Let's Get Socially Savvy!

It’s time to get…Socially Savvy
Wednesday, October 7th, 5pm (NV Time)

Eureka Casino Banquet Room

Everyone’s doing it. If you’re not, you’re getting left behind. Who’s using it?• 200 million+ active Facebook users• 6 billion video views on YouTube a month• 12 million regular Twitter visitors by the end of the year

SOCIAL MEDIA
- Create new connections both professionally and personally
- Launch a new product or idea
- Promote your business, events, groups, or organizations
- Reconnect with friends and family

LEARN
- What social media is and the 4 major networks: Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, LinkedIn
- Proper etiquette
- Which social network is right for you &/or your business
- Bring your laptop and set up YOUR account that night (No laptop? Share with a friend)

$25
Includes dinner, training and a night that only elan woman knows how to put on!

REGISTER
Reservations Required! Call 435.627.woman (9662); or email elanwomaninfo@aol.com for Registration Form.

Rwanda

While spending time with some girlfriends, I had the opportunity to relive Rwanda. Its been almost a month since my return and I continue to process what I experienced. What I know is that the people are strong and courageous. The women are evolving to learn of themselves, their worth and value, and their talents. The children are a promise of new light, providing the past can escape them. The Sept/Oct issue of elan woman will reveal not only my journey, but the stories of a few heartfelt US companies lending support in the rebuilding of the country. You will also meet women of the southwest who have traveled beyond the seas to illuminate the entrepreneurial spirit across The Land of a Thousand Hills.

The photo above is from my special visit to a rural village. It was the highlight of my trip. The children at first did not know what to think of my white skin, blond hair, and free spirit. Although we spoke a different language, our heart connection was universal...I cried for the four hour drive home, dreaming of when I could be with them again. Read all about it and ALL the inspiring stories in our fall issue of elan woman, on stands September 1st.

Africa here I come...

My passport was pure - never stamped. I am on my first trip out of the country, not including Canada and Mexico. My destination: Rwanda. Yes, Africa. Many minor moments of anxiety along the way, but none worth documenting. What I know on day one is that nothing is familiar. I also know that I have a heart full of gratitude. I am incredibly grateful for a few things: first of all, soap! I don't think many around here use it (ugh). I am grateful for hot water (to which is not readily available). I am grateful for drinking water, diet coke, and ice! I am grateful for electrical outlets that WORK with my blowdryer (nope, don't have um here-yikes! getting a converter). And I am grateful for not having to apply insect repellent twice a day as lotion. More importantly, I am grateful that I never have suffered such traumatic loss of family. EVERY Rwandan here lost a spouse, a child, a mother, a brother, and in most cases, lost MANY during the genocide, which, would have been about 2/3s of the way through only fifteen years ago today. If I had been here exactly 15 years ago this town would have been COVERED in blood. I still cannot comprehend it and am sure it will only feel more complicated as we head out today to visit an orphanage.

The lovely Willa Shalit, with whom I am traveling with, is a gentle force in Rwanda. The people love her and know of her good works. The orphanage we are visiting today was assisted in creation by her hands, and prior to beginning her company, Fair Winds Trading. It was about 6 years ago that she was visiting Rwanda. She met two men, both of whom survived the genocide by playing dead under a pile of bodies. These two men met while working at a hotel and both had vowed that they would do something for others if God spared their lives. In walked Willa. She was inspired by their courage and assisted in raising the money to build the orphanage to which I will visit today. This was done on her own, at the will of her heart, and not with any other organization (I will visit another orphanage later this week). One of the men is now married, and recently had a baby, to which he lovingly named, Shalit, in her honor.

Best of State

Here she is... Darci in SLC representing elan woman at Utah's Best of State Awards!!! Thank you all again for your wonderful support!

2009 Utah Best of State Award

It is our privilege and honor to share with you that elan woman has received the 2009 Utah Best of State Award, Arts & Entertainment: Publication.

This particular award has great meaning to all of us at elan woman. First and foremost, it recognizes the tireless hours spent on each issue by our team of women (& a few guys) working on every issue delivering meaningful stories written by talented individuals. It is a tribute to the AMAZING designers who have worked with us from the very beginning to bring to life the visions dancing around in my head (causing potential drinking problems to which I make no apologies at this time j/k). This award symbolizes the excellence of our photographers who share their abilities to capture the essence of each story through their lens in a way that connects the reader on an intimate level. And this award says thank you to our supporters who have shared their very souls in our pages to elevate the spirit of another.

What also makes this award deeply meaningful is that it honors our publication intertwined with our events, humanitarian awareness, social media efforts, sponsorships, and our connection with our advertisers that solidified elan woman as the winner of this award.

So with the utmost of sincerity, thank you - thank you for being a part of our world. Thank you for assisting elan woman in its infancy to be recognized in this very big way. Thank you for believing in the vision of elan woman and being an actual part of a grass roots concept that is constantly evolving into something better every day. And on a personal note, I thank you for giving so much, then giving more.

We've Been Getting Around!

above: girlfriends Kayla and Martha hanging out with Barrack (well, sort of)

 

So much going on and like many of you, treading hard to keep a good hair day above water. elan woman has been outta control on the go! Our reader base has flourished and we THANK you for that. Going to take the time to update you on the latest, but I am desperate for a good night's sleep. So in the words of Arnold, "I'll be back." 

elan woman escapes to Springdale

Ladies: During the community potluck, those of us from out of town will be heading to dinner at Bit & Spur. Join us! Email elanwomanoffice@aol.com or call 435.627.woman 9662 (click on image to enlarge)

www.earthhour.org

Here is your chance to make a conscious effort to honor our earth. From our eco-centric girls, Margi La Porte & Jessie Kidder:

Earth Hour, 2009, is setting the stage for a global call to action and awareness on climate change. Vegas is a flagship city! On Saturday, March 28, 2009, Las Vegas will stand in solidarity with the world to raise awareness about climate change. For one hour beginning at 8:30pm, casinos and hotels on and off of the iconic Strip will dim or turn off neon and flashing lights creating an historical viewing event.

March/April Issue; Healthy Women

The March/April issue of elan woman is out, "The Power of OPPORTUNITY." We saw this as a great theme to counter balance the negativity in existence today. This issue is driven with ideas to engage in your own life, your own career, your own future. Yes, we know it's tough out there - on the other hand, the beauty of living in a free country is that we are free to choose our destiny. Although working for the dollar is much harder earned, there is a hidden joy in elevating yourself and the others in your world to appreciate what you have, and honor what you can accomplish. We at elan woman love the fact that our level of creativity is being pushed to the limit to assist elan woman and her supporters. It really is all about relationships. Some seem to grasp this concept; most often feel their capitalist point of view is each for his own. Hurray to all making the shift and realizing that we CAN work together, co-habitate and collaborate, WITHOUT feeling threatened. There is endless abundance to go around people!

One effort that fully understands this is the people at Mesa View Hospital in Mesquite, NV. Each month they host a program called, "Healthy Women." Although the name implies health topics, this gathering of estrogen talk about finances, travel, relationships, and even fashion (specifically shoes for Administrator Sue Conelly), all of which lead to personal happiness and wellness. Today is their one year anniversary event at the Casa Blanca including an expo and sit down dinner. Join us, if you're in the area, and see what the people in the southwest are doing to support this great endeavor.

Let's keep on keepin' on people. Are you breathing? Have a place to sleep? Food on your table? GRATITUDE, GRATITUDE...