New Project / Free Download: "Everything" + Lullabies

In 2012, upon hearing that my friend's sister and her husband suffered a miscarriage, words began pouring into my mind and within an hour, "Everything" was written. A year later, they asked if they could share the song with other families who have lost a child. I re-recorded "Everything" along with two other lullabies I had previously arranged, and am now releasing that as a free download. Please feel free to share it, as that is it's purpose-- to hopefully bring comfort to families who are grieving.

I, Allison Barnes, arranged and recorded "All the Pretty Little Horses" and "Hush Little Baby." I also wrote an additional ending to "Hush Little Baby."

"Everything" was written and sung by me, Allison Barnes, with guitar by David Rose.

Download the album here.

What will you give?

What can I do when I am not financially able 

to donate to a good cause?

That thought crossed my mind a billion times when I came across the website Running with Lisa, dedicated to a beautiful, radiant mother-of-four who is currently battling a brain tumor. They were able to remove half of the tumor through surgery (sucking dry their once-reliable savings account), but now face the coming weeks of radiation and chemotherapy. Four days of a prescribed medication cost over $1000! I can't even imagine. That, plus four kids, running a home while her husband goes to work, and praying for the treatments to show results... Goodness. What a woman! And still, she glows.

There are countless families in similar situations, needing so much, and having so little. And in return, there are countless individuals like me who want to give everything to the cause, but realistically can't do that.

Maybe for the next couple weeks, I will to run at least a little bit, everyday, for Lisa. Maybe I will be a little more conscious in my life, a little more grateful, for Lisa. Maybe I will smile at a stranger, hug a friend, or write a love note, for Lisa.

And maybe I'll be able to set aside a few dollars for the cause, as well.

What are you willing to give for a good cause?

*For more ideas of how to serve others, check out This Mama Makes Stuff, particularly her section on giving. A lot of the ideas involve her kids as well. Family involvement? Even better.

Update: Information is now posted for the 5k Fun Run for Lisa, which will take place on April 21, 2012 at 9am in Midway, Utah. The prices are very reasonable, and of course, go toward a wonderful cause. There is also a pancake breakfast (free for runners, $5 for others), and they're also looking for volunteers to help with the race. This is a great opportunity to serve.

Introducing: Reachel's Love Your Body Challenge

Beginning tomorrow, the stunning Reachel Bagley of Cardigan Empire (and of the We Are Women book) will be leading the Love Your Body 10 Day Challenge. I don't know about you, but I will surely be checking her blog daily to see what treats she has in store for us.

Knitting for a cause! Want to join in?

I tried to take this a couple times and still look tired, so I apologize. But the point is:

I've been knitting! And for a reason!

Check out the Love Scarf Project for more info.

Elsewhere

Fifth & Hazel by Melanie Burk, a writer for the We Are Women Project, will be featured at this weekend's Bijou Market in Provo, Utah. Melanie is a very talented graphic designer and photographer, so be sure to check her out at the event, or on her website/online boutique.

In related news, fellow writer Sara Vranes helped deliver a baby this last week, and Melanie was there to document the birth. How wonderful are these women?

Education in Zion: After Eve

A new art exhibit celebrating women and education will be opening this week in the Joseph F. Smith Building of Brigham Young University. A reception will be held on Thursday, November 18 at 7:30pm. More info can be found here and here.

Unrelated to the project, but important nevertheless!

Women in Art

I just got back from a vacation up the coast of California 
with my mom and brother.Our first stop was the Getty Villa in Malibu. 
I loved it, and I wanted to share 3 of my favorite pieces with you:

[Fertility Goddess, 
Chalcolithic, from Cyprus, 3000-2500 BC)

[Fragment of a Female Head, 
Greek, made in Taras, South Italy, 440-430 BC]

[Wall Fragment with Two Women,
Roman, AD 1-75]

Julie B. Beck on Womanhood

If you missed General Conference this weekend (or want to re-live it a bit), I encourage you to check out Julie B. Beck's talk on womanhood, which was given during the Saturday Morning session. Click here to download the mp3.

This was a conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but regardless of religion, Beck's talk is worth hearing. It's quite beautiful. For clarification on terms or doctrine of the church, visit Mormon.org.

C Jane on Womanhood

"I know the women who came before me made sacrifices, fought battles and picked hard choices. I know they were led by the same inner voice I hear today, the voice of a loving God who champions his daughters, gives them hope in all things if they seek it, and looks after them even in the darkest of places. It is uncomprehending to know just how powerful he made us. Sometimes I get a glimpse, and it sends me reeling for days."

-Courtney Jane Kendrick.
Read the whole thing here.

[Note: This is not connected with the We Are Women Project,
but it was beautifully written, and I think you will absolutely love reading it.]