We never truly know how a single conversation might ripple through our lives—or someone else’s. A few exchanged words, a moment of genuine listening, or a shared story can shift perspectives, open hearts, or plant a seed of change that grows quietly over time. Sometimes it’s only in hindsight that we realize how deeply we were touched or how much we learned or offered simply by being present. Every conversation holds the quiet potential to connect, heal, inspire, or awaken something new.

Last summer, I experienced this firsthand at the Washougal Art & Music Festival (a local community event run by the Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance/WACA). A young girl named Rachel stopped by my artist’s booth. She loved my paintings—especially one of Mount Hood with a pink sky. Throughout the day, she kept returning, and we ended up having many sweet conversations. I gifted her that painting, and as we talked, she shared that she attends Gales Creek Camp, a camp for kids with diabetes. She said, “It would be amazing if you came and painted with us sometime!”

That moment stuck with me. A few days later, I reached out to the camp and the Board of Directors at Gales Creek Camp, and this past week—almost a year later—I got to spend the day painting trucker hats with 40+ campers and was reunited with Rachel.

The best part? Seeing each camper light up and make something their own. They were reminded that they are “the artists of their own lives!”

All of this happened because a young person took a risk and spoke up (to someone a lot older than her) and asked for something she wanted- and because WACA created an all-ages community event.

The invitation for all of us is to strike up a conversation with someone new. We never know what stories we’ll share, what connections we’ll spark, or how a simple chat might brighten both our days.

Let’s keep encouraging young people to use their voices. And yes—I’m already planning to return next year to help Rachel and the other kids at Gales Creek paint a mural at camp.

If you'd like to collaborate on a local community project that supports youth, reach out.

Art, Connection, and the Courage to Ask