Eat, drink, and reflect

Changing the Story: YES!
It’s time to shop, reflect, give thanks, eat! During the upcoming feasting and holiday celebrations, may we celebrate in particular the individuals who are changing the world’s story with the strength of their commitment; a story in which currently every other child lives in poverty, almost half of all war casualties are children, and global warming threatens every child’s future.

Let’s take time to honor mothers like the late Dame Anita Roddick who said, “I want to connect with people who share my outrage … But I also want to tell — and hear…stories that lift our spirits, that celebrate how glorious our planet is. Outrage and celebration — let's run this gamut together.” Inspired leaders like Greg Mortenson who says, “When I look into the eyes of the children in Pakistan and Afghanistan, I see the eyes of my own children full of wonder. I hope that we each do our part to leave them a legacy of peace.” Mamas and community builders like Tiffany Bellah, who says, “Having a baby changes everything. Since that wonder-filled day 6 years ago when Grace entered this world, I have been reaching out of my comfort zone. She has made of me a responsible revolutionary, and my role as her mentor and mother has propelled me to take an active part in forming the world she will be inheriting.”
People who, when our common family is threatened, find the courage and strength to change the story. This holiday season, Mothers Acting Up* cheers, stomps, whistles and in every other way honors the individuals around the world who are taking action on behalf of our future generations. YES!!!!
Purchase the 2008 MAU Handbooks for tales of story-changing individuals,
information and actions: www.mothersactingup.org
*mothers and others, on stilts or off, who exercise protective care over someone smaller

business of being born

Hey everybody, I am so excited to share that a localorganization, "The Better Birth Coalition," will bebringing the new documentary by Ricki Lake, "TheBusiness of Being Born" to Bend on January 25th. Themovie will be shown in the Hitchcock auditorium atCOCC(Central Oregon Community College). Doors open at6:30pm, and the movie starts at 7pm. This is such anexciting event to come to bend . This movie documentsRicki Lake's homebirth along with others. It alsotakes a candid look a birth in this country. If youwant to see the trailer please go to:http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com/There is a small group of women working really hard tobring this film to bend. They are still looking forsponsors and volunteers to help distribute advertisingwhen the time comes. If you can help with either ofthose please let Annie Synder know.Also, if anyone has any contacts with any of the mediagroups in the area, it would be very helpful if youcould share that with Annie. If any of you run localbusiness and want to sponsor or merely hang-up a flyerat your place of work please let Annie know. Annie isaccepting all donations (no matter how big or small).Ticket sales will not cover the price of the venue orrental of the movie.Annie's email is:anniesnyder@bendbroadband.comOr you can call her at:541-325-2214 OR 541-504-1696Thanks so much for hearing about the cause. Hope tosee you at the film on January 25th.Love Janette GyeskyLicensed and Certified Professional MidwifeBend Birth center