About Barbara D. Macadam and the Purple Wishing Gate
I'm Founder/Author/Artist Barbara D. Macadam and I'd like to welcome you to PurpleWishingGate.com.
In 2004 I set up Divine Designs Studios, LLC as a venue for my inspirational blessings & paintings, after I lost my 12 year old daughter, Bonnie Rose, to cancer. Bonnie's grace, strength, peace, joy for life & her ageless wisdom were "gifts" from God (she insisted), for trusting that He had the best plan for her... whatever the outcome. Her wish was to not be forgotten and to help others "turn to God for what they need" while they're going through their trials, rather than simply "wish" that their circumstances would change. AND... she wanted people to remember to thank God for all the wonderful blessings He sends through other people, often while celebrating the many milestones of life!
While we are not a non-profit organization, I donate 10% of all sales to cancer charities. Our current recipient is the Camp Can Do - for Kids with Cancer. I'm particularly fond of this small organization because 100% of our donation goes directly to the children on the oncology ward at the A.I. Dupont Hospital for children in Delaware, where Bonnie treated for over a year before transferring to Memorial Sloan Kettering in NY. Last Christmas we donated $1,000.00 and $25 Visa gift cards to each child on the ward and those getting treatment in the Clinic.
I feel privileged to put my heart into each blessing, and I'm dedicated to bringing God's peace, love & guidance into every life that I touch through my website, which I also use to assist many organizations with their own fundraising efforts.
Starting with "A Baby's Blessing," my inspirational Purple Wishing Gate painting & a few hand-decorated frames, I effectively began what is now an internationally-known line of more than 80 blessings called Purple Wishing Gate! "where wishes made are turned to prayer, so God can keep them in His care." These "GIFTS THAT INSPIRE" come in 5x7 ready-to-frame cards, personalized 8x10 matted blessings with custom nameplates, and my 2x3-inch laminated "Pocket Blessings w/Charms!" All with a variety of my original background art. In addition, I offer many frame choices, and my 'limited edition' Christmas Angel Ornament.
I create my work in my home-studio & have my blessings professionally printed on the highest quality stock. I hand-decorate my frames & the Angel Ornaments, give inspirational public speaking engagements, enjoyed a 25-year professional singing career, and retired in 2016 from directing a 50-member choir at my local church!
I currently sing with "The Classics," a group of 4 vocalists and 2 musicians who perform for special events and bring joy to nursing home residents throughout Delaware. After years of using my writing & art skills in the publishing industry, I now use my creative gifts to help & inspire others. I work with my son, Bill, who manages our website, and my best friend Rachel. I reside in Delaware with my husband, Scott, of 38 years.
After my 12 year old daughter, Bonnie Rose, passed away from cancer, "The Purple Wishing Gate" came to me in a dream. I imagined her standing behind a beautiful purple gate in what appeared to be a heavenly garden. It would be just like her to find a purple gate... it was her favorite color!
In the dream, I watched her as she greeted people at the gate, but she wouldn't let them in. Instead, she listened to their "wishes," wrote them on little pieces of paper, then ran off to give them to God. She was very busy, very happy and very important in her new position in Heaven, helping people turn to God for what they need!
Thus, "The Purple Wishing Gate" was born..."Where wishes made are turned to prayer, so God can keep them in His care!"
In her loving memory, I donate 10% of all proceeds to help children with cancer, so thank you for your order!