< You can still scroll down and leave a message for Trina. >
Celebrating 95 Years — With Still So Much Hope to Share
At 95, Trina is still dreaming, creating, writing, and finding new ways to share hope with the world.
There are stories still to publish, projects still to bring to life, books still to share, and new generations she hopes to reach.
For those who would like to honor Trina’s 95th birthday by supporting her continuing work, we’ve provided a way to send a personal contribution directly to Trina. Your support will help her continue the creative work and generous sharing that have been such an important part of her life.
There is no expectation — only an opportunity to celebrate Trina by helping her continue the work she loves. ♥
Venmo
Trina Paulus
Zelle
Trina Paulus
Open Zelle in your banking app and search for trinapaulus@gmail.com
PayPal
Trina Paulus
CELEBRATING A LIFE OF RAdical sharing freely chosen
95 Years of Art, Courage & Hope
Trina Paulus during her early sculpting years at Grailville.
Long before Hope for the Flowers, Trina Paulus was an award-winning artist and sculptor, creating and working in community at Grailville. Her life has been shaped by a deep commitment to faith, peace, the arts, the environment, and a fearless willingness to imagine another way.
In 1972, Hope for the Flowers received the prestigious Christopher Award as Most Inspiring Book of the Year. What began as the story of Stripe and Yellow has traveled across generations, languages, and borders, reminding millions that life can be about more than climbing over one another to reach the top.
At 95, Trina is still planting seeds of hope — calling us toward peace, care for the Earth, justice, community, and the courage to become who we were meant to be.
Her story is still being written. And hope is still growing. ♥
Hope Continues to Take Flight 🦋
Trina releases a newly emerged monarch brought to her by her friend and fellow butterfly enthusiast, Paulette.
Did you know you can Bring Hope Home?
Carry the message of Hope for the Flowers into everyday life with gifts, art, apparel, and keepsakes
inspired by Trina’s beloved story.
WE DID IT! 🦋
IN HONOR OF 95 EXTRAORDINARY YEARS
You Shared 95 Messages of Hope for Trina!
I’m sure there are more stories to be shared.
Keep scrolling to read some and add yours, it’s never too late!
As Trina takes her 95th trip around the sun, we hope to continue to surround her with more stories and shared memories from people
whose paths have crossed hers in ways large and small. Share a memory, a story, a few words about what Trina or her work has meant to you. Or simply send some love her way. Your words bring her joy, you mean so much to her.
Trina listening to stories of Hope at the 50th anniversary celebration of Hope for the Flowers.
It’s never too late to surround Trina with love, stories, memories, and hope. ♥
Dearest Trina,
Happy 95th!
I want to thank you for the inspiration that Hope for the Flowers has been to me (and so many others) over the past thirty years. I have probably read the book over 100 times (at least), and each time I find something new that I didn’t notice before. Oh, so many beautiful messages! I used to be a teacher, and I would read it to my classes and have them discover different aspects of the book, such as the way that you used color in the theme. It is my favorite book of all time! I have given your book as gifts so many times, as it is one that continues to give to anyone who is blessed to open it.
May God bless you on your Birthday, and always!
Sincerely,
S. Paige McGann
Happiest Birthday to you, Trina!
Our family has known that you are a special person from that first evening when we witnessed you standing up for your neighbors at council meetings. It’s hard to believe that that was 40 years ago?!
Thank You for being the spark that ignited us and so, so many others to do some thing, even the littlest thing to make this a kinder, cleaner, safer and better place here in Montclair and even throughout the world.
Thank You for that nudge (probably a little stronger than a nudge) to join you in so many struggles.
Thank You for inviting me to learn and stretch at The Grail and to host women visiting from Kenya.
Thank You for being a model for a healthy and joy-filled life and for staying positive and “woke,” even when darkness abounds.
Thank You for your heart for people, your heart for the environment, your heart for social justice.
A luta continua! And know that you have birthed so many are continuing.
Love you much,
The Jennings Family
Hi Trina! Happy 95th Birthday! You look beautiful. I met you in 2003 in Columbus Ohio at St. Therese where I was employed. You were visiting a dear friend of yours. Meeting you was a great pleasure. I enjoyed talking with you. May you continue to always bring a smile to other’s. Take care dear friend.
Terena Burnheimer
Trina, my best friend of 37 years gave me your book last week. Don’t worry, she has another copy. I have been struggling with working, studying, striving and hustling my whole life. I was going to interview for a promotion on September 1st, but I was very unsure if I wanted to put more on my plate. Well, on August 30th I found a lump in my breast. I did not interview for the promotion. I find out tomorrow if I have breast cancer or not. I’m not sure what the future holds, but I know I’m dying either way. We all are! I want to further the Kingdom and be the hands and feet of God. I’m tired of the constant grind. I know things of the world don’t matter anyway!
We are very active in several ministries and it’s when I’m serving that I feel alive! Your book is just what I needed right now! What a special gift. I’d love to give your book as a gift to the young ladies that go to my favorite ministry Vida Nueva. Once they complete their weekend they are called butterflies. Could you please contact me. I’d like to discuss buying bulk books: 130+.
Thank you for changing my life!
Leslie Bell
678-640-1234
Trina,
You helped me with my roomate, Rhonda in 1996. You sent us books at her funeral.
You were so kind to call after receiving my letter. You touched Rhona with that call.
I hope you had the best 95th Birthday.
Love,
Denise from Kansaa HFTF🦋🐛