Well, it's February 20, 2009. We aren't even past a full 2 months in this year and it has been absolutely nuts. This little company is my baby. If you're self-employed, you know what I mean. My work hours span anywhere from 6am-3am, depending on the day. Constant streams of meetings at local coffee shops. Endless hours of behind-the-scenes structural work for the company. Dates with coffee and my sketch pad every morning. Countless meetings with an incredibly talented Couturiere. Sewing. Patterning. All of the above.
And 6 weeks into all of that, I find that things are not going the way I hoped. Of course, after a few days of reflection and prayer, I find that it is a wonderful turn of events. If you have even glanced at my posts over the last year, you'll know that even though I've thrown my heart and soul into this company, I have a passion beyond words for the afflicted and oppressed in this world. Specifically (but not limited to) Africa.
It looks like my dream of going to Africa is beginning to come true. Things are starting to come together, and I may actually be spending a couple of months in Burundi at the end of this year. I can't wait to start doing an update each month on what is going on in preparation for the trip, and then when it finally happens, updating you from there. I get chills thinking about it.
Now, this doesn't mean I'm abandoning all that I've put into this company. In fact, long term, I see this passion for Africa weaving quite harmoniously with my passion to make beautiful custom wedding gowns. But, until that starts to become more clear, I'll keep my giddy little ideas to myself. I have this silly habit of getting two steps ahead of myself, and this is too precious for me to do that.
In the mean time, we'll be making wedding gowns and accepting clients in 2009, but the latest wedding date we can probably accept is through mid-September at this point. Ask about an exception to the rule before canning your hopes, it may work out anyway. :)
As my year has already proven full of blessings, I hope that for you as well.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Dimaano Photography
I want to introduce you all to a friend of mine who is an awesome photographer in the Bay Area. He lived in Bend for 4 years, and to my dismay moved back to Cali just a month after I met him. Home is where the heart is, I suppose. :)
Anthony Dimaano captures people, life, and events all around him with the edge of a photojournalist. He tells a pretty sweet story with his art, which I find incredibly rad.
Escape from your day and enjoy some time on his website.
Anthony Dimaano captures people, life, and events all around him with the edge of a photojournalist. He tells a pretty sweet story with his art, which I find incredibly rad.
Escape from your day and enjoy some time on his website.
Friday, February 6, 2009
International Day for Zero Tolerance of FGM
I know this is a super long post, but it's so important! That, and it is my birthday and I'll post what I feel like. :)
If you don't know what Female Genital Mutilation is, I recommend that you Wikipedia it and find out more. My heart breaks over this practice, and this is why today is so important. Read the press release below. Spread the word.
__________________________________
Dear World Relief Next Advocate,
The following is a letter from the Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children. Please consider this in prayer today as millions of lives are impacted by the atrocity of FGM.
Whatever we can do to spread awareness, it begins with thoughtful prayer and consideration (LOVE). Go further and dig into the facts and figures surrounding FGM (LEARN). Bring it up in conversation today with a friend; you never know whom you might touch and the effect it will have on the precious life of one (ENGAGE).
Save One Girl from the Knife.
Gratefully,
World Relief NEXT
COMITE INTER-AFRICAIN (CI-AF) SUR LES PRATIQUES TRADIONNELLES
ayant effet sur la santé des femmes et des enfants
Ref: IAC/February 6. /01.09
Date: January 28, 2009
Press Release for Friday February 6, 2009
From: The Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children (IAC)
Headquarters: ECA, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
To observe February 6, 2009 as the International day on Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), the Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices (IAC) with her Affiliates and Partners across the world calls on Governments, Parliamentarians, UN Agencies, NGOs, donor community, Religious leaders, Community leaders, Youth, communities and members of the Press to make a greater commitment to ensure the elimination of FGM.
The theme for this year's observation is “Political will at the Center of Achieving
Zero Tolerance to FGM".
The objective of observing February 6 is to draw the attention, at the international and national levels to efforts that need to be exerted to free women and girls from female genital mutilation and to accelerate action towards its elimination by the set target date of 2010 according to the Common Agenda for Action or by 2015 being the target of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG).
Why focus on FGM?
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is Violence against Women. It is a violation of the human rights' principles, as stipulated in Article 24.3 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), other International and Regional instruments and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People's Rights Relating to the Rights of Women, (Article 5). The Millennium Development Goals advocate for the promotion of Gender Equality and Empowerment of women, reduction of child mortality and improvement of maternal health.
Female Genital Mutilation refers to any practice that involves the partial or total removal or alteration of the external female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
By a conservative estimate, about 2 million women and girls are subjected to FGM worldwide with devastating consequences. Studies have shown a correlation between FGM and the high infant and maternal mortality and morbidity in African countries where FGM is prevalent. There is also clinical evidence that FGM presents a serious risk in the transmission of HIV/AIDS, especially among societies who practice it as an initiation rite using the same instruments on many girls at the same time.
February 6 was unanimously adopted at the International Conference on Zero Tolerance to FGM organized by IAC from February 4 to 6 2003 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Representatives at the Conference came from 49 countries including 4 First Ladies (from Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Guinea Conakry and Mali), Ministers, and Parliamentarians. Others included Religious, Community and Youth leaders.
IAC National Committees in 28 African countries, its Affiliates and Partners in Austria, Belgium, Canada, England, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands and USA will mark February 6, 2009.
Some of the activities being organized by IAC include press conference, press interview, theatre show and songs by a school club in Addis Ababa Headquarters of IAC, panel discussions in Addis Ababa and in Geneva Liaison office highlighting FGM as a tradition that should be eliminated being a violation of the human rights of women and girls.
Specifically, the panelist will address the following areas among others:
-Building national frameworks to end FGM
-Enforcing change: the role of governments, political leaders in the campaign against FGM
-Implementation of international and national legal instruments relating to FGM
IAC success stories abound in communities in many African countries where its National Committees carry out interventions. There are cases where whole villages, denounce and ban FGM following community mobilization strategy. Egypt, Ethiopia and Ghana are a few examples.
By the events outlined around the world, for February 6, 2009, IAC and her partners are drawing global, national and community attention to the provisions in the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People's Rights on the Rights of women (Maputo Protocol Article 5) and other UN Conventions which support the promotion of the Human Rights of women and children and the elimination of FGM.
February 6 as the international day on Zero Tolerance to FGM has come to stay and it would be a reminder to governments for their commitments towards accelerating actions to eliminate the menace.
Berhane Ras-Work
Executive Director, IAC
INTER-AFRICAN COMMITTEE
COMITE INTER-AFRICAIN
If you don't know what Female Genital Mutilation is, I recommend that you Wikipedia it and find out more. My heart breaks over this practice, and this is why today is so important. Read the press release below. Spread the word.
__________________________________
Dear World Relief Next Advocate,
The following is a letter from the Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children. Please consider this in prayer today as millions of lives are impacted by the atrocity of FGM.
Whatever we can do to spread awareness, it begins with thoughtful prayer and consideration (LOVE). Go further and dig into the facts and figures surrounding FGM (LEARN). Bring it up in conversation today with a friend; you never know whom you might touch and the effect it will have on the precious life of one (ENGAGE).
Save One Girl from the Knife.
Gratefully,
World Relief NEXT
COMITE INTER-AFRICAIN (CI-AF) SUR LES PRATIQUES TRADIONNELLES
ayant effet sur la santé des femmes et des enfants
Ref: IAC/February 6. /01.09
Date: January 28, 2009
Press Release for Friday February 6, 2009
From: The Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children (IAC)
Headquarters: ECA, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
To observe February 6, 2009 as the International day on Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), the Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices (IAC) with her Affiliates and Partners across the world calls on Governments, Parliamentarians, UN Agencies, NGOs, donor community, Religious leaders, Community leaders, Youth, communities and members of the Press to make a greater commitment to ensure the elimination of FGM.
The theme for this year's observation is “Political will at the Center of Achieving
Zero Tolerance to FGM".
The objective of observing February 6 is to draw the attention, at the international and national levels to efforts that need to be exerted to free women and girls from female genital mutilation and to accelerate action towards its elimination by the set target date of 2010 according to the Common Agenda for Action or by 2015 being the target of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG).
Why focus on FGM?
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is Violence against Women. It is a violation of the human rights' principles, as stipulated in Article 24.3 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), other International and Regional instruments and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People's Rights Relating to the Rights of Women, (Article 5). The Millennium Development Goals advocate for the promotion of Gender Equality and Empowerment of women, reduction of child mortality and improvement of maternal health.
Female Genital Mutilation refers to any practice that involves the partial or total removal or alteration of the external female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
By a conservative estimate, about 2 million women and girls are subjected to FGM worldwide with devastating consequences. Studies have shown a correlation between FGM and the high infant and maternal mortality and morbidity in African countries where FGM is prevalent. There is also clinical evidence that FGM presents a serious risk in the transmission of HIV/AIDS, especially among societies who practice it as an initiation rite using the same instruments on many girls at the same time.
February 6 was unanimously adopted at the International Conference on Zero Tolerance to FGM organized by IAC from February 4 to 6 2003 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Representatives at the Conference came from 49 countries including 4 First Ladies (from Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Guinea Conakry and Mali), Ministers, and Parliamentarians. Others included Religious, Community and Youth leaders.
IAC National Committees in 28 African countries, its Affiliates and Partners in Austria, Belgium, Canada, England, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands and USA will mark February 6, 2009.
Some of the activities being organized by IAC include press conference, press interview, theatre show and songs by a school club in Addis Ababa Headquarters of IAC, panel discussions in Addis Ababa and in Geneva Liaison office highlighting FGM as a tradition that should be eliminated being a violation of the human rights of women and girls.
Specifically, the panelist will address the following areas among others:
-Building national frameworks to end FGM
-Enforcing change: the role of governments, political leaders in the campaign against FGM
-Implementation of international and national legal instruments relating to FGM
IAC success stories abound in communities in many African countries where its National Committees carry out interventions. There are cases where whole villages, denounce and ban FGM following community mobilization strategy. Egypt, Ethiopia and Ghana are a few examples.
By the events outlined around the world, for February 6, 2009, IAC and her partners are drawing global, national and community attention to the provisions in the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People's Rights on the Rights of women (Maputo Protocol Article 5) and other UN Conventions which support the promotion of the Human Rights of women and children and the elimination of FGM.
February 6 as the international day on Zero Tolerance to FGM has come to stay and it would be a reminder to governments for their commitments towards accelerating actions to eliminate the menace.
Berhane Ras-Work
Executive Director, IAC
INTER-AFRICAN COMMITTEE
COMITE INTER-AFRICAIN
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
A Couple of Videos
No, these aren't for your entertainment. These are for your education. I posted on my personal blog the other day a little more information about the Democratic Republic of Congo. If you want it all, I'll send it to you, along with a bunch of resources and ways you can get involved. It's hard to swallow, it really is.
Over the past couple of weeks I've been learning about Internally Displaced Persons in DRC. However, there are over 52 million displaced around the world. It is a huge issue, one which needs more attention and devotion from people all over the world.
These videos are about the crisis in DRC. Hopefully this gives you a glimpse of the problem occurring around the world today. Click the links below (I couldn't manage to get them to upload directly to this page).
Video #1 this is posted by Condition: Critical which is a website devoted to the crisis in DRC and what Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF, or Doctors without Borders) are doing to help in the area.
Video #2 this is by UNICEF. "Not by Bombs and Bullets: Behind the DRC conflict". (I would post direct from UNICEF, but I couldn't get their videos working from their website.)
Video #3 is posted by Media Storm.
Part of me does not want to warn you that these videos may have some graphic content. But they do. Please watch them. Learn something. Think about something difficult for a few minutes of your day. Let it sink into your bones so deep that you must do something to help.
Here are a list of links, ways to get involved (simple ways! Like purchasing clothes, goods, photography and more) and further your awareness about global issues:
http://www.womenforwomen.org
http://www.worldreliefnext.org
http://www.cauzal.com
http://www.greatlakesoutreach.org
http://www.thekilns.com
http://www.ethniphotography.com
http://www.riseupinternational.com
http://www.ransomwear.org
http://www.krochetkids.org
http://www.amaniafrica.org
http://www.bloodwatermission.com
Over the past couple of weeks I've been learning about Internally Displaced Persons in DRC. However, there are over 52 million displaced around the world. It is a huge issue, one which needs more attention and devotion from people all over the world.
These videos are about the crisis in DRC. Hopefully this gives you a glimpse of the problem occurring around the world today. Click the links below (I couldn't manage to get them to upload directly to this page).
Video #1 this is posted by Condition: Critical which is a website devoted to the crisis in DRC and what Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF, or Doctors without Borders) are doing to help in the area.
Video #2 this is by UNICEF. "Not by Bombs and Bullets: Behind the DRC conflict". (I would post direct from UNICEF, but I couldn't get their videos working from their website.)
Video #3 is posted by Media Storm.
Part of me does not want to warn you that these videos may have some graphic content. But they do. Please watch them. Learn something. Think about something difficult for a few minutes of your day. Let it sink into your bones so deep that you must do something to help.
Here are a list of links, ways to get involved (simple ways! Like purchasing clothes, goods, photography and more) and further your awareness about global issues:
http://www.womenforwomen.o
http://www.worldreliefnext
http://www.cauzal.com
http://www.greatlakesoutre
http://www.thekilns.com
http://www.ethniphotograph
http://www.riseupinternati
http://www.ransomwear.org
http://www.krochetkids.org
http://www.amaniafrica.org
http://www.bloodwatermissi
Friday, January 30, 2009
Ethni Photography
Yesterday was the first day in over a week that I started feeling like a human again. I've been sick, so many apologies for the lack in posting! And, in feeling better, I had the opportunity to escape the house and the office and head over to see Jane - the lovely owner of Ethni Photography.
I've known her for almost 4 years now, and just before Ania came about, Ethni was beginning. I take that back. I'm positive God had begun to weave Jane's vision for her company together for years prior to today. 25% of the proceeds from all of the shoots go to a missions organization of your choice. And that is something that rocks my world, as you've probably picked up on with the other organizations and people I blabber about on a consistent basis.
Jane does everything: weddings, seniors, portraits, and babies! I'm in a baby mood today, get used to it :) Go check out her newly remodeled website and her beautiful work. You'll get lost for at least an hour in there. Enjoy!
I've known her for almost 4 years now, and just before Ania came about, Ethni was beginning. I take that back. I'm positive God had begun to weave Jane's vision for her company together for years prior to today. 25% of the proceeds from all of the shoots go to a missions organization of your choice. And that is something that rocks my world, as you've probably picked up on with the other organizations and people I blabber about on a consistent basis.
Jane does everything: weddings, seniors, portraits, and babies! I'm in a baby mood today, get used to it :) Go check out her newly remodeled website and her beautiful work. You'll get lost for at least an hour in there. Enjoy!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Gorgeous, gorgeous
I'm absolutely in love with this jewelry by BridalEmunique. Click on the photo above to visit their online shop through Etsy. Grab a napkin, you'll need to wipe up your drool :)
Thursday, January 22, 2009
A Letter from Zimbabwe
We are finally starting to get awareness out about Congo, but the truth is, there are multiple crises going on around the world, and so many still in Africa. I received this letter yesterday from a friend of mine. Let's do our best to create awareness, because without it we can do nothing.
I reckon that these are the last days of TKM and ZPF. The darkest hour is always before dawn.
We are all terrified at what they are going to destroy next........I mean they are actually ploughing down brick and mortar houses and one family with twin boys of 10 had no chance of salvaging anything when 100 riot police came in with AK47's and bulldozers and demolished their beautiful house - 5 bedrooms and pine ceilings - because it was 'too close to the airport', so we are feeling extremely insecure right now.
You know - I am aware that this does not help you sleep at night, but if you do not know - how can you help? Even if you put us in your own mental ring of light and send your guardian angels to be with us - that is a help -but I feel so cut off from you all knowing I cannot tell you what's going on here simply because you will feel uncomfortable. There is no ways we can leave here so that is not an option.
I ask that you all pray for us in the way that you know how, and let me know that you are thinking of us and sending out positive vibes... that's all. You can't just be in denial and pretend/believe it's not going on.
To be frank with you, it's genocide in the making and if you do not believe me, read the Genocide Report by Amnesty International which says we are - IN level 7 - (level 8 is after it's happened and everyone is in denial). If you don't want me to tell you these things-how bad it is-then it means you have not dealt with your own fear, but it does not help me to think you are turning \your back on our situation. We need you, please, to get the news OUT that we are all in a fearfully dangerous situation here. Too many people turn their backs and say - oh well, that's what happens in Africa
This Government has GONE MAD and you need to help us publicize our plight---or how can we be rescued? It's a reality! The petrol queues are a reality, the pall of smoke all around our city is a reality, the thousands of homeless people sleeping outside in 0 Celsius with no food, water, shelter and bedding are a reality. Today a family approached me, brother of the gardener's wife with two small children. Their home was trashed and they will have to sleep outside. We already support 8 adult people and a child on this property, and electricity is going up next month by 250% as is water.
How can I take on another family of 4 -----and yet how can I turn them away to sleep out in the open? I am not asking you for money or a ticket out of here - I am asking you to FACE the fact that we are in deep and terrible danger and want you please to pass on our news and pictures. So PLEASE don't just press the delete button! Help best in the way that you know how.
Do face the reality of what is going on here and help us SEND OUT THE WORD.. The more people who know about it, the more chance we have of the United Nations coming to our aid. Please don't ignore or deny what's happening. Some would like to be protected from the truth BUT then, if we are eliminated, how would you feel? 'If only we knew how bad it really was we could have helped in some way'.
[I know we chose to stay here and that some feel we deserve what's coming to us] For now,--- we ourselves have food, shelter, a little fuel and a bit of money for the next meal - but what is going to happen next? Will they start on our houses? All property is going to belong to the State now. I want to send out my Title Deeds to one of you because if they get a hold of those, I can't fight for my rights.
Censorship!----We no longer have SW radio [which told us everything that was happening] because the Government jammed it out of existence - we don't have any reporters, and no one is allowed to photograph. If we had reporters here, they would have an absolute field day. Even the pro-Government Herald has written that people are shocked, stunned, bewildered and blown mindless by the wanton destruction of many folks homes, which are supposed to be 'illegal' but for which a huge percentage actually do have licenses.
Please! - do have some compassion and HELP by sending out the articles and personal reports so that something can/may be done.
'I am one. I cannot do everything, ---but I can do something.. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. What I can do, I should do. And what I should do, by the grace of God, I will do.' -Edward Everett Hale
I reckon that these are the last days of TKM and ZPF. The darkest hour is always before dawn.
We are all terrified at what they are going to destroy next........I mean they are actually ploughing down brick and mortar houses and one family with twin boys of 10 had no chance of salvaging anything when 100 riot police came in with AK47's and bulldozers and demolished their beautiful house - 5 bedrooms and pine ceilings - because it was 'too close to the airport', so we are feeling extremely insecure right now.
You know - I am aware that this does not help you sleep at night, but if you do not know - how can you help? Even if you put us in your own mental ring of light and send your guardian angels to be with us - that is a help -but I feel so cut off from you all knowing I cannot tell you what's going on here simply because you will feel uncomfortable. There is no ways we can leave here so that is not an option.
I ask that you all pray for us in the way that you know how, and let me know that you are thinking of us and sending out positive vibes... that's all. You can't just be in denial and pretend/believe it's not going on.
To be frank with you, it's genocide in the making and if you do not believe me, read the Genocide Report by Amnesty International which says we are - IN level 7 - (level 8 is after it's happened and everyone is in denial). If you don't want me to tell you these things-how bad it is-then it means you have not dealt with your own fear, but it does not help me to think you are turning \your back on our situation. We need you, please, to get the news OUT that we are all in a fearfully dangerous situation here. Too many people turn their backs and say - oh well, that's what happens in Africa
This Government has GONE MAD and you need to help us publicize our plight---or how can we be rescued? It's a reality! The petrol queues are a reality, the pall of smoke all around our city is a reality, the thousands of homeless people sleeping outside in 0 Celsius with no food, water, shelter and bedding are a reality. Today a family approached me, brother of the gardener's wife with two small children. Their home was trashed and they will have to sleep outside. We already support 8 adult people and a child on this property, and electricity is going up next month by 250% as is water.
How can I take on another family of 4 -----and yet how can I turn them away to sleep out in the open? I am not asking you for money or a ticket out of here - I am asking you to FACE the fact that we are in deep and terrible danger and want you please to pass on our news and pictures. So PLEASE don't just press the delete button! Help best in the way that you know how.
Do face the reality of what is going on here and help us SEND OUT THE WORD.. The more people who know about it, the more chance we have of the United Nations coming to our aid. Please don't ignore or deny what's happening. Some would like to be protected from the truth BUT then, if we are eliminated, how would you feel? 'If only we knew how bad it really was we could have helped in some way'.
[I know we chose to stay here and that some feel we deserve what's coming to us] For now,--- we ourselves have food, shelter, a little fuel and a bit of money for the next meal - but what is going to happen next? Will they start on our houses? All property is going to belong to the State now. I want to send out my Title Deeds to one of you because if they get a hold of those, I can't fight for my rights.
Censorship!----We no longer have SW radio [which told us everything that was happening] because the Government jammed it out of existence - we don't have any reporters, and no one is allowed to photograph. If we had reporters here, they would have an absolute field day. Even the pro-Government Herald has written that people are shocked, stunned, bewildered and blown mindless by the wanton destruction of many folks homes, which are supposed to be 'illegal' but for which a huge percentage actually do have licenses.
Please! - do have some compassion and HELP by sending out the articles and personal reports so that something can/may be done.
'I am one. I cannot do everything, ---but I can do something.. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. What I can do, I should do. And what I should do, by the grace of God, I will do.' -Edward Everett Hale
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