February 2008

2007 was a most difficult year for me with the loss of Tara in April. More recently, my grandmother and two aunts decided it was time to go. I dedicated the last issue to my grandmother. Some of you will remember my aunt from her contributions to OFM. Aunt Judy (Judith Nelson) wrote a variety of articles and book reviews over the years. All of them are sorely missed. It is time to get it back together again so hopefully you'll see the next issue in your mailbox soon!

March 2007

URGENT! Prayers, healing vibes, and good thoughts are urgently needed for Tara Dirst. She is in hospital in Rockford right now. She is the political editor of Organic Family and my best friend of 30 years. She has had an auto accident and is in a coma. She has a 10 month old daughter, Kiera. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for keeping her in your prayers. - CJ 3/10/07

Tara's job is Technology Coordinator of Digital Projects at NIU. This is one of the web sites she works on: http://lincoln.lib.niu.edu/teachers/lesson7-harrison.html where she is playing the banjo.

I was just getting the zines ready to send out when I heard of Tara's accident. I've kept myself busy by putting the stamps on. I'm going to go to Illinois to visit her on Wednesday so I'm updating the web site and asking for your prayers for her. If you have e-mailed me some subsission in the last two months and I did not get back to you, please send again. Getting this issue out has been a challenge and I got behind on e-mails as I was focusing this issue.

OFM No. 9 went in the mail today. A little bit of love from me to you via the US Postal Service.

Please pray for Tara.

CJ

December 2006-

I'm working on No. 9 right now.  I hope to have it in the mail in February 2007.  The days are full and busy with my baby boy and homeschooling my bigger boy.  Wishing you peace and happiness this holiday season.

CJ

Summer 2006-

I'm having a baby this summer so I won't put out another issue this year (after No. 8).  I'm looking forward to rocking, slinging, and nursing.  I'll start working on No. 9 in November so get your submissions in before Nov. 1.  There are 8 issues out now!  They are available at www.organicfamilymagazine.com.

Those of you who subscribe know that I have taken on a leadership role in the Bawa Health Initiative, a non-profit group started by two friends of mine (Drs. Richardson and Dondji) here in Connecticut. Volunteers are currently (June/July 2006) in the village of Bawa in Cameroon.  They were extremely saddened by the death of a young woman possibly because we didn't have enough money for bed nets for the entire village.  We have wired money to purchase more nets, but funds are extremely low.  Please consider a donation.

On a happy note, six water filters have been completed and are being installed this week.  Water filter construction has been completely taken over by Bawa villagers.  Clean water will improve the health and quality of life of the people of Bawa.  I donate part of each subscription purchased to BHI.

I hope that you are enjoying the warmer weather and getting out in the garden.

Peace,
CJ