Issue # 57
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CIRCULATION: 3,410 (and growing!)
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CONTENTS
- Spirited Woman Quote
- Editor's Spirited Message
- New! Sponsor of the Month - Your Beautiful Spirit by Karen Russo
- Exciting News! Spirited Woman Groups
- Spirited Woman Q & A - Nanci Christopher
- Spirited Woman Special Events
- Spirited Woman! Store Special
- Upcoming Spirited Woman Workshops
- Host a Spirited Woman Workshop
- Spirited Woman Circle - "Women Inspiring Women" Conversation Series
- Press & Media Room
- Join the Spirited Woman Club - Get a Free Listing
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SPIRITED WOMAN QUOTE
"The love within is always a reflection of your heart beating to your spirit." - Nancy Mills
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EDITOR'S MESSAGE
Welcome to the world of SPIRITED WOMANHOOD.
It is 2008. Yeah!
She-bang. New beginnings for all of us. Did you know according to
numerology this is a "one" year? That means we are beginning a new
cycle. Hooray for all of us in Spirited Woman Land.
And we are
beginning a new cycle. I'm making many changes this year. As you can
see the newsletter has a new format, the web site has already started
to be updated (go check it out - you'll love it!) and in addition to
our workshops, events, new groups and more, I've got a few surprises up
my sleeve.
Next month I will be announcing our new guests for
our 2008 SPIRITED WOMAN CIRCLE Conversation "Telechat series. I can
only tell you this - the women involved are famous, fantastic, and have
been on Oprah, Ellen, New York Times Bestseller list, and on and on.
You're going to be blown away.
Now come on, it's a new year and
I want to see you at our workshops and events. It's time to meet new
friends, do something for yourself, be inspired, network, empower
yourself more - you get the picture!
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. Enjoy the newsletter!
Nancy Mills
Founder Spirited Woman
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New! SPONSOR OF THE MONTH
Karen Russo is a
visionary in showing women how to integrate spirituality with money,
beauty and well-being. She is also the creator of Your Beautiful Spirit an inspirational
program for women which is a powerful tool. To learn more about Karen & Your Beautiful Spirit visit : http://www.thespiritedwoman.com/resources.
You too, can sponsor a newsletter. It's a great opportunity to
reach 1000's of spirited women and grow your brand/business. Contact
Nancy Mills at 888-428-1234.
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SPIRITED WOMAN GROUPS
Yes! Many women across the country have asked about either leading a
Spirited Woman Group or joining one. The groups will be activity driven
- a place to mingle, express your creativity and
imagination, and have FUN TOGETHER - and embody the Spirited Woman
Approach to Life. We'd like you involved from the beginning. If you are
interested in leading a group or joining one, contact Nancy at: nancymills@thespiritedwoman.com and she'll personally send you more info.
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SPIRITED WOMAN Q & A
Nanci Christopher
For
years, I've been friends with Christi Crowe, a PR marketing dynamo.
When she says, "Nancy you must meet this person!" - it's usually
because they are fantastic, spirited, one of a kind, extraordinary.
Need I say more?
Enter her friend Nanci Christopher - she is all of the above and more. The back story: Nanci is a successful actress living in Los Angeles. For years she wanted to find Mr. Right. Get married. For years she wanted to be a mom. By the time she was 40, Mr. Right didn't appear, but her passionate yearning for a child never left. Nanci decided to adopt a child. That's when her true journey began.
I was privileged to gain insight into that journey, when a few weeks ago, I saw Nanci perform in her one woman show "And Baby Makes Two...an Adoption Tale." Written from her heart (maybe even deeper) it is all about her long, funny, sad, frustrating road to adopt her precious son Joshua, who is now eight. I sat there and cried and laughed, and felt that this woman was beyond brave. She was on a mission of love - one that she accomplished. I'll never forget that night.
There are thousands and thousands of single moms by choice. Nanci is one of many, but her persistence stands out. I urge you to read her story. Here's looking at you kid.
Q. How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a mother?
A.
I think I always wanted to be a mother even when I was a little girl. I
dreamed of it and certainly had plan A in mind - you fall in love, you
get married, you have a great honeymoon, great sex, you get pregnant
and then you have a baby. It didn't work out.
Q. Why did you decide to adopt as a single mother?
A.
A prince had not shown up. I had a lot of frogs. Couple of them wanted
to marry me. One I seriously considered - but I really knew these
were not the right men for me. And I kept waiting. I thought he was
going to show up. I got into my late 30's and he wasn't there. So what
was I going to do? It was obvious that I wasn't getting married, at
least right now, but I still wanted to be a mom and I wasn't going to give
that up too because that would be so depressing. I started looking
into what options were available. I decided adoption was the best
choice for me personally.
Q. Did you think adopting a child would be as difficult as it turned out to be for you?
A.
No. I had no idea. I didn't know anything about adoption. I went into
it blind like most other people. I researched international adoption. I
researched domestic adoption. And insemination. Everything available. But
you can't possibly know what the process is going to be until you're in
it. And having grown up the way that I did, I wasn't exposed to certain
elements of society. Of life. I was fairly sheltered. I had no idea.
Q. Tell us about some of the struggles you had, which is what your play is about.
A.
You start the process. You put yourself out there. Your attorney refers
people to you and you start talking to these women, most of them very
young, and they tell you about their lives and their lives are just out
of a TV movie. It's hard to understand. These girls are struggling.
Some are more honest than others. My first experience was with this
girl Christy who lied about her drug use. On my way to Milwaukee her
baby was born, and I found out he was addicted to cocaine. I didn't
adopt the
baby. Then, I went back into the process and had an experience with
Marie and her baby Austin was born very sick and died. I spent a year
after Austen died just really not dealing with anything. Then I was led
to Elizabeth in Tulsa, and she called my attorney six weeks before her
due date, and everything worked out, and I adopted Joshua.
Q. What's it been like raising him alone - financially and every which way?
A.
Financially I am in a very fortunate position. I have money that I
invested years ago and that I've protected so that I can pay my basic
bills without worry. I have a big advantage over other people that
might undertake this, because it is financially draining to be a parent
no matter what your circumstances are - it cost a lot of money to raise
a child. What happens is that you rearrange your priorities. I have a
finite amount of money. You stop doing certain things for yourself
because your child requires certain things. The choice is do I do this
for me or do I do this for my child? I treat myself to certain things
because I need to take care of myself. I am of the belief that if a
human being does not take care of themselves first, they are no service
to anyone else.
Q. You maintained a relationship with Joshua's birth mom, tell us that story.
A.
I did an open adoption and what that means is - you know who the birth
parents are and the birth parents know who you are. You kind of choose
each other. After the baby is born it is really up to you to determine
what kind of relationship you will have as years go on. Because of who
Elizabeth was I wanted to maintain contact and so did she. It wasn't
constant or anything, but present. I have always been very grateful for
that because it allowed Joshua to know who she was, how important she
was to both of us. We owe her a lot. Very sadly, she passed away almost
a year ago. She had liver disease. She was born with it. When you are
poor and you have no medical insurance you don't shoot to the top of
the transplant list.
Q. What do you believe is the underlying message of your play?
A.
Hope and faith. And that your never let anybody else determine how you
live your life. You make that choice. You go after what you want and
you don't let anyone or any statistic tell you, you can't have what you
want.
Q. What advice do you have for any woman thinking about adopting a child?
A.
Go for it. It will be the best thing you ever did. My life has been
altered in a way that is so wondrous and so magical. It's so
empowering. I live my life everyday grateful for the blessing of my
child and the joy that he brings to my life. Even when I am psycho mom
I laugh everyday with him. It's still fun.
Q. Nanci, why do you feel that you are a Spirited Woman?
A.
Because I'm passionate. I won't do anything that I am not passionate
about. And I believe finally in myself and I believe in other people.
And I want to see other people succeed. It is not just my own success
that makes me happy, but I'm happy for a stranger to succeed too
because I think it puts out great energy into the world. And I'm
ballsy. I'll put it out there. You don't have to respond to it, but
I'll put it out there.
THANK YOU NANCI FOR BEING BRAVE AND ADOPTING YOUR HEART.
Nanci truly welcomes hearing from you. She can be reached via email at: skaterqueen7@gmail.com or check out her new website: http://www.andbabymakestwo-anadoptiontale.com
NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES: http://www.TheSpiritedWoman.com/newsletter/. Presently there are 56 past interviews online for you to read.
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SPIRITED WOMAN SPECIAL EVENT
Wed. Jan. 23rd A Low-Fat Cooking Night to Slim Down After the Holidays (Dinner Included) 6:30-9:30pm
GET COOKING SPIRITED WOMAN STYLE! Are you already thinking about sliming down after the holidays?
Well, on January 23, Chef Leslie McKenna, owner of Chefs Inc. is going to show us how. She's cooked for U.S. Presidents and
some of the finest restaurants on the planet. She'll teach us how to cook easy delicious low-fat
cuisine. Ever made Sicilian
Chicken with olives and tomatoes over Orzo pasta? Then we'll eat our
divine meal together - spirited woman style. Limited space. Sign-up now
at : http://www.thespiritedwoman.com/signup/. Or call Nancy at 888-428-1234.
Do you want to sponsor an event? It's a great opportunity to reach spirited women, get better known, and receive great PR. Contact Nancy Mills at 888-428-1234
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SPIRITED WOMAN! PRE-HOLIDAY STORE SPECIAL
BLOW-OUT
freedom scarf sale. We've sold 100's of these fantastic scarves and
we're down to our last few. Period. No more. Nada. We're offering them
at half-off. Yeah.
For half-price special visit: http://www.TheSpiritedWoman.com/spirited_woman_store/.
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UPCOMING SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOPS
This is a year of new beginnings. Treat yourself to an
affirming, inspiring afternoon! Three hours of creative playfulness,
empowerment, and fun. Perfect to start the New Year
with a spirited woman bang.
Led by Nancy Mills, the Creator of the Spirited Woman Approach to Life.
The workshop emphasizes your ALIVENESS and reinforces YOU ARE ENOUGH AS YOU ARE. Great for transitions, movement, networking, fun. Limited to 12 women. Just bring yourself, your mom, best friend, sister, office worker, whomever! Over 800 women across the country have taken the workshop.
Winter 2008 WORKSHOP CALENDAR
SANTA BARBARA
Saturday, February 23, 2008
1-4 pm., Locale: Private Estate TBA to Attendees
LOS ANGELES
Saturday, March 8, 2008
1-4 pm., Black Box Theater, 12420 Santa Monica, WLA
Remember: Take a workshop & you'll get a FREE LINK & a FREE 60-WORD newsletter ad on our website - forever!
For more info on the workshop and to sign up visit:
http://www.TheSpiritedWoman.com/spirited_woman_workshop/. You can also call Nancy Mills at her toll-free number: 888-428-1234 (in Santa Barbara call 805-698-3555) or e-mail her at: NancyMills@TheSpiritedWoman.com.
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 - SEATTLE - CARLSBAD - PHILADELPHIA - KAUAI - SACRAMENTO -
ALEXANDRIA
TELL A FRIEND ABOUT THE WORKSHOPS.
WHY NOT MAKE YOUR CITY NEXT?
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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,
go to our host page and fine out how to do it: http://www.TheSpiritedWoman.com/host_a_workshop/. Or please feel free to call Nancy at 888-428-1234.
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SPIRITED WOMAN CIRCLE
Revealing. Up close & personal. Exclusive. Exciting.
For two years now, we've hosted a "women inspiring women" telechat series - 1-hour conversations - where you get to chat with an array of famous women authors and more.
All past conversations are available for purchase in an MP3 or a CD. We invite you to listen to audio samples at: http://www.thespiritedwoman.com/registration/
Our new series launches in March, 2008 with author/humorist Erika Schickel.
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SPIRITED WOMAN MEDIA COVERAGE
SPIRITED WOMAN IN THE NEWS! To read current articles and listen to interviews please visit our press page at: http://www.TheSpiritedWoman.com/press/.
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THE SPIRITED WOMAN CLUB - LISTING BOARD
NEW FEATURE! Put your picture (OR LOGO OR PRODUCT SHOT) UP WITH YOUR AD.
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 $25 per month per listing or $40 per month with a photo! What a great deal!
Photo rates for workshop attendees is $15 per month with your one free 60-word ad. All additional 60-word ads cost $40 with photo or $25 without photo.
The 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 3,400 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.
Our current ads are featured in the newsletter. More newsletter listings are at: http://www.TheSpiritedWoman.com/newsletter_ad/
FOLLOW
YOUR BLISS - An online global marketplace for the conscientious
consumer. Fair Trade and Eco-Friendly clothing, accessories, jewelry,
artwork, and gifts from cottage industries worldwide offer a unique
inventory and shopping experience targeted to sustainability of
individuals, our environment, cultures, and the cosmos. Old time
customer service from a new age perspective. Free Shipping on qualified
orders. http://www.followyourblissstore.com or by phone at 207-521-0497.
ONE OF THE HOTTEST SHOWS IN LAS VEGAS. More than 6.5 million women
worldwide have seen Thunder from Down Under, voted the "Best Male
Revue" by the Las
Vegas Review Journal. There are also upcoming shows in select US cities
as well. To find out more about Thunder From Down Under and to get
tickets for the show please visit: www.thunderfromdownunder.com or call 800-933-1334.
The Screenwriter Movie
is a must see for every Spirited Woman on the planet. Talk about a
cinema with spirit! This "3-minute balm for the creative soul," will
uplift you. Empower you. Engage you. And help you connect your passion
with the world. Wow. Created by Lisa Phelps Dawes the founder of Sceneplay. To talk with Lisa, please call her
at (425) 957-0641 or e-mail her at lisa@sceneplay.net.
PIECE OF THE PUZZLE AFFIRMATIVE JEWELRY. Puzzle-shaped pewter tokens with I AM on one side and an affirmative word on the other: FEARLESS, UNSTOPPABLE, LOVED and more. Buy them loose or as bracelets and necklaces; 33 words to choose from. Which word describes you? Order online: www.thegoodcheercompany.com.
HAVE
YOU EVER WONDERED HOW it would feel to earn a Six-Figure Income from
the comfort of your home? To have the time freedom to build YOUR
dreams, instead of someone else's? Call and find out if you qualify for
a complimentary copy of: "The Absolute Best Way in the World for Women
to Make Money" by Lorna Rasmussen. Call: Sonia Arce - 619-869-6581 or Bob Cohen 949-640-4422.
INTERESTED IN PERSONAL GROWTH, HOLISTIC HEALTH, SPIRITUALITY AND METAPHYSICS? If you live near Philadelphia/New Hope, go to http://www.SusanDuvalSeminars.com and sign up to receive the weekly newsletter! Spirited Women everywhere, check out the Spirituality Channel http://www.newcenturytv.com/sd
for fabulous programs on the Internet 24/7. Many other channels,
too!! For free LIVE spirit communication readings each Weds at 8:30pm
EST, see http://www.newcenturytv.com/afterlife.
WORKING
WOMEN'S RETIREMENT STRATEGIES - Both Laurie Gaynes-Basile & Dalia
Hayon, joined their practices as Financial Advisors and successful
business owners, to offer planning strategies to women for personal and
business financial needs via free workshops with the goal of educating
women, and guiding them to use well organized and the most efficient
business management techniques. laurie@wwrs.us, dalia@wwrs.us. (866) 785-3100 http://www.wwrs.us.
ASTONISHING HOROSCOPES! 295% MORE ACCURATE. Subscribe for your Amazing Weekly Horoscope from www.AstrologyChick.com.
Learn what the Stars say now! Author and syndicated columnist Aura
Galdriel Wright is available for speaking engagements for your group
or organization. For a Speakers Kit send a blank e-mail to speaker@7MagicKeys.com.
HAIKU HELEN - Shaman-Wizard, truly wise woman doing readings
for over 30 years. Call 808-573-6343. You will feel known, inspired,
and uplifted. "I was blown away by her words." "She's the real deal,
she knows and heals you like no other psychic I know." "After her
reading, I had a complete catharsis - I felt completely free." http://www.haikuhelen.com/palmistry.html. Coming to Maui? Contact her.
ARE YOU LIVING IN BALANCE? - Find out on Life Balance Coach and
Hypnotherapist Barbara Schiffman's new Internet radio show. Download
the weekly show's MP3 files -- including a guided meditation -- at http://www.BigMediaUSA.com
under "Mind Body Spirit YOU." Call Barbara to be a show guest and
share your own Life Balance tips or resources on-air. Info: Barbara@HypnoSynergy.com or 818-415-3479.
THE BEST OF THE BEST - YOUR 2nd HALF OF LIFE. I'm Coach Andrea, certified mid-life coach and personal trainer. Embrace, Explore, Expand, the rest of your life! Achieve and define your goals. Create change, health, wealth, and personal relationships. How do you get there? Visit www.alignmentwithlife.com. Free newsletter, sample session, give a coaching gift.
THE WEALTH & WELLNESS TEAM - I'm really excited to tell you all
about a business that will help you to make money from home simply by
referring customers. This is a Wealth and Wellness Company that sells
eco-friendly products. This is a manufacturing company of consumable
products that do not contain any harmful chemicals. To learn more,
please visit http://www.womensweathandwellness.com/soaperbeth
PLEASE TELL TEN FRIENDS TODAY! The Breast Cancer site is having
trouble getting enough people to click on their site daily to meet
their quota of donating at least one free mammogram a day to an
underprivileged woman. It takes less than a minute to go to their site
and click on "donating a mammogram" for free (pink window in the
middle). This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate
sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate
mammograms in exchange for advertising. Here's the web site. http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/
FEMALE SEXUAL EMPOWERMENT! Expand your passion, deepen your relationships, and live from self-love. Join Dr. Jenn, female sexual empowerment educator, to learn, laugh, and grow. Attend a Sexy Women & Wine Workshop, view the popular online video podcast show In the Den with Dr. Jenn, or connect to your sensuality through private coaching. www.drjennsden.com or jennifer@drjennsden.com.
PARLOR PERFORMANCES - Jeannine Frank's "accidental performing arts series" (now in its 17th 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.
THE FRUGAL EDITOR For all those who want to write better--everything from business letters to manuscripts to white papers--this is the book for you. Released October 1, THE FRUGAL EDITOR makes what might be a dry subject fun. Peter Bowerman, author of the Well-Fed Writer series of books says, "This book is SO needed out there." Find it at: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0978515870/
To find out how to place a listing please visit: http://www.TheSpiritedWoman.com/newsletter_ad/
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Permission is granted to reproduce, copy or distribute 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, January 2008. All rights reserved.
Please Note: The Q&A portion of the newsletter IS NOT available for use in and of itself unless written permission is given by Nancy Mills. Recently someone posted our Q&A on her blog without permission and that is not okay.
THANKS FOR YOUR SPIRIT! SPIRITED WOMEN! AND YOUR SUPPORT!
Nancy Mills
SPIRITED WOMAN
Office Number: 805-698-3555
Toll-Free Number: 888-428-1234
E-Mail Address: NancyMills@TheSpiritedWoman.com
SPIRITED WOMAN Website: http://www.TheSpiritedWoman.com
MySpace Website: http://www.MySpace.com/thespiritedwoman
Privacy Policy: The Spirited Woman Way is to keep our newsletter/mailing list under wraps. It is not for sale even to a goddess.
LET'S HEAR IT FOR SPIRITED WOMEN EVERYWHERE!
The SPIRITED WOMAN Newsletter is meant to be fun, informative, and inspirational. Your free monthly tool to stay connected with other spirited women worldwide. I welcome you forwarding the newsletter to ALL your spirited friends.
PLEASE FORWARD THE NEWSLETTER TO EVERY SPIRITED WOMAN YOU KNOW! Or send them this link: http://www.thespiritedwoman.com/january2008newsletter
