This is an inspirational Hillary story. Really.

[cali]

How did a presidential hopeful hear about the Edina beader?

It all started with a letter and a locket sent by Be to Clinton in 1992 during the Clinton/Gore campaign. Be was struggling with bipolar disorder and was relatively new to beading, but she decided to create something for Clinton to wear on the campaign trail.

She created a hand-beaded American flag locket and sent it to Clinton. She never expected to hear back, but two weeks later, she received a letter thanking her for the locket.
“Your bead work is exquisite,” Clinton wrote. “Thank you for thinking of me and honoring me with your artistry.”

The response motivated Be to apply for a small grant to start a business from a state program for people struggling with mental and phsycial disabilities.

Since then, she has gone on to create custom beaded jewelry for Lady Gaga. She also has captured national attention with her impressive “Fantasy” wedding gown made from more than a million beads.

When Be learned that Clinton was running for president, she sent her another custom necklace, and, again, Clinton responded. This time, she invited Be to meet her at her campaign event in Minneapolis in December.


<snip>
http://www.startribune.com/local-beader-designs-necklaces-for-hillary-clinton/366081591/

[MineralMan]

1. Excellent. I hope she's able to attend.

You have to love stories like this, whatever you think of the candidate.

[cali]

2. This is the kind of story that humanizes her- for lack of a better word

[MineralMan]

5. It shows warmth and personal interest in others.

I imagine she was touched by the story. As a further benefit, it encouraged a woman to go even farther to perfect her craft. Inspirational, really, and thanks for posting it.

[cali]

6. Glad to post it. The woman started a successful business inspired,

at least in part, by Clinton and her response- which was lovely.

[Beacool]

3. That's a lovely article.

Thank you for posting it.

[cali]

4. It's a great story.

[Beacool]

8. There are many similar stories.

Unfortunately, Hillary has been vilified for years by both sides of the isle. The Hillary I know is extremely smart and well prepared, but also very funny and self deprecating. If you ask anyone who traveled with her, reporters will bring up her "off the record" sessions. Once on every trip (she continued doing it as SOS) there would be an opportunity to relax and talk freely. Unlike the stereotype that has been pushed by the media and those who are against her, she is very likable. She's more down to earth than people think. "Off duty" she likes to talk about every day issues. She's also quite caring of those around her. Notice how Bill changed staffs several times over the years, but most of Hillary's close circle of staffers remained no matter what her job. She engenders loyalty because she gives back the same.

[Tanuki]

9. Thanks, cali. You are willing to give credit where it is due, and I admire that in you.

[ljm2002]

7. That is a great story!

Thank you for sharing it. It reflects well on both women and is, as you say, inspirational. Love the beadwork too!

[cali]

10. That beadwork dress is beautiful and mind boggling

[Tanuki]

12. The beadwork is gorgeous. I hope Hillary will consider wearing one of Be's creations

to the Inaugural Ball!

[MuseRider]

11. Very nice!

So happy to read this. We often forget that the people we disagree with are no more than people we disagree with. They are not just that, they are so much more. Well, sometimes not but then I was not thinking of Donald Trump when I started writing.

Hillary is probably quite nice in real life. At this point most of us would never have the chance to know but she is human. This is a very nice story.

[cali]

13. Kick

[Tanuki]

14. "Headpieces designed by Gail Be are featured in the second season of hit TV drama “Reign.”

Gail's designs provide an extraordinary combination of glamor and historical authenticity to this popular drama set in 16th century France."

[last1standing]

15. I'll rec this story.

It would be nice if more of us could find something positive to post about candidates we don't support. And I'm looking at myself when I type that statement.