Archives for November 2006

Meet Jena Bloomer

This is one of those crownings to be celebrated! It was her surprise at being voted princess that makes it so authentically about who Jena is versus what she looks like. In fact, she was running late for the dance because she was teaching herself how to apply mascara for the first time. Jena is the creator of the Conversation Cafe for Women logo, cups with the lips. Jena is totally into Conversation Cafe and asked that we do weekends so she and her friends could come.

Jena is bright and very grounded in who she is as a young woman. She plans to help end obesity in children as her life’s work. In the age of appearances being so highly valued it is wonderful to know that not only high school junior boys vote not only for beauty, but a classmate that is true to herself, a progressive thinker, and the kind of person who knows how to be a true friend. Jena makes us hopeful for the future of women.

Congratulations, Jena!!! We all celebrate your crowning. A Tazza D’Oro First.

Sitting in the middle of Thanksgiving Day, I am so thankful for great friends, family, Tazza Doro and good health. One of my favorite things to do on Thanksgiving is enjoy good food, wine and football. As I am watching the games, I realized the frenzy of holiday shopping begins tomorrow. Many call the day Black Friday and it is the hottest shopping day of the year. I am one of those non-participants. But as a small business owner and many friends who have small businesses, tomorrow is an important of day.

While you are enjoying the day shopping with family and friends, please keep in mind there are many incredible small businesses in the East Liberty, South Highland, Highland Park areas. My experience is that not only will you find uniqueness and quality, but you will also get the personal service that is missing in the big stores.

Some of my favorite stores/eateries are: Abyssinia (Penn Circle), Gardenalia(S. Highland), Smiley’s Pet Pad (S Highland), Typhoon (S Highland), Red Room Cafe,(Highland) Abay,(Highland) Miller Frames (Penn Circle), Alphabetical Order (S Highland), Food Glorious Food (Bryant St), The Nuin Center(great for gift certificates) Bryant St, Stuff (located on Walnut St in Shadyside) and the Union Project (Negley)for great crafts and Christmas trees. If you need other suggestions, stop by Tazza D’Oro we would be happy to refer you to many of our other business friends. By the way, our map on the Tazza D’Oro web site could give you directions by bus, car or bike and contact info.

Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

HUGE ANTI WAR RALLY PLANNED FOR JANUARY 27 IN WASHINGTON

The elections of November 7, 2006 will go down in history as a time when people in this country exercised their right to vote against a government that did not reflect their opinions on domestic and foreign policies. The war in Iraq, and the abuse of executive power were two major reasons Republicans lost control of the house and senate. The people have spoken. Now, the anti-war movement has to press the new Congress to take action to bring the troops home now. The Anti War Committee of the Thomas Merton Center is planning a bus trip to join United for Peace and Justice and thousands of other activists in Washington DC on January 27 to make a bold stand to the new Congress to demand an end to the war in Iraq. UFPJ would like to have at least one person from every Congressional district in the country to represent the peace and justice majority in Washington on that day. Log onto pittsburghendthewar.org for updated information about the trip.

RESIDENTS IN THE HILL NEED OUR SUPPORT

For those of you who haven’t been following, Isle of Capri development has proposed building a gambling casino in the Hill, and has teamed with the Penguins and pledged $290 million for a new arena also. Residents who live in the Hill are in opposition to having a gambling casino in their neighborhood, for fear the casino could bring crime, parking problems, and exploit people least able to afford gambling. Please help support the efforts of concerned citizens who live in the Hill by signing the petition below and calling the Mayor’s office at 412-255-2626. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/953928017

IMPEACHMENT IS ON OUR TABLE

A day after the elections, speaker of the house, Nancy Pelosi announced that “impeachment was not on the table”. Who’s table are you sitting at Nancy? The impeachment movement is brewing like coffee in Amy’s shop. Four days after the election, various groups gathered in Philadelphia to hold a successful Impeach For Change rally. Over 23,000 activists signed the impeachment petition. Impeachment committees are forming across the US, and are already established in 17 states including Pennsylvania. For more information about impeachment log onto http://www.democrats.com/peoplesemailnetwork/88 or http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/petition

CODEPINK WOMEN FOR PEACE

Are you a busy working women or a busy working mom and would like to become active in the peace and social justice community? We would love to have you as a member of Codepink. By receiving local and national e-mails women can stay in touch with what’s happening nationally and locally. Whether writing editorial letters, passing out flyers, or dropping a pink banner over a highway, Codepink can help you become empowered to make a contribution to ending this illegal war, and standing up for social justice. E-mail me at codepinkpgh@aol.com with ideas or suggestions. I love hearing from women who oppose the war in Iraq and want a better world.

Peace and Love

Francine Porter

Codepink Pittsburgh Women for Peace

Hi Conversation Cafe Women

Patricia and I missed those of you that could not make it on November 16th.  We had a meaningful and heartfelt conversation about Living fully in your Yes’s and No’s.  Our next CCW will be on Thursday November 30th from 7-9pm.  The topic for sharing and conversation will be”Making Room for the New as you Let Go of the Old.”  We look forward to being with all of you on the 30th.   

Some days it seems we are headed in the right direction. And when I found this site called the Better World Club I hugged my bike. Check it out. I’m thinking – road side assistance that also brings you an espresso!