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Transplanting and Zoo Fun!

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Empowerment
Transplanting and Zoo Fun!
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It’s All Happening at the Zoo

By Cynthia Brian

“It’s a light and tumble journey

From the East Side to the park;
Just a fine and fancy ramble to the zoo!” Simon & Garfunkel

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When the squirrels start collecting piles of acorns, and pumpkins, gourds, and squash adorn front porches, we know that autumn has arrived. With the cooler weather, we welcome fresh air and respite from the heat waves. 

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Besides gardening, I have always adored animals (thus, my new children’s book series Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures with the first book, No Barnyard Bullies). When I have an opportunity to meld those two passions together, my heart is grateful and invigorated.

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With my children and their families, I’ve been fortunate to spend time at both the Oakland and San Diego Zoos. 

 

Monkeys, giraffes, elephants, lions, alligators, wolves, bears, zebras, birds, and more exotic creatures from around the globe mingle in the lush landscapes. Ponds, streams, waterfalls, and lily pads add to the natural ambiance. Interestingly, and most likely on purpose, many of the species planted throughout both zoos borrow names from the animal kingdom: birds of paradise, lion’s ear, foxtails, leopard’s bane, zebra plant, snake plant, bear’s breeches, turtlehead, elephant ears, wolfsbane, goose grass, staghorn ferns, and many more. Walking through the tropical rainforest surrounded by tall, thick bamboo, delicate ferns, bromeliads, and orchids while listening to the calls of the wild transports me to my travel memories of tangled jungles and saturated rainforests in Africa and South America.

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Walking the many paths of both zoos is a great way to engage in healthy exercise while fully immersing yourself in the sounds and sights of global nature. Children are mesmerized by the beautiful beasts and enjoy many hands-on exploratory endeavors that contribute to their knowledge of the inhabitants of this earth. The atmosphere is happy and familial. It is all happening at the zoo.

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After a day of celebrating children, animals, and landscapes, it is time to regroup to consider what chores are looming in my paradise. I’m waiting for inclement wet weather to transplant the variegated shell ginger sent to me by the online plant nursery, NatureHills. Spring Meadow Nursery and Proven Winners want me to trial Bouvardia Estrellita and Tecoma Chicklet. Friends gave me a struggling rose in a container which I’ve resuscitated to glory with measured coffee grounds as well as avocado and banana trees. All will be moved to their forever homes as soon as the thermometer allows.

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If you have shrubs, trees, bushes, or other plants in need of transplanting, my suggestion is to be patient and wait until heat waves have passed and rain is on the horizon. After three years of record-breaking drought, California is bracing for a fourth year without adequate snow or rain. If we transplant too early in the fall, our plants may not survive.

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When the time is right for transplanting, here’s what you need to do:

1.     Gather the materials needed: gloves, shovel, wheelbarrow, tarp, enriched soil, mulch, and your plants.

2.     Pre-dig a hole before you take the plant out of the pot or move a plant from another location.  The hole needs to be at least 1.5 times the size of the root ball.

3.     If the shrub is large, cut it back by 1/3 before transplanting to save energy for growing.

4.     Whether digging up a plant or removing it from a container, keep as much soil around the roots as possible.

5.     If moving an existing bush, place it in a tarp or wheelbarrow to keep the root ball intact.

6.     In the new location, double-check that the hole is the correct size. If it is too small, dig it deeper. If it is too large, refill it with soil.

7.     Add a small amount of the new soil to the hole. Position the plant upright and straight and fill the hole with good soil, tapping down as you go to eliminate air pockets.

8.     When the new soil is level with the ground, add two or three inches of mulch.

9.     Water slowly and thoroughly. 

10.  Keep an eye on your new transplant to make sure the soil never dries out yet is not too wet or soggy.

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Now, back to the zoo. When you have a free day, consider a fine and fancy ramble to the zoo. The zoo offers a day of respite from the noise, congestion, and distractions of the concrete jungle. Visit an oasis of serenity and marvel at nature’s magnificence. 

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Mark Your Calendars:

Thursday,  October, 20th, Cynthia Brian presents Water Works to the Moraga Garden Club. https://www.moragagardenclub.com

Wednesday, October 26th, Starstyle® Community, the first NFT drop of one-of-a-kind art derived from characters in Cynthia Brian’s picture book, No Barnyard Bullies. Buy beautiful, collectible NFTs today. https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com

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Read about StarStyle® NFTS:https://blog.voiceamerica.com/2022/10/11/metaverse-meets-be-the-star-you-are-charity/

Photos and More: https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1617/Digging-Deep-with-Goddess-Gardener-Cynthia-Brian-Its-all-happening-at-the-zoo.html

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Cynthia Brian, The Goddess Gardener, is available for hire to help you prepare for your spring garden. Raised in the vineyards of Napa County, Cynthia is a New York Times best-selling author, actor, radio personality, speaker, media and writing coach as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3. Tune into Cynthia’s StarStyle® Radio Broadcast at www.StarStyleRadio.com. Her newest children’s picture book, No Barnyard Bullies, from the series, Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures is available now at www.cynthiabrian.com/online-store  For an invitation to hang out with Cynthia for fun virtual events, activities, conversations, and exclusive experiences, buy StarStyle® NFTs at https://StarStyleCommunity.com 

Hire Cynthia for writing projects, garden consults, and inspirational lectures.

Cynthia@GoddessGardener.com

https://www.GoddessGardener.com

 

 

Metaverse Meets Be the Star You Are! charity

Posted by Cynthia Brian on
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Empowerment
Metaverse Meets Be the Star You Are! charity

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The Metaverse Meets Be the Star You Are!
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MIRACLE MOMENT®

“We are made of star stuff.” Carl Sagan


A MESSAGE FROM FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CYNTHIA BRIAN

cyn-nobarnyard bullies-btsyaDo you have any idea what the metaverse is? Be the Star You Are!® has entered the realm beyond the stars!

Basically the metaverse is an online simulation mimicking the contours of the real world where we live. It is a mix of virtual and augmented realities.

Do I understand it?  No!

Do I want to understand and be a part of it? Yes!

The good news for everyone is that the publisher of my newest book, and first children’s picture book, No Barnyard Buddies, has catapulted us into the metaverse via www.StarStyleCommunity.com with the benefits going to Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 charity through the sales of NFTs.

What are NFTs? Glad you asked because I didn’t know either.

NFT stands for non-fungible token, which is a unique digital asset that is transactionalized through a shared ledger system known as the blockchain.

What is a blockchain?

A blockchain is a digitally distributed ledger that facilitates the process of recording transactions and information across a network. You can think of it as a decentralized or distributed database.

Why should you be interested?

Because only 200 NFTs have been created by the very talented and soon-to-be-a mega-star illustrator, Jensen Russell depicting characters from the new children’s book, No Barnyard Bullies. (Check out her gorgeous art @nowherejen on Instagram!)Through October 25th, these one-of-a-kind art illustrations are discounted to only $89.00 each. Each purchased NFT becomes your golden ticket to enjoy exclusive experiences.

When you purchase an NFT, you become a member of the StarStyle® community. As a member, you are entitled to participate in exciting events exclusive to this community including hangouts, storytelling, book readings, sneak peeks, classes, discussions, and good old down-on-the-farm fun, all virtually from the comfort of your couch.

On October 26th, the price increases and the first 200 NFTS “drop” meaning we get to see what we purchased. Your NFT is collectible, tradeable, and sellable, and best of all you can buy it using a credit card with no crypocurrency involved at https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com

Be the Star You Are!® and the populations of women, families, and youth that we serve reap the profits. Everyone wins!

Because I want to be in the metaverse, I bought these NFTS and I can’t wait to see what art I purchased on October 26th.

The book, No Barnyard Bullies, has been a mega sensation and we’ve had to order hundreds more copies to fill the orders. Make sure you get your copies and tell your friends. Visit https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store and let me know how you want the books autographed. If you want to buy 30 or more copies, shoot me an email because you’ll get a better deal.

Listen to Encouraging the Arts with special guest artist and illustrator, Jensen Russell. Hosted by Maggie with reporters  Sharanya and Keerthi, discover how an art career begins in this creative hour on Express Yourself! Teen Radio.https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/139697/encouraging-the-arts-with-illustrator-jensen-russell

Listen to segment one of StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!® to find out more about No Barnyard Bullies and the StarStyle Community on   https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/139582/no-barnyard-bullies-amazon-rainforest-teacher-burnout

Read about No Barnyard Bullies: https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1615/New-childrens-book-addresses-complex-issues-of-kindness-and-inclusivity.html

Read below for just a few of the upcoming exclusive experiences awaiting you when you buy an NFT benefitting Be the Star You Are!® Visit the facts page for answers to your questions!

Thanks so much for your ongoing support! The metaverse is exciting!

Jump in!

We are made of star stuff!

With gratitude,

Cynthia Brian

Founder/Executive Director

Be the Star You Are!®

PO Box 376

Moraga, California 94556

Cynthia@BetheStarYouAre.org

https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org

http://www.BTSYA.org

DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

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EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES @ STARSTYLE® NFT COMMUNITY

t-shirt_btsya_outlinesYour StarStyle® NFT purchase is your golden ticket into the fun, fabulous, and fantastic world of nature, animals, books, art, and inspiration.

https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com

Here are a few of the exclusive experiences that await you:

  • October 5th 2022 – NFT Pre-Sale
    NFT Pre-Sale launches with 10% discount on purchases
  • October 26th 2022 – NFT DROP
    First Barnyard Bullies NFT DROP
  • Saturday, November 12th 4-6pm PT – In-Person Book Signing
    In-Person Book Signing at Point Richmond Art Gallery, 145 West Richmond Avenue, Point Richmond, California, 94801. Come meet Cynthia, enjoy refreshments, and FREE gift to NFT holders.
  • Sunday, November 6th 1pm PT/4pm ET – First ZOOM hangout with Cynthia Brian and Special Guest
    First ZOOM hangout with Cynthia Brian and special guest, illustrator Jensen Russell. Find out the true story about the animals behind the book No Barnyard Bullies and how the illustrator interpreted the events. Ask questions and get answers.
  • Monday, November 21st 2pm PT/5pm ET – “Thanksgiving is Everyday”
    “Thanksgiving is Everyday” Zoom discussion about how to be grateful with Cynthia Brian
  • Sunday, December 18th 4pm PT/7pm ET – Virtual Wine Experience and class
    Virtual Wine Experience and class with Sommelier Heather Brittany
  • January 2023 – ZOOM Sneak peek of next book in the Stella Bella series
    ZOOM Sneak peek of next book in the Stella Bella series. Learn how you can have the opportunity to name a character in the book or dedicate the book to someone you love.
  • February 2023 – Share the love.
    Share the love. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, Cynthia will be reading from one of her books.



THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

BTSYA-Banner-Logo copy 2Be the Star You Are! 501 c3

PO Box 376
Moraga, Ca. 94556

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