The Greatness of a Community

Posted by

Cynthia Brian on March 14, 2023

Miracle Moment®

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” Coretta Scott King

A Message from Founder/Executive Director, Cynthia Brian

With the number of recent storms and blizzards, including atmospheric rivers, floods, and unprecedented amounts of snowfall, it is easy to complain about the weather.

Then we turn on the news to witness the devastating war in Ukraine, the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, and the horrific treatment of women in Iran and Afghanistan. Complaints turn to awe as spectacles of citizen’s strength, resilience, and community emerge as the dominant energy in survival.

We need a kinder and more inclusive world. Every individual deserves dignity, peace, and safety. It takes courage to right a wrong and stand up for truth. Because of the young people who are stepping up to create change, I have hope that together we will design a world where stability and empathy reign.

The teen volunteers of Be the Star You Are!® employ their voices and their actions to make a positive difference through our radio broadcasts and outreach projects. These smart and brave adolescents say “YES” to life. Read their stories below.

Starting next month, Be the Star You Are!® in collaboration with 5 A Rent-a-Space and Mark Hoogs State Farm Insurance, will launch a shoe drive to collect clean, wearable shoes to be shipped to 24 impoverished countries to lift women and families out of poverty by providing them with a micro-enterprise that will give them a living wage. If you have shoes you no longer want, we have the people who need them. Save them for our BTSYA shoe drive.

On April 29th, with generous sponsorship by MB Jessee Painting and Dr. Brian Sheaff Family Dentistry, Be the Star You Are!® will host a booth at the Moraga Faire with free activities for kids including planting seeds fas a metaphor for planting the seeds of literacy. This is a day of fun for the entire family and we hope to see you there.

St Patrick’s Day will be celebrated on Friday, March 17th, and we wish everyone the luck of the Irish and blessings from the Emerald Isle.

March 20th heralds the first day of spring. I propose we spring forward with kindness, love, inclusivity, and empathy.

Compassionate actions of a community will alter the global climate. We can all be change makers. Start today!

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

For elevated empowerment, tune in to StarStyle® Be the Star You Are!® Radio Broadcasts, available wherever you listen to your radio shows or podcasts! More info at https://www.StarStyleRadio.com .

Teens Prepare for Moraga Faire

The last Morage Faire was held in 2019 as the pandemic stopped all in-person events. On Saturday, April 29th, the celebration begins anew and Be the Star You Are!® is thrilled to participate! Teen chairpersons are Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio host Ruhani Chhabra and volunteer Taylin Tyhurst with sponsorship generously provided by MB Jessee Painting and Dr. Brian Sheaff Family Dentistry. Free activities for kids including planting seeds, a reading circle, and crafts plus book signing and free potpourri and cookies! We welcome you!

Mark your calendars for April 29th as this is a very fun, family faire!

Moraga Faire: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/copy-of-events

MB Jessee Painting Sponsor with Teen Chairpersons

Courage

By Ella Kalpakjian

In February, I went on a trip through the Sojourn Project where I learned about the civil rights movement. I had the opportunity to meet people involved in the movement and experienced history coming to life as I listened to each person’s story. One person I met was Gwen Web; she marched as a child in the Birmingham Children’s March, a demonstration by children to end segregation. They were met with attack dogs and firehoses before being sent to jail. However, their actions paid off, and they pushed President John F. Kennedy to create the Civil Rights Act which eventually ended segregation. The children never used violence, but simply fought for their rights. Just like the children, we all have to stand up for what is right and remember that every action counts. Anyone can make a difference because, as Gwen Webb told us, “Even kids can make presidents act.”

Ella Kalpakjian is a teen volunteer for BTSYA, serving as the Teen Chairperson for our Shoe Drive. Ella is passionate about human rights. In her free time, she can be found drawing, reading, or learning about history.

The Power of Literacy: Why Learning to Read Early Matters

By Dheeraj Manda

A fundamental ability that enables people to access information, communicate with others, and participate fully in society is literacy. It enables people to comprehend written language, communicate their thoughts and ideas, and arrive at wise decisions.

Early literacy instruction is essential for a child’s overall development. Children’s understanding of the world around them, as well as their imagination and creativity, are all boosted by reading proficiency. Additionally, it enhances their cognitive abilities, such as their capacity for memory, concentration, and problem-solving.

Reading is essential for kids to succeed academically. According to studies, students who are proficient readers are more likely to receive higher grades across the board, not just in English. Children who read for enjoyment also have better vocabularies, spelling, and grammatical skills.

The advantages of literacy, though, go beyond academic achievement. For one to develop personally and find fulfillment, one must read. It can increase knowledge, broaden perspectives, and foster empathy. Additionally, reading can help people cope with stress, lower anxiety, and enhance their mental health. Unfortunately, not all kids get the chance to start reading at a young age. The development of a child’s literacy can be hampered by a variety of factors, including poverty, lack of access to books, and scarce educational resources. As a society, we must place a high value on literacy and make sure that every child has the chance to learn to read. The lives of children and their communities can be significantly improved by funding programs for early childhood education, ensuring that books are available, and supporting literacy initiatives.

In conclusion, learning to read at an early age and promoting literacy is vital for personal, academic, and societal growth. It is our responsibility to ensure that every child has the opportunity to develop their literacy skills and reach their full potential.

Dheeraj Manda, a high school student, is a teen book reviewer and research with Be the Star You Are!® charity.

Barnyard Lessons in an Online World”

By Julia Howe

He swaggers in, baseball cap hanging sloppily on head, ominously cracking his knuckles, ready to terrorize the unsuspecting students. This was the formidable figure introduced to us through our favorite 2000s-era high school movies, the schoolyard menace in our picture-books, the teenage tormentor our parents warned us about. We were taught that this kid was the bully.

By now as you look across the playground, the lunch-money shakedown artists are nowhere to be seen. Where have they gone? The answer: they have migrated to the internet. Today, children are attacked not in front of adults or even other children but from the screens they stare into, alone in their rooms. And the frightened kids driven to bullying remain unseen, unknown and unloved, hiding in cyberspace.

Speaking to students who have experienced “cyberbullying,” I felt their terror and helplessness. “I’m so scared all the time because no matter where I am, I’m always vulnerable. People can hurt me through my instagram and I have no idea who they are.” And it’s not just a few students. In 2018, Pew Research Center found that nearly half of teenagers have been victims of cyberbullying–in other words, most kids have experienced online bullying, your siblings, your friends, your classmates.

In Cynthia Brian’s beautiful children’s book, No Barnyard Bullies, a book about using love to combat bullying, we meet Cookie, a pampered piglet brought into a world miles away from a sheltered existence in the city. Cookie immediately starts being cruel to the other animals, refusing to accept their friendship. When we face the unknown, we scramble to defend ourselves, whether through causing mischief in the new barn, or taking to our phones to retaliate.

In the book, Monet, the rabbit does something inspiring, he notices. He not only notices how Tripod the goat is being treated, he also sees how anxious Cookie is and how that’s driving her to act out. I invite all of us to be like Monet, the rabbit who not only stood up for the other animals, but also taught Cookie how to lower her defenses and be loving.

As bullying becomes increasingly harder to see and more adolescents turn to bullying, it becomes more important to notice our friends, how their behavior might be a reflection of what they’re facing online or what they’re doing online. In this changing technological world, our empathy becomes key. When you notice your loved ones acting differently, reach out to them and be a listener.your empathy and remind them of your support. By listening and opening our hearts, we will be able to support our loved ones when they need us most, in real life and on the internet.

Julia Howe is a teen volunteer with Be the Star You Are!® who loves to read and write. She is passionate about youth mental health and literacy. She loves exploring innovative education methods and running long distances.

Julia Howe and the book, No Barnyard Bullies

SHOE DRIVE to Support Women in Developing Countries

In collaboration with 5 A-Rent-a Space and Mark Hoogs State Farm Insurance, with teen chairperson Ella Kalpakjian and other volunteers, Be the Star You Are!® charity is launching its first shoe drive.

The shoes we collect are shipped to micro-entrepreneurs, mostly women, in developing countries. These shoes are then sold by these small business owners in communities in need of proper footwear, at an inexpensive price. Additionally, micro-entrepreneurs create a path out of poverty for themselves and others in countries where they are limited. In many cases, the difference between being able to get a job and feed your family or have no work opportunity is a pair of shoes.

What Shoes are Accepted:

All clean, wearable shoes, boots, work boots, and baby shoes are wanted. No skates, ski or snowboard boots, or rollerblades can be taken.

Countries Shipped to:
Benin* Botswana* Cambodia* Chile* Dominican Republic* Eastern Europe* El Salvador* Ghana* Guatemala* Haiti* Honduras* India* Ivory Coast* Jordan* Moldova* Morocco* Nicaragua* Pakistan* Peru* Philippines* Poland* Tanzania* Togo* Ukraine*

DATES for Shoe Drives:

High Schools in Moraga spearheaded by Ella Kalpakjian and Oakland organized by Natalie Hsu will have collection boxes beginning in April.

Collection boxes will be available from May 1-June 30 at these two retail locations. Stop by to drop off your shoes.

Mark Hoogs State Farm Insurance
629 Moraga Road
Moraga, CA 94556-221
925-254-3344
www.TeamHoogs.com

5 A Rent-A-Space
455 Moraga Rd. #F
Moraga ca 94556-2208
925) 631-7000
https://5aspace.com

This is a win/win/win outreach project that costs you nothing but has huge impact for those living in poverty. Your compassionate participation makes the difference.

Spring Forward with Empathy and Kindness and Change the World for the Better!

For more information, visit https://www.bethestaryouare.org/shoedriv

SIMPLE WAYS TO HELP!

Spring is time to stock up on gifts for holidays forthcoming. We have suggestions for you to shop, save, and stay safe. Please use these web sites for all of your shopping essentials.

1. Discounted books at Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/shops/be_the_star_you_are_charity

2. Giving Assistant: Shop. Earn. Give! Use Giving Assistant to earn cash at 3500+ popular online stores :https://givingassistant.org/np#be-the-star-you-are-inc

3. Shop at over 1300 stores on IGIVE: http://www.iGive.com/BTSYA

4. Buy “Read, Lead, Succeed” black tanks and books at StarStyle® Store:

http://www.starstylestore.net/

https://www.cynthiabrian.com/online-store — Books by cynthia Brian

5. Are you a gamer, lover of new software, or other digital content? Buy all of your favorites at Humble Bundle. http://ow.ly/cYs130iN6n4 e

Happy St. Patrick’s Day and Happy Spring! Dream, create, make a difference! Thank you for reading!

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Love Not Bullying

Posted by

Cynthia Brian on February 13, 2023

Empowerment

Love Versus Bullying

Share Your Heart!

Cynthia Brian

18 hr ago

Miracle Moment®

“Do not waste time bothering whether you

“love” your neighbor; act as if you did. . .

When you are behaving as if you loved someone

you will presently come to love him.” ~ C.S Lewis

A Message from Founder/Executive Director, Cynthia Brian

February…the month that Cupid shoots an arrow of love and acceptance and everyone becomes kind to one another. Except, that is not the case. As much as we talk about love and being loving, fear, hate, and bullying persist, often with deadly consequences.

A couple of months ago, my newest children’s book, No Barnyard Bullies, was published with proceeds benefitting Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 charity. It is a true story that revolves around three main animals: a pampered piglet, a three-legged goat, and a tiny lopped-eared rabbit. The pampered piglet was adopted into my barnyard and immediately stared terrorizing the little goat who was born with only three legs. The additional barnyard inhabitants of chickens, ducks, geese, goats, and rabbits feared this new addition and didn’t help Tripod, the goat, or intervene to stop the bullying. One day the tiniest bunny of the bunch decided he was going to stand up to the bully in the barnyard. I had never seen a rabbit fight, but Monet, the bunny, was fearsome. Every time that Cookie, the piglet, attempted to harm Tripod, the goat, Monet flew into action to stop him. Monet began guarding Tripod day and night until the other barnyard critters stood up to the mean piglet as well. Cookie learned that if she wanted to assimilate into this new world, she would have to be kind and loving. It took time, but today, Cookie is a humungous hog and the sweetest animal in the barnyard, even giving piggyback rides to all of her new friends.

Bullies are made, they are not born mean and spiteful. Bullying doesn’t just appear, it emerges. When children grow up in an environment where criticism, insults, mockery, physical abuse, or a lack of empathy are present, instead of being loving individuals, they may grow up to be bullies, bystanders, or in some cases, the victims of bullying. Children respond to the dominant parenting style they experience.

As parents, caregivers, educators, coaches, and others who interact with children, it is our responsibility to model behavior that is loving, kind, inclusive, and respectful. We have the power to intercede before bullying occurs to help our children learn healthy ways of interacting with others. No person needs to be a bully, a bystander, or a victim.

We must all stand up for love.

I have learned numerous lessons from being observant of the animal kingdom. When love is the principal ingredient, everyone prospers. Life is sweeter and peaceful.

This week I was interviewed by Florida’s most popular garden expert, Teresa Watkins, on the issue of bullying. Tune in at https://audioboom.com/posts/8245921-better-lawns-and-gardens-hour-2-cynthia-brian-no-barnyard-bullies-february-11-2023.

Let’s stop bullying, be empathetic, and share the love.

Remember: Love yourself first.

Have a Happy Valentine’s Day.

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

Sponsor Books to Prevent Bullying

Would you like to do your part to stop bullying behavior? Be the Star You Are!® is seeking sponsors to buy the book, No Barnyard Bullies, in bulk at a discount to be distributed to schools and organizations. Our Kindness Coordinator, Karen Kitchel, bought books for every child in a kindergarten class and the teacher created a lesson around the theme. The result was kids cared more for one another. If you would like to scatter kindness and sponsor books for a school or organization of your choice, please email Cynthia Brian at cynthia@BetheStarYouAre.org for more information. Let’s spread love not hate.

Moraga Faire is Returning on April 29th

The last Morage Faire was held in 2019 as the pandemic stopped all in-person events. But, it will again be a day of celebration on Saturday, April 29th, and Be the Star You Are!® charity is excited to participate. If you want to participate in our booth by volunteering or sponsoring, contact us! We welcome you! Mark your calendars as this is a very fun, family faire!

When Quiet is not Peace

By Natalie Hsu

I grew up as a quiet child. And yet, I would never have described myself as quiet.

I didn’t speak often, but I lived in my head and was always lost in my thoughts. Had you asked me back then for the reason, I would have said that the world in my brain was simply a more interesting place. The only issue was, the people around me mistook my silence for a stubborn peacefulness and assumed me to be impenetrably calm. They didn’t know that everything in my head was always loud and confusing, swarming with thoughts that I never felt I could express.

From that period of my life, I learned that quietness does not always signify peace. As we face the world today, we must remember: peace is not the absence of violence or sound, but the presence of kindness and love; peace is not living without tumult, but living despite it and helping others to do the same.

It starts with one. One heart, one smile, one kind word, one book, that might spread the peace a little further.

Natalie Hsu is a teenage writer who volunteers with BTSYA from the San Francisco Bay Area whose goal is to spread kindness, one word at a time. When she’s not writing, she loves playing the piano, reading classic literature, and painting.

Amazon Smile Terminating

Along with other numerous grassroots nonprofits, Be the Star You Are!® was saddened to learn that the Amazon Smile program is ending on February 20th. Although Amazon gave a tiny percentage of each Amazon Smile purchase to the designated charity, pennies added to dollars. You have a few more days to shop through Amazon Smile while donating. Going forward, another great option for your purchases is to use IGIVE where over 2000 stores are featured with extra savings coupons for you. They are currently offering a $5.00 bonus donation through March 1. https://www.iGive.com/BTYSA

Reading in Community

by Julia Howe

Google “book communities,” and over 2,020,000,000 results appear.

You’re just one *click* away from reading “alone” to reading “together.”

Welcome to the online bookworm community, where millions of avid readers swap insights about everything from The Great Gatsby to the newest Percy Jackson! Places like Litsy are brimming with book clubs built by book lovers scattered across the globe, all embarking on a shared journey through the pages.

Stop by a site for burnt-out bookworms challenging each other to a Bronte-A-Day book challenge. Skim Goodreads reviews, each gushing bibliophile inviting you into new reading adventures.

Recently, I discovered the user who had completely changed the way I saw Dune was from Amsterdam. 5000+ miles bridged by a discussion between two voracious readers.

Bookhounds thrive in these communities, diverse in background but connected by a shared love of good books. Make 2023 your mission to enter this new world of reading!

Julia Howe is a teen reader, BTSYA Book Reviewer, and writer, passionate about youth mental health and literacy. She loves exploring innovative education methods and running long distances.

Be the Star You Are!® Honored as TOP NONPROFIT for 2023

For numerous consecutive years, Be the Star You Are!® has earned the honor of being a TOP NON PROFIT. Read what the public, donors, and volunteers are saying about their experiences in collaborating with Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3. Join our Community of Stars! Congratulations to all! Small and mighty!

Do You Want to Help? Here are lots of ways to make a difference.

Send a tax-deductible contribution or offer a monetary tribute or memorial for a loved one.
Buy our “Read, Lead, Succeed!” T-Shirts to give as gifts.

Donate air miles
Sponsor or advertise on our radio programs

Donate goods that can be auctioned off at an event
Make BTSYA a beneficiary of your UNITED WAY donation
Sponsor an event making the charitable beneficiary
Buy or Sell on eBay through GivingWorks

Shop online at thousands of stores by using one of these sites that give back:

Humble Bundle Digital Content

#Giving Tuesday PayPal adds 1%, Donate at https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504
Volunteer time
Become a Benefactor
Establish A Charitable Giving Account with an Investment Firm in the name of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3
Donate rent money for our storage space

Please join our Galaxy of Stars and support BE THE STAR YOU ARE!® with your contributions and/or ask your company to be on our team. Visit our creative community at http://www.BTSYA.org for book reviews, news items, newsletters, and press pass clips.

Small DONATIONS Make a Big Difference to Others:

Decrease Violence. Increase Literacy.

$25 provides 5 new books.

$50 provides 12 new books.

$100 provides 28 new books.

Donate via Paypal Giving Fund

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

or Visit Https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org

SEND CHECKS TO:

BE THE STAR YOU ARE!®

PO Box 376,

Moraga, California 94556

Make a donation via Paypal Giving Fund

View a partial list of beneficiaries we have served.

All donations are tax-deductible according to law. A tax receipt will be emailed to you for all donations over $25.00

Spreading love, kindness, and inclusivity. Happy Heartfelt February!

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The Garden of 2023!

Posted by

Cynthia Brian on January 9, 2023

Empowerment

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” Audrey Hepburn

Where did the year go? It seems like only yesterday that I was writing gardening goals for 2022, and it is already 2023. Time to start anew!

Happy New Year!

Every year, the Garden Media Group releases trends for the forthcoming year. The Garden Trends Report for 2023 is aptly named, I Believe in Me! Individuality and access to critical resources will be in vogue throughout these next twelve months. As an Empowerment Architect, I resonate with this craze outlined for 2023 and hope that personal expression and self-reliance will become a style, not just a fad. Our choices and lifestyles need to reflect who we are as individuals so that we become our unapologetically authentic selves in service of others.

When it comes to designing any interior or exterior place, I have always believed that to fully function for the family, the space must be personalized, reflecting the colors, shapes, objects, and souvenirs that are meaningful to the individuals living in the location. We need to feel comfortable, secure, relaxed, and rejuvenated. Home is where our heart resides. Cookie-cutter installations may be magazine-worthy, but they won’t necessarily showcase the depth, passions, and character of the dwellers.

As we begin to plan for 2023, learn about the forthcoming trends, but decide what resonates with you. Just because something is au currant, it doesn’t mean that it will empower everyone. In part one of my interpretation of the Garden Media Report, I’ve chosen a few gems that may trigger a positive possibility for you.

The report shares the smart benefits of the garden green industry which has gone electric or battery-powered more quickly than any other industry, including electric vehicles. Mowers, leaf blowers, chain saws, and other electric equipment accounted for 17% of the gardening sales in the United States in 2022. Smart garden tools are becoming as critical to gardening as shovels and picks, especially for those who are just entering the gardening arena. Although I have not tried it yet, there is a new smart device on the market that is a weeding robot. Solar-powered, it lives in the garden chopping weeds. Now that is an innovation I will be checking out as weeding my landscape requires grueling work for months on end.

Another huge trend will be shopping online for garden products. Many companies are offering not only plants for sale but identification and information for various plants. It is as easy as taking a photo of a flower, leaf, tree, or other specimen and clicking a button. Several matches will appear on the app, but it is up to you to determine which is the correct one. Other garden apps provide tips on how to plant, when to plant, and where to plant as well as healthy recipes for harvesting crops.

Because of the housing crisis with buying a home being out of reach for numerous people, ADUs (accessory dwelling units) have become popular in the past year and will continue to be in demand. Container gardening will linger as a major trend as gardens and patios become smaller. Vertical gardening, trellises, fences, and living green walls will be integral to adding privacy and protected places to enjoy nature. Millennials and Boomers are embracing vintage and mid-century patio furniture including wrought iron, retro lawn chairs, and pagoda umbrellas.

In the section called Super Agers, the Garden Trends Report boldly states that “In 2023 and beyond, 100 is the new 50!” I’m not so certain that this is a truism, but it does bode well for gardeners who want to continue being active with tilling, filling, and thrilling with nature long into their golden years. Accessibility options such as raised beds, wider paths for wheelchairs, and plants at levels that don’t require bending will allow anyone to enjoy the outdoors.

When it comes to plants, tropical and exotic are the favorites for all age groups. Orchids, bromeliads, anthuriums, birds of paradise, cordylines, Ficus, palms, philodendrons, and peace lilies are only a sampling of specimens that are attractive to Gen X, Y, Z as well as Boomers.

I speculate that water features, especially creative fountains based on individual themes, will be a big focus this year. Besides the health benefits of the negative ions that running water provides to humans helping us refocus and recharge, birds and wildlife rely on them in the backyard garden for bathing and drinking.

These are just a few of the projections for our outdoor enjoyment for 2023. In my next column, I’ll offer more suggestions. Believe in tomorrow. Plan to plant a garden.

Live to 100?

What’s on your list?

Happy Gardening. Happy Growing. Happy 2023!

Raised in the vineyards of Napa County, Cynthia Brian 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 atwww.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

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https://www.GoddessGardener.com

Scattering Kindness with No Barnyard Bullies Book!

Posted by

presspass on November 21, 2022

Empowerment

Scattering Kindness with No Barnyard Bullies Book!

That is the main message of my newest book, No Barnyard Bullies, the first book in the children’s book series, Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures. Published in October, this book with a message of kindness and inclusivity is endearing itself to everyone who buys a copy. With glorious, colorful, yet life-like illustrations by Jensen Russell, both children and adults are mesmerized.

The Be the Star You Are!® Kindness Coordinator, Karen Kitchel, was one of the first to buy copies for the entire kindergarten class where she volunteers in Minnesota. Here’s what she wrote to me after delivering the books to these darling kindergarteners.

Hi Cynthia,

I had the greatest time today reading your book to kindergarteners and then giving them their own book to take home and share with their family. The first comment I heard was “I love this book!”

So I began by telling them about my friend, Cynthia who lives in California and who loves animals. I told them you were an author and asked what an author does. First response was “they make books.”

The lesson about being kind was easy for these little students to understand. They very much enjoyed hearing about Cookie, the piglet, and how she learned to be kind to her farm friends. We talked about what it feels like to be around a bully and what we can do in that situation.

They absolutely loved the story and really paid attention.

I was so pleased that the teacher planned the morning around the book. After I gave each student their very own book, I received a lot of hugs for doing so. We moved to our next project which was – what did you learn from the book? Then each member of the class drew a picture of what they learned from the book. Amazing to see how these kids translated this story about animals to things they can do to be kind every day.

Cynthia, I hope you realize that what you did was such a wonderful lesson! Thanks again for creating this opportunity!

Much love,

Karen Kitchel

When I received this email, along with these fantastic photos, I cried and my heart sang. There is nothing better than making other people happy, and the best is seeing the joy on children’s faces as they are inspired to be the best versions of themselves.

My deepest gratitude to Karen Kitchel for this great gift of kindness to her students. Make sure to read her Scattering Kindness blog.

Another BIG THANK YOU goes out to Margi Sullivan for hosting a No Barnyard Bullies event at her beautiful art gallery, Point Richmond Gallery, in Richmond, California.

Throughout the afternoon families arrived at the gallery where I read No Barnyard Bullies to an enraptured audience of kids, followed by showing them videos and photos of the real characters from the book. The children shared their stories about their animals, school, friends, and bullies. Adults were treated to wine and champagne!

Margi’s art project included the children getting their body outlined on paper so that they could color it. Listening to the children discuss how they are kind and caring was deliciously sweet and very informative.

There is hope for the future of the world with children who care, share, and are fair.

I am so appreciative to Margi Sullivan for hosting this important and fun learning activity. We will be collaborating to offer more empowering events, readings, storytelling, and book signings. Make sure to visit her gallery located at 145 W. Richmond Avenue, 94801 when you are visiting the charming town of Point Richmond on the San Francisco Bay. Thank you, Margi.

DO YOU WANT TO HOST AN EVENT OR PURCHASE BOOKS IN BULK?

If you, your company, or business would like to host an event or buy books in bulk to donate to schools, organizations, or other venues for children, please shoot me an email at cynthia@star-style.com. Discounted prices are available for bulk buying.

People who have bought autographed copies of No Barnyard Bullies are enthusiasticabout the message and indicate that these books make the perfect holiday present.

“Dear. Cynthia, Thank you so much. I think your book is one of the most inspired ideas I’ve had for Christmas.” Nora A.

“I can’t wait to share it with the grands and impart your book’s wonderful wisdom and very important message.” Sharon R.

“Love, love, love the book! You’ve found and created your star dust! Rave reviews from everyone who has read it!” Eileen G.

“I love the colors. The story is charming and Jensen did a great job with the illustrations.” Kenneth K

“Oh my goodness Cynthia, signed copy, delivered with goodies galore. Very grateful” Louise D.

“All I can say is WOW! What a gift!” Gayle G.

“Your book is wonderful & I love ❤️ it!” Susan C.

“I’ll be ordering more books too!” Janet W.

For individual autographed copies with extras included, go tohttps://www.cynthiabrian.com/online-store.

Tell your friends about No Barnyard Bullies. and also, make sure to check out the gorgeous NFTS with characters from the book. By purchasing an NFT, you become a part of the StarStyle® Community that is making a difference in the world. You also are invited to exclusive experiences. Check it out. https://starstylecommunity.com

Proceeds from the book and NFTS benefit Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 charity empowering women, families, and youth. Together we can grow kindness and inclusivity while making children smile with this very special book!

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Giving!

THANK YOU ALL!

Thank you for reading StarStyle® Empowerment . This post is public so feel free to share it.

Dream, Create, Inspire!

Posted by

rstapholz on May 16, 2022

Empowerment

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MIRACLE MOMENT®

“Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire; you will what you imagine; and at last you create what you will.” George Bernard Shaw

A MESSAGE FROM FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CYNTHIA BRIAN

A big part of our mission at Be the Star You Are!® is to help our volunteers and all those we connect with to realize their greatness. I am a firm believer that we can achieve anything when we are willing to work hard, be dedicated to learning, find a support person, go into action, and believe in ourselves and all the possibilities. Each of us will fail many times on our path towards living our destiny. Failure is fertilizer. It grows a new garden. No one has ever been created with your exact combination of gifts, talents, strengths, and dreams. Each of us is unique and that is our most treasured value. There is no reason to mimic another. Be yourself, your unapologetically authentic self!

This month we highlight a few of the 2022 five-star comments posted about Be the Star You Are!® at Great Non Profits. Visit the web site at https://greatnonprofits.org/org/be-the-star-you-are-inc to read more.

Until then, enjoy spring and celebrate you! Imagine and Create!

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

EARTH GRATITUDE FESTIVAL SUCCESS

Three volunteers from Be the Star You Are!® were featured in the international Earth Gratitude Festival held the weekend of Earth Day. We are grateful to have been included in this very important celebration of our beautiful planet. Watch the short films and original poetry included.

Cynthia Brian: Nature is My Cathedral: https://youtu.be/ur4Ofo0P9EI

Ruhani Chhabra: Shall Grandma Tell You: https://youtu.be/7x0LUVjEofs

Sharanya Roy: A Token of Gratitude: https://youtu.be/EX7luxhWGnU

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MAY POSSIBILITIES

by Karen Kitchel

“All things seem possible in May”
Edwin Way Teale

May is a month when the opportunities for random acts of kindness expand. Our walks in the park give us a chance to acknowledge everyone we pass by. With the return of many events, we see possibilities to volunteer for new causes or those we may have forgotten about.

Your simple message of appreciation might be what a stranger remembers about this month of May.

Karen Kitchel who penned two chapters in the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World, is the Kindness Coordinator volunteer with BTSYA. She serves meals to the homeless and is a volunteer teacher, writer, job coach, and mentor. www.scatteringkindness.com

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OTHER NEWS

Sharanya Roy received the second prize for one of her poems in the Young Writers Contest – Mt. Diablo Chapter (https://cwcmtdiablo.org/2022-ywc-winners/) and she was selected to represent the Russian School of maths in Berkeley Mini Math Tournament for Middle Schoolers around the world (https://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~bmt/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Bmmt22-results.pdf. Her dad wrote us “Being part of “Be the Star you Are “has been an amazing experience since the moment we joined and Sharanya is lucky to be part of it. It is also motivating her to do more in all aspects of her life.”

The free Virtual Wonders Magic Show with Irish magician, Simon Ryan, was a huge success. Simon’s magic was astounding and everyone was mesmerized. It was an interactive activity for all ages and a definite crowd pleaser. We are looking forward to having Simon do a return performance in late fall. Stay tuned for the info as you will want to gather your friends and participate.

Read our blog for the latest news! https://www.bethestaryouare.org/blog-1

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PEOPLE ARE TALKING!

Visit Great Non Profits to read what volunteers, benefactors, and others are saying about Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 charity. https://greatnonprofits.org/org/be-the-star-you-are-inc

“Joining BTSYA was one of the greatest decisions I made. In the past year, I have learned important life skills, gotten the opportunity to share my voice, and met so many amazing new people..” Diya

“Teen talk radio is a supportive environment that I feel safe to share my opinions in. Anyone who joins teen talk radio will have the ability to uncover their passion, learn valuable life skills, and make real connections.” Rose

“Volunteering for Be The Star You Are has been a highlight in my life. Any young person should volunteer…It’ll change your life!” Ruhani

“I just joined Be The Star You Are, and the first experience was amazing.” Kirpa

“ I cannot be more honored to have worked with Be The Star You Are these past two decades. There is no better-run, mission-first nonprofit in the literacy sphere than Be The Star You Are.” Terry

“Such a dedicated and passionate non-profit org run by Cynthia and the team. Cynthia has brought an amazing sense of empowerment and motivation to the young teens like my daughter.” Cipa

“BE THE STAR YOU ARE, is one of the most impactful and important non-profits! I have been volunteering with BTSYA for 20+ years. The community outreach and involvement they create is so impressive. If anyone is looking to get involved with an organization that will not only change your life, but positively influence the lives of others, join BE THE STAR YOU ARE!!!” Heather

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HELP CONTINUE THE POSITIVE WORKS! DONATE TODAY!

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OUR INTERNATIONAL RADIO BROADCASTS!

Be empowered, motivated, energized, informed and amused.

Truthful, heartfelt, and engaging topics and guests!

LIVE on Wednesdays from 4-5pm PT, be entertained, informed, amused, and educated on StarStyle-Be the Star You Are!. Then be inspired and motivated on

Sundays from 3-4pm PT, it’s Express Yourself! Teen Radio with our Be the Star You Are! star teen hosts and reporters.

VISIT https://www.StarStyleRadio.com for our line-up of topics and guests.

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SIMPLE WAYS TO HELP!

We have suggestions for you to shop, save, and stay safe. Please use these web sites for all of your shopping essentials.

1. AmazonSmile donates .5% of purchases https://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-3333882

2. Discounted books at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shops/be_the_star_you_are_charity

3. Giving Assistant: Shop. Earn. Give! Use Giving Assistant to earn cash at 3500+ popular online stores :https://givingassistant.org/np#be-the-star-you-are-inc

4. Shop at over 1300 stores on IGIVE: http://www.iGive.com/BTSYA

5. Buy “Read, Lead, Succeed” black tanks and books at StarStyle® Store: http://www.starstylestore.net/

6. Are you a gamer, lover of new software, or other digital content? Buy all of your favorites at Humble Bundle. http://ow.ly/cYs130iN6n4

`DIRECT LINKS

Positive Results: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/positive-results

About Us: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/about_us

Programs: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/programs

How to Help: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/how-to-help

Blog: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/blog-1

Events: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/events

Create, inspire, make a difference!

Be Your Unapologetically Authentic Self! You already are a STAR!

Support Be the Star You Are! with Confidence.

Be the Star You Are! ® 501 c3 charity

PO BOX 376

Moraga, Ca. 94556

www.BetheStarYouAre.org

www.BTSYA.org

School is in Session—Maybe??

Posted by

rstapholz on August 24, 2021

Empowerment

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MIRACLE MOMENT®

“Life is the only school where the exam comes before the lesson.” Source Unknown

OPERATION DISASTER RELIEF

The 2021 natural disasters continue to climb. Hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, tornados, and fires are more ferocious and deadly causing thousands to flee their homes. Global warming and climate change are causing extreme weather conditions that have never been seen before. Throughout 2020, Be the Star You Are!® concentrated disaster relief on helping individuals who were out of work survive during the pandemic. We now turn our assistance back to helping survivors of these major natural disasters happening throughout the United States. Be the Star You Are!® will be providing books and other materials to shelters and organizations in need. If you’d like to donate, please do so at our website, https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org. If your organization or shelter is in need of our resources to supply to survivors of a disaster, please email us at info@BetheStarYouAre.org.

SHOPPING?

We have suggestions for you to shop, save, and stay safe. Please use these web sites for all of your shopping essentials.

1. AmazonSmile donates .5% of purchases https://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-3333882

2. Discounted books at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shops/be_the_star_you_are_charity

3. Giving Assistant: Shop. Earn. Give! Use Giving Assistant to earn cash at 3500+ popular online stores :https://givingassistant.org/np#be-the-star-you-are-inc

4. Shop at over 1300 stores on IGIVE: http://www.iGive.com/BTSYA

5. Buy “Read, Lead, Succeed” black tanks and books at StarStyle® Store: http://www.starstylestore.net/

6. Are you a gamer, lover of new software, or other digital content? Buy all of your favorites at Humble Bundle. http://ow.ly/cYs130iN6n4

DIRECT LINKS

Positive Results: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/positive-results

About Us: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/about_us

Programs: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/programs

How to Help: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/how-to-help

Blog: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/blog-1

Events: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/events

On 9/9, Be the Star You Are!® literacy, arts and culture non-profit celebrates 22 years of operating as a 501 c3 charity serving women, families, and youth. For 22 years, BTSYA has served as an all volunteer organization with no paid staff. These are accomplishments thus far:

Served 420,920 individuals and families

Donated to 112 organizations

Logged 559,890 volunteer hours and growing

Distributed $2 million plus in resources

Broadcast 2200 unique hours of positive programming through radio broadcasts.

Published 4 signature award-winning books, Be the Star You Are!® 99 Gifts, Be the Star You Are!® for Teens, Be the Star You Are!® Millennials to Boomers, and Miracle Moments®,

Written and published over 2430 book reviews in collaboration with The Reading Tub and Express Yourself!™ Creative Community.

Interviewed over 2500 authors, experts, and celebrities.

Honored with five-star ratings as a Top Rated Non-Profit by GuideStar and Great Non Profits for the Women’s Empowerment, Arts and Culture, and the Arts Appreciation Campaigns since 2010.

Be the Star You Are!® encourages and supports its volunteers to GROW people.

DONATE FOR OUR ANNIVERSARY!

Let’s get back to school safely and permanently. Our best tools are getting vaccinated and wearing masks. Love and protect our children.

A MESSAGE FROM FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CYNTHIA BRIAN

In my school days, I always anticipated getting back into the classroom in September to meet my new teachers, see friends, make new friends, and learn new subjects. But for students today, Covid-19 has rendered havoc and fear mixed with those strong emotions of wanting life to be back to normal.

Despite hopes that we were emerging from the pandemic, it is clear that it’s not over yet. The Delta variant is ramping up as schools and universities scramble to create a safe environment for administrators, teachers, staff, volunteers, and most importantly, the students.

In our school district, all staff, teachers, and volunteers are required to be vaccinated. Most students ages 12 and over are vaccinated. With few exceptions, everyone on campus will be required to wear masks when indoors. Those with medical conditions who can’t don a a mask, will wear face shields with draping. Anyone exposed to a Covid-19 infected individuals must quarantine. There are numerous other requirements for home health checks, sanitation, hygiene, daily classroom cleaning, testing, ventilation, air quality, and contract tracing. Transparency without violating student privacy will be key to success in this very complex and challenging environment. With the enforced rules and guidelines, in the two weeks that school has been in-person learning, no cases of Covid have transpired.

Sadly, this is not the case around the United States. I’ve spoken with several volunteers in states where politicians who are against wearing masks are fighting with the school boards and administrators that believe masks will protect the children. One person explained that within two days of opening, her child’s school had to quarantine because 35 kids under the age of 10 contracted Covid. Another told me that both of her children are suffering with Covid after just 5 days at school. Not only did the school have to close, but parents who can’t work remotely, have to miss work to care for their children.

The world is in the midst of a major health crisis. Politicians who are fighting against masks and the vaccine are putting their constituents in deathly danger. All of us must strive to get our priorities straight. The virus is our enemy. It is not one another, nor should vaccinations and masking be a political issue.

For those of us 12 years of age and older, we have a source to remain healthy through a simple vaccine. Pfizer has now been officially approved by the FDA with Moderna and Johnson and Johnson to follow soon. I applaud the many private sector employers that are already mandating vaccines for employees and hope that many more will follow.

We need to keep our children safe and the only way we can do that is to vaccinate everyone who is eligible. The Delta variant is many times more contagious and deadly than the original virus and if we continue to allow this virus to replicate, it will continue to mutate. The outcome could be drastically worse than what we are experiencing now.

Our children want and need to go to school. They deserve not only an education but the socialization that a healthy school environment entails. If you love your kids, get vaccinated and encourage those around you to do the same.

Don’t listen to the politicians, social media, or even other people, including me. Instead, listen to the experts and talk to your personal physician about the course you need to take to keep yourself and your loved ones virus-free.

This virus is a test. Will we pass the exam?

Let’s get our economy back on track. Let’s get the kids safely in school. We each hold the key to success and we are in this together. Protect one another.

Get vaccinated. Wear a mask. It is the right thing to do.

Stay safe, stay strong, be healthy.

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

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR SEPTEMBER 25TH PEAR FESTIVAL

The Pear and Wine Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 25th from 11 am-4pm with free family fun at Moraga Commons Park in Moraga. The town is keeping tabs on the Delta variant and will cancel if necessary. Be the Star You Are!® is participating with a booth. hosts and reporters of our radio broadcast, Express Yourself! will be in person to greet visitors. Instead of doing our normal face painting, BTSYA volunteers will be providing a table with masks to be decorated. We will also have a Kids Korner with a reading circle. Many thanks to our sponsors The Lamorinda Weekly Newspaper (www.lamorindaweekly.com) and MBJesse Painting (www.MBJessee.com). Also appreciation to author Brooks Olbrys who has donated two cases of books in English and Spanish of his 10 year anniversary special of Blue Ocean Bob. (https://www.blueoceanbob.com) Children who attend will be given a beautiful new book.

The festival will feature food, wine, art, children’s activities, a petting zoo, and fun for everyone. Admission is FREE. More information at https://www.bethestaryouare.org/copy-of-events

MEET OUR PEAR FESTIVAL EVENT COORDINATOR

Hi! I am Drew Ebner, an incoming junior at Acalanes High School. I am a bubbly person with a great work ethic who is always willing to help! Literature has been a passion of mine for some time now and I am so excited to help out with Be the Star You Are! Volunteers will work in two shifts, from 9:00am-Noon and Noon-3:00pm. It’s going to be a great day of getting to meet one another.

If you want to sponsor or volunteer, email info@BetheStarYouAre.org

Thank you, Drew Ebner

EDU_TAINMENT WITH BE THE STAR YOU ARE! RADIO

LIVE on Wednesdays from 4-5pm PT, be entertained, informed, amused, and educated on StarStyle-Be the Star You Are!. Then be inspired and motivated on

Sundays from 3-4pm PT, it’s Express Yourself! Teen Radio with our Be the Star You Are! star teen hosts and reporters.

Express Yourself orange 72x24 banner-1 2

You’ll meet authors, actors, artists, activists, musicians, poets, scientists, educators, and other creatives. Enjoy our upbeat, authentic, and fun radio parties on the Voice America Network Empowerment Channel or wherever you like to listen.

Visit https://www.StarStyleRadio.com for our line-up of guests.

Radio Producer/Host, Cynthia Brian Wins Garden Communications Silver Award

Posted by

presspass on July 13, 2020

Empowerment

Radio Producer/Host, Cynthia Brian Wins Garden Communications Silver Award

Cynthia Brian Receives Silver Medal of Achievement

In the National

2020 GardenComm Media Awards

July 8, 2020 – Cynthia Brian received the 2020 Media Awards Silver Medal of Achievement for Journalism Newspaper Article, presented by GardenComm: Garden Communicators International.

This national award recognizes individuals and companies who achieve the highest levels of talent and professionalism in garden communications. The 2020 competition had more than 160 entries in the category. Recipients of the Silver Medal represent the top winners who will now compete for best of group in the areas of writing, photography, digital media, broadcast media, publishing and trade.

Cynthia Brian received the Silver Medal of Achievement for her Digging Deep with Goddess Gardener, Cynthia Brian article in the Lamorinda Weekly Newspaper entitled Scary, scary night. “The GardenComm Media Awards showcase the writers, photographers, editors, publishers and trade companies that have pursued excellence in gardening communication,” says Becky Heath, past president of GardenComm. “The Media Award winners have been judged by industry experts and show significant distinction and merits that exemplify exceptional work.”

Cynthia Brian, known as The Goddess Gardener, has been a columnist for the Lamorinda Weekly Newspaper since 2008 where she writes Digging Deep for the Home section. Besides being a gardening expert, Cynthia is an actor and a New York Times best-selling author of eight books, a producer and host of StarStyle® radio, a lifestyle and media coach, and the Founder and Executive Director of the literacy and positive message charity, Be the Star You Are!®. Her two gardening books include Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul and Growing with the Goddess Gardener. Cynthia grew up on a farm where she drove tractor, raised chickens, and worked in the fields to fund her university education. No matter where she travels, she seeks out gardens and country life. “I’m exceedingly honored with this national prestigious award. The California fires have been devastatingly destructive and horrific. To have personally experienced a middle-of-the-night evacuation with fires flaring at my property line, gave me the additional incentive to share my experience and expertise to help others survive future disasters by reducing the threat of fires through appropriate landscape choices,” Cynthia recounted. Find out more about Cynthia Brian at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com.

The GardenComm Media Awards program recognizes outstanding writing, photography, graphic design, books, newspaper stories, magazine articles, TV, radio, and works focused on gardening.

About GardenComm

GardenComm, formerly GWA: the Association for Garden Communicators, is an organization of professional communicators in the green industry including book authors, bloggers, staff editors, syndicated columnists, free-lance writers, photographers, speakers, landscape designers, television and radio personalities, consultants, publishers, extension service agents and more. www.gardencomm.org.

Read Scary,scary night at https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1318/Digging-Deep-with-Goddess-Gardener-Cynthia-Brian-Scary-scary-night.html and at https://blog.voiceamerica.com/2019/11/15/starry-scary-night/

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60 Seconds to Safety

Posted by

presspass on October 16, 2019

Empowerment

When it’s 2:15 in the morning, the power is out, the air smells of smoke, yet you are fast asleep, then you realize that firefighters are pounding on your door shouting, “Evacuate Now”, what do you do?

I thought I was very prepared for an emergency with packed Go Bags in our vehicles and one in our hall closet that had a list in large letters of what to grab. But when my husband and I were given exactly ONE MINUTE to get out because the fire was only 100 feet from our house, there was no time to gather items. In the dark, with a flashlight leading the way, there was just enough time to throw on clothes, grab my computer, purse, phone, keys, and Go Bag. Outside the front door, I put on my garden clogs and off we went as two trucks of firefighters battled the blaze from our driveway.

Here are the cliff notes of what I learned that frenzied and frightful morning that could have improved our one-minute evacuation.

1.Put keys, wallet, handbag, phone, glasses, and other essentials in the same place every time. My husband left without his wallet and glasses.
2.Everything on your list should be stored near your Go Bag. On my list, I had written: computer, back-up discs, passports, insurance papers, family DVD’s, and my first-edition books that I wrote. There was time to only get my computer.
3.Have duplicate keys to homes, offices, or other keys you may need in your Go Bag. We were allowed to only evacuate with one car. My car had everything we needed in it, but we were directed to take my husband’s car that had nothing.
4.Keep a pair of shoes near the front door. Check!
5.A headlamp is the best flashlight option when you are searching in the dark, attempting to find things. Two hands are better than one when you can take only what you can carry.
6.Bring a warm coat, blankets, socks, and maybe your pillow. It was cold and the two thin blankets in my emergency bag were not sufficient. I wish I had stuffed my pillow in my bag.

Today I’ve amended my emergency Go Bag. This may be the new normal.

The firefighters were calm, professional, and truly heroic in saving lives and homes. Our sincerest gratitude to all these brave men from many fire districts who orchestrated a successful save. Bravo!

All is well that ends well.

EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT-GO BAG

by Cynthia Brian

In the midst of the many disasters that seem to be continuous, I encourage clients to put together an emergency “Go Bag”. Whatever the calamity, it will behoove you to have an emergency supply kit in every vehicle and a larger one in your home. Make sure you know where all of your important documents are located. Make copies and put everything you need either in your Go Bag or next to your Go Bag. Know how to manually open automatic garage doors and gates. Sometimes, as is the case with our California wildfires or earthquakes, a matter of minutes is the difference between life and death.

Make copies of your passport, driver’s license, credit cards, and have some small bills available. Pack duplicate chargers for phones, tablets, and computers. Back up your computers and keep files in the cloud or off-site. Make a plan for your pets and animals and have a bag ready for them as well. Know your neighbors and their contact numbers to keep in touch to make sure everyone is safe. Have a list of a network of friends that you can call in an emergency. Know where you can go in evacuations.

Most of all, remember that saving your life and that of your family is the most important. Everything else can be replaced.

Fill a backpack or small case with the following and keep one of these in ALL of your vehicles and one in your home:
First Aid kit

Work gloves

Warm gloves

Towelettes

Small towel

Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day)

Blanket

Walking shoes

Socks

Warm jacket

Peanut butter

Honey

Protein bars

Personal hygiene kit with a toothbrush, soap, medications

Matches

Candle

Flashlight and headlamp with extra batteries

Eating utensils

Breathing masks (Niosh-N95)

Clothing change

Extra set of keys to home, office, etc.

Cash

Toilet Paper

Bottles of Wine (optional)

I hope that we never have to use these emergency kits, but it’s best to be prepared.

Cynthia Brian is the columnist for Digging Deep with the Goddess Gardener. www.CynthiaBrian.com

Cynthia Brian

Starstyle® Productions, LLC

PO Box 422 * Moraga, Ca. 94556

925-377-7827 * www.CynthiaBrian.com * Cynthia@Star-Style.com

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OUR INTERNATIONAL RADIO BROADCASTS!

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Create, inspire, make a difference!

Be Your Unapologetically Authentic Self! You already are a STAR!

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