“The more gratitude you show in life, the more you will have to be grateful for.”
A MESSAGE FROM FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CYNTHIA BRIAN
America is a country of great abundance, yet, everyday most of us complain about the lack in our lives. Being human means that all of us, regardless of race, religion, economics, politics, or sex, will have difficult times and challenges to overcome. This is a plan that my daughter and I created together when she was a teenager.
It’s called, Thanksgiving is Today.
Take time to give thanks for the little things every day, not just once a year. Be grateful for what you have. When we are grateful, we are rewarded with a sense of honor and personal strength. Say “thank-you,” for every gift you receive, positive or negative, because everything in life is a blessing. Life may be giving you a lesson in appreciation. Learn to be grateful for everything. Gratitude exalts the heart and feeds the soul. Having an attitude of gratitude makes every moment shine brightly.
1. Say “Thank You”
During the next hour, say a sincere “thank-you” to everyone who does anything nice for you, your family, your friends, or the world. Write one thank-you note, and mail it.
2. Cook up a Treat
Create something nourishing, sweet, and delicious to give to a friend or loved one. Bake a cake and say “Thank you for being you!” The recipe for living a life of happiness is gratitude.
3. Create a Gratitude Journal
Find a beautiful journal to keep by your night stand and every night write down all the people, places and things that your are grateful for on this day. Date it. When you are having a bad day, re-read your entries. You’ll be surprised by all your blessings.
4. Learn to Receive
Allow others to feel good about them selves by giving to you. Learn to accept appreciatively and to enjoy the spirit of the gift. Sometimes the way you receive can be the greatest gift of generosity.
5. Write a letter
Letter writing is a dying art. Get pretty note cards and write a heartfelt “thank you” to those who have made a difference in your life…just because.
6. Party On
Throw a Gratitude Party and invite everyone you admire. What better way to say “thank you” than to eat, drink, dance, and be merry with friends?
7. Color My World
Get out your crayons and get creative. Make a collage. Cut photos and slogans from magazines to express your love of life. Make meaning from madness.
8. Offer Compliments
Beauty and grace are everywhere around us. When you “feel the love” say so. Compliment often and from the heart. You’ll be amazed at how wonderful you can make others feel.
9. Reward Yourself
Who is the most important person in the world? YOU! Before you can serve others, you must serve yourself. That means that you give yourself the gifts you need- more sleep, a hot bath, new clothing, a pat on the back, a romp with your dog, a glass of champagne, a luxurious vacation or a relaxing massage. The important thing is for you to get the message that you are important. You count. You are worthwhile. You DESERVE to be special. And then express your gratefulness for being the star you already are.
Everyday is Thanksgiving Day when you live, learn, laugh, and love in the moment. Thanksgiving is today. Share the abundance.
“Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” Charles Dickens, 1812-1870, Novelist
On behalf of all the volunteers at Be the Star You Are!®, we THANK YOU for being part of our STAR family. We appreciate your ongoing support of our efforts to empower women, families, and youth while increasing literacy and positive media.
May you have a hearty, happy, healthy Thanksgiving with those you love.
With gratitude,
“To be a leader, you must be a reader. Read, lead, succeed!”
“No matter what the situation is…close your eyes and think of all the things in your life you could be grateful for right now.” — Deepak Chopra
THANKSGIVING RADIO BROADCASTS
To help you get into the spirit of this holiday of gratefulness, tune in to our two Be the Star You Are!® uplifting radio broadcasts: Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio and StarStyle®. Both shows air on the Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel, and are available wherever you listen to radio or podcasts including iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Tunein, Pocketcasts, and more.
On Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio Keerthi hosts this holiday favorite and surprisingly she is not a fan of Thanksgiving food because she is a vegetarian. But she is a believer in appreciation and thankfulness and offers several quotes to ignite our gratefulness. She interviews Kirpa and Nihal Gill who testify that Thanksgiving is their favorite holiday. They share their family traditions and meal preparations. Spending time with their extended family is the highlight. Kirpa provides some historical context to the holiday while Nihal encourages others to volunteer to help others less fortunate during the holiday season. Alix, our resident restaurant reviewer and foodie talks about the favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal…dessert and offers three places to buy the best pies and cakes. Alix makes our mouth water with her divine descriptions of the buttery crusts and creamy fillings. Keerthi is humorous, as always, with her wacky comments and fun improvisational tone.
On StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!®, airing LIVE on Wednesday November 23 at 4PM PT, Cynthia Brian hosts an hour of power in the StarStyle® playground with a program focusing on gratitude, Thanksgiving, overcoming pain, and planting peace. For holiday gifts that keep on giving, buy first edition autographed books at http://starstylestore.net and NFTS at https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
Come celebrate the holidays as Be the Star You Are!® charity and 5 A Rent-A-Space bring the North Pole to Moraga. Children will write letters to Santa and talk to Jolly St. Nick. Buy gifts for the holidays with autographed copies of the new children’s book, No Barnyard Bullies while enjoying complimentary refreshments, music, and crafts for kids. The event is FREE! Lots of fun giveaways, too! Bring the family. BTSYA sponsored by Mark hoogs, State Farm Insurance, www.TeamHoogs.com. Thank you!
Location: 5 A Rent a Space, 455 Moraga Rd f, Moraga, CA 94556, USA
We often say thank you without even thinking about who we thanked or what just happened. Are automatic thanks valued?
If we think about the last time someone thanked us, can we remember who it was or what we did? Perhaps the person who wanted to express their gratitude was hoping they brightened your day. Maybe they did.
This week we are likely to spend a bit more time thinking about all the wonderful people who make our life better. You know who they are, but in case someone has slipped your mind, here are a few to consider:
Keep some thank you coins or notes in your pocket, and you will never miss an opportunity to say THANKS!
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
SIMPLE WAYS TO HELP!
The holiday shopping sprees begin this week. We have suggestions for you to shop, save, and stay safe. Please use these web sites for all of your shopping essentials.
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
7. BUY NFTS from https://StarStyleCommunity.com to trade, sell, hold, and be invited to exclusive experiences and events.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to live on this beautiful and astonishing Planet Earth. In the morning, I woke up with a sense of gratitude.” –Earl Nightingale
ALL WE NEED IS A THANK YOU!!
by Shubham Acharya
The show of appreciation is one of the most effective ways of motivating anyone. We may not realise it but when someone thanks us for our service, it fills us with a sense of accomplishment. We feel as if we made the other person’s life a little bit better. The power of gratitude is so profound that it forms the bedrock of employee motivation even in the cutthroat corporate culture.
There is reciprocity involved as well, we feel good in return after having thanked someone. Have you ever noticed that whenever you acknowledge the service of a waiter at a restaurant or thank a customer service personnel at a call centre, it immediately brings about a subtle change in their tone. We might not realise it, but that little extra effort goes a long way to improve someone’s day. They might be dealing with serious problems or simply having a bad day, but that simple ‘thank you’ might give them the fortitude to grit their teeth and battle it out.
So next time when the waiter brings your order say, “Thank You!”, when you accept a parcel delivery say, ‘Thank You!’, whenever someone offers you a service, no matter how trivial, remember to say, ‘Thank You!’. Our small token of appreciation will go a long way towards making this world just a little bit better.
Shubham Acharya is a Be the Star You Are!® volunteer in Mumbai, India who believes strongly in women’s empowerment and children’s literacy. Shubbam writes: “My mother was a teacher in a government sponsored school in one of the poorest localities in my area, so I grew up very aware of the importance of education and literacy in changing people’s lives. Having said this, I fell in love with the Be the Star You are!® motto ‘To be a leader, you must be a READER’.”
“Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.” Henry Ward Beecher
Are you feeling grateful? Although I feel thankful for every day that I walk on this earth, after such a tumultuous twenty months, this year my heart is overflowing with appreciation. Throughout these times, my garden has been my sanctuary, my refuge, and the place where I recharge. The abelia is blooming and that makes me cheerful.
Autumn is a splendid season with cooler weather and nature’s spectacular showcase of colorful leaves on shrubs and trees. Maple, Japanese maple, tallow, crape myrtle, pistache, liquid amber, beech, black gum, sumac, aspen, dogwood, ginkgo biloba, tupelo, red oak, and many more species are just a few of the magical specimens whose leaves metamorphose from green into vibrant red, yellow, orange, purple, crimson, brown, russet, tan, bronze, and scarlet. During the growing season, the green in leaves is a product of the chlorophyll using sunlight to manufacture sugars to feed the tree. As the weather cools with shorter days and longer nights. Biochemical changes occur allowing a painter’s palette of vibrant and muted hues. The most stunning displays happen after a succession of sunny, warm days followed by crisp and cool nights. Moisture in the soil is also a factor that can delay or speed up the color.
I have just returned from experiencing splendid fall colors on the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers. On some of the riverbanks, the tree colors were muted as if in an Impressionist masterpiece. In gardens and parks, singular specimens were neon bright as if painted by Frederick Church.
Before I left, my trees were only beginning to change colors. When I arrived home a few days later, the leaves had already fallen, carpeting lawn, patio, and driveway in a thick layer.
My husband was anxious to clean up the leaves and I had to beg him to NOT put the leaves in the green bin. Fallen leaves are great for the compost pile and as a natural fertilizer for other plants.
Here’s what you need to know about fallen leaves.
KEEP THEM IN YOUR GARDEN!
We can reduce emissions from landfills by managing the leaves by leaving them around the root zones of plants, shrubs, and trees to suppress weeds, provide shelter for beneficial insects, maintain moisture, control temperature, and return nutrients to the soil which plants will reuse. Microorganisms help small leaves decompose quickly. Larger leaves may need to be mowed to break them up. In 2018, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, over 10.5 million tons of yard trimmings were deposited in landfills, producing copious amounts of greenhouse gas.
Layering leaves in your landscape is also critical for wildlife habitat that benefits the ecosystem of thousands of different species. From earthworms, caterpillars, and pill bugs to toads, lizards and salamanders, leaf litters are alive with promise. Squirrels, birds, and yes, turkeys depend on layers of leaves as a food source during the winter months.
If you have a garden service, deter them from blowing leaves into the street where drains can be clogged and water quality in waterways can be compromised. Encourage these providers to create a pile of this organic material which will naturally break down to be used as free compost in your garden.
Since the downpour of the recent bomb cyclone and atmospheric river, mushrooms of many sorts have sprouted. It’s tempting to want to harvest fungi for a delectable holiday recipe but unless one is an expert mycologist, it is wise to purchase mushrooms from a trusted source as many of the eleven thousand species that grow in North America are poisonous and deadly.
Persimmons, pumpkins, and squash supply part of the cornucopia of colorful edible produce that is healthy and delicious for any autumn feast. Fuyu persimmons sliced thinly add panache to fall salads and make crunchy, tasty snacks. Hachiya persimmons must be very soft, almost mushy, before they’ll release their sweetness. They are delicious as a fresh dessert or made into puddings, cakes, and breads. Pumpkins and squash are superfoods that will boost your immunity and increase your intake of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, magnesium, vitamin B6, potassium, vitamin E. folate, fatty acids, and other micronutrients. Along with gourds, they also create stunning displays on your thanksgiving table.
Although many people may disagree, I am grateful for the gobblers that grace my grounds. The wild turkeys eat fallen rotten fruit, fertilize the orchard with their excrement, and respond to my attempts to talk turkey. In other words, turkeys amuse me.
As I look out upon my fall garden, I am comforted by the tranquility, the colors of the vegetation, and the changing of the seasons. Mostly I am thankful to be alive and healthy and this year, the ability to celebrate together as a family, along with the wild turkeys, deer, squirrels, raccoons, skunks, and other critters in our rural arena.
With the shopping season in full swing, give the gifts that keep on giving by purchasing any of my award-winning books from www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store. Proceeds benefit the literacy charity, Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 and you’ll receive a plethora of additional gifts with every purchase.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Join 5 A Rent-a-Space and Be the Star You Are!® on Saturday, December 4th from 11-2 pm for FREE family fun at Santa Day. Enjoy hot cocoa and treats while kids write letters to Santa, take a FREE photo with Jolly St. Nick, and receive a tree ornament kit. Thanks to Mark Hoogs Team (www.TeamHoogs.com) at State Farm Insurance for sponsoring Be the Star You Are!®For more info visit www.BetheStarYouAre.org.
Wishing you a bountiful, healthy, and love-filled season of Gratitude. Be a grateful gardener.
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.
Buy copies of her books, including, Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul, Growing with the Goddess Gardener, and Be the Star You Are! www.cynthiabrian.com/online-store. Receive a FREE inspirational music DVD and special savings.
Hire Cynthia for writing projects, garden consults, and inspirational lectures.
“Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way.” Native American saying
A MESSAGE FROM FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CYNTHIA BRIAN
As we begin celebrations for our second Thanksgiving and holiday festivities during a pandemic, are you experiencing seasonal sadness or gracious gratitude? There is no doubt that the past 20 months have been challenging, isolating, and frightening. Yet, no matter what transpires, things could always be worse. My attitude is to always focus on the positive and express appreciation for what I have as opposed to what I have not.
Be the Star You Are!® has spent 23 years supporting those in need and our volunteers continue to give back. Next Tuesday, November 30th is Giving Tuesday, an international day of supporting the non profits that help benefit people and the planet. #Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 to counteract the spending of Black Friday and Cyber Monday with philanthropic giving to charities in need of support. It started in the U.S. and has quickly made its way across more than 70 countries. You’ll likely see the day branded as “#Giving Tuesday” to emphasize the collaborative power of social media to spread the word. As we move forward into a new year that will continue to reflect the impact of COVID-19, we hope that you will donate to Be the Star You Are!® so that we can continue our outreach programs the support and empower others. DONATE via PAYPAL with 100% going to BTSYA at https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504.
If you shop on Amazon to buy your holiday gifts, another way to make a difference is to use Amazon Smile and designate Be the Star You Are!® as your charity of choice. With this direct link, .5% of your purchases will benefit BTSYA and you get all the same discounts, shipping, etc. Use this link: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-3333882
On December 4th from 11 am -2pm, come celebrate the Christmas Season with Be the Star You Are!® at Santa Day at 5 A. We give our gratitude to Mark Hoogs Team at State Farm Insurance (www.TeamHoogs.com) for sponsoring Be the Star You Are!® More info at https://www.bethestaryouare.org/copy-of-events
I want to personally thank all of our volunteers and supporters for being part of our Be the Star You Are!® family. Everyone counts. Everyone is appreciated.
Whatever you do this week, may you have a joyous and healthy Thanksgiving and know that unseen blessings are on their way.
Today is a good time to thank you for all the kindness you have shown to people everywhere. We never know the impact of our little “thanks” when someone just needs one uplifting word.
May gratitude be always on your lips and in your heart.
It’s a FREE day of family fun with our BTSYA volunteers helping kids write letters to Santa. Join us on Saturday, December 4th from 11am-2pm. Everyone enjoys hot cocoa, snacks, treats, and a photo with Jolly St. Nick and his elf. Location is 5A Rent-A-Space at 455 Moraga Dr Suite F. Thanks to Mark Hoogs Team at State Farm Insurance (www.TeamHoogs.com) for sponsoring Be the Star You Are!® More info at https://www.bethestaryouare.org/copy-of-events
LISTEN TO THANKSGIVING BROADCASTS
https://www.starstyleradio.comTo get you in the holiday mood, tune in to our two radio shows for a big helping of pumpkin pie and all the Thanksgiving trimmings. What are we thankful for? YOU!
In honor of our 20th anniversary since being on the first New York Times best seller list, first edition, autographed books are discounted in a special sale with proceeds benefitting Be the Star You Are!® You will also receive extra goodies and FREE music CD with your purchase when you buy from the website. Stock up now! http://starstylestore.net
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SHOP and GIVE!
We have suggestions for you to shop, save, and stay safe. Please use these web sites for all of your shopping essentials.
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others.” Cicero
MESSAGE FROM CYNTHIA BRIAN, Founder/Executive Director
2020 has been a year of overwhelming challenges. Here in America, a land of great abundance, we are weathering enormous unemployment, social unrest, political disparity, and the devastating effects of the pandemic. As I write this, the CDC announced that over one million new cases occurred in the past seven days. The death toll is now at 256,000 and rising. My heart goes out to all of those who have lost loved ones during this terrible crisis.
The best way to stay safe this Thanksgiving is to celebrate only with those you live with. Protect yourself and others from Covid-19 by staying home. Make health a priority over parties.
Being human means that all of us, regardless of race, religion, economics, politics, or sex, will always have difficult times to overcome. No matter what we endure, we need to express gratitude for what we have, not what we don’t. With so much loss, it is tough to be positive, yet even more necessary to give thanks daily. Gratitude exalts the heart and feeds the soul.
Be the Star You Are!® continues its outreach programs virtually. Both of our radio broadcasts, StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!® and Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio, bring you authors, artists, actors, musicians, and other creatives who are struggling during this pandemic. Make sure to tune in and support their work. You may find our line-up of remarkable guests at https://www.StarStyleRadio.com
We have beautiful new books available to donate through our holiday distribution program. If your organization, shelter, church, hospital, or other group would like to apply to receive books, please email me for guidelines. Cynthia@BetheStarYouAre.org
Tuesday, December 1st is Giving Tuesday. Created in 2012, Giving Tuesday is a day dedicated to inspiring millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. If there ever was a year when donations are necessary, this is it. If you are in a position to donate, please go to https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504 No donation is too small or too big. Help us continue our vital programs in 2021.
This will be the first year in my life that I will only be celebrating Thanksgiving with one other person, my husband. The toasts and prayers will be for health, peace, unity, decency, and love for our global community.
My sincerest wishes to you for a healthy and happy day of Thanksgiving. Take a walk outdoors, inhale the fresh fall air, and experience the solace of nature.
I am grateful for you and your dedication to make this world a better place.
Stay joyful and give thanks for what you have.
“Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” Charles Dickens, 1812-1870, Novelist
Many of us have struggled this year as we continue to live through this pandemic. Lives have been lost, hearts have been shattered. It is clear that we all have to take time to heal our souls. Thanksgiving is a time where we all come together with our families, friends and the people we love.
Even though it is difficult to celebrate normally this year, we can celebrate safely. We can socially distance with our loved ones, or gather together with the people we’ve quarantined with, or even have a simple phone call with a friend. We can enjoy life despite the craziness. Remember and appreciate the little things we all cherish in life.
It is the season of giving and gratitude. Stay safe. Life is worth living.
Angelica Parmoshin is a high school senior devoting time and efforts to volunteering with life changing organizations. Read more http://www.btsya.com/resources.html
THANK YOU
How can we thank the teachers and staff who tirelessly work to educate and comfort our youth? Whether or not we have children in school, we all want our future generation to thrive and grow.
As a simple gesture of thanks, my husband and I decided to give the gift of coffee to teachers and staff at two local schools. We added a card that says “You Are Awesome!”
By purchasing bags of ground coffee from the Friends of San Lucas, we’re supporting the coffee farmers in Guatemala.
Think about thanking a teacher today!
Karen Kitchel 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
MY 2020 THANKSGIVING
Thanksgiving in 2020 looks a little different this year. I’m grateful to be able to celebrate and spend time with my family.
Thanksgiving has always been my second favorite holiday (next to Christmas). What I love about Thanksgiving is having the moment to reflect and show gratitude. Usually, every year we go to my aunt’s house in Yorba Linda. We play games, eat great food, and have fun with tons of family. This year due to COVID it will just be myself and my parents at our home this year. I am looking forward to eating food, playing games with my family, watching movies, and having fun with our new dog Bronco.
This year I am grateful for many things. I am grateful for my mom, dad, family, and friends. I am also grateful for my basketball team, my life, BE THE STAR YOU ARE!® (BTSYA), and most of all keeping a level head throughout this year.
I hope everyone has the best Thanksgiving ever!
Stay safe and Peace out!!
Jonathan Jackson
Thirteen year-old Jonathan Jackson is a reporter on Express Yourself!® Teen Radio with his segment, Jay’s Sport’s World. He maintains a 4.0, is passionate about basketball, and dreams of attending U.C.L.A. in their journalism program. https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2014/express-yourself
HOLIDAY SHOPPING? BLACK FRIDAY SALES?
The holidays are approaching.To avoid exposure to coronavirus in stores, you may wish to shop on-line. We have suggestions for you to shop, save, and stay safe. Please use these web sites for all of your shopping essentials.
5. Stock up on autographed, first edition books from our StarStyle® store and we will include extra goodies with your order. Plus, through the holidays we are including a complimentary CD of beautiful, relaxing music to help you decompress. https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store.
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
We invite you to volunteer, get involved, or make a donation. Make a DONATION through PAYPAL GIVING FUND and PAYPAL with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504
May you and your loved ones enjoy a restful and blessed Thanksgiving wherever you are and whatever you do.
THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF OUR BE THE STAR YOU ARE!® GALAXY!
Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3
PO Box 376
Moraga, California 94556
US
See more:
“The difference between a good life and a bad life is how well you walk through the fire.” Carl Jung, psychologist
MESSAGE FROM CYNTHIA BRIAN, Founder/Executive Director
October was a frightening and challenging month for residents of California. Rampant power black outs and raging fires throughout the state required thousands of people to evacuate their homes. After producing our radio broadcasts, I went to bed on a Wednesday night and at 2:15 am, my husband and I were awoken by firefighters pounding on our door shouting “evacuate now!” We were given 60 seconds to leave as the fire was flaming near our fence less than 100 feet away. Feeling immense gratitude for surviving the inferno, I quickly penned what I had learned during that frantic flee: https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1317/One-Minute-to-Evacuate-a-personal-perspective-from-the-Oct-10-fire.html .
November is the month to express our thanks. First responders deserve major credit and gratitude for saving property and lives. Both fire and police personnel have been working tirelessly throughout California during these unprecedented times.
Climate change is rapidly fueling natural disasters. Be the Star You Are!® continues to spearhead Operation Disaster Relief and we encourage you to contribute. No longer can we start a campaign only when tragedy strikes. Disasters have become a part of daily life and Be the Star You Are!® must be ready to assist at a moments notice. All donations are greatly appreciated to help us help those in need. Make a DONATION through PAYPAL GIVING FUND with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504.
Or send a check to BTSYA, PO Box 376, Moraga, California 94556. Give to this favorite 501(c)(3) and receive a deduction on your 2019 taxes if you itemize.
The power black outs continued throughout the month and it may be wise to take the steps to be self-sufficient or off the grid as we are living in a new environment. I’ve published two important articles for the newspaper where I work to help others know how to prepare for an emergency. Make sure to read these as they may save your life and that of your family and friends. Send these links to those you love to help them prepare for whatever disaster lurks in our future.
As we prepare for the holiday season of gifts and giving, we want to introduce you to books that will inspire and thrill you. Make sure to check out our Spotlight book,I am Me, a powerful book by teens with original art and poetry expressing the importance of being your authentic self. Also, order copies of our three signature books in the Be the Star You Are!® series for true stories, adages, and exercises to help you live, laugh, learn, and love more fully with 100% of the profits benefiting this charity. Giving Tuesday is December 3rd this year, so please mark your calendar and ask your company to match your donation.
Thank you to everyone for your patience, understanding, checking in, and love. We are very appreciative. Be safe and sound. Let’s hope no one has to walk through the fire to have a great life,
“Communicate, Collaborate, Innovate!” Join us! Thanksgiving is TODAY and EVERYDAY!
Recently, we received a lovely letter and Certificate of Recognition from the California Legislature congratulating Be the Star You Are!® on 20 years of service to the community. What an unexpected honor for which we are grateful to Assembly member, Rebecca Bauer-Kahan . We share this commendation with all of our dedicated volunteers and supporters. With your assistance, Be the Star You Are!® continues its imperative mission to empower women, families, and youth through increased literacy, positive media messages, and tools for living.
SPOTLIGHT on the teen book, I AM ME
I Am Me: Teen Artists and Writers Speak Out on Being Yourself
This is a powerful book that helps young people believe that you don’t have to achieve “perfection” to be “perfect.”
“Edgy, powerful, insightful, and honest.”
The pages in this book pairs award winning art and writing to empower teens to shake off negative influences to realize it is okay to be themselves. Each piece of art is skillfully matched with writing to reflect the attitude of a generation of teens who want to fit in but feel inadequate due to societal pressures.
Our Teen Event Director, Siri Phaneendra, did a fabulous job of putting on the BTSYA booth at the recent Pear and Wine Festival. Her mother and sister helped her with the new henna activity. Express Yourself!® radio hosts Kenneth Jeon and Jack Pawlakos were on hand to work in the booth. Thanks to Lamorinda Weekly newspaper for sponsorship and lending us the great canopy. What a fantastic family day of fun!
GivingTuesday started as a day for anyone, anywhere to give, and it’s grown into the biggest giving movement in the world. Celebrated each year on the Tuesday following U.S. Thanksgiving, and fueled by the power of social media, GivingTuesday inspires millions of people across the globe to show up and give back to causes and issues that matter to them. The goal is to create a massive wave of generosity that lasts well beyond that day, and touches every person on the planet. GivingTuesday takes place on December 3, 2019 this year. Create a fundraiser and ask your employer to match donations. Be the Star You Are!® will use your contributions for our ongoing outreach programs, disaster relief, and positive message radio broadcasts. Donations can be made to Be the Star You Are! via PAYPAL GIVING FUND with no fees. https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504. You will receive an instant tax receipt.
Then, continue being kind and doing good all year round.
VISIT WITH SANTA IS DECEMBER 14th
Mark your calendars for a jolly journey to the north pole on December 14th. Be the Star You Are!® volunteers once again collaborate with 5 A Rent a Space in Moraga to bring Santa and his elves to the neighborhood. Kids can write a letter to Mr. Claus, get a FREE photo sitting on his lap, get creative with festive art projects, and enjoy hot chocolate and special treats. Holiday cards and books will be available for sale as a donation to BTSYA. The event is FREE for the entire family. 11am-3pm. Come enjoy holiday cheer with all of us.
HOW DO YOU THANK SOMEONE?
By Karen Kitchel
You know the feeling deep within. Someone just came to your door with a basket of warm cookies because they know you’re having a tough day. You narrowly escape your burning home while a firefighter goes back in to save your puppy. Or maybe it was a stranger who picked up all the spilled candy that your little darling scattered on the supermarket floor.
Sometimes we wish we had a word much stronger than “thanks” to convey our heartfelt appreciation. Perhaps by adding a sincere look or a tap on the arm, we can transfer our feelings of gratitude.
What else can we do to say thanks? I once gave a co-worker a post-it note with a word of thanks, and ten years later she told me it still could be seen on her refrigerator. Think back to a time when you really felt thanked for something you said or did. Why do you still remember that feeling?
While we celebrate one special day of giving thanks this month, we can enjoy the power of thanking someone every day.
BTSYA volunteer Karen Kitchel serves meals to the homeless, is a volunteer teacher, writer, job coach, and mentor. She wrote the chapter, The Gift of Adoption, in our book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World. www.scatteringkindness.com
SHOPPING FOR THE HOLIDAYS? ENJOY DISCOUNTS & MORE
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A NOTE WE LOVED!
”I admire you because despite your fears you face destiny as a beast and manage to reverse the worst situation. You don’t believe in dramatic forecasts and wake up every morning wanting to give the world the best. Thank you!” Nico Ficarelli, Decendiente de Manuel Creador De Argentina
“To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1
With the power disruptions and fire fears of October in our rearview mirrors, we welcome November with open arms and grateful hearts. It won’t be long before the rains arrive. Driving or walking throughout the region, we witness a marvelous display of fall foliage as leaves on many deciduous trees turn from green to saffron to tangerine to crimson before dropping to the ground.
Time to fertilizeheavily. In autumn, plants quit sending minerals and water to leaves and blooms. The nutrients are instead directed to increase the roots while storing food for the winter months.We witness the foliage color change to our great delight .
When you fertilize at this time of year, you’ll be feeding your trees, shrubs, plants, and lawns. This dormant feeding is crucial for the success of your garden for the following seasons.The roots are busy storing nourishment even though the above-ground growth has halted. It’s best to do this heavy feeding after the first rain to assist the fertilizer to go deeper into the ground. The soil is still warm and will soak up the fertilizer.
Time to feed lawns. Lawns especially need fertilizing now. The blade growth has slowed, a signal that roots are digging deeper. Gradually start mowing your lawn shorter and fertilize heavily to prepare the grass for the long cold months ahead. There is still time to aerate if your clay soil is compacted. After the first rain is a good time to re-seed grass or install new sod. Make a personal batch of grass patch by mixing a bag of potting soil in a wheelbarrow with enough lawn seed until you see 20 or more seeds per handful. Scratch or till any bare patches, scatter the seed over the fresh soil, rake lightly, water, and wait for the seedlings to sprout. Keep the area damp until grass is established. Do not let it dry out.
Time to prune dead branches and rake leaves. No plant or tree is fireproof.
Dead branches, dry leaves, and grasses are highly flammable. Reduce fuel laddering by pruning trees 6-10 feet from the ground and several feet from roofs. A person should be able to walk under a tree without being hit by a branch. Clean out your gutters, eaves, porches, and decks.
Time to watch for rodents and skunks. It’s mating season for rodents and skunks. The recent fires have impacted wildlife movement allowing animals to migrate closer to residential development, including a plethora of rats. Vector Control Inspector, Joe Cleope, alerted me about the new procedures and protocols instigated in the district. Many people don’t know that Vector Control is a free service. If you have a question or concern, please visit the website for assistance. https://www.contracostamosquito.com.
Time to plant garlic. Vampires may not like garlic, but foodies do! Planting just a dozen cloves will yield you a harvest of more than 120 cloves. A bulb has several cloves to break apart before planting in a sunny location in rich, well-drained soil. Put the pointy side up and the flat side down, cover the cloves with a layer of mulch, and they will multiply forming a new bulb. Harvesting will be late summer when the tops have yellowed. You can then tie or braid the stalks or cut the leaves above the bulb. Always save a large bulb for the next year of planting.
Time to harvest and eat pineapple guavas. Called feijoa, the fruit is self-harvesting. It falls from the tree when ripe, however, you can also pick the fruit. When cut, a fully ripened feijoa will have clear-colored jellied sections. If not ripe, put in a brown paper bag for a few days with an apple. Scoop out the sweet/tart jelly and eat raw or make jams, sauces, glazes, or add to salads. The perfume from the fruit is as delicious as the fruit!
Time to cut hydrangea blossoms. If you enjoy drying the flowers of hydrangeas, November is a perfect month to do so. If not, once the flowers fade, cut back the stems to encourage new growth.
Time to plant succulents. Succulents are drought and fire-resistant. Many boast beautiful flowers, unique shapes, and striped striations. Planting a selection in one designated area presents a bigger impact of form, texture, and color.
Time for final grape harvesting. The crops of grapes have come to season’s end.If you still have bunches hanging on the vine, take the opportunity to cut them to refrigerate or dehydrate. Use the red-hued leaves in your autumn decorations and place settings.
Time to give thanks. We all have so much for which to be grateful. As Thanksgiving nears, take time to express your appreciation for the blessings and gifts you have received. Remember the people in your life that have been there for you on all occasions…the good, the bad, and the ugly.
To everything there is a season and now is the time to turn, turn, turn.
Cynthia Brian, The Goddess Gardener, raised in the vineyards of Napa County, 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.
Thanksgiving presents an opportunity to express our gratitude for food, even if to say ‘Yum!’ or give kudos to the cook. But do we do that every day? Or each time we eat? I invite you to begin a practice of giving gratitude for food no matter where you are now. That’s where I’m at, too. 😉
It’s hard to give gratitude for something that we don’t appreciate. In modern society, food comes too easily to us to really honor its origin. We can grab it off a supermarket shelf or from the deli counter, we can dine in our cars – even purchasing our meal from a drive through, we can grab a bite from a vending machine, we can place an order online and have it delivered to our door. The list seems to go on and on. I appreciate convenience. But as a society, it’s time to re-educate ourselves about what it takes to bring food to the table. With all the fast food, processed food, and modified food of the last 5o years, or so, convenience has caused us to lose our perspective and appreciation for what is real in regard to food.
Another reason we may overlook giving gratitude for food is that we lose sight of the obvious: that is, we don’t fully acknowledge how important food is in our lives. That beyond the fundamental aspect of supporting our existence, our relationship with food is, arguably, our most intimate relationship of all. We all have relationships – with our partners, our children, our co-workers, our neighbors, our phones, and so on, but have you ever really considered that you are in a relationship with food? Unlike our relationships with people, food is something that we interact with each and every day of our entire life. There are few, if any, people with whom we do that. Children grow and leave the house, we move to another state or country, and we change jobs, thus changing the landscape of whom we interact with on a daily basis. But food is something that is constantly with us, throughout the journey of our lives. Further, food is something that we literally take into ourselves and that literally becomes a part of us. Now, that’s intimate! We all have a relationship with food. It’s a question of how much we are to understand that relationship and to honor it. I think it’s fair to say that many people have a broken relationship with food, leading to the consequence of addiction and obsession, epidemics of chronic disease like overweight, obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer, autoimmune disorders, and so on. Even our good intentions around making homemade food can dissolve into a series of complaint and resentment, huffs and gruff, leaving us with little energy to express sincere gratitude, let alone enjoy our food. It’s time to explore more in regard to the sacredness of food and giving gratitude for it.
In order to give gratitude for food, we must first recognize the reason(s) for which we are grateful for food. The reason(s) behind our gratitude may change from one eating episode to another.
Reasons to be Grateful for Food
It tastes good.
It nourishes our body.
It’s beautiful.
It’s fun to grow.
It helps us to heal.
It gives us energy to do our work.
It delights us.
It warms me up on a cold winter’s day.
It’s fun to prepare.
It provides a way for us to connect with our family and friends.
Ways to Express Gratitude for Food
There are many ways to give thanks for our food. Any sincere expression of gratitude will serve the same purpose, which is to slow us down enough to connect with the sacred. This alone brings tremendous benefits to our body, mind, and spirit. Given that most of us eat several times or are each day, food can serve as one of the most powerful reminders to connect with the divine.
Most cultures and religions have a way to express thanks for what is about to be eaten. Holding a deep connection to the earth, Native Americans honor the exchange of life in regard to food. They ask the Spirit that dwells in the living food – whether animal or plant – for permission to take its life. They then give thanks to the Spirit for its willingness to sacrifice its own life for their benefit and sometimes make an offering of corn or tobacco, for example, in compensation for this sacrifice. Such an act acknowledges that something has been given and received on both sides.
One of the most common ways to express gratitude is by saying grace, which is a specific form of ritual. One may choose to speak freely from the heart – even when dining alone – or n behalf of a group. One may also recite or read a specific prayer from a spiritual tradition or from literature, such as Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet. If you are not comfortable saying a prayer out loud, you can practice gratitude through silence. If the expressions sincere, the offering will be effective. Silence doesn’t just happen; it has to be allowed. It requires us to make a conscious decision not only to refrain from speech, but also to withdraw from activities that fill our minds with noise, such as watching television, listening to the radio, or reading a book. Even in prayer, which people most often do silently, we can be so busy voicing our praise and requests to the divine that we often don’t allow for the space to receive the gifts and messages that the universe intends for us. As with saying grace, a moment of silence can be shared by a group of people or practiced alone. The important thing is that this moment be used to consciously appreciate the food about to be eaten.
Where are you in the process of giving gratitude for food? In what ways are you beginning to offer gratitude for food? Let us know! Let’s keep the conversation growing. We’re in this relationship for life, after all!
“If the only prayer you say in your whole life is ‘thank you,’ that would suffice.” Meister Eckhart
—–
A Registered Dietitian with degrees in Public Health Nutrition and Culture & Creation Spirituality, Lisa is uniquely qualified to help us understand, heal, and nourish our relationship with food.
âThere are eight rungs in charity. The highest is when you help a man to help himself.ââ Maimonides
Message from Founder, Cynthia Brian
For me Thanksgiving is every day because I truly believe in being grateful. So often we tend to focus on what we donât have instead of offering thanks for what we do have. I am grateful for my health, a loving family, a roof over my head, food in my belly, friends to play with, nature to grow me, work for which Iâm passionate, and for all of you who support, volunteer, donate, and believe in the mission of Be the Star You Are!® Here at Be the Star You Are!® we truly believe in empowerment, starting with encouraging and mentoring our volunteers to be the best they can be. Everyday we are reaching for the stars and helping others learn to land on them too.
As the holidays begin, we hope you will give yourself the gift of year-end giving by opening your wallets to make a tax deductible donation to Be the Star You Are!®. We make it so easy for you.
You can send a check to BTSYA, PO Box 376, Moraga, Ca. 94556. You can call us with a credit card at 925-377-STAR, or easiest of all, make your donation on-line either at our web site www.BetheStarYouAre.org or directly at PayPal Giving Fund where 100% of your donation funds our outreach projects.
As you reflect on what matters most in your life, consider sharing the bounty to improve the lives of those less fortunate through the outreach programs of Be the Star You Are!®.
Gratitude is an attitude and we THANK YOU!
Have a healthy, happy, generous Thanksgiving. Remember to always BE the STAR YOU Are!
Cynthia Brian
Founder/Executive Director
Cynthia@BetheStarYouAre.org
PS: Congratulations to our teen radio hosts and reporters celebrating 5 years and 242 original programs on Express Yourself!⢠Teen Radio broadcasting on Voice America Kids Network.
OPERATION HURRICANE MATTHEW DISASTER RELIEF
Be the Star You Are!® has been working diligently to give a new book for the holidays to families and children in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina who suffered losses during the horrible storms of Hurricane Matthew. Brand new books totaling over $15,000 have been shipped to date. Many thanks go to our author partners Brooks Olbrys, Diana Zimmerman, Cynthia Brian, and Lee Ann Mancini for participating in Operation Hurricane Matthew Disaster Relief. For more information and to donate go to http://www.bethestaryouare.org/noperation-hurricane-disaster-relie
Hereâs what a few of the beneficiaries have written.
âWe received the beautiful books you sent to First Books of Beaufort. Thank you so much! I will send photos when we are distributing the books.â Peg Schlichtemeier, First Books of Beaufort,
âThe books are beautiful!! We will begin to organize and wrap them soon. Thank you again for the generous donation! Those books will be a wonderful gift for the many children we serve this Christmas.
Have a blessed and healthy Christmas and New Year!!!
Sincerely, Nadine King, Christmas Come Trueâ, Florida
âAwesome – thanks so much.â Vincent J. DelMonte, Executive Director,
Frank Callen Boys & Girls Clubs, Georgia
ANNOUNCING OUR NEW TEEN BOOK REVIEW COORDINATOR
Our gratitude goes out to Katie Huang who has been our Teen Book Review Coordinator for the past few years. Since Katie is now in college and her hours are more restricted, she is turning over her reins to Maria Wong, an active BTSYA volunteer as well as reporter and host on Express Yourself!®. For volunteers who are part of the Star Book Review Team, please submit your book reviews to bluemango321@yahoo.com. Welcome Maria to your new leadership position!
EVENTS:
November 23-November 29th:
GIVING WEEK: Giving Assistant will double donations 11/23-11/29
Itâs Giving Week at Giving Assistant where you SAVE more and they GIVE more.
Youâll earn the highest cash back rates of the year and Giving Assistant will double all donations when you shop at all of your favorite brands online from 11/23-11/29 including Etsy, Home Depot, Macyâs, Gilt, Nasty Gal, and thousands more. Start shopping and giving.
Visit and Photo with Santa on Saturday, December 17th, 2016
In collaboration with 5 A Rent A Space, teen volunteers from Be the Star You Are!® will help children write letters to Santa and enjoy arts and crafts as well as get a framed photo with Santa Claus himself!. Cookies, fruit, candy canes, and hot cocoa will be served. The event is FREE to the public. Bring your little ones to a visit with Santa.
Date: Saturday, December 17, 2016
Time: 11am-3pm
Place: 5 A Rent a Space
455 Moraga Road
Moraga, California 94556
It will be a fun-filled time for all ages who believe in the magic of Christmas.
Donations greatly appreciated for the outreach programs of the all volunteer non profit Be the Star You Are!®
See you there!
Shop, Give, and Get Connected!
If you love to shop online, you’ll love the ways you can be donating to Be the Star You Are!® without spending a penny more, and sometimes saving a lot. The next time you want to buy ANYTHING, click on one of our links and you’ll
be supporting BTSYA while getting the best value for yourself!
Every Tuesday at NOON PT, the talented teens of Be the Star You Are!® bring you an exciting, informative, mind-boggling program with fresh ideas from youthful minds. Join the fun!
On this 242nd original radio program, the teen hosts and reporters of Express Yourself!⢠celebrate FIVE years of weekly broadcasting on the Voice America Kids Network.
Hosts Asya Gonzalez and Maria Wong share their early memories of being reporters, the thrill of hosting, and their appreciation for the opportunities experienced on Express Yourself!â¢. Katelyn Darrow who has been a host and reporter for four of the five years recalls when she began as a high school freshman and what she has learned from interviewing and reporting as the years have passed.
Henna Hundal chimes in with her appreciation for the opportunities gained and the one-of-a-kind experiences she has enjoyed while making a difference for others in our world.
With his World Watch report, Joven Hundal, speaks of the past yearâs accomplishments of outstanding teens all around the world, a refreshing look at how youth are changing the face of the earth for the better.
All of the young adults express their sincerest gratitude to the Voice America Kids Network, Be the Star You Are!®, Cynthia Brian, their radio colleagues, and the listeners around the world for the incredible growth experiences that being part of this stellar team have endowed upon them as individuals. The Express Yourself!⢠teens are engaged, educated, entertaining, and most of all inspiring. Congratulations to the STARS of Express Yourself!⢠on five years of excellence.
Speak up, Speak out, and Be Heard at Express Yourself! ⢠Teen Radio
Help Be the Star You Are!® without spending a penny. If youâve ever purchased a TV or computer screen, just 3 minutes of your time is needed to fill out the simple form and click submit. Every unit qualifies for a donation of about $20 to Be the Star You Are!®. You will receive a tax receipt once the donations have been dispersed. PLEASE do this today. Thanks from Be the Star You Are!® Read about our SUCCESSFUL VOLUNTEERS: READ AT PRESS PASS
Catch up with all broadcasts on ITunes Buy books by Cynthia Brian Amazon Store
Express Yourself! Teen Radio is produced by Cynthia Brian of Starstyle Productions, llc as an outreach program of Be the Star You Are! charity. To make a tax-deductible donation to keep this positive youth programming broadcasting weekly to international audiences, visit . Dare to care!
For all the latest news on what teens are talking about on Express Yourself! Teen Radio embed this code into your blogs and web sites <Iframe src=”http://www.voiceamerica.com/jwplayer/HostPlayer.html?showid=2014″frameborder=”0″ scrolling=”auto” width=”420″ height=”380″></Iframe>
Thanks for supporting teens!
Lend us Your Ears!!!
Embed StarStyle® Be the Star You Are!® Radio
If you are a fan of the authors, experts, celebrities, and guests that appear regularly on StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!® radio, you can now be sure to never miss an episode. Embed this code into your WordPress site or any site and youâll always have Cynthia Brian, Heather Brittany, and all of your favorite pioneers on the planet at your fingertips. Upbeat, positive, life-changing talk radio broadcasting live each week since 1998. Lend us Your Ears. We are Starstyle®-Be the Star You Are!®
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