Tuesday, August 19, 2008

BIRTH play opening in Omaha Aug 30th

Hi all - I know many of you who read this blog are not in Omaha, but I am posting this information everywhere I can!! Spread the word to anyone in NE and please consider becoming a sponsor and purchasing an ad in our program. Your regularly scheduled blogging will resume sometime soon - can't promise when - I've been a little busy... But I do have pictures and milestones to share! :) In the meantime, check out www. boldaction.org to see if Birth is performing in an area near you!

Please share, repost, and forward this to as many people as you can! We are also accepting ads for the program through Monday Aug 25th. Thanks!!!

Birth a play by Karen Brody - touring NE Aug/Sept 2008
www.freewebs.com/boldnebraska


Birth
is a dramatic, funny, touching, and thought-provoking piece that examines the importance of giving birth in the lives of women and families. Performances are followed by a talkback panel discussion, which will provide an opportunity to explore the important issue of maternity care in our own community. This program will be valuable to anyone who is interested in honoring mothers and babies by making sure the care they receive at the time of birth is safe and respectful of the sacred nature of this life event. Please share the following information with your members and clients. Let us know if you would like to receive an advertising flyer for display - contact Holly Fix at (402)659-6734. Also please add this event to your weekly newsletter or bulletin, including contact information.

Thank you sincerely!

Holly Fix
BOLD Nebraska Organizer


Performances:

Omaha – UNO Eppley Auditorium
Saturday August 30th 6:30pm
Sunday August 31st 2:00pm

Norfolk – Lifelong Learning Center at NCC
Saturday September 6th 1:00pm

Lincoln – The Loft at the Mill
Wednesday September 24th 7:00pm

Kearney - TBA

"This play must be seen by everyone – parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts. It’s life-changing.”
– audience member, BOLD New York City

Birth is a critically-acclaimed documentary-style play that tells the birth stories of eight women, painting an honest picture of how low-risk, educated mothers are giving birth today.

BOLD is a global arts-based movement inspiring communities to create childbirth choices that work for mothers. Since BOLD’s founding in 2006, education about the issue of options in childbirth - through watching the play Birth and the post-show talkback – has been at the heart of BOLD’s efforts.

Visit our website at www.freewebs.com/boldnebraska for ticketing and sponsorship information.

To obtain an advertising flyer, reply with FAX number, or call Holly at (402)659-6734.

Friday, August 8, 2008

In Memoriam: Giggles 12-23-97 to 8-7-08



It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of our dear Giggles. A few weeks ago she was affected by what seemed to be a UTI and a minor cough. Our worst fears were realized when the vet told us she had fluid in her belly and lung, caused by heart failure. Medications kept her stable and comfortable for a while, but her condition deteriorated. While we were in ND, she and Lucy stayed with Caroline, as they usually do when we go out of town. She couldn't keep the fluid under control and her belly grew to twice its already bloated size and though she was hungry, she couldn't bear to eat. The vet was able to remove some of the fluid and she felt some relief and ate again, but within a few days, went downhill again. The medications couldn't help her advanced state of heart failure. Caroline and I comforted her and said our goodbyes as she went to Heaven today.

Giggles was an angel in fur...the most loving, loyal, wise and beautiful dog you would ever have the fortune to meet. She lived a full life, traveling the country participating in (and winning!) many dog shows in her youth. She bore several large litters of beautiful puppies, several of whom have gone on to have show, obedience, agility, and hunting careers. She came to live with Lucy and us and gave us her devotion unconditionally. She accompanied me to puppy classes, where she taught youngsters about proper doggy etiquette. She went to schools and nursing homes, bringing joy and love to all she met. She showed in Junior Showmanship even as recently as the end of April, where she helped her handler, Bridgette, win first place as usual. Everyone was impressed at how she enjoyed going around that ring even at her age, and how beautiful she still was. She loved walks and especially chasing tennis balls, rolling on top of them in the grass, dropping them in her water bucket, and chomping them, busting them in half! She loved to give hi five. She got so excited to eat that she danced around in circles with a huge grin on her face. She loved to cuddle and be pet for hours. She tore up tissues if you left her alone. She loved nylabones, and even though she was bigger and stronger, she often left Lucy take the one she was chewing, just because she wanted it. She was endlessly patient with Lucy, who could certainly be obnoxious at times, pestering her to play tug...she usually obliged. She was a benevolent queen. She loved children and never minded their intrusions into her ears, nose, eyes and mouth. She was so easygoing and trusting, we joked that you could probably do minor surgery on her and she wouldn't mind - which we actually did put to the test once. She had a skin thing removed under local anesthesia when most dogs would have been put under, and she held perfectly still the whole time. She was steadfastly by my side, wherever I went in the house or outside. I will miss her smiling face and her calm, angelic presence probably more than I even realize right now.

Giggles, you were a perfect companion. I, for one, will never forget you, and look forward to seeing you in Heaven some day. Enjoy your treats and tennis balls in the meantime. I love you!




This was in the old days - they used to have fantastic up-side down wresting matches. Giggles always won, but she allowed Lucy to get her shots in to make her feel good! The one on the left is Gigs.


This was just in April, they went on sharing this bone for what seemed like an eternity - probably at least 10 minutes!