It's just stuff!

Nine years ago today I awoke in the middle of the night to a house filled with smoke; my smoke alarms never went off. The Fire Chief from the Bloomfield Township Fire Department said, “Someone up there is looking out for you. The majority of people that experience the kind of fire you all had don’t make it out alive.” Thank God for small miracles.

Running through the house, I woke everyone in the middle of the night, getting them up and out as quick as possible. Years of listening to the fire fighters that visited my children's classroom paid off! Everyone did what they were taught; they headed for the meeting spot in front of the house. The Bloomfield Twp. Fire Department was there in less than two minutes – quick enough to save the structure and our pets! I remember the look on my daughters face when a young fire fighter handed her one of our kittens. Talk about priceless. We lost almost all of our belongings – what does it matter, it’s just stuff. Every one of us made it out alive.

We were fortunate enough to have insurance, (even if you rent, you need insurance) as well as many, many friends, family and a few strangers, who pitched in to help us through the cold and crazy days that followed. To you all, my family is forever grateful. Watching the news the last couple of days, hearing the countless stories of people that experienced the loss a fire creates, made me realize even more how precious life is. Celebrate life, live in the present and help someone, somehow– that’s how I plan to spend the rest of my days! I hope you’ll join me!

Here's to your most blissful years ever! Bliss Out!

Lunafest 2008/2009 and ONE OF US FILMS

For the past two years, I've had the great pleasure of being involved with One of Us Films Carrie LeZotte and Lora Probert as they bring Lunafest to Metro Detroit. Filled with stories of reflection and whimsy, hope and humor, grace and perseverance, LUNAFEST films are renowned for celebrating the talents and stories of women. Not to mention that 100% of all the proceeds go to support worthy causes. It's a great way to share a little 'sisterhood' and see incredible films created by women all over the world.

'LUNAFEST was established in 2000 by LUNA, the makers of the Whole Nutrition Bar for Women, to simultaneously promote women filmmakers, raise awareness for women’s issues, and support worthy women’s nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada.
LUNAFEST is completely funded by LUNA and run by a small, dedicated group of LUNA employees. 100 percent of all proceeds are donated to charity – 15 percent to the Breast Cancer Fund and the remaining 85 percent of proceeds go directly back to hosting community organizations.

Over the years, as LUNAFEST has grown from a single annual event to more than 140 festivals each season, LUNA’s commitment to this worthwhile program has grown as well. We are continually inspired by the individual and collective efforts of women – and we are awed by the results. To date, LUNAFEST has raised ver $250,000 for worthwhile women’s organizations, while raising hope and awareness for the stories of women everywhere.

This year, for those that wish to support Lunafest and One Of Us Films, they are pulling together an additional insert to the program. For $50.00 you can sponsor a business card size ad on the insert and receive a complimentary VIP ticket to the event being held on Thursday, October 23, 2008 at the Emagine Theatre, in Novi. The VIP Reception starts at 6:00 pm and ShowTime is at 7 PM. What a great opportunity to offer a group of women a discount or special offer, knowing that you are supporting worthy causes.

For more information and to resrve your spce on the insert, please contact:

Lora Probert Producer, One of Us Films 248-303-0537 Email: lprobert@oneofusfilms.org Website: www.oneofusfilms.org/

Thanks to ladies of Oneofusfilms, for your efforts and support. We are all faced with something, sometime, somewhere, that effects our lives so deeply we reach for help.