APRIL 2005

SPIRITED WOMAN NEWSLETTER
Copyright Nancy Mills
Issue 24. All rights reserved.

CIRCULATION: 1,701 (and growing!)

PLEASE FORWARD TO OTHER SPIRITED WOMEN

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CONTENTS

* Spirited Woman Quote
* Editor's Spirited Message
* Spirited Woman Q & A - Fannie Flagg
* Spirited Woman Media Coverage
* Upcoming Spirited Woman Workshops
* Host a Spirited Woman Workshop
* New! Spirited Woman Events & Activities
* Join the Spirited Woman Club - Get a Free Listing

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SPIRITED WOMAN QUOTE

     “Love carries us along when all we have is a dime in our pocket.”- Nancy Mills

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EDITOR'S MESSAGE

Welcome to the world of SPIRITED WOMANHOOD.

Spring is in the air - and it's time to celebrate! Hey, bring out the SPIRITED WOMAN BAND. Personally, I'm terrifically excited because spring starts a new beginning for Spirited Woman. On May 7th, we will be holding our first ever Mother/Daughter Spirited Woman Workshop in LA - our special way of celebrating Mother's Day (a day early). This will really be a day to cherish and I invite you and your mom or daughter to join us. You'll love it.

And wonderfully, another special event is set for fall. Are you ready? Way across the country in the Philadelphia area, we're going to have our first “I AM A SPIRITED WOMAN” Evening Event. I say, forget the band, bring out the troops. Hosted by the Health & Wellness Center in Warrington, PA, 100 women are expected to attend. Yes, it had to happen. We've grown from workshops to galas. But, we're still banging our drums and blowing our trumpets.

Next stop on our spirited ride - the Q& A this month is with the very talented Fannie Flagg. For years, I've been a HUGE FAN of Fannie's. Gobbled up each one of her books from Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man to Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café. I saw the movie, too. I just love her way with words and I was beyond thrilled to interview her. A true believer in the spirited woman concept, Fannie is extremely candid about her life in this revealing interview. I urge you to read every word. Her comments are priceless.

As always, I would like to thank you for your support, comments, enthusiasm, and friendship. And for those of you new to the newsletter, I'd like to welcome you to our growing numbers. YOU inspire me, always. And I genuinely look forward to meeting you (again or for the first time) at a SPIRITED WOMAN Workshop in your city.

The SPIRITED WOMAN Newsletter is meant to be fun, informative, and inspirational. Your free monthly tool to stay connected with other spirited women nationwide. I welcome you forwarding this newsletter to ALL your spirited friends.

Nancy Mills

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SPIRITED WOMAN Q & A
FANNIE FLAGG

The first time I met actress/author Fannie Flagg was about two years ago in Santa Barbara, CA where she lives when she is not residing in her home state of Alabama. I was on a writing assignment for MORE magazine and Fannie was my subject. Real tough assignment - I got a chance to interview one of my idols! When I was young, I used to watch Fannie on the TV show, Candid Camera, and scream with laughter. But, it wasn't until later, when I started reading her books, that I was addicted to her talent.

Actually, she'll probably be embarrassed when I say this, but I find her to be one of the greatest voices of our time. So when we met, I was as excited as a schoolgirl. That first interview went very well, and from that point in time we have remained in contact. Fannie's read Spirited Woman, in its original manuscript form, as well as a few other things that I have written. Always supportive, she has become a cheerleader in my court. And, I am forever grateful for that.

Born 61 years ago in a small town outside of Birmingham, Fannie's life has been an amazing adventure of guts, determination, and vision. Yes, her books have been on the New York Times bestseller list; she has starred on Broadway; been nominated for both the Academy and Writers Guild of America Awards; and won the Scripters Award - but she has also had to battle many demons in her life - from dyslexia to depression to hypochondria. And she's done it with the fortitude of a prizefighter, ready to go the distance.

I love this Q&A with Fannie. Not only was I so pleased that she agreed to do another interview with me, but I am also truly proud of the role model she is and the honesty in which she gave her answers. She was genuinely thinking of spirited women everywhere, and she was willing to share, how in life, no matter how successful you are, it usually takes a lot of forks in the road to get on the right path. Thank you, Fannie! And, now, read on…

Q. Fannie, did you ever think that as a young girl growing up in Birmingham, Alabama that you'd end up with a successful career in New York & Hollywood?
A. That is a great question. When I was a little girl my father was a motion picture operator so I would go to the movies and fantasize about seeing myself on television. So when I actually did it, it wasn't much of a surprise. And what I found is that I was doing that visualization and didn't even know it. I would think of myself as being in New York and when I was in the fifth grade I wrote a play called the “Whoopee Girls,” in which I starred myself, and I played the role of a bachelorette career woman who lived in an apartment above the Copacabana Nightclub. In the play (I was in Catholic school, which was hilarious), I had a little cocktail party and there was something like 32 martinis and the nuns called my mother, and said, is there a problem with your daughter, and my mother said, no sister, I'm afraid she's just seen too many movies. But the truth is, I wasn't as surprised then, however, at this point, l go, dear God in heaven, I would never had imagined had I not been some crazy person that I could have come from what I came from - with the lack of a real good education because of my dyslexia - that I could have come this far having written five books, because in actuality the only thing that I was suited for other than doing what I did was probably being a hostess at a pancake house or something like that because I couldn't even spell well enough to be a waitress. I tried it one summer and I was fired because I just don't have those skills.

Q. You lost your parents when you were thirty - how has that influenced your life?
A. It's a very funny thing. It has made me very lonely in life, but it has made me reach out and grab extended family and look at my friends more as family. Also, being an only child and having almost no relatives left in the world, when you lose both your parents all of a sudden, the universe says “you're next” and my own mortality sort of hit me. I developed a real serious case of hypochondria, which I still have, which I'm embarrassed to tell you. But, it's like the slightest thing that goes wrong with me I go oh-my-god. I think I over react because it was so catastrophic both of them died within three months of one another, that it stunned me so, that up until that point nothing really bad had ever happened in my life, I was not aware of how really tenuous life is. So I grew up really fast and when you're young you say, oh nothing can happen to me and then when you have that really serious dose of reality, you go, ooh, wait a minute, life is too precious to waste. So the positive side of it was, that I became aware I didn't have as much time as I thought. Before I just said, nothing will ever happen to me. I'll live 'til I'm 90. Well, maybe not. It gave me a tremendous appreciation of life and of putting my priorities in order and as a matter of fact, around that time I started saying, I don't like what I'm doing and I think I will do what I kept on saying I will do someday - which is writing. It really put everything into perspective.

Q. You could of stayed on the course of a successful actress and just done that. Why didn't you?
A. You know I wasn't happy in it. I didn't like it. It began to make me very unhappy and I was feeling guilty about it. I remember I was in New York doing Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and I sat there one night and I looked in the mirror and I was getting ready to go on stage and I was crying because I was so miserable. I had to fix my hair, put on the make-up, put on the dresses, and I'm going I hate this. I thought what are you doing? There is something wrong here. You're on Broadway, starring in a show and you're miserable and you're taking a job away from somebody who would just love to have this job. I was doing it at that point for the money and I thought this is not right. This is not my passion anymore and it's not feeding me. So I just stopped and took a chance. I had lean years. I lived on very little money and made very little money writing in the beginning, but it absolutely made me happy and it fed me. I could have continued as an actress, made good money, but I was not happy. When I really started writing, it was like I had finally walked into the right room. I had been in the wrong place all my life and I never understood it because I didn't get the joy out of performing that other people seem to. I didn't seem to fit in. I thought what's the matter with me because I was so shy it was painful. I wanted to go stand in the corner and watch people, I didn't want anyone to look at me. So I was in the wrong profession and because I was dyslexic and couldn't spell I had assumed that I could never write. When I finally just did it, it was like here is where I am supposed to be. I was so lucky to have a second career.

Q. You've had all these bestselling books, yet you experienced a long stretch where you had writer's bloc. Tell us about that time.
A. I wrote the first book, Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man, and did okay. Not great. People were not knocking the doors down for me to write another, but I wanted to write one, so I had the idea for Fried Green Tomatoes. By the way, this should help people who get discouraged - something like 16 publishers turned it down. Finally, Sam Vaughan at Random House picked it up and said, oh I like this and got it published. Right after that it sold to the movies. The movie was such a huge hit it overwhelmed me. So all of a sudden, the next book, which would have been my third book - people say the first novel is easy but the second one is terrorizing - well, the third novel for me became terrorizing, because I thought I'll never top the last one. And I realized that people were actually reading my books - it never occurred to me when I was sitting down and writing. Then they started teaching Fried Green Tomatoes in school and I'm hyperventilating. The so-called “literary establishment” is going: deep meaning. And I'm going oh-my-god, I'm just trying to tell a story. I just panicked and I thought they're going to find out that I really can't write and they're going to kill me. So I got myself all wigged out and couldn't write for four or five years. God bless Random House, they just sat there with me. I think I had the record of being five years late on my contract. Finally, I just struggled through and it was horrible and I wrote Welcome to the World Baby Girl, then the next one came fairly easy because I became totally fascinated with one of the characters, Neighbor Dorothy, who I just adored. And I did do something I recommend all writers do. I made a little sign for myself and put it on my word processor and it said, it's not cancer, it's just a book. Because it became so important that it scared me. The hard part of writing as you know, is getting yourself out of the way.

Q. What advice would you give any woman setting out to write her first novel?
A. My advice would be to just write from your heart and don't care what people think and don't try to copy anybody.  Just write what it is you have to say. And this is always my advice to writers, if you don't have to do it, don't, because it is a painful life and unless you are absolutely passionate and cannot not do it don't do it.

Q. Many of your books, such as Fried Green Tomatoes, have been made into movies that have really empowered middle-aged/older women. Have you always been a woman's advocate?
A. Yes, I have. My mother was a product of the 40's and the 50's, and she was so handicapped because she could not make a decent living. Women could not make a decent living in the south or almost anywhere. Her mother was a college graduate and did very well, but when she was in high school it was the depression so she did not get a college education and she really didn't have any training and when she was in her 30's and had a child and would like to have a life of her own she couldn't. She would say to me, always make sure you're independent because I'm not and I can't do anything. And I just saw how women were treated then as a teenager growing up, I realized that women's roles were very limited. In Birmingham I can remember going by bus stops and I would see 15 or 20 of these black women who were working as maids working so hard and it just broke my heart. Yes, to answer your question, I always was very sympathetic to the unfairness of how women were treated and my grandmother was quite independent so I think she sort of inspired me and my father was extremely supportive of me and he would say, don't ever think of yourself as a second class citizen. So I was lucky in that way.

Q. Do you have a personal philosophy that you'd like to share with us?
A. I think the reason that I have been successful is that I, and not so much with money or whatever, I really follow my heart. I listen to how I feel and if something makes me feel bad I 'm very sensitive to that. It's like I only do things that are positive. If I can't put something positive out in the world then I don't feel right about it. I could make a lot of money doing a lot of things that are negative, but I don't choose to do that because I have to live with myself. I only want to see the best in everything and that's hard to do. Unlike most people think, they say, oh that's easy. Well it isn't. It's very hard because there are a lot of sad things in the world and a lot of negative things. I try to reflect the best in life, rather than reflect the negative.

Q. How do you think your philosophy can benefit other women?
A. I think that we are creatures of emotion, and I know that women are very prone to depression and the best thing that you can do for depression is to make a gratitude list. This helps me - it's like the old saying, count your blessings, it's so silly, but it is true. Whenever I get depressed, which is a lot, I go okay, but…I am living in a free country. I am not in pain. I just go down the list, and nature feeds me. I just go outside and I look at trees or the mountains or the ocean, just try to connect with nature. I just go things are bad, but good lord, look what I have.

Q. Fannie, why do you feel that you are a spirited woman?
A. Well, I think that really every woman is, but I feel that I was lucky enough to get in touch with it. That's what I feel. I had to go through a lot of sadness and depression and I got in touch with it. I got in touch with it through nature -I am now able to see beauty in a lot of things that I didn't use to. When I was younger, I was a night person. I didn't get up in the morning. But I have changed my whole way of thinking and I'm able to see beauty in almost everything and when you do that you change your vision and all of a sudden everything around you becomes art. I use to think that art is on a canvas or in a sculpture, but it really isn't. It's life. Looking at life as art.

THANK YOU FANNIE. YOU TURN YOUR DREAMS INTO REALITY.

To find out more about Fannie Flagg and her wonderful books, be sure to go to: www.randomhouse.com/features/fannieflagg.

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SPIRITED WOMAN MEDIA COVERAGE

What a thrill! What a ride! It seems as though every day the workshop is being mentioned - somewhere. Wow. Whether it's via the print media or the Internet, we're out there - catching on. Plus, Nancy is being asked to do more personal interviews in print, radio, and TV. So this is all great news!

Newspaper/Magazine Media Coverage To Date:
Bay Area Business Woman
Berkeley Daily Planet
Beverly Hills 90210
Brentwood News
Coastal View News
Common Ground
Conscious Choice
East Bay Express
El Cerrito Journal
Haleakala Times
La Jolla Village News
Los Angeles City Beat (7 day pick*)
Maui Time Weekly
Mail Tribune
Palisades 90272
Santa Barbara News-Press
Santa Monica Mirror
Southern California Senior Life
The Bel-Air View
The Hollywood Reporter
The Jewish Journal
The Montecito Journal
The Nashville Scene
The New Spirit
The San Diego Union-Tribune
The Santa Barbara Independent
The Santa Monica Sun
UCLA Magazine
Valley Voice
Venice Magazine
Westside Today
Woman Magazine
Whole Life Times (featured workshop)

Nancy Mills Radio Interviews:
Bill & Bonnie Morning Show, KRUZ, Santa Barbara, CA (frequent guest)
Healing Arts, Jefferson Public Radio, Ashland, OR
Kathy Collins Show, Mana O Radio, Maui, HI
Northwest Passage, KLCC, Eugene, OR
The Brass Ring, WBNW, Boston, MA
The Brass Ring, WPLM, Plymouth, MA

Internet Media/Promotional Coverage (hard to track, but here goes):
Actors Check List (www.actorschecklist.com)
Adboard (www.adboard.com)
Bay Area Business Woman (www.babwnews.com)
Backpage.(www.backpage.com)
Backstage West (www.backstagewest.com)
Berkeley Daily Planet (www.berkeleydailyplanet.com)
California Community Connection (www.connectingca.com)
Cinewomen (www.cinewomen.org)
CityAlert (www.cityalert.com)
Common Ground (www.commongroundmag.com)
Contra Costa Times (www.contracostatimes.com)
Craigslist (www.craigslist.org)
Daily Variety (www.variety.com)
DigitalGuestList (www.digitalguestlist.com)
Feminist.com (www.feminist.com)
Haleakala Times (www.mauisfreepress.com)
IndieWire (www.indiewire.com)
Los Angeles City Beat (www.lacitybeat.com)
Maui Time Weekly (www.mauitime.com)
My Entertainment World (www.myentertainmentworld.com)
Nashville City Paper (www.nashvillecitypaper.com)
Parlor Performance Newsletter (frankent1@juno.com)
Planet Shark Productions (www.planetsharkproductions.com)
Reclaiming (www.reclaiming.org)
Ryze Business Networking (www.ryze.com)
SantaBarbara.com (www.santabarbara.com)
Santa Barbara Visitors Bureau (www.santabarbaraca.com)
Santa Monica Mirror (www.smmirror.com)
Senior Life (www.seniorlifeusa.com)
SFStation (www.sfstation.com)
Social Domain (www.socialdomain.com)
Step Up Women's Network (www.stepupwomensnetwork.org)
The Brass Ring (www.thebrassring.net)
The Hollywood Reporter (www.thehollywoodreporter.com)
The Leaf Chronicle (www.theleafchronicle.com)
The Santa Barbara Independent (www.independent.com)
Westside Today (www.westsidetoday.com)
Wine Country (www.winecountry.com)
Woman Magazine (www.womanmagazineonline.com)
Whole Life Times (www.dragonflymedia.com)
WorkIt (www.workit.com)

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UPCOMING SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOPS

Get out your SPIRITED WOMAN drum and dance around the house. More and more women are attending the popular SPIRITED WOMAN Workshop all across the country. Who-ee! Over 450 women have signed up to date. So, don't miss out! Be sure to check out the calendar listings below and see what's in store for your area.

The SPIRITED WOMAN Workshop includes three hours of creative playfulness and growth. Emphasizes your ALIVENESS and reinforces YOU ARE ENOUGH AS YOU ARE. Great for transitions, movement. Attendees range from writers/artists/healers to business owners. Led by Nancy Mills, Creator of the Spirited Woman Approach to Life. Limited to 12 women. Offered at amazing locales.

For more info on the workshops or to sign up for one please call Nancy Mills at her toll free number: 888-428-1234 (in Santa Barbara call 805-698-3555) or e-mail her at: thespiritedwoman@aol.com.

BE SURE TO ASK NANCY ABOUT SPIRITED WOMAN GIFT CERTIFICATES. The workshop makes a wonderful, uplifting gift for a special person in your life. GREAT gift for daughters (age 13+). GO FOR IT!

Workshop checks are mailed to: Nancy Mills, P.O. BOX 20042, Santa Barbara, CA 93120. Checks must be received within 10 days of making a reservation. Credit card payments accepted. Partial scholarships always offered. All payments due in advance of each Spirited Woman Workshop. All reservations final.

2005 SPRING/SUMMER/FALL WORKSHOP CALENDAR

SAN DIEGO
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Saturday afternoon, April 16
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale: Bird Rock Yoga, 5544 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla, CA
Cost: $85

LOS ANGELES
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Sunday afternoon, April 24, 2005
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale: The Black Box Theater, 12420 Santa Monica Blvd., WLA, CA
Cost:  $85

SANTA BARBARA
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Saturday afternoon, April 30, 2005
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale:  Private Home (call for directions)
Cost:  $85

LOS ANGELES
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
**SPECIAL EVENT - FIRST MOTHER/DAUGHTER WORKSHOP
Saturday afternoon, May 7, 2005
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale: The Black Box Theater, 12420 Santa Monica Blvd., WLA, CA
MOTHER/DAUGHTER RATE - $150 for two

SEATTLE/TACOMA, WA
Sunday afternoon, May 22, 2005
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale: Private Home (call for directions)
Cost: $85

LOS ANGELES
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Sunday afternoon, June 5, 2005
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale: The Black Box Theater, 12420 Santa Monica Blvd., WLA, CA
$85

SANTA BARBARA
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Sunday afternoon, June 12, 2005
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale:  Private Home (call for directions)
Cost:  $85

OAKLAND (near Lake Merritt)
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Saturday afternoon, June 25, 2005
Time: 1-4pm.
Locale: Creative Juices Arts, 432 Bellevue Ave. Oakland, CA
Cost: $85

SAN FRANCISCO
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Sunday afternoon, June 26, 2005
Time: 1-4pm.
Locale: Satori Yoga Studio, 40 1st Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA
Cost: $85

CARLSBAD-BY-THE-SEA (NORTH SAN DIEGO, CA)
Sunday afternoon, August 14, 2005
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale: Private Home (call for directions)
Cost: $85

WARRINGTON, PA (near Philadelphia)
September 16
**SPECIAL EVENT - FIRST SPIRITED WOMAN EVENING GALA**
Locale: The Health & Wellness Center, 847 Easton Road, Warrington, PA
Time: 7-10pm
$40 (Will book directly through the Health & Wellness Center - www.wellnesssdh.org)

WARRINGTON, PA (near Philadelphia)
September 17
Locale: The Health & Wellness Center, 847 Easton Road, Warrington, PA
Time: 1-4pm
$95 (Will book directly through the Health & Wellness Center - www.wellnessdh.org)

WARRINGTON, PA (near Philadelphia)
September 18
Locale: The Health & Wellness Center, 847 Easton Road, Warrington, PA
Time: 1-4 pm
$95 (Will book directly through the Health & Wellness Center - www.wellnessdh.org)

MORE!!! 2005 SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOPS
2005 is going to be a BIG, BIG YEAR in Spirited Woman Land. In addition to many California locales, Nancy's goal is to teach more out of state workshops - see city wish list below. She is also open to your suggestions for other cities and is currently available for speaking engagements.

Atlanta
Dallas
Denver Area (including Boulder, Colorado Springs)
Houston
Memphis
Nashville
Portland
New York

And, if you're wondering…the SPIRITED WOMAN Workshop has been held in the following cities to date:

LOS ANGELES
NASHVILLE
PORTLAND
EUGENE
ASHLAND
LAS VEGAS
LAUGHLIN
SAN FRANCISCO
SANTA BARBARA
SAN DIEGO
BERKELEY
MAUI
OAKLAND

Soon to arrive in these cities:
SEATTLE
PHILADELPHIA

TELL A FRIEND ABOUT THE WORKSHOPS.

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HOST A SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP

In your city.

It's great fun! You'll love it. Anyone who hosts a workshop in their home or business receives a free workshop, great publicity, and a chance to meet other fantabulous women. Since the workshop size is small, most spaces work out ideally. If you'd like to host a workshop, contact Nancy Mills at 888-428-1234 (in Santa Barbara call 805-698-3555) or e-mail her at: thespiritedwoman@aol.com.

And...this workshop is great for clubs, associations, organizations. For instance, the "Red Hat Club Presents the Spirited Woman Workshop." To talk about sponsoring Nancy for a workshop or a presentation contact Nancy Mills at 888-428-1234 (in Santa Barbara call 805-698-3555) or e-mail her at: thespiritedwoman@aol.com

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NEW! SPIRITED WOMAN EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Starting in spring of 2005, besides the numerous SPIRITED WOMAN Workshops that will be offered, SPIRITED WOMAN is branching out into new directions. Fantabulous or what? Below are some of the new events & activities that we've got planned:

MOTHER & DAUGHTER SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP - MAY 7, Sat. from 1-4pm.  We're honoring Mother's Day - the day before! This special event workshop, exclusively for mothers and daughters will be held at the fantastic-ly fun Black Box Theater in West LA. Talk about a GREAT way to bond, share, laugh and be empowered TOGETHER. Wow. What an experience to cherish! All ages from 13 and up are welcome. Plus, there's a special mother/daughter rate of $150. Call us to book now at: 888-428-1234 or e-mail Nancy at: thespiritedwoman@aol.com

“I AM A SPIRITED WOMAN” EVENING EVENT - Friday, September 16, from 7-10pm at the Health & Wellness Center in the Philadelphia area. Right now, we are working on all the details of the event, but in our May issue more info will be provided. In the meantime, be sure to check out the Health & Wellness website at: www.wellnessdh.org They sponsor absolutely wonderful events.

SPIRITED WOMAN LUNCHEONS - In addition to the workshops, the newsletter, and the upcoming website, what better way for spirited women to stay connected than at an inspirational lunch. Who-ee! There'll be delicious food, fantastic spirited women speakers, and good vibes for one and all. The goal is to do two luncheons in Southern California this summer or fall. I'll keep you posted.

TRAINING SPIRITED WOMAN FACILITATORS - Yes, it had to happen. There have been several women across the United States, who are very interested in being trained to lead SPIRITED WOMAN Workshops. In the summer or fall, if all goes as planned, the training program will be in place.

AND NOW FOR THE THANKS!!!!!!!

A spirited-woman-thank-you-hug goes to Chris Zydel, owner of Creative Juices Arts. Chris hosted our March 12 Oakland workshop in her fantastic studio, located in an old Victorian house. We had a great time and the vibes were beyond sensational. I'm really pleased that the workshop will be taught there again on June 25. THANKS, CHRIS. See you in June.

Tarot reader and businesswoman, Penni Townsend, who attended the Oakland SPIRITED WOMAN Workshop at Chris's is hosting a spring barbecue for all the really, really, really spirited women who attended the workshop that day. Way to go - Penni. I thank you so much for keeping the group together. Wish I could be there - I'm sure you'll have a blast.

Also, a HUGE thank you to Susan Duval for all her enthusiasm regarding hosting a large Spirited Woman evening event at the Health & Wellness Center in the Philadelphia area. Her high energy is contagious and I truly thank her for her help in pushing the Spirited Woman concept even farther. THANK YOU, SUSAN.

And THANK YOU, as always, to the many wonderful spirited women who have attended the workshops…you are ALL fantabulous and fun.

Plus, I'd like to say a BIG THANKS to the many attendees who have referred their spirited women friends, mothers, and daughters to the workshop. Means so much.

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THE SPIRITED WOMAN CLUB - LISTING BOARD

OVER 40 LISTINGS THIS MONTH!!! MANY ARE NEW.

Here's the good news. If you have taken the SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP you are automatically a member of the SPIRITED WOMAN CLUB, and you'll receive a FREE listing (up to 60 words) - monthly. For those of you who have not taken the workshop (come on girls, you need to join the club!) - the listing is $20 per month per listing. What a great deal!

This listing board is a great way to advertise your service, business, workshop, event or WHATEVER - and to stay connected with other spirited women. Currently, the newsletter reaches over 1,700 women. Think of it as your very own SPIRITED WOMAN DIRECTORY. Be sure to check out what other women are offering and support them!  Also, see below HOW TO PLACE A LISTING.

PARLOR PERFORMANCES - Jeannine Frank's "accidental performing arts series" (now in its 16th year!) presents comedy, cabaret, authors, & more in a cozy West LA concert hall -- and also books artists for fundraisers, conventions and special events. For free monthly e-calendar or more info, contact Jeannine at frankent1@juno.com or call (310) 476-6735.

WILD HEART PAINTING RETREAT - May 7-14 Big Island, Hawaii. A dynamic non-judgmental approach to art!  Painting as spiritual exploration, a method for deep emotional healing, a powerful tool for developing intuition, a means for joyfully expressing your unique creative self. No art experience necessary. $1100 includes healthy, fabulous, four star meals, shared lodging, materials. Includes time for hiking, nature, massage, dolphins, more...Chris Zydel, MA,
chriszydel@creativejuicesarts.com www.creativejuicesarts.com

June 3-5. DIVINE FEMININE: THE INITIATION, join Caroline Muir and Joan Heartfield, Ph.D. in a beautiful private retreat in MARIN CA. Discover the mystery of the feminine - an evolving creative, dynamic spiritual aspect of aliveness, beauty, power, joy, wonder and passionwithin us all. $395 until MAY 20, then $450, lunches and snacksprovided. www.divine-feminine.com. info@divine feminine.com.

SPIRITED ARTISTS:  EMERSE YOURSELF IN THE ZEN OF CHINESE BRUSH PAINTING.  Find your "chi" while expressing it on rice paper with your dancing brush. No previous experience required. You will receive plenty of individual attention and lesson plans for practice. Student Starter Kits available for purchase. Sample artwork at www.artwanted.com/wendyann. On going classes Wednesdays 7-9pm. RSVP: waderycke@yahoo.com

ATTENTION SPIRITED WOMEN INDEPENDENT FILMMAKERS & DOCUMENTARIANS. CINEWOMEN L.A. WANTS YOU...to join our fabulous group of Independent Women Filmmakers!  Screen your work at our monthly CineSalon. Attend CineGroup Meetings, Seminars & Networking Mixers and much more. Check us out at: www.cinewomen.org.

IF YOU ARE A DAFFODIL PUSHING TOWARD THE LIGHT OF SPRINGTIME - You need support and guidance. Focus your energies through Creative Life Coaching, and prepare to blossom.  Adriana Diaz, M.A., brings thirty years of experience to the Coaching process. She can awaken you to the greater story you are living. Develop practical and insightful tools, to turn dreams into reality. www.adrianadiaz.com

YOUR DREAM HOME IN SANTA BARBARA!! My name is Laurie wolf and I am in the business of helping people buy and sell homes. I have a client appreciation program with my business where I send items of value each month. Would you like to be included in this program? Contact me at Laurie@villagesite.com, 805-683-7369 or cell 805-886-4710.

PLANET SHARK PRODUCTIONS - LA film & video production company specializing in media projects & music videos. Planet Shark also produces & promotes release parties & other industry events. Shark's popular global "Industry Insider Forum" is packed with jobs, music gigs, showbiz events, casting calls, resumes, loglines, more. Go orbit SHARK'S INDUSTRY INSIDER FORUM: www.planetsharkproductions.com

PROFESSIONAL PSYCHIC/CHANNEL - Since 1988, Liah Howard has been channeling a council of Higher beings who are loving and wise. You can receive guidance on all life's issues. Sessions are one hour long, are taped and cost $125. Phone sessions are available. Visit Liah at www.LiahHoward.com for more info. Kihei, HI. 808-269-3137

HAIKU HELEN - Helen will assist you in moving on with your life by understanding where you are and what you need. She is a 4th generation psychic now living in Maui, the heart chakra of the Earth. Incredible Mana (spiritual power) emanates here and will empower you. Contact her at: www.haikuhelen.com, e-mail: haikuhelen@wisperhawaii.com. 808-573-6343

FANTASY SHOE DESIGNS - One for each month of the year. High heel pictures for every occasion. Fun, whimsical, beautiful, and inspiring 11 x 12 matted/framed prints. Originals avail. Custom made corporate shoe pictures for your business. Margo, Von Phul, D'JOAN DESIGNS. 805-963-1982.

CELEBRATE THE GODDESS WITHIN - Through powerful and inspiring workshops, exercises, song and dance we create and release joy and love. Together, as the powerful, loving feminine energy of ONE, we can be in service to balance and heal the planet. If you are interested in creating a vortex of Goddess energy in your area, call Sylvia Dolena at 808 280-5229. www.mauigoddess.net

FOR THE SPIRITED WINE LOVER - The Saucy Sisters' Guide to Wine…What Every Girl Should Know Before She Uncorks makes learning about wine fun. Packed with practical advice, this book helps any aspiring wine aficionada appear as if she obtained her Master Sommelier.  Books personalized and gift-wrapped for FREE. To order go to: www.Saucysister.com/Shopping.asp

INSPIRATIONAL REALMS Unique cards for Inspiring moments of Every Day Life! Take a journey into different Realms! Fairie Realm...with 16 tiny Fairies dancing gleefully in our World! Nature Realm...with thoughtful sayings and naturally beautiful scenes. Note Realm...makes it easy to stay in touch with family, friends, and associates. Share Magic with this Special Collection of cards! www.inspirationalrealms.com

SPECIALLY FORMULATED ESSENTIAL WATERS - Eden Now is a new aromatherapy company created by Cheryl Finn. Her product line includes facial and pillow mists. Excellent for relaxation, harmony, and balance. Brings joy to the heart. Cheryl Finn. 310-779-2420

SUPPORT LOVE HUMANITY - You can create a better future for a homeless child in India by supporting Love Humanity.  A monthly donation of $42.00 makes it possible for one child to live in a loving family home environment and covers food, clothing, shelter, healthcare and education for one child. Visit: wwwlovehuminty.org

ATTENTION, 'DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES!' - Take a much-needed break with Travels With My Lovers, author and internationally known lecturer Erica Miner's award-winning novel about a single mom looking for love in some of the world's most exotic locales. Be inspired to express your emotional freedom!  For info on this break-out book check out: www.ericaminer.com

GIVE THE GIFT OF CREATIVITY AND SUCCESS - To yourself or someone you love. Jumpstart your year with “Climbing the Rainbow:  The Magic of Making Goals Happen!” workshops, books, tapes and kits. Discover how powerful and fun this creativity/goal-management system is. Just plug it in and go! Contact Gayla Mitchell. gaylam@highstream.net 818-752-2773

UBUILDABOOK PUTS IT ALL TOGETHER - What's inside is up to you. Imagine your own professionally published hard or soft cover book. You can make as few or as many copies as you like: order one, or thousands! Our books are printed on high-quality paper stock and bound using professional equipment. For more info, visit www.medialabsusa.com. 805-383-7272

INTUITIVE REIKI - Birgitta Hansson combines Reiki, Lymphatic Therapy and her compassionate insights for detoxification, enhanced immune functioning, stress reduction and over all well-being. She also offers private Reiki classes tailored to the individual's previous training and scheduled in a three-step process. Gift certificates are available. rabirgittahansson@yahoo.com. 805-895-6532

CREATING SACRED CIRCLES FOR WOMAN - LA support group for mid-life women. Ignite your passion, embrace life, support one another in living a life that matters. Create connections, explore your spirituality, challenge mid-life myths, re-connect to your essence. Facilitated by Lynda Levy, MA. Sign-up: midlifecoach@comcast.net. 310-207-9829

WWW.NILABARJA.COM, Take a look at artist Nila Barja's website. Nila invites you to look at her painted furniture, tapestries and paintings. She now offers frames and one of a kind lamps. These beautiful frames and lightings are created by hand. Call for a private showing.  805-965-2971

ROSE KAHN, MYOTHERAPIST AND CORRECTIVE EXERCISE SPECIALIST has helped many pro-athletes, celebs and body workers in Aspen. Myotherapy of Santa Barbara offers you the ability to RESOLVE your acute/chronic muscular pain, range of motion or circulation problems as well as self-care techniques that allow you to get off the need to see someone regularly! $125/hr. Quick Track avail.  310-925-8027 or 805-687-2499

ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT FORGETTING YOURSELF AFTER 50 YEARS OR OLDER? Make your Brain Sprout with Vicki Mizel's Memory program and insure your well being at any age. Vicki offers either audiotapes or CD's on her memory program. She also offers a video training tape to help you or a loved one with an elder with memory problems. Go to www.brainsproutsmemory.com or call Vicki. 323-874-8801

TREAT YOURSELF TO REIKI - Let go of the stress of the day as you become filled with renewed vitality. Reiki is a safe, gentle form of touch and energy work that promotes relaxation and healing. I am a Reiki master and have been a practitioner since 1995. $50/hour. Frederica Welch, fhbwelch1@cox.net. 805-962-1969

SANTA BARBARA THEATER COMPANY  - If you are interested in appearing or want more information regarding upcoming productions please e-mail/call Jamie at tsunamijgo@aol.com. 805-451-8504

MEDITATION CD's FOR BEGINNERS - If you want to meditate but can't squeeze in the time to go to a particular meeting at a particular time, you can start on your own with the help of Unwind Your Mind, the first in a series of CD's designed to help the beginner get started. Check out sample at: http://www.invitationtomeditation.com

CORPORATE EVENTS LAS VEGAS - specializes in personalized service/customer satisfaction for all aspects of event planning. We plan, coordinate and facilitate award dinners, galas, meetings, seminars, team building and cocktail receptions for groups of 20 to 2000+. We help our clients select venues, entertainment, menus and décor. For more info, contact: toni@corporateeventslasvegas.com or visit my website at: www.corporateeventslasvegas.com

MARKET YOUR WEBSITE LIKE THE EXPERTS - with Peggi Ridgway's “Successful Website Marketing” workbook. 138 pages of examples, action items and guides to listing your site with search engines, getting links from other sites and building a loyal community of followers at your website. $29.95 at www.MyWebSavvy.com or call the publisher, Wordpix. 800 200-1101

DAILY PASSION ACTIVATOR - from Life Coach Julie Jordan Scott is The Little Ezine with the Passionate, Purposeful, Powerful Impact. It will give you a burst of passion each weekday delivered free into your email box so you may begin to live more amazingly. To subscribe: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DailyPassionActivator/or blank email: DailyPassionActivator-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

ACTRESS AVAILABLE - My name is SANJINI. If you're looking for an actress, please view my acting resume at www.sanjini-actor.com. View the photo gallery page to see different character looks. My contact information is: sanjinibhakta@lycos.com. 310-902-7713

STOP TALKING ABOUT IT & JUST DO IT! - Amy K's life coaching will transform your career, relationships or health. Experience your soul in action - set goals that honor your values and commit to the steps to reach them. Visit www.amykcoaching.com. 805-886-8361

LET YOUR SPIRIT SOAR - in the South Pacific! Fiji, Australia, New Zealand and more. Destination World (www.destinationworld.com) is much more than a wholesale travel reservation service. Our tailor made programs are for those who have been captivated by the extraordinary & will not rest until they experience it again. Judy McKenna, flyjudy@sbcglobal.net. 818-998-5839 or 800-536-0022

SHEN PHYSIO-EMOTIONAL RELEASE THERAPY - is a safe, reliable process that heals by unlocking trapped, painful emotion that we cannot unlock ourselves -lifting it from the body. SHEN helps with: Stress, Chronic pain, Depression, Migraines, PMS, Panic Attacks, Recovery from addictions, Abuse. For more info: www.shentherapy.info. Call Deirdre Wagner, CST, CMT. 760-912-5507

FREE ANGEL READING - Host an angel party for 10 or more people and receive a free angel reading. The Earth Angels, three psychic-mediums, offer amazingly accurate messages from the other side for audience members. Their prophetic gifts will inspire, empower and wow you. Great entertainment for special events. For details: Laura Lee at angelmessages@earthlink.net. 818-762-1036

RED HAT WOMEN'S GROUP - The OVER THE TOP chapter in Ventura County/Channel Islands area is accepting interesting women who enjoy discussions on all aspects of women's life issues, who like to have FUN and do FUN things. The group is open to women of all ages. Only women 50 yrs. + can wear red hats (younger wear pink hats). Mary Lucid. 805-278-9009

WEBSITE DESIGN & FACE-LIFTS - Future Developments builds affordable professional web sites for businesses of all shapes and sizes or reworks tired old websites. We offer the following services: web design and development, website promotion through Search Engine submissions, website hosting set-up, e-commerce web design, and custom programs. Kathy Houston. 503-223-8708

INTERIOR ALIGNMENT FENG SHUI - Creates a sacred space by incorporating the best of the mystical traditions of the East and the practical methods of the West. Helps you realign stagnant or unhealthy energy and to restore harmony, balance and support in your surroundings. Also accelerates progress toward desired goals and aspirations. Karyn Armstrong, karyn@harmonicspaces.com. 503-525-2521

PIANO LESSONS - Classical and Jazz. Children and Adults. All Levels, All Ages. Now accepting students. My studio or your home. Background piano music for weddings and parties. Nancy Harris Jones, MA, Piano Performance. Member Music Teachers' Assn. of California. Member Music Teachers' National Assn. 805-967-1160

WILD WOMEN OF SANTA BARBARA HANDCRAFTED SCULPTURES - "Wild" combination of glass, wire, clay and beads, the sculpted bodies are fused or lampworked with indivually-stylized details such as glass eyes and beaded hair. Uniquely created by Jo-el Helgesen, renowned jewelry and sculptor designer. 805-686-2417

ITALIAN LESSONS - I am a native Italian and I would like to teach you my beautiful language. For over 18 years, I taught in a private school in Santa Monica. I teach beginners to advanced, grammar/conversation. Laura DeLuca. 805-565-3720

HOW TO PLACE A LISTING

E-mail a 60 word or less description of your listing (word count must include phone number and such) by the last day of each month (i.e., April 30 for May 1 issue) to: thespiritedwoman@aol.com and put "LISTING BOARD" in the subject line.

All past SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP attendees receive ONE FREE listing EACH MONTH. All additional listings are $20 per item per month.

For those of you who have NOT attended the SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP it costs $20 per listing per month. Please follow the above instructions.

Checks for all payable listings are to be received in advance of the next monthly issue (May 1) and sent to: Nancy Mills, P.O. BOX 20042, Santa Barbara, CA 93120.

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TO SUBSCRIBE TO THIS NEWSLETTER:

Place "YES I WANT TO SUBSCRIBE" in e-mail subject line. To unsubscribe place "unsubscribe" in e-mail subject line.

PLEASE FORWARD TO OTHER SPIRITED WOMEN.

Permission is granted to reproduce, copy or distribute any portion of the SPIRITED WOMAN newsletter with the understanding that the copyright notice and all the content is to be attributed to Nancy Mills, the SPIRITED WOMAN Newsletter. Copyright Nancy Mills, April 2005. All rights reserved.

THANKS FOR YOUR SPIRIT! SPIRITED WOMEN!  AND YOUR SUPPORT!

Comments

[Mary Beth Lathrop]

Please put me on your email list

[linda labeau]

I am trying to locate Fannie Flagg. Her family, the Fortenberrys and my family the James T. Nolans lived around the corner from each other in Irondale. I have a very poignant story about how my mother and father met during WW2 in Irondale and how the Whistlestop Cafe played a major role in their lives. I will be traveling to Irondale on 12/26/07 to revisit Nolan corner (1801 4th Avenue South). Is it possible to give Fannie my phone numbers home 817.377.8172 and cell 817.602.5446? I need help telling my family story which is full of humor, irony, love and loss. How 2 people met by a wrong number during WW2...a country boy from Climax Springs Missouri and an Irish girl from Irondale, Ala. Thank you. Linda LaBeau

[Ron Valenti]

Nancy,
I realize this site is a little dated but hopefully, it's still up and running. I'm also a fan of Fanny Flagg - but the reason is one and only time we ever met. I was a contestant on Match Game '75, and am still today getting email/blog comments about one particular episode .

Knowing it would be tough for me to obtain her email address, is it possible for you to forward this to her?

Thank you so much,
Ron Valenti