Issue # 64
CIRCULATION: 3,752 (and growing!)
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CONTENTS
- Spirited Woman Quote
- Editor's Spirited Message
- New! Sponsor of the Month - Emerita
- Spirited Woman Circle - Laurel Touby
- Spirited Woman Q & A - Tracy Pleva-Hill
- Spirited Woman Special Events
- Spirited Woman! Store Special
- Upcoming Spirited Woman Workshops
- Press & Media Room
- Join the Spirited Woman Club - Get a Free Listing
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SPIRITED WOMAN QUOTE
"Inspiration comes in all forms and is very often at its brightest after overcoming challenges and fears." - Nancy Mills
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EDITOR'S MESSAGE
Welcome to the world of SPIRITED WOMANHOOD.
Things are fantastic in Spirited Woman Land, i.e. why I titled the newsletter "Fantastic News."
Our Spirited Woman Blogger Team
is taking the world by storm. Thousands a week are reading our posts on
everything from plastic shoes to a tribute to the spirited Estelle
Getty. To keep you fully informed on what the team is writing about - I
will be sending out a weekly Blogger News Bulletin. Yeah!
Plus,
I'm beyond excited to announce our first ever Spirited Woman Video
Contest. We're breaking the news August 6th on our blog. Great chance
to express your Spirited Woman self, win cash, prizes, and have fun!!!
A
BIG THANKS to Emerita for sponsoring this newsletter and to the
extraordinary Tracy Pleava-Hill for her interview. You MUST read her
inspiring story.
As always, I would like to thank you for your support, comments, enthusiasm, and friendship. I genuinely look forward to meeting you (again or for the first time) at Spirited Woman activities. For those of you new to the newsletter, I'd also 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
Emerita, a woman-owned company making personal health products for women for over 30 years. Read more about our dynamic sponsor at: 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 CIRCLE
Our 1-hour tele-chats are 1st Tuesday of the month (through October) We're almost sold out on this one. Come, join us, it will be very info-inspirational.
Media Dynamo, Cyberhostess - LAUREL TOUBY August 5, 10 am PST, 1pm EST
A total media insider, Laurel is one of the few women to become a networking millionaire.
She started her successful career as a freelance journalist for such publications as Glamour and Business Week.
Laurel's literally redefined "community" combining off-line cocktail parties with on-line sales.
Laurel rarely does interviews! Please join us. This is a rare treat.
Tele-chats are first Tuesday of the month (through October) at 10 am PST. $15/each or save $$$ with series special.
Sign-up now at: http://www.thespiritedwoman.com/spirited_woman_circle
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SPIRITED WOMAN Q & A
Tracy Pleva-Hill
We all know about Facebook,
the social networking site that brings people together. Well, long
story short, Tracy Pleva-Hill is one of my Facebook friends. When I saw
that picture of Tracy standing next to her motorcycle, I was so taken
by her spirit that I reached out to her. I've rarely done that with my
Facebook friends or most people for that matter. And I must stay my
instincts were right.
I later found out that Tracy, who lives in Flemington, New Jersey with her husband Jeff and son Jason, is one of the bravest, most spirited women on the planet. At the age of 32, Tracy was diagnosed with Stage IIb, triple negative breast cancer - one year after Jason's birth. Since then, for eight years now, she has been fighting for her life and winning the battle.
Tracy is a true survivor, mother, wife, PR professional at the MCS agency, and heroine of her own courageous, passionate life story. Her attitude about life is incredible. Normally, I do a Q&A with my interview subjects, but I received an e-mail from Tracy that so touched and moved me, that I am including it in its entirety below. Tracy is an inspirational gift to us all - and I urge you to support her and to continue following her story at her blog: http://fstage4.blogspot.com/
The Damn Disease
I was
diagnosed with Stage IIb, triple negative breast cancer in 2000 at the
age of 32. For a full account of this experience, you can go Here.
Ten
months after completing my treatment (mastectomy, reconstruction and 8
rounds of chemo) I discovered enlarged lymph nodes around my collar
bone. My disease had progressed to Stage IV. Since then, I have been on
some form of chemotherapy to try and manage my disease. In that time,
I've experienced other progressions and have had to change treatments
several times. I have had mets to my brain three times (most recently
identified in April and obliterated in May via Gamma Knife, a radiation
therapy), and this crap loves my lymph nodes. I have had CyberKnife
therapy, another form of radiation, to pulmonary nodes in my chest, and
just this week, nodes around my opposite collar bone. I also apparently
have a lung nodule. This is a new and scary involvement for me.
In
addition to dealing with my cancer, in late 2006 I developed an ITP --
idiopathic thombocytic pupura. Which essentially means, your platelets
are disappearing and we don't know why. I've developed some sort of
antibody against my own platelets. My bone marrow makes them, the
antibody eats them. If your platelets are too low, you cannot get
chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is all I have. So, this has been a very
distressing ride for me as I have spent the better part of the past
year NOT getting treated for my disease.
Things are looking up
right now. Thanks to steroids (UGH) and a new ITP drug, my platelets
have rebounded and I started chemo again last week. I was VERY excited!
My doctors and I are working very hard to find a balance so we can
continue to treat my disease as appropriate while not killing my
platelets. It's been a challenge.
My Family and Friends
Jeff
and Jason are my life. I live for them. I want them to have as normal
an existence as possible. Hell, I want to have as normal an existence
as possible. Jason has never known me as anyone but a person with
cancer. He's sat on my lap as a toddler while I've received infusions
and now that he is older, he is friendly with my doctors and nurses.
Cancer and marriage? That's a hard one. I am blessed in that my husband
is my best friend and our love is solid. But this disease has ravaged
our relationship in many ways and I feel very, very cheated by it.
After all this time... I still feel ripped off. However, there is love,
support and happiness in our home. It's the best gift I have.
I
am also lucky to have fantastic parents and sisters. There has never
been any question about support from my family. It's there. It always
has been. My friends, as well, are terrific. I have never gone through
the negative experience of having someone drop by the wayside because
of my disease. Blessed, blessed, blessed.
Work
I have been a public relations professional for nearly 20 years. While
always an account person, the complications of my disease over the past
years has made it very difficult for me to be a reliable contact for
clients. My agency, MCS, has been enormously supportive and
accommodating of me throughout all of it. Although I can no longer
manage account teams my skills have been transferred to an HR roll,
which is something that our agency needed but was not fully addressed.
In my new role, I have more flexibility with my time and can still help
the agency and the fabulous people who work there achieve their best.
MCS is a privately held company that focuses solely on health care.
Considering how much of my life is tied up in health care, you can
imagine my happiness at being able to work at a shop like this. And,
yes, I work full time. In fact, I have never not worked full time
during this experience except for when I had my mastectomy, and this
past Dec - Mar when I took disability to get focus on getting my ITP
under control. (More about that below.) You can find out more about MCS
here: http://www.mcspr.com.
Organizations
Early in my cancer experience, I was heavily involved with the Young Survival Coalition http://www.youngsurvival.org.
In fact, I appear in a few of their support views: Fighting for Our
Future and The Beautiful 8 (about living with metastatic disease).
After my metastatic dx, I found I needed to pull back from my volunteer
and advocacy work. But, I am still very much in touch with them and the
founders of this fantastic organization. They paved the way for
building awareness about young women and breast cancer as well as
living with metastatic disease.
Last year, I participated in
Amazon Heart Thunder UK. It was a 10-day motorcycle ride through
Scotland and England with 20 other women breast cancer survivors. It
was truly a life changing experience for me and I would go on for pages
about it if you give me a chance. If you want me to tell you more, let
me know. You can find Amazon Heart here: http://www.amazonheart.org.
What Do I Like?
Being
with my family. Working. Being independent. Motorcycles (although I
just sold mine this year and miss it TERRIBLY. But, since I am having
problems with my platelets, it's probably not a good idea for me to be
ripping around on a sport bike with no ability to clot), reading when I
can. Being with friends. The ocean. The simple pleasures, with some
special luxuries thrown in because I deserve them!
Why Do I feel that I am a Spirited Woman?
I
am a Spirited Woman because I draw upon the power that I have within me
to live the best life that I possibly can with metastatic breast
cancer. I acknowledge the challenge I face and the difficulties that
breast cancer places in my life. But I work very hard not to allow it
to consume me. And for each attack it launches upon me, I retaliate. I
reassess my strategy and develop a new plan. I make cancer fight for
every little thing it takes from me. I do not give cancer any credit
for bringing positive things to my life. I create the good in my life.
Any strength or courage that people might see in me is mine.
THANK YOU TRACY FOR GIFTING US ALL WITH YOUR LIFE
Tracy welcomes hearing from you. She invites you to follow her continuing story at http://fstage4.blogspot.com/.
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SPIRITED WOMAN SPECIAL EVENT
A place to mingle, express your creativity, imagination, and have FUN TOGETHER.
Thurs. Aug. 14 - Gallery Row Downtown Art Walk
6:30-8:30 pm (no host drinks/dinner post walk). Join us for the hippest
and best way to experience the LA art scene. This is going to be such a
fun event. As a gift to you we're now charging $25. You'll save $10!!
Sun. Sept. 21 - An Astrology Walk in the Park with Aura Galdriel Wright
11-1pm Explore secrets of Fall Equinox with astrologer Aura Gadriel
Wright, She'll talk about nature cycles, seasons, divine feminine. Join
us for a deep breathe of fresh astrological air. Moderate 1-hour walk
with circle to follow. $25
To sign-up visit: http://www.thespiritedwoman.com/events or call Nancy at 888-428-1234.
For more upcoming events visit our NEW SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR. Please bookmark this page. http://www.thespiritedwoman.com/events
We now offer a BEST BUY BUDDY RATE for our events. You'll save $10 if you sign-up with a friend! You can sign up online and via phone 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! STORE
We're looking for new colorful lifestyle products for your store. Got any ideas, suggestions, products? Contact Nancy Mills@thespiritedwoman.com.
Visit: http://www.TheSpiritedWoman.com/spirited_woman_store/.
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SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Over 800 women across the country have taken the workshop.
We're on a break. New dates announced fall.
For more info on the workshop 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 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 3,700 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.
Our current ads are featured in the newsletter. More newsletter listings are at: http://www.TheSpiritedWoman.com/newsletter_ad/
Lovers come and go, spouses and partners never seem to understand, and
sooner or later, the kids grow up and leave home, but our girlfriends
sustain, nurture, and protect us from cradle to grave. Friends on a
Rotten Day by Hazel Dixon-Cooper explores these supportive, sometimes
complex and, often, uproarious relationships through an in-depth
astrological analysis of each Sun sign. http://www.weiserbooks.com
SUZAN STARLER, founder and owner of Star Chiropractic and Nutrition
Clinic would like to offer all spirited women a $50 discount toward
your initial consultation with her. To schedule your appointment at
either her Malibu or Santa Monica office, call 310- 587-2150. For more
information, visit her website: http://www.drstarler.meta-ehealth.com/
THE WOMEN'S TRAVEL CLUB - Since 1992, one of the oldest and largest
international travel clubs for discerning women. Specializing in small
groups, personalized service, value pricing, and special attention to
solos. Spa weekends, European destinations and exotic locales on all 5
continents. Join WTC and get dual membership in our renowned affiliate,
Club ABC Tours! Call 800-480-4448 or visit www.womenstravelclub.com.
NOW
IS THE TIME for women to understand their finances! Carolyn Gialamas
from Financial Fitness Training can help. Carolyn coaches many women on
how to set-up spending plans and put their finances in better shape!
She is offering Spirited Women a FREE 20-minute phone/e-mail
consultation. You can contact her at 714-767-4399 or email her at at financial-fitness@sbcglobal.net. http://www.financialfitnesstraining.com
BARBARA SCHIFFMAN helps women balance their whole life. She's offering a free
30-min.
hypno-coaching phone session to energize your body/mind/heart/soul. To
schedule your private session call her at 818-415-3479 or email her
with your full name, city/state, and phone number at: Balance@HypnoSynergy.com. For more info on Barbara, please visit http://www.HypnoSynergy.com.
Do you have a roadmap for reaching and maintaining your optimal weight? FREE Teleclass introduction to a completely different, thoroughly enjoyable, and totally personalized (that's why this path works and diets don’t) way to get to the body you love. What better time than Fall to fall in love with you!? Saturday, September 6. 8am PST. Register today at http://soulincorporated.net/soul_incorporated_body.html.
It's possible to never worry, fight or struggle about money again! Visit www.TheMoneyKeys.com
for your FREE audio 'Three Questions You Must Ask to Make Powerful
Money Choices' by Karen Russo, author of The Money Keys: Unlocking
Peace, Freedom and Real Financial Power. Find transformational tools
for escaping the Money Traps of Scarcity, Superstition and Survival
Mode. You deserve it!
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.
Looking for a safe, supportive place to explore personal story for
stage, page or screen? Stacie Chaiken’s WHAT’S THE STORY? WORKSHOP for
writers and performers offers Spirited Woman a $50 discount on the fall
session, beginning September 8. With group meetings in Santa Monica and
Downtown LA, the workshop focuses on crafting personal (not necessarily
autobiographical) story. 310.450.1312 • http://www.whatsthestoryLA.com
MORE MOXIE THAN MONEY, a book by Bernice Davidson. Do you know a woman
who wants to be in business for herself? Buy her this book! Three women
sequentially ran a business for 50 years and kept it strong, relevant
and vibrant. Each began without financial resources. See how they did
it. Available online at www.trafford.com/07-1654
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? www.alignmentwithlife.com. Free newsletter, sample session, give a coaching gift.
A LIFE OF MY OWN: An Expressive Art Workshop for Women, Sat., Aug. 23, 2008, 1-5pm. Explore the experience of aloneness using art, poetry and sharing. Women can feel alone while in a relationship, as a single woman, a single parent, widowed or divorced or when a child leaves home. Facilitator: Victoria Van Zandt, MA Registered Marriage & Family Therapist & Art Therapist. West LA/Santa Monica, CA 310-922-3957.
SEE www.thegoddessnetwork.net for Oneness Blessing/Deeksha Programs with Rev. Dr. Charlene M. Proctor! She is the founder of The Goddess Network, an on-line educational resource for topics on spiritual growth, positive thinking, and Oneness. The Goddess Network inspires women to rediscover their own ability to lead authentic lives. Her affirmations, lectures, and electronic programs reach a worldwide audience daily.
FIFTY-FIFTY LEADERSHIP is a nonprofit promoting women's equal
leadership. Our Leadership Circles program helps you hone your
leadership skills. Sign up for our Free newsletter today to find out
about how and where women are leading and making a difference, and
events and programs you can participate in and contribute to. Email pfield@5050Leadership.org or call 818-243-232
FUNDS FOR WRITERS is a springboard for writers seeking grants, contest, markets and publishers for their craft. Newbies and seasoned writers subscribe to the four newsletters that educate and entertain. A Writer's Digest 101 Best WEB Sites for Writers winner for seven years running. http://www.fundsforwriters.com
PARLOR PERFORMANCES (Jeannine Frank's "accidental performing arts series" -- now in its 18th year!) presents comedy, cabaret, authors & more (from the historical to the hysterical!) in West LA -- and also books entertainment & speakers for fundraisers, conventions & private parties. For calendar, roster & more: Jeannine@FrankEntertainment.com or 310-476-6735. 15% discount to all performances for Spirited Woman with advance RSVP!
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, August 2008. All rights reserved.
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
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.
