The acknowledgments section is one of my favorites in every book I read. I love to peek into an author’s life and meet the people who have helped to bring his or her work into the world. I am grateful to have so many people who support me and love me each and every day.
Home Heart Team
Mark Ferguson, a.k.a. The King of Hearts, a.k.a. Mr. Tina Ferguson, a.k.a. The Guy Who Knows Everything, a.k.a. Disco, you are my rock and my soft place to land. Ten years ago when I asked God to send the right guy, little did I know how right Mr. Right would turn out to be. You bring new appreciation to the words unconditional love. I love that you love seeing the Truth in people as much as I do. Thank you for always being a dream believer for me and seeing the Truth in me. I love you so very much.
Chance Ferguson, a.k.a. Mr. Sunshine, you bring new meaning to living life out loud. I love that you chose me to be your mom. You are truly the miracle dad and I never thought we would experience. You’ve invited us to play, laugh and dance in your own special way, and have taught us so much about having fun. My life and work wouldn’t be nearly as vibrant without you. I love you.
Rico Ferguson, a.k.a. the Gentle Giant. What a big heart you have. I felt a call from deep within my soul that it was time to add a puppy to our house. You are our forever dog, and we are so grateful for your sweet, sweet nature. Who could imagine that 190 lbs. of canine love could be so much fun? You are truly just like us–super sensitive with a big heart for everyone you meet.
Carolyn Badaracco, a.k.a. Nana, thank you for being what friends call, “my second wife.” If it takes a village to raise a child, you are a very large part of that village. Mark, Chance, Rico and I wouldn’t know what to do without you. I sometimes can’t even remember what it was like not having you with us all the time. I’m grateful we have had this chance to spend time with you daily. Your Presence is a gift to all of us.
Mom (www.TheRuralRoute.com), a.k.a. Dusty Rose, you were the first one who told me I could do and be anything. I believed you and here we are. I’ve traveled, tried new things, reached out into new worlds and found myself right back where I started–an artist, an intuitive, a writer and a curious lover of people. When I look at you, I see how your influence was there all along. From making me costumes when I was little to typing my creative writing stories in high school to crazy attention-getting trips wherever we traveled together–thanks for all you do. Thank you for being a mom that truly believed in me despite not understanding me–that’s a true testimony to your heart. I know I have been unique…you were the perfect person to be my mom. You and your creative space have been a respite from the crazy world whenever I needed one most. Not everyone has a safe harbor to call mom. I love you.
Debbie Mrazek (www.DebbieMrazek.com), a.k.a. Memory Maker, Sanity Keeper and Seymour Group Vice President, you are the kind of friend very lucky people find in life. Like Thelma and Louise, we have blazed trails together and melted our stilletos along the way. You have held my feet to the fire to be all that I am in a way no one else has ever dared to, and I thank you for that. I thank you even more for your unconditional friendship all of these years. I love you and appreciate your huge heart.
Marta Martinez, a.k.a. The Lion Heart, you have been with me during this topsy turvy ride that took us both into the ditch and then on the ride of our lives. Your stewpot heart gave me hope and courage during my darkest days and your little angel, Mikael, showed me the true gift of love and healing when I could barely comprehend it myself. You are a dear, dear soul sister–the sister I never had–and I am so grateful for you. I love you!
Brandie Collier (www.ConsiderItAlreadyDone.com), a.k.a. Chief Executive Assistant, you are truly a woman who can do it all. Thank you for helping me stay on time in this world and for loving our clients as much as we do. People tell me how much they love you, and I can see why. You have a smile in your voice for every person you meet. There aren’t many people I trust as much as I trust you. Thanks for always being there for me, and helping us do whatever needs to be done. The title of executive assistant doesn’t really do you justice. I believe I’ll just start calling you the Queen of Everything. I know it’s not easy reading my mind, but you do a great job!
Holding Space Gang
I feel that thousands of angels were sent to help me embrace the ditch, plug back into my own True You and learn how to love myself. It has been quite the journey and I feel I have a ton of thanks to share.
Velma Gallant (www.WelcomeChanges.com), a.k.a. The Queen of Joy, you truly are the Queen of Joy. You were the person I trusted to help me begin healing before I could even know what the ditch was. You have become an amazing friend over the last few years and I can’t imagine my life without you. The ditch has given me many gifts and you are one of the shiniest. You are a gift that keeps on giving in the form of laughter, fun and joy.
Members of the Big Blue Circle: You have opened my heart to community as family. You each have enriched the Ferguson Family life so very much in such a short time. I feel so blessed to call each of you friend, and I am grateful for every second we spend together dreaming big and reaching for the stars. Here’s to going higher! Love you all so much. Together, we are quite the super power!
Members of the WISDIM Group: Each of you has filled a part of my heart. Veronica Perez Thomison (www.MPRSource.com) thank you for your vision that brought us together. What a gift our gatherings continue to be. To each of you who bring your special talents and gifts, I thank you for the beauty and love I receive from each one of you.
Dream Big Spiritual Mastermind Group: Minette Riordan (www.MinetteRiordan.com), Kathy Garland (www.KathyGarland.com) and Jodi Hodak (www.JodiHodak.com). The three of you came along at just the right time for me to jump back into the land of the living. Each one of you has touched my heart in a special way and a minute lost of what we had together would have made a huge difference. I’m so grateful for our time together.
Must Be Present to Win Team
Thank you to all the reviewers for your time and care reviewing this baby: Marta Martinez, Carolyn “Nana” Badaracco, Candace Fitzpatrick (www.CoreClarity.net), Patty Mayeux (www.FindELAN.com), Laura Armbruster (www.ValuableConnections.com), Debbie Mrazek (www.The-Sales-Company.com) and Roy Miller (www.RGMComms.com).
Minette Riordan, Ph.D. (www.MinetteRiordan.com) I have a special thank you for helping me with final edits. Thank you for ‘seeing me’ in these pages and helping me ensure this book is a true reflection of the work I do and who I really am. Wow, what a gift you continue to be in ways I could never have imagined when we first met at Starbucks just three years ago. I feel we have lived decades together in such a short time. You, dear soul sister, are a gift.
Jan King (www.JanBKing.com), Book and Publishing Consultant, thank you for an amazing book writing adventure. I had no idea at the time what a gift the actual experience of writing a book at this level would hold for me. You did, and held my hand when I wasn’t sure what to do next. I will always treasure our conversations and I am so grateful for your support. Thank you for guiding and believing in me.
Tommy and Debbie Mrazek for being there when this book first came to be and for urging me to believe in it and myself. You made the trip to BEA inspirational and possible. Thank you for all the two of you have done to support me and my dreams over the years. I can’t say thank you enough for your generous hearts. I love you.
Editor and Copywriting Wizard, Maria Smith (www.TheWordsmithGroup.com), we have worked together for more than a decade writing and editing all kinds of projects. This one, of course, was unlike the others. I so appreciate that you edit the way you do because you allow me to write the way I do with lots of emotion and exclamation points!!!! If anyone finds an error, it’s only because I made a few changes AFTER you did your edits. Thank you for being you. I love your passion for words and writing.
Michelle Preast (www.MichellePreast.com), a.k.a. The Queen of Art-full Things & Cover Designer, you breathed new life into The Queen of Dreams artwork and have an uncanny ability to just ‘know’ what I’m saying when I express myself in ways that mere mortal designers wouldn’t be able to begin to understand! I love your illustrations and your ‘vibe’–this book would NOT be the same without your artistic ability. Thank you so much!!!
To the teachers and spiritual mentors who helped me along the way. You each continue to inspire me and I am grateful for your teachings. The world is brighter because each of you is in it: Sonia Choquette (www.SoniaChoquette.com), Debra Grace (www.DebraGrace.com), Betsy Bergstrom (www.BetsyBergstrom.com), Mark Stanton Welch (www.MarkStantonWelch.com), Steve Straus (www.StrausUSA.com), Vianna Stibel (www.ThetaHealing.com) and Hefina Glenys (www.HefinaGlenys.com).
Thank you to the authors who I have not yet met and who inspire me with your teachings. So many names could appear here, but two stand out for me. A special thank you to Henriette Klauser (www.HenrietteKlauser.com). I’m so inspired by your books. Thank you! After reading about your Seymour Group, I formed my own during my stint in the ditch, and the gifts continue to this day. I continue to look to your books as guides after more than a decade. Your ripple is huge! Violette Clark (www.Violette.ca) you woke up a part of me that I almost forgot existed and just in time to add an art-full flair to the worksheets that accompany this book. Your heart and spirit created a ripple effect like nothing I’ve ever seen. Thank you for putting Journal Bliss and your heart into print so women can embrace their inner eccentric through creativity!
To all our clients who trusted the process as we healed together and gained access to higher ground. You each have taught me so much about life. You have touched my heart so deeply. You know who you are and I am grateful our paths crossed. You contributed so much to this work and book, and I hope your journey finds you happy, whole and complete.
To all of you who listen to Queen of Dreams Radio (www.TinaFerguson.com) each week and have listened from the beginning, I love hearing your stories, hopes and dreams. You inspire me daily with your courage and commitment to living big. Ellen Gaines, thank you for being my number one cheerleader and also sharing your messages with me. And, to the guest hosts who share their gifts and wisdom in the world. Thank you!
And, last but certainly not least…to the Spirit World that is so rich in all things, especially love and kindness. I am so grateful for my divine connection that allows me to spend time with you. To God–the Creator of All That Is, Jesus, Mother Mary, Quan Yin, Archangel Ariel, Archangel Michael, Alliseah, Ricah, Isoah, Isla, Edena, Roger, Iragor and the many, many other spirit messengers who uplift and support clients (and me) each and every day. I am humbled to work so intimately with you to bring healing and love to our world.
