked up Gowing Wings in the Phoenix airport, and wanted to thank you all for sharing.  Motherhood, transformation, creativity and love; we are all so blessed.  Happy Holidays.  Lots of Love :)LP

    ____________________________________________________________________

Kristen,
I actually arrived early for a flight at DIA, and came across your work while browsing through a gift shop.  I am 7 years in recovery of alcoholism, and I cannot tell you how absolutely touching I found your poetry - it stirred my heart and my soul. I cannot wait to tell my friends about your work - you're truly a gift!

Kristen,
I found your work in a little art gallery in the North Carolina mountains this past Labor Day weekend, just two and a half months after my husband left me without any warning. I bought your book that day and since then it has inspired me, moved me to tears, and been a source of strength and grace. As I move forward into my own unknown, and am learning to let go of the life I had planned, your beautiful artwork will grace my new home.

Thank you more than you'll ever know.

Kristen,
I was so moved when I saw your work this summer while visiting Traverse City. I cried in the shop, your messages moved me so. It had been a very emotional summer for me and your poems opened the flood gates. I got great relief from my tears and your words. Your strength poem has a place of prominence in my son's living room. It was very meaningful to both of us.

Sandy

My husband and I recently visited Traverse City. When we walked into one of the little shops, your art work immediately caught my eye. When I read "Sweet Dreams" it brought tears to my eyes. Any piece of art that can instantly move me to tears, is something I want hung in my house. I bought Sweet Dreams for our bedroom and a couple other prints for the rest of our house. I love your work and look forward to buying future pieces.

Kristin -- I first found you several years ago in a cool shop at the Albuquerque, NM airport. Your art so touches not only me but every woman my age that I've ever shared it with. Thank you for sharing your gift with us!

Just this afternoon I came across your art at the Best Art Shop in Naperville! I was so taken by the messages and simple designs that I wanted to see more of your work.

I saw your work in Elmhurst. I absolutely love it. I bought two pieces, but could have bought many, many more. You have a wonderful gift.

Great site; I purchased two of your works in Elmhurst. One was for my sister's 50th. And she loved it - I purchased one of the "She's". I also purchased one for myself. I love it - Told some friends about your art and they will visiting you soon!

I just bought four of your prints for my new home in Indianapolis at Details, a wonderful store near where I work at the new Saks Fifth Avenue. I have been a great collector of "Storybook people" and at first I thought it was some of his work. I was thrilled to find another artist! Keep up the good work, girlfriend. I'll keep buying!

Sharing the messages of LEAP and LEARNING TO SWIM with my two daughters...they are embarking on life after college. Thanks for the right words!

I cried in the middle of Les Sirenes, I felt as though you opened up a door in my heart and hugged me tightly. You are very wise and I am so happy that you create! Thank you for not being afraid to let your talent SHINE!

I found your work in a gallery over the weekend. read one piece and cried. your words are beautiful and i consider the last five minutes of reading your words on your work on the website inspiration for my soul. thank you for capturing the true she of being a woman. i feel myself a little more clearly. thank you!!

Wow! I saw your work at the Denver airport and was very impressed. Just finished going through your website--love your work and your "poetic truths." Very lovely, interesting and thought-provoking!

I certainly am a collector and proud momma of this artist.......she's great!

I am so impressed with your creativity! I have already passed the word to my office! Good luck!

I am your mom's friend and saw the piece you did for her on Mother's Day. It was wonderful. The message and the images are so beautiful and it was great to share in your mom's pride in your achievement. My best to you.

Kristen, you touched my heart with your work. I have been singing your praises to all. Your work is amazing. Thanks for sharing your art and your soul. Best wishes and much success!

Kristen, your prints are so inspiring. I hung my first one today. I love it. Kep up your fantastic work. We love you!

Kristen: I am thrilled for you! Your art is fabulous and my office is a brighter place because of your gifts and talents!

KRISTEN,  I WALKED INTO YIKES GALLERY IN CENTER HARBOR NEW HAMPSHIRE LAST JULY WHILE ON VACATION AT LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE AND WALKED OUT FEELING MORE AT PEACE THAN I HAD IN A LONG TIME.   SEEING YOUR WORK FOR THE FIRST TIME WAS A MOMENT OF VACATION THAT I SHALL NEVER FORGET.  I BROUGHT HOME YOUR PRINT "HER MIRACLE" AND JUST GAVE IT TO MY DAUGHTER TO CELEBRATE THE "MIRACLE" OF THE  BIRTH OF HER FIRST CHILD.  SHE IS 41 YEARS OLD AND WAS TOLD SHE WOULD NEVER HAVE A FAMILY.  SHE NOW IS ABLE TO HOLD HER MIRACLE IN HER ARMS.  WE CALL HIM "KEVIN FROM HEAVEN".  YOUR WORDS TOUCHED MY HEART THE MOMENT I READ THEM AND KNEW I HAD TO GIVE THE BEAUTIFUL PRINT TO MY DAUGHTER.  SHE FELT THE SAME WAY AS I DID WHEN SHE FIRST READ IT.  I WILL BE BACK AT THE LAKE THIS SUMMER AND WILL BE MAKING ANOTHER STOP IN TO YIKES GALLERY FOR A LOOK AT MORE PRINTS.  THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO AND HOW YOU SHARE YOUR TALENT WITH THE WORLD.  ELAINE