These days it seems like everyone has a cause, a mission, something to support. It's the age of Kickstarter - which, if you aren't aware, is the world's largest funding platform for creative projects. Since it's inception three years ago, Kickstarter has fostered the funding of over $300 million for thousands of projects. Some of the best Kickstarter success stories include the funding of mega-popular video games, albums for up-and-coming bands and iPhone apps. Through the creative network I am blessed to have, it seems like every time I log onto Facebook there is a new Kickstarter venture on my newsfeed. Out of the many causes I run across, one campaign has caught my eye as of late and I'd love to share it with you.

Enter: Tacoma-based Black Anchor Workshop, the dream of my new friend Stephen Jones. In brief, Black Anchor is all about amazing lifestyle goods that are rugged, simple, functional and beautiful. To see the Black Anchor Kickstarter endeavor (which ends TOMORROW), please follow this link. I love Stephen's beautiful video explaining the project, featuring cameos from several of our mutual friends. By the way, if it seems like Seattle is the coolest place ever, you're right:

I had dinner with Stephen and his beautiful soon-to-be wife Ally the other night and as we got to know each other over delicious burgers and equally delicious beer, I fell in love with his heart for well-crafted quality design. He has a dream - a pretty rad one at that - and is actually doing something about it (what a concept)! What originated as sewing a bag for a friend has rapidly evolved into a business. The Black Anchor Kickstarter campaign has reached their funding goal already, but if you feel so inclined to throw a couple dollars towards beautiful leather craftsmanship it would be so appreciated. I can't wait to see what will come out of this.

Do you know of other creative success stories in-the-making? Share in the comments below or shoot me an email at lauralawsonvisconti@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you!

My precious daughter,

I adore you immensely. You magnificent creature, you. Take a moment and allow this to sink in: you are exquisitely unique. I delight in you. I know your heart, dear one. Those women you try not to compare yourself to, but find yourself shooting glances of envy at? I see those tiny crushed moments in your soul, and my heart breaks for you because I see you as a perfect treasure. I love you differently than I love anybody else, which might be hard for you to fathom, but please trust me: my love extends deeper and richer than anything or anybody. I loved you before you were created, and I will continue to romance you for all of eternity. I died for you because I could not bear the thought of being without you. I see how hard you labor; rest in me. That list of failed achievements you stow in your heart? Throw it away. The bruises that still linger in your heart because of what men have said to you and done to you? Give it all to me. I will heal you. Embrace what makes you happy. I put those gifts and desires in your heart; pursue them relentlessly! Come now, let us reason together. Allow me to show you the secrets of my heart. Come find me and allow my love to envelope your soul. Escape from your tasks and busyness and meet me in the wild; you will find me when you seek me. Dear one, you do not understand how priceless you are. You have a fierce enemy that I seek you to save you from that would have you believe you are worthless and never enough... a failure. Listen to me, my daughter: it is a foul lie! I did not die for failures, I died for my precious treasure. You need me desperately. Allow me to heal you and make you whole. You will want to do this on your own, but I know you better than you even know yourself. Allow yourself to trust again. It's painful, I understand. You are my daughter, my princess. I want nothing but the absolute best for you, so you must trust me when you feel pain. Please understand that your heart is more valuable than your comfort, and so for a little while, there will be things you must endure in order that your heart be made whole. You might not understand always, but you must trust. Choose me, and you will be okay. You might not feel strong; find your strength in me! I am longing to offer it to you. There will be so many attractive options for you in this life, options for you to find your heart's desire met - I deliberately created you with that longing, but I want it for myself. I won't force it, because I love you and want you to find me instead of your own desires. Please don't hurt me by chasing other lovers. They will never love you like I do. I am jealous for you. I desperately need you. No one else can fill this part of my heart like you do. I love you, deeply and endlessly.

Your Father

P.S. All of creation was made for you, by the way. Enjoy.