Episodes
Thursday Feb 07, 2019
Thursday Feb 07, 2019
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!
Comments (5)
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Bernie you're an absolute treasure! Thank you for your inspiring story of creating despite obstacles or challenges. What an inspiration to all of us! Count your blessings!
Thursday Feb 21, 2019
2019 -- the year of (re)creation...the reinvention of the Self! Have fun! And thanks for listening and sharing your takeaway!
Wednesday Feb 13, 2019
Bernie is so inspiring!! “I’m creating something that doesn’t exist.” Thank goodness she didn’t listen to her high school teacher! Makes me wonder what scripts I’ve been leaning on. Time to do some work! 😉
Wednesday Feb 13, 2019
Indeed! She's a dynamo! Thanks for listening!
Friday Feb 08, 2019
What a great story of perseverance!
Friday Feb 08, 2019
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