A Lady Always Knows When To Leave! There is a wise spot inside each and everyone of us that knows... so listen. At first it whispers in a soft, mellow voice... so listen... it then shouts in a protective tone... so listen... it then screams in horrifying terror... please isten. You know when it’s time to leave, just listen!

Using the tree as a symbol of life, many amazing women let their imaginations run wild to find out the kind of tree they were as they explored their journey of survival. They considered the questions like: What nurtures your tree? How does your tree adapt to changes? What kind of seeds is your tree housing? Who provides your tree with light, water, nutrients, and caring? How would you describe the fruit you offer? Where do your roots extend? Where or what is the core of your tree? What is your tree made of? and What would your tree like to tell you or others? Everyone was encouraged to play and lose themselves in their creations. There was much emphasis on self-love and self-care as survivors acknowledged and respected what they felt throughout their process of self-discovery.

Some Story Trees are currently on exhibit at the AWBW studio and they were also included in the 5th and 6th annual exhibit of survivor art at the Kellogg Gallery, "Visual Voices Against Violence." This exhibit was part of the Domestic Violence Awareness Month events hosted on campus by Cal Poly Pomona's Stop Violence Grant Office.

Thank you to all of the amazing women who have transformed their stories into these beautiful paintings sharing your courage, strength and growth with others!

The core of my tree that provides it with nourishment is love. I painted the heart brown, as love is the soil that feeds my tree. The tree is divided between darkness (negativity) and light (positivity). The black hole sun encompasses part of my tree in darkness. However, only the weak branches are affected. The stronger branches live in the light and do not allow the darkness to take their strength. The beautiful, bright blue sky dominates the picture, as positivity will always be more powerful than negativity. My trees and branches are jagged, imperfect, and unique, like me. At the center of my tree is an image that represents all of my incredible Wings clients. The figure is purple, as domestic violence is the tie that binds us together, and has wings, as I view them as my earthly angels. It is my angels that remind me every day that it’s my choice to live in darkness or light.

"Story Trees is a great visual of how far I've come in accepting the violence I grew up with. I am proud of my tree and I thank you. Thank you so much for allowing me the time and space to express myself." Anonymous, SAC Participant.

"It allowed me to release the negative energy triggered by past abuse and to fill my soul with hope and faith for a better future." Anonymous, SAC Participant.

"I'm so unbelievably beyond grateful to have and be part of this group, to have a safe space to relax and let go and cry if the tears are there, to simply have a place to tend to my wounds. Thank you! Anonymous, SAC Participant.

"Today I can see danger and look at it in the eye. No more hiding away, no more pretending I do not see it, hoping it will not exist. Today I know I'm worth taking care of myself." Anonymous, SAC Participant.

"What a process this workshop has been! It's interesting to see my healing journey before my eyes — the ups and downs, the rough spots and then the places of opening and hope and great growth. This group helps me to heal in such beautiful and deep ways. Thank you!" Anonymous, SAC Participant.