Star Searcher's  Express
Brought to you by Be the Star You Are!™
P. O. Box 376, Moraga, CA 94556, 877-944-STAR, www.bethestaryouare.org 

    Happy Mother's Day to all the moms across the world who give their hearts to nurture children.

May 2005
MIRACLE MOMENT®:
"The kinder and more
thoughtful a person is,
the more kindness they
can find in other people."
Leo Tolstoy
1828-1910
Novelist and Philosopher

• Link Swap

• Thanks

• Good News Shopping

• Radio Outreach

• Star Teen Book Review Team

• Looking For Success?

• A Message From Our Founder

• About Be the Star You Are!™ charity

• Upcoming speaking engagements

• Support the charity -- buy books

• Your feedback

• Subscription information

• Newsletter archive

• Forward this newsletter to a friend

• Contact Cynthia Brian

Our lead article is a personal story on
 the value of reading to children and the importance of fostering literacy programs
in our country.

Thirsting
   "Richer than I, you can never be, for I had a mother who read to me."   Strickland Gillialan summed up a worldwide truth when he wrote this often quoted line.

   What is it about reading that enriches a life so that it cannot compare to any other achievement or status? May I suggest it is the base truth that reading opens the mind and awakens the faculties? A sort of mental metamorphosis occurs when we read. Thoughts explode, ideas materialize, dreams become attainable.  

   In reading, we capture the world. It’s people. It’s places. It’s sorrows. It’s elations. And when you have captured the world, you are the ruler of your universe. You are in control of your core believes and fundamental actions. You are in position to decide who you are and to act on that decision.

   This may all sound poetically trite, but I believe it. For me this has been true. My early life was devoid of literature in the home. Poverty and circumstance left our home absent of reading. I would say we were dull and numb to thinking beyond the daily drudgery of life.

   A caring, perceptive high school English teacher, Mr. Haviland, reached past my wall and sparked my interest in learning. Other teachers here and there fanned the spark until there was a small flame, then a roaring fire. I fed the fire by exploring the world of books and learning. It was like being given an endless drink after a long thirsty journey.

   I see my brothers’ chaotic, turbulent lives and think how they may have been different if they had been saved the spiraling decline of ignorance. They both have bright minds, but they were starved intellectually until they did not feel the hunger any longer. They have become satisfied with mundane existence. Why? Because they were not afforded the riches of literature, the riches of learning. They dropped out of school and have been floundering since.

   I compare my life before books and my life after, and they are miles apart. The first afforded me few choices and fewer aspirations. The later, opened endless possibilities and a life rich with knowledge, understanding and appreciation. A life expanded and fully lived. What do we give to our children when we read to them? We literally give them the world!

BIO
Annette Zahn resides in Missouri with her husband, Brian. They are the parents of four children. Annette operates both an in-home daycare and  an online store, Missionary Gift Baskets.com.  She enjoys diverse activities, including camping, cooking and writing, but her family continues to be her foremost occupation.

THANKS:

Gratitude to the authors who donated books to our children recently.  The lack of books is the number one reason cited for illiteracy among our poorest population.  Thanks to these authors for their generosity.

*Richard Pelzer-author of “My Brother’s Journey- www.richardpelzer.com

*Ivan Burnell-Author of “Say YES to Life”- www.yesfactor.com

*Sandra McLeod Humphrey- Author of “Dare to Dream”- www.prometheusbooks.com

*Peggy Swager-Author of “conquering Today’s Changing Job Market” – www.peggyswager.com

*Pat Wyman, M.A., Author,” Instant Learning™ Book Series;”- www.howtolearn.com

One of the most difficult tasks of operating a charity is finding, training, and motivating volunteers.  Many people offer to help, few follow through. 

We also want to recognize the volunteers that have had integrity and walked their talk.  Be the Star You Are!™ welcomes, Neema Mahdavian who is taking the post of Director of Development.  He will be finding ways to keep the charity alive through sponsorships, donations, contributions, and events. Thank you, Neema, for your ideas, youth, and enthusiasm.  We are counting on you to help us make a difference.

Other helpful volunteers include our new office assistant, Samantha Martin.  She is a student at St. Mary’s College and is offering assistance in a variety of capacities.  Our gratitude to her as well as the following other volunteers, some of whom are virtual researchers who are helping us on projects: Radha Thiagarajan, Nicole Smith, Josh Brueckner, Diane Christianson, Carollann Wright, and Brianna Castro. 

Always, HUGE thanks to our web mistress, Kim Carlson.  She has re-designed our web site and keeps it up to date lickety split!  Despite her numerous other obligations, job, and activities, she is always happy and diligent about caring for our needs.  Kim also designs our newsletter and works with Scott Thorson for distribution.  Kudos and gratitude to both. You can reach Kim at www.accountech.com. 

Be the Star You Are!™ was the featured charity on the home page of www.justvolunteers.com.  If you want to volunteer for charity work, make sure to visit the web site.  Thank you to Just Volunteers for believing in the work of Be the Star You Are!™

GOODNEWS SHOPPING:

Be the Star You is proud to offer lots of ways to support the charity while enjoying art, books, posters, parties, and auction items.   Go to our home page at www.bethestaryouare.org and visit our SHOP.

Here are the highlights:

Just in time for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, Paula Schmitt’s book, “Living in a Locker Room” is available in bookstores and on-line sites.  We are especially excited about this book as Paula is donating 10% of books sales to Be the Star You Are!™  Buy it!  It’s a fun read about a mother’s survival in a household of boys! Visit: www.paulaschmitt.com

Famed plein air artist, Armand Cabrera is donating to Be the Star You Are!™ a percentage of the proceeds from his paintings which are purchased directly from the artist at his site. Visit www.bethestaryouare.org/
ArtGallery.html and follow our link or go directly to www.armandcabrera.com.  Please let him know you want to buy it as a donation to Be the Star You Are!™

Also in time for Mother’s Day, Graduations, Birthdays, and Father’s Day- our on-line auction is once again active.   More exciting items are added daily.  Hurry-it’s only working through mid June.  This is a wonderful way to buy gifts, trips, and more and get a tax deduction. btsya.cmarket.com

Shanelle and Paul Cody are the founders of The Perfect Party.  They are dedicated to literacy and are offering 15% of their profits to literacy charities, including Be the Star You Are!™  Visit their web site to find out how you can put on the perfect party while helping literacy causes. www.perfectpartybycody.com
/a_fundraiser.asp 

Do you shop on-line? Now you can make a difference for our charity by purchasing your favorite items. We are happy to announce our alliance with two on-line shopping sites that offer you great products at discount prices from recognized retailers.  They will donate up to 20% of your purchase to Be the Star You Are!™ Get started today.  Visit

http://mycause.com/BTSYA  and http://www.iGive.com/BTYSA 

Every purchase helps us help others.  This is one way where “shop to you drop” makes sense!

Radio Outreach 

Be the Star You Are!™ is empowering people around the globe through its very proactive, upbeat radio program, Starstyle-Be the Star You Are! Every week, hosts Cynthia Brian and Heather Brittany introduce you to authors and experts who help pump your energy, enhance your life, and inspire you to new heights. In the T42 segment, issues challenging kids, teenagers, young adults, and women are discussed offering solid solutions to everyday questions.  Whether it’s business, finances, relationships, parenting, pets, or personal growth, Starstyle-Be the Star You Are! is your power partner.  Promoting literacy and encouraging listeners to read good books  while being edu-tained is the goal of our radio program outreach.  We air everyday around the world. Check out times, networks, and guest line-up at http://www.star-style.com/
radio/index.htm.

For sponsorship information, please email us at radio@bethestaryouare.org or call our offices 925-376-7126. We’ll put you in touch with the right people.  Advertising is affordable and tax deductible! Get your message out to the world, support youth at risk AND get a tax deduction.  Everybody wins. 

STAR TEEN BOOK REVIEW TEAM

 Our Star Teen Book Review Team are doing a terrific job of reading and reviewing books for children and teens that come from publishers around the globe.  Reviews are then sent to our partner, The Reading Tub, where they are published on their web site to help parents, teachers, and librarians decide what books are appropriate for children. Visit www.thereadingtub.org .  Bravo to our youth volunteers for a job well done  If you are a teen or pre-teen who loves to read and write, consider joining our STAR team. 

LOOKING FOR SUCCESS?

Cynthia Brian and Heather Brittany are the new editors/advisors for the YOUR SUCCESS section of YOUR LIFE! Magazine.  Visit http://www.yourlifemagazine.com
/success.html for numerous tips on how to be happy and successful in every area of your life.  YOUR LIFE! Magazine, brainchild of the talented Pamela  La Gioia, is a magazine for real women with real lives.  Get information on relationships, parenting, pets, fitness, finance, home, health, career, and even automotive needs.  http://www.yourlifemagazine.com.  You can be unstoppable!

A MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDER:

Being a mother has been my greatest accomplishment.  I was fortunate to be raised by an incredible mother who selflessly was our greatest advocate and role model. What makes a great mother?  It’s not the ability to nurse the baby, drive the carpool, shop for groceries, put the meals on the table and pay the bills while juggling a zillion other duties with a smile, albeit, those attributes help.  I believe being a mother is being connected to your heart and soul.  It was easy when I was a little girl playing with dolls.  When I tired of the games, I could put my “dollie” to bed where she would stay quietly until I felt like picking her up again.  Not so for real life grown up moms.  We have to be present 24/7, sleep with one eye open, and somehow maintain our sanity.

What are the qualities that good moms share? Patience, compassion, empathy, listening skills, respect, a sense of humor, and unconditional love for our offspring rate high on my list of ingredients.   Grammar school kids were surveyed on why God made Moms.  Here are a few of the original answers from the mouth of babes! Enjoy and have a chuckle.

Why did God make Mothers?
1.  She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house. 
How did God make Mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.
What ingredients are Mothers made of?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean. 
Why did God give you your mother and not some other Mom?
1. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.
What did Mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
2.  Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?
What does your Mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time. 
What would it take to make your Mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery. 
If you could change one thing about your Mom, what  would it be?
1. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head. 

My daughter, Heather Brittany, and I are off to be the enrichment lecturers speaking on “The Art of Communication” and other topics at Lake Austin Spa and Resort for Mother’s Day week.  I understand it’s sold out with mothers and daughters coming to celebrate together.  We are very excited and very blessed. 

It doesn’t matter what kind of mom you are-birth, adoptive, foster, step, single, married, rich, poor-as long as you lead with your heart you’ll never go wrong.  So I salute you all and wish you happiness and joy.  Every day is Mother’s Day for as long as you shall live. 

Happy happy Mother’s Day to all. Rest, relax, and rejuvenate-you have it all to do again tomorrow!           

Blessings and health to you,

Cynthia Brian

Your personal growth coach
Founder/CEO
Be the Star You Are!™ 501 ©(3) 

PS: Don’t forget you can make a donation as a tribute to your favorite mom in our Galaxy of Stars. http://www.bethestaryouare.org/
contributors.html

UPCOMING SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS:
MAY 6-8, 2005 Cynthia Brian and Heather Brittany will be the featured speakers at Lake Austin Spa and Resort in Austin, Texas for Mother’s Day weekend. Be awesome at any age! To book your reservation now, call 1-800-847-5637 or visit www.lakeaustin.com.
May 21, 2005 9am-4pm. Traveling Hopefully Workshop with Libby Gill. Cynthia Brian is the bonus speaker, “Dream it! Do it!”, Rocklin Park Hotel, 5450 China Garden Rd., Rocklin CA 95677. Workshop with catered lunch is only $135. Or book for two and save $20 per person. For information or to register, call Karalee Webb at 310/215-0222 or go to www.LibbyGill.com
June 24 - 25, 2005-Canyon Ranch Health Spa Resort. Join the Mother/Daughter Dynamic Duo, Cynthia Brian and Heather Brittany as they present a Design 101 and Gardening with Spirit. To book your spa vacation contact: Canyon Ranch, 8600 E. Rockcliff Rd., Tucson, AZ 85750 Ph. 520.749.9655 Explore the possibilities at www.canyonranch.com
August 31-September 7, 2005-Cynthia is the Enrichment Lecturer aboard Radisson Seven Seas Navigator with a fabulous cruise from New York to Bermuda.  Topics: “Branching out in Bermuda”  and “Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul”. To book your cruise, go to www.radissonsevenseas.com or call your travel agent.
November 22-26, 2005, Red Mountain Spa in Utah. “A Thanksgiving Attitude of Gratitude Presentation Celebration” with Cynthia Brian and Heather Brittany.  For information or to book a reservation, call 1-800-407-3002 . Choose your own adventure at www.redmountainspa.com. 
To book Cynthia Brian as a speaker for your organization or event, contact Mary Prewitt, Mary@bluefeathermanagement.com , or 1-888-797-6700.