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littlebitofparadise

Posted by: littlebitofparadise | September 19, 2014

The Art of Being a Woman (ABW)

I had promised to write about our family’s favorite living books and read-aloud children stories today, but that was before I remembered that today is the official launch of a project that I believe in, have prayed for, and waited for with anticipation and excitement for SO LONG. I am so excited that I just can’t wait another day to share it with you. The book lists for kids will have to wait. ;o)

Y’all, my longtime friend January Donovan has been working on a ministry to women for years, and today she officially launched her website and her ministry with the world. It’s called The Art of Being a Woman (ABW for short).

I’ll tell you about ABW, but first, let me tell you a bit about January Donovan.

It was a cold winter Maryland evening and I was a newlywed, 2nd trimester swollen with my firstborn. I sat at January’s kitchen island, sipping tea and listening to Jan laugh and tell tales from her pregnancies and labors, getting teary eyed as she told a story of her 2-yr-old daughter’s bedtime antics, beaming with pride as she talked about her oldest son growing and learning so quickly. I looked around the Donovan house and saw love, laughter, order, and beauty. And that’s when I knew: this is what I dream of for my own family.

Of all the women in my acquaintance, Jan Donovan is at the very top of my list of women I want to be like. She is gorgeous – but not just on the outside. She is kind, funny, humble, selfless, and truly has a heart for her family and for her sisters in Christ.

January has impeccable taste in fashion, and yet I love that she shops on a budget and doesn’t feel the need to spend extravagantly to look beautiful. One time I asked her where her accent necklace was from, thinking surely it was one of those $85 JCrew pieces. I just loved her reply “ It was $9.00 at Burlington Coat Factory! “

In my limited experience as a Catholic mother, I have found that many women feel the need – almost a compulsion – to put their children first in the order of things. It’s an easy temptation, since children are so needy, so demanding of our time and attention. But in the order of grace, God created husband and wife to put their spouse first – the good of the marriage first – and our children second. Over the years January’s example has taught me and reminded me of this truth. She puts her husband Ryan first, and is his champion, his helpmate, and friend in every way. Her happy, adorable children are cared for and loved out of the overflow of January and Ryan’s commitment to each other . I’ve learned so much from witnessing their beautiful marriage.

I think I’ve mentally adopted January Donovan as my big sister in Christ whom I want to be like. I just love her to pieces.

And it is with a heart full of gratefulness for her courage, her transparency, and her love for other women that I share with you the launch of her ministry, The Art of Being a Woman.

Spread the word, and let’s journey with January together in a discovery of the art of being a woman.

PS. I stole this info from Jan’s website, to give you a picture of what ABW is:

What is the vision of the ABW Project?

Formation for women to be whole.

Transformation of our culture.

Reformation of this world.

Collaboration along the journey.

Reclaiming our worth.

How does the ABW Project Work?

Sign Up on the Website for a FREE WEEKLY TRAINING VIDEO.

Begin with the Free 4 Part Video series.

You will receive a weekly training Video on your mailbox.

Watch it on your time. Share it.

Future online in depth training programs will be available.

What will the training videos do?

Give us practical application in our daily life.

Build awareness and present women with “options”.

Clarify and simplify basic concepts about being a woman.

Give specific homework and training.

Create wholesome relationships with ourselves and the people around us.

Sign up today for the weekly videos here .

Trade Research, Trade Training & Trade Expo

Building trade linkages in Africa and beyond

The primary mission of the continent-wide African Business Women (ABW) Connected Training & Trade Expo is to drive economic growth for the continent by further stimulating global and pan-African trade. ABW Connected intends to accomplish this mission through three key areas;

1. RESEARCH

The findings from a global Buyer / Seller research study will be presented at the Training & Trade Expo . If you are either a buyer or a women-led exporter in Africa in one of the three ABW Connected specified sectors, please contact us on how you can participate in the market study.

Your participation will provide greater significant insight into customer relationship best practices for Africa companies! ABW Connected is currently undertaking a global market study to identify the best practices and challenges to long term sustainable trade relationships (beyond the one-time sale) in three key sectors: Craft / Textiles, Agribusiness for Cosmetics and Tourism. Recognizing that sales growth is driven not only by new customers but also by repeat custo mers (significantly more cost effective), the results of this study will be presented and discussed at the Training & Trade Expo.

2 . HANDCRAFT SHOWCASE

Day 3 of the ABW Connected Training & Trade Expo will end with an evening gala showcasing eye-catching, bold and unique handcraft creations. With models and runways: this gala will be led by Mustard Seed Africa and its handcraft showcase team as the opening event for the Trade Expo occurring on Day 4 of the Summit.

3. TRADE EXPO

For the first time ever, the continent’s leading women exporters will be brought together on Day 4 of the ABW Connected Training & Trade Show. The Trade Expo will highlight three key industry sectors:

Craft / Textiles (focused on textiles: fashion accessories, home decor, objects d’art, handwoven and handprinted)

Agribusiness (focused on plant-based ingredients and products in the personal care sector such as cosmetics, skin care, perfumes, etc.)

Tourism (focused on owners and operators of African experience such as adventure, culture, culinary and eco-tours, accommodations, destination management companies and ground transportation

A select number of leading women exporters in Africa and representatives from African business women’s associations, in addition to international & African buyers, will be invited to attend the ABW Connected Training & Trade Expo. Registration for the Training & Trade starts in September 2014. If you are interested in finding more about how you can participate or to join our mailin g list for future updates as the Training & Trade Expo approaches, visit How To Participate .

30 Responses

I’m happy to have run across your blog; I think it’s honest, down-to-earth, and truly something I would suggest to others to read.

I wanted to know two things:

1)Have you traced your family’s history back via DNA test (like GeneTree. com) or has it been traced via oral history?

2) Do you have a fotki (fotki. com), which documents your hair?

I am currently in the ‘research’ phase of my life right now (wait…I was always into research, so scratch that), and am trying to track down my family’s history. I am even going to take a DNA test to see where exactly my people are from, and what percentage I am of everything.

I also have a fotki which is documenting my hair; I am transitioning from relaxed to natural. And just like you, I did not know my hair had any type of curl or coils to it! I was pleasantly surprized! However, my ends are still relaxed so I haven’t seen the ‘full effect’ of my hair.

Well, it would be great to hear back from you. You can either email me, or leave me a note in my guestbook on fotki (privately if needed).

Desiree a. k.a Blackrican :-)

ABW Celebrates 35 Years of Shelter Services in 2014

Our Mission is to prevent domestic violence and ensure every survivor has access to the services and supports needed along the journey to a safe and empowered life.

Our vision is a community free from domestic violence,

where healthy relationships thrive.

ABW is the only licensed provider in Monroe County of shelter and services for victims of domestic violence.

ABW’s beginnings date to the late 1970s with a groundswell of support across the nation for abused women. A grassroots advocacy group, deeply concerned about the safety of area victims, opened a shelter in Rochester in 1979 under the name Alternatives for Battered Women. It was the third shelter to open in New York – right after Brooklyn and Buffalo.

Operating on a shoestring budget, and working long, tireless hours, the pioneers who founded ABW forged trails we have traveled to save tens of thousands of lives over the years. With expanded services and ever-increasing outreach, ABW remains true to our founders’ original vision:

To provide a place where anyone who is a victim of or at risk of domestic violence can come for help, support, and most important, belief – in their story, in their dignity, and in their right to live free from fear and harm.

Alternatives for Battered Women is a founding member of the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence; the Rochester/Monroe County Domestic Violence Consortium; a member of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence; and a member of the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Service Providers Network.

Stay Connected

Follow us on Twitter @ABW_Rochester