SEPTEMBER 2003

SPIRITED WOMAN NEWSLETTER   
Copyright Nancy Mills. Issue 4, 2003.  All rights reserved.

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CONTENTS

* Spirited Woman Quote
* Editor's Spirited Message 
* Spirited Woman Q & A - MARGO VON PHUL
* Upcoming Spirited Woman Events
* "WHAT'S HAPPENING" Message Board

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SPIRITED WOMAN QUOTE

     "You must put on your helmet, put on your fighting gloves, and dig into the trenches of your life." - Nancy Mills

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EDITOR'S MESSAGE

Good, good news. The SPIRITED WOMAN newsletter is going national. Hip, hip hooray. Starting in October, it will be written for spirited women from LA to New York. So, the direction will change. You'll read about fantabulous women who do not live here - some who are even quite famous (surprise) and the ads will expand as well. It's been quite a ride, but a good one. Hold on to your mouse, and hop on.

The SPIRITED WOMAN newsletter is meant to be fun, informative, and inspirational.  Your free monthly tool to stay connected.  Be sure to check out the EVENTS section.  Tell a friend about our upcoming SPIRITED WOMAN workshops in the following cities: Los Angeles, Ashland, Portland, Eugene, and Nashville. 

As always, I would like to thank you for your support, comments, suggestions, and friendship. Means a lot.

Nancy Mills

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SPIRITED WOMAN Q & A
MARGO VON PHUL

Margo Von Phul is a Santa Barbara fixture. For 30 years now (yes, 30 years!) she has featured her artwork at the Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show. Every Sunday, you'll find her right across from the carousel with her colorful hat on sitting in her fold-up chair on the grass amongst her bold animal drawings, bright flower watercolors, card displays and other sundry art items. 

Not only does Margo, who has a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Graphic Design from UCSB, feature her wares at the art show, but her tasteful art has been shown locally at the Faulkner Gallery and is part of the corporate collection of Santa Barbara Bank & Trust. She's also taught art and lectured on it for years.

Margo and I first met in 1996 at a local art show in Carpinteria, when I was doing a travel newspaper story on Carp. I lived in LA then. It wasn't until I moved here, that Margo and I literally bumped into one another again, and became fast friends. I regularly go down to the beach and sit with her on Sundays, and she has been to two Spirited Woman Workshops. We like supporting one another.

Currently, Margo is on a creative roll with her new fantasy shoe art. She has embroidered all these neat shoes and then she color copies them to make wall art. They're terrific. She's got the Valentine Shoe, the Spider Woman Shoe, and many more. She's even created a shoe calendar for the holidays. Margo is always onto something new. She is a survivor with a never-say-die attitude. Rock on, Margo.

Q.  What does being an artist mean to you?
A.  Being an artist means that I can explore any creativity that pops into my head. I feel like I am not so much an artist as I am a creative explorer who just likes to try out a lot of different things in kind of ongoing parallel channels. I want my art to contribute joy and happiness when people look at it. I don't use art as therapy. It is pure unto its own state. It doesn't reflect where I am as a person. I am suppose to inspire, heal, challenge others, stuff like that.

Q.  What creative satisfaction do you get from being at the art show?
A.  I enjoy selling – because that's how I make my living - but I really enjoy meeting the people, seeing who has my artwork and how they respond to it. Some people have waited 20 years to get just the right picture. That's fun for me. I've been in galleries and gotten checks, but there is something very rewarding about meeting the actual people who buy your art. To me the greatest compliment is when some little person comes up to me and says, "I've got to have this," and pays for it with their own money, not their parents. That they feel that strongly about my art is a treasure.

Q.  Where do you think the art scene is going in Santa Barbara?
A.  There are so many talented people here. Years ago, there used to be arts and crafts co-ops, but they've fallen by the way side. Montecito has a few galleries, but other than the art show, there aren't too many venues for art. I think the trend is for people and businesses to pick up the slack. I went to a wonderful art show at the new Rehabilitation Institute of Santa Barbara at the Harris & Freida Meisel Gallery. I think the art scene here is one of more personal places than galleries - where you will not have to walk into a gallery to see art – but it will appear in everyday life.

Q. Margo what do you think it takes to survive as an artist here?
A. Be very flexible in all areas of your life – unless you are extremely wealthy and don't have to worry. You have to make situations advantageous to you – maybe barter or do extra things that don’t distract you from your vision. I worked in a print shop for years, which helped my career, because I learned many things and it allowed me to get discounted supplies. I've also worked in a woman's clothing store, done health care, catering, baby-sitting and petsitting.  Anything to fill in, but my main focus has always been on my art – getting that to support me and to provide notoriety that way.

Q.  Margo, why do you feel you are a Spirited Woman?
A.  I feel like I am a spirited woman because I'm independent. I've made it on my own without any family. And I enjoy life, being creative and doing my own thing. Just to be all that I can be. I feel excited about exploring things and I'm not easily discouraged. Where I grew up in New Town Square, PA, I didn't see women work, let alone become artists. I grew up thinking I could never make a single penny as an artist – but I've let nothing stop me. I guess that makes me spirited.

THANK YOU MARGO.  YOU ARE A GEM.

Margo welcomes hearing from you and seeing you at the Sunday Santa Barbara Arts & Craft Show on Cabrillo Blvd. She can be reached at 684-0901. You can also buy her fantasy shoe art at Kava in Ojai, and The Naked Wall frame shop, State Street Nail Studio and Nina’s Beauty Supply & Salon in Santa Barbara.   

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UPCOMING SPIRITED WOMAN EVENTS

For more info on events or to sign up call Nancy Mills at 698-3555 or e-mail her at: thespiritedwoman@aol.com.

LOS ANGELES
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Saturday Afternoon, September 13, 2003
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale: Ocean Air Skin,1634 Hill Street, Santa Monica, CA
Cost:  $55
Afternoon of self-inspiration. Includes creative playfulness and growth. Emphasizes your ALIVENESS and reinforces YOU ARE ENOUGH AS YOU ARE. Great for transitions, change, movement. Attendees range from writers/artists/healers to business owners.  Led by Nancy Mills.

SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Sunday Afternoon, September 14, 2003
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale: Ocean Air Skin,1634 Hill Street, Santa Monica, CA
Cost:  $55

ASHLAND, OREGON
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Saturday Afternoon, September 20, 2003
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale:  Nuwandart Gallery, 258 A Street, Suite 2
Cost:  $55

SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Sunday Afternoon, September 21, 2003
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale:  Hidden Springs Wellness Center in Ashland Shopping Center
Cost:  $55

PORTLAND, OREGON
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Wednesday Evening, September 24, 2003
Time: 6:30-9:30 pm.
Locale:  Private Artist Loft, Pearl District, 1314 Northwest Irving Street
Cost:  $55

EUGENE, OREGON
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Saturday Afternoon, September 27, 2003
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale:  Four Winds Yoga Center 
Cost:  $55

SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Sunday Afternoon, September 28, 2003
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale:  Four Winds Yoga Center 
Cost:  $55

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Thursday Evening, October 16, 2003
Time: 6:30-9:30 pm.
Locale:  Hanging Around Gallery, 113 17th Avenue South
Cost:  $55

SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Saturday Afternoon, October 17, 2003
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale:  Hanging Around Gallery, 113 17th Avenue South
Cost:  $55

SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Sunday Afternoon, October 18, 2003
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale:  Hanging Around Gallery, 113 17th Avenue South
Cost:  $55

SANTA BARBARA
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Saturday Afternoon, October 25, 2003
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale:  Nancy's Cottage (above the El Encanto Hotel)
Cost:  $50

LOS ANGELES
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Saturday Afternoon, November 8, 2003
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale: Ocean Air Skin, 1634 Hill Street, Santa Monica, CA
Cost:  $55

SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Sunday Afternoon, November 9, 2003
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale: Ocean Air Skin, 1634 Hill Street, Santa Monica, CA
Cost:  $55

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"WHAT'S HAPPENING" MESSAGE BOARD

Talk about staying connected! This is a GREAT MESSAGE BOARD to list your workshop, seminar, event, new business, services or WHATEVER. Presently, the newsletter reaches close to 500 local 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.

CHARMING HOLIDAY RENTAL. $2,200 + $500 dep. Spend your Holidays-Thanksgiving to New Year in lovely Goleta condo. Furn. 2 Master Suites (2 BED/2 BATH). Pool, Jacuzzi, Top Floor, End Unit, Cape Cod Arch. Gas fireplace & stove, microwave, dishwasher, washer-dryer, no pets. Walking distance beach, Monarch Refuge. View property: http://worldfestival.tv/condo_rental/condo.htm or call Terri. 968 -1163.

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/session. Frederica Welch, fhbwelch1@cox.net. 962-1969

REIKI I & II CERTIFICATION TRAINING. Reiki can be integrated with all methods of care. Each class offers lecture, demonstration, hands-on experience & attunements.  Reiki I Training-Sept. 29/30,10-4pm, $185. Reiki II Training-Oct. 1/2,10-4pm, $265. Reiki I & II-Discussion & practice Oct. 3,10-4pm. La Casa de Maria. Taught by Reiki Masters: Frederica Welch, Ellen Fogel, Joan Gaiser. 962-1969.

SINGLE'S POTLUCK AT SKOFIELD PARK. September 28, 3-6pm, eat at 3:30 pm. A fun, comfortable way to make new friends. Bring food to share, any games you want to play (volleyball, cricket, board games) and a member of the opposite sex for gender balance if possible. Suggested age range 35-60. 963-2388 or 568-0669.

KATZ & MOUSE WEB DEVELOPMENT. Your business deserves more than a "cookie-cutter" site. Our starting point for each project is you: We listen to your vision for your site. Each project is carefully planned to offer outstanding visual appeal and effective, on-target communication. Visit us at: http://www.katzandmouse.com. 899-3001.

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. 967-1160

COLOR CARD READINGS by intuitive Margo Von Phul. Based on the wisdom of colors, my readings are similar to the tarot but more insightful. Great for personal transitions as well as parties, birthdays, fundraising and special promotions. $50/1 hr. session/parties negotiable. 684-0901

COME SEE MAUDE THE PERMFESSIONAL -  For great hair color and hair design come see Maude at Bazinet Hair Salon at 3008 State Street.  The salon also specializes in wigs and hairpieces. Visit www.davebazinet.com.  687-1010

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 Joe-el Helgesen, renowned jewelry and sculptor designer. 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, both grammar and conversation. Laura DeLuca. 565-3720

WEBSITE HOSTING AND DESIGN - The Digital Literature Institute is a nonprofit established to help individuals and organizations archive and share their stories through the use of multimedia tools. For info about domain hosting packages and website design visit http://www.digitallit.org/design or mail: info@digitallit.org.

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 25th of each month (i.e., September 1 for October 1 issue) to: thespiritedwoman@aol.com and put "What's Happening" in the subject line. 

All past SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP attendees receive ONE FREE listing per month.  All additional listings are $10 per item per month. 

For those of you who have NOT attended the SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP it costs $10 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 (Oct. 1) and sent to: Nancy Mills, P.O. BOX 20042, Santa Barbara, CA 93120.

TO SUBSCRIBE TO THIS NEWSLETTER:

Place "Spirited Woman Newsletter, Yes" in e-mail subject line. To unsubscribe place "unsubscribe" in e-mail subject line.

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

PLEASE FORWARD TO OTHER SPIRITED WOMEN.   

Comments

[reiki chakra]

I have had many good experiences with reiki. I am a reiki teacher myself and teaching this wonderful knowledge is a gift of itself. Keep on with the great writing and I wish you all the best in the future. / Elsa

[learn reiki]

Great interview with Margo