The New Belle of the Ball

Out of one corner of my mouth, I say school work is kicking my butt! (I'm taking 16 credit hours this semester ~ Graphic Design Studio at RPI and Italian: Language and Culture, Social and Community Informatics and Photography through Empire State College.) Out of the other corner of my mouth ... I am saying how awesome this is! I finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up. Actually, I knew for a long time, but family commitment came first.

I went through college the first time around getting my Associates from HVCC, did a semester stint away at SUNY Cortland, and classes along the way at the College of Saint Rose and at RPI. What I came to find out was, what I had originally wanted to do in my 20's was only a small part of what I really loved. I became very lucky ~ I have the chance to do this a second time around. I'm not sure if it's my maturity (okay, my age) or my feeling of being settled in life - but I found I am appreciating the experience and getting more out of my education so much more this time around. (another sidebar, just the academic/educational standpoint ... nothing like being in your teens and early 20's and the social aspect of college life, which was absolutely wonderful in my day!)

Anyhow, this semester has been butt kicking, but my favorite as well. I'm taking Italian - finally!; Photography ... and how much do I love photography?!!; Community and Social Informatics - which in addition to understand Informatics, I get to work on a Community Service project; and finally, Graphic Design Studio, which in part, is visually designing a message. That said, here's a sample of my latest. It's a project called Mise en scene, I decided to create the character Belle of the Ball.



The new belle of the ball is an offspring of Title IX women. She can have the capability of being the debutant, as well as the aggressive athlete. Maybe not everything is in a perfect place, neat and orderly, but she knows where to find everything. She is confident on the field and off the field. She has become a master in balance, working through a rigorous academic schedule, athletic schedule and somehow in between finding some down time. Though this Belle is represented as a soccer player, she can easily be transformed into any other sport. Her motto is, “Remember when playing like a girl used to be an insult.”

Think Pink

This was my introductory post 4 years ago when I began my quest to finish my Bachelors degree (which I am happy to say is complete and now over half way done with graduate school).  Since this post, some very sad statistics have been added with more people I know being diagnosed with breast cancer. About eight years ago I found out a friend had breast cancer, she was 26 when diagnosed.  After her surgeries, treatments, it looked like all was well.  She had promise, beauty, brains, a job she loved, a sweet, kind heart ~ the world was at her finger tips.  A few years ago, the big one hit again - and more ferociously.  She endured treatments continually when the cancer came back - 3 solid years of chemo and radiation.  Last summer, at 34 years old, Linda lost her battle ~ but will forever be remembered for the beautiful and graceful fighter she was.  

If you have not been examined, make your appointment today. If you wife, sister, mother, daughter, grandmother, friend, next door neighbor has not been examined in the past year ~ insist on it. Is the pink ribbon beating us over the head in October? Maybe so as some people say. But I'd rather see the pink ribbon reminder than those I know in a treatment chair.

Initial Post from September, 2009

Introductions are in order. My name is Anita DeCianni Brown, and I’m returning to school to complete my Bachelors degree via Empire State College. This blog is part of my Digital Storytelling course. Probably the best way for me to start blogging is to jump in firmly with both feet, almost like I’m jumping on something to stomp it out. Which, when I think about the topic of my first blog entry ever, it seems very appropriate.

October 1 kicks off Breast Cancer Awareness month. Breast cancer hit my radar screen in the summer of 1985 when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. It all began like it does with so many women, while getting ready in the morning, she felt something strange when she was putting on her bra. The doctor’s call, the visit, the biopsy, and then the confirmation soon followed, she was diagnosed with sarcoma cancer, a malignant form of the disease. In a short time, her tumor grew from the size of a quarter to the size of a grapefruit, with another tumor started. After a mastectomy and removal of 21 lymphnodes, her doctor came out and informed us, “he got everything.” He must have - after radiation treatments, countless C-scans, ultrasounds, and 24 years later, she is still a survivor.

In a New York Times article from February, 1988, Breast Cancer Continues Gradual Rise, Boffey sites statistics that 1985 brought the highest rate of incidences reported of breast cancer. “Cancer of the breast is currently being diagnosed in about 130,000 women a year, and about 40,000 women are dying from the disease annually. Breast cancer is responsible for more new cases of cancer and more cancer deaths among women than any other type.” Fast forward to 2009, after millions and millions of dollars have been spent on research to find a cure, the odds of a woman developing breast cancer are still 1 in 8 women, or 12 percent. According to the American Cancer Society’s estimates, about 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed, 62,280 new cases of the non-invasive form of breast cancer, carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be diagnosed, and sadly, about 40,170 women will die from breast cancer.

I can’t say we will beat the odds in my lifetime, but the earlier something is detected, the better our odds can be. In October of 1985, at 20 years old, I decided to get through the discomfort of mammograms, and realize the importance of them. I was categorized in the high risk area because my mother found out she had breast cancer before she was 50. Every single year since then, I religiously live through the discomfort. Several years ago, I went for my yearly exam, my wonderful doctor took a lot longer than she normally did coming in to give my results. She finally came into my room, and looked solemnly at me and asked me if I came alone today. Tears started welling up and rolling down my cheeks. A reaction I was surprised with because after 20 years of this ritual, I thought I’d be prepared if I ever heard the words. She was startled at my reaction, came over to give me a hug and just said she wanted to tell me how proud and happy she was in me for my attention to the importance of exams and wanted to say that to whomever I came with that day.

Suprisingly, I have talked with women who have not gone for an exam since they can’t remember when. “It’s uncomfortable.” “I don’t have the time.” “I’m scared.” We all are, but early detection can be the difference in saving my life. I will live through the discomfort, make the time, and face my fears – because there are too many things I have planned to do in my life to let 1 minute of discomfort stop me. I’ll leave you with a quick video called One Voice that was sent to me yesterday, which sums up my dedication to the cause. Think pink! Get checked. (And gentlemen reading this, encourage the women in your life to get checked and check yourselves, men can have breast cancer, too … real men wear pink, so throw a splash of pink on in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.)

A Political Slam ~ and a Possible Solution

I am going to start out with saying, I’m not a political expert, an economist, or even a financial guru. What I am is a really concerned citizen that is trying to make sense of the continued economic fallout that has turned into a black hole.

In two months, New York voters will head to the polls to cast their ballots for New York State school budgets and school board elections. While I cannot legally tell anyone how to vote, what I can say is, remember when you do go in and cast your vote, you will directly affect the children of your district. When a negative vote is cast, who loses? One can argue those who work in the district. But I am of a different mindset. I say the kids lose.

Now, let’s go a level up, to our state government. One can argue that we can’t get blood from a stone, and I completely agree. Where are we going to get the money? I don’t know. What do I want to see happening ~ I want increases in aid to Education, to Healthcare. I want to keep as many parks open, support the arts as much as possible, because the alternatives are just not acceptable for me. But I have to be realistic and see what the other options are. However, what I’m not seeing is any “tightening” on lawmakers end. The average New Yorker has gone from a feeling a snug tightening that is now working into asphyxiation.

I’m starting to wonder if we should head over to England on the Mayflower and ask them if we can sign the mortgage papers back over to them. It seems that whatever tightening was left undone, we will be taxed (or a proposal of tax).

I’ll leave on this thought to raise funds. Over the past couple weeks, I have seen a very annoying commercial for Congressman Scott Murphy (this is not about party affiliation because I am a registered Democrat). I’m not saying he’s right or wrong, because I don’t know enough about the facts of the healthcare bill that is on the floor. However, it’s the medium that it is presented in that I have a problem with.

Here is the first of MANY infuriating advertisements, paid for by the businesses and organizations who will run our country (thanks to the Supreme Court giving them carte blanche to buy elections). Maybe, 50 percent off the top from these generous Political Buyers, sorry, I mean Political Donors – should be dedicated to recover the economy of our states and country. Think about less time seeing political commercials, ads in newspapers, etc. I shudder to think what the primary season and election season will be like.

Thanks to the Political Buying Power of the US Chamber of Commerce

On the Chopping Block

I didn’t vote for the Accidental Governor, I voted for Spitzer. But Spitzer’s stupidity made us stuck with Paterson. Let me say, our Governor is really ticking off people each and every day. I am beginning to think that he’s going on this crash course just for shits and giggles. We the people, of the State of New York, are under water. I keep hoping that maybe somehow it will get better, but then the state budget looms. This year, the gloom, loom and doom seems to be at an all time high.

The Governor and crew withheld money to municipalities to stretch the cash flow. Now, he has the bright idea to withhold state tax refunds. He said that, “People are upset when they hear about the income taxes...people are upset when they heard we were going to have to charge an additional license plate fee. People are upset when they hear we're going to make cuts to education and health care. Children and families are upset when they find out there won't be toys for Christmas because they can't pay the rent.” Now that's fresh - yes, of course we're pissed off! You've got a house, a driver and a bunch of bells and whistles on our dime. I guess he forgot to throw in there the gasoline NYS gasoline tax that picks our pockets at the pump, too; or the increase in permit and license fees.

Not only does he propose holding up the tax refunds for several weeks to possibly months, but he seems to have a hit list of what funding can be cut or canceled (of course this means the arts) and what facilities can be closed (our beautiful parks). Facebook groups are popping up daily ~ and I’m joining them all and signing the petitions. Thacher Park, a beautiful park outside of Albany; Grafton State Park where families converge to this beautiful lake for swimming, fishing, hiking; Victoria Pool in Saratoga – all in the running for closure. The NYS Theater Institute is among the possible casualties of funding cuts. This wonderful organization offers classic shows that are a treasure to see. My kids have been fortunate to see many of the shows over the years on school trips. These are some of the places I have personally enjoyed, I’m sure that all New Yorkers will be politicking to keep the funding flowing and the parks opened.

The dark days shall become darker as April 1 rolls around and the nasty battles will just get worse. Then the schools will get kicked a little harder, healthcare will get beaten down a little and whomever else they ‘trim’.

Mr. Governor, Assemblymen and Senators – enough already! I guess I could find another state to live in ~ but see, I’m a family girl from a small town, who kind of likes being around her family and friends, so at this point in my life, moving to another state isn’t in the cards for me. But what I will do for you is I’ll be using the power of social media. This year’s an election year, and I’m on Facebook ~ I have my own chopping block agenda, I'm sure you get the picture.

The Supremes

I am still trying to digest the Supreme Court ruling this week allowing corporations the ability to have unlimited buying, I mean “supporting” of elections. I’m sick and nauseous during November elections as it is with the “Committees for ….” commercials. I am dreading what this November’s elections are going to be like, the mid-term scramble for Congressional power ~ and God forbid, what November 2012 will bring. Not that I’m opposed to corporations in general, but somehow, I’m not understanding how a corporation becomes a “People”. Free reign ~ to ANY corporation, foreign or domestic. Yeah, just what we need.

I’m foreseeing Oil and Drugs – and hey, maybe even a few banks, buying our next Presidential election. Who's getting the 2012 Key to the City? The Supreme Court just sold us out ~ thanks a bunch to the mighty 5.

The Supreme law of our land, it’s a shame I can’t vote for you.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Relay for Life ~ Pick-a-Prize Raffle

For those visiting to see what last year's prizes included, please continue reading. I am also providing a link below for this year's Relay for Life Pick-a-Prize Raffle, 2011. Your support of my efforts to raise money for the Green Island Relay for Life benefiting the American Cancer Society is greatly appreciated. Whether you are a business who is considering a donation, or someone interested in purchasing a raffle ticket - all donations help! Less Cancer ~ More Birthdays ~ it's all we can hope for.

http://deciannibrown.blogspot.com/2011/03/relay-for-life-pick-prize-raffle-2011.html

Have you ever gone to a Relay for Life? Somehow, this event can evoke a whole assortment of feelings ~ sadness, happiness, hope, pride in accomplishment to name a few (oh yeah, and sheer exhaustion if you walk the night away!). It has it’s moments of overwhelming as well. But it is the single most wonderful event that I refuse to miss.

We Celebrate in the Survivor Lap which kicks off the event; we Remember during the Luminaria Ceremony ~ a very emotional time; and Fight Back Ceremony, pledging to fight the disease. It’s not all sadness though, there’s music and dancing, “camp” sites set up, laughing and comradery.

In Green Island, Maryellen & Michele are the tag team leaders along with a team of committed volunteers plan for what seems like an entire year to pull of the extravaganza. The logistics to pull together the event are too many to even think about. But year after year since they took it over, they seem to eat, drink and breath the Relay. They don’t just pull it off in an ‘okay’ way ~ they pull it off in a GRAND way! Their efforts are endless!

Besides pulling together all the logistics, they are out there at promoting the Relay for Life and visiting other Relays to support others. They can be found at Panera’s selling things from the Relay store, at Colonie Center Wrapping Up Cancer over the holidays, and the big prom they plan – The Gaudy Gala. Check it out on Facebook if you're interested in attending!

This year's event is being held on Saturday and Sunday, June 5 and 6. I decided to up my ante in my fundraising goals. In addition to general donations that can be made on my Relay for Life page, I have also organized a Pick-a-Prize Raffle with some great prizes! Some of these prizes have been donated by friends and family. Take a minute to review the list and check out some of the pictures:

~ 2-night stay at the Howard Johnsons in Midldetown/Newport, Rhode Island. Less than 3 miles from the beach and famous mansions. http://www.newporthojo.com/

~ $75 Gift Certificate Arbonne, donated by Pat Ritrovato, Arbonne Consultant

~ $25 Gift Certificate to Salty's Bistro & Pub http://www.saltyspub.com/

~ 2, 30-minute Massages by Nicole Stone LMT. If you are interested in booking an appointment with her, contact her at (518) 577-0641. Nicole will also be donating her services at the Relay for Life. She will be bringing her massage chair to the Relay for Life and providing massages. All donations go to the RFL.

~ 1 Day Pass to Six Flags Great Escape and Waterpark ($40 value)http://www.sixflags.com/greatEscape/index.aspx

~ $25 Gift Certificate to Valente's in Watervliet http://www.valentesrestaurant.com/

~ Woodbury Common Outlets souvenir tote bag filled with goodies form select stores ($100 value)

~ $25 Gift Certificate to Bomber's Burritos http://www.bombersburritobar.com/main.html

~ 4 Tickets to a TriCity Valley Cats home game (excludes 4th of July) http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t577

~ $50 Gift Certificate to The Melting Pot (donated by the Crossgates Mall location) http://www.meltingpot.com/

~ $25 Gift Certificate to Delmonico's in Albany http://www.delmonicositaliansteakhouse.com/

~ Adult Membership to Cohoes Community Center (a $277 value) http://www.cohoescommunitycenter.org/

~ Eagles Crest Golf, 2 18-hole rounds of golf

~ Overnight stay for 2, Friends Lake Inn, (a $270 value) Chestertown.

~ 2, $25 Cheesecake Factory Gift Certificates

~ Limited Edition Print, Framed. Artist, Corlis F. Carroll, 1968 Heatly Graduate. Original image was a 16 x 20 oil on linen. Subject, Monhegan Island, Maine where Corlis spends her summers.

~ $40 Gift Certificate to Moscatiello's Restaurant in Troy ~ the best taste of Italy in this area (next to my mamma's, of course). If you're never been, you should see what you're missing. Visit their website to check out their extensive menu and catering services: http://www.moscatiellos.com/

~ Family 4-pack to the Rudy A. Ciccotti Family Recreation Center in Albany. It consists of 4 day passes (one day pass is used per person per day and is a $10 value each), a water bottle, a t-shirt, and a nylon drawstring bag. Rudy www.ciccotticenter.org

~ 3-month membership to NY Boxing in Cohoes. Find out more about NY Boxing, become a Fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cohoes-NY/NY-BOXING/260232213770?ref=search&sid=716768123.2440132988..1

~ Cheesecake donated by Cakes by Steve (Steve Mopey McHargue) - if you're interested in ordering a cake from him, email him at eirv36@yahoo.com including "Cake" in your subject line. Here's a photo of his award-winning cake from a recent competition.

Party-lite Gift Basket donated by Tomasine Heffern, Party-lite consultant. Party-lite is a dedicated sponsor to the Relay efforts. Last year's survivor gift bags included candles donated by Party-lite.

~ An autographed copy of Mighty Inspirations – Love Letters from God, written by Barbara Bernard Miller. Barb is a great friend of mine that we met as pen pals years ago ~ this book is a very special read.

~ Gift Basket donated by At Your Service, which includes a gift certificate for a free hour of service. Pam and Mike Howard are dedicated to helping you make your life a little easier with their concierge business. Check out their website for their listing of services.

~ Mead Basket donated by Jason & Jennifer Russ of Fox Hill Mead in Asheville, NC. The basket will include a specialty bottle of Blackberry Mead and a bottle of Spiced Mead. To learn more about how you can order from them, visit the Fox Hill Mead website or become a fan of theirs on Facebook. (Due to the nature of this prize, the winner must be at least 21 years of age.)

~ Mary Kay Cosmetics Spa Basket, donated by Anita Halse DeCelle.

~ $25 Gift Certificate to Carol’s Place in Troy.

~ Hand-embroidered pillow cases by Anna DeCianni. To brag a little, my mom is an embroidery artist ~ she's also a survivor, and pink is her theme color.

~ New York Yankee Fleece Quilt

~ Boston Red Sox Fleece Quilt

~ Colorful Quilt

~ Design Your Own Quilt – you can select the colors, square styles, and pattern type

The tickets are $1 each or 12 tickets for $10. If you are interested in taking a chance on one of the prizes, please let me know. I have started to sell the tickets. There will be a couple prizes that are going to be added in the next week. Tickets will be on sale through the day of the Relay on June 5. If you're interested in purchasing tickets, send me an email. Thanks for support my Relay for Life efforts.

I am also continuing to sell Christmas ornaments. Yes, Christmas 2009 has passed ~ but you can have them made to order and give them out as Christmas gifts for 2010, and help a wonderful cause at the same time. Ornaments are $6 each (if I have to mail them, I’ll have to add on a couple dollars for the postage). You select the colors you would like to have them done in. These are a few samples of ones that I have made.

Grooming for a 4-year old

Every day I get an e-mail newsletter with news clippings from around the state and around the country, pertaining to schools. It’s a great feature that NYS School Boards offers its members. There are many times that stories catch my eye from other districts that I find interesting. It also continues my learning of my 10+ year position on the school board.

Today’s clips included a story from the NY Times, School board suspends pre-k student for having long hair.

A 4-year old boy has been suspended from prekindergarten classes in Dallas because of the length of his hair. I guess I should have to look at their code of conduct before I passed judgment. Are girls permitted to have long hair? Or is this discrimination? I have always had the belief of choosing battles wisely. Does the length of a boy’s hair (or girls) disrupt the learning environment? Is this a military academy?

One of the school board members said, “Do the parents value his education more than they value a 4-year-old’s decision to make his own grooming choices?” I’m having trouble grasping the fact that this warrants suspension from the classroom. If this was a student who was in a machine shop class and he refused to put his 'unruly' locks in a pony tail for his own safety – then yes, it makes sense. If this was a student who was in a home economics/cooking class and that head of hair was not tied back and covered with a hair net as everyone's should be, then yes, it makes sense. But should they have the authority to say how long a male student’s hair can be (and a 4-year old at that)? I can’t say that it makes much sense to me.

Focus on the value the students bring to the classroom. Find out what their strengths and weaknesses are. Don’t get weighed down with stuff like hair length (unless in this area of our country the length of someone's hair is tied to academic success or failure).

Hey Lady ~ What's Your Bra Color?

It’s well intentioned or I think it was intended – the Facebook messages and postings, to bring awareness to Breast Cancer. Afterall, it is about awareness.

“some fun is going on.... just write the color of your bra in your status. Just the color, nothing else. And send this on to ONLY women no men .... It will be neat to see if this will spread the wings of cancer awareness. It will be fun to see how long it takes before the men will wonder why all the girls have a color in their status... “

I will do a lot to almost anything, to keep awareness at it’s highest point. Sort of like the Federal color-coding of Terror Alerts, cancer awareness is at the reddest of reds in my book. And for a few minutes, I thought, yup, I’ll post. I kept it up for a short time. Then, a friend of mine, whose 5-year anniversary of her diagnosis posted an alternative post. I asked her if I could borrow it.

Instead of telling the world your bra color.....donate the cost of your bra to breast cancer research...we have given so much to Victoria ... why not Susan (G. Komen that is) - or donate to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life or Strides Against Breast Cancer. (I added the part about ACS.) Linda’s running in the Race for a Cure and has a $5K fundraising goal – I pray that she makes and surpasses it. (Here's Linda's fundraising page for anyone interested in donating to her run: http://rfcphl.convio.net/site/TR/Race/General?px=1829872&pg=personal&fr_id=1040).

If we want to bring awareness and support breast cancer research, let’s spell it right out. “I support breast cancer research. (Or cancer research … really let’s just be there for everyone.) A dollar or two in donation, can add up when one person gives a little, then the next person.

Last year, I saw far more wakes and people diagnosed with cancer. Less than one week into this new year, and I have heard of 2 new diagnosis. One of a woman who opened her home to all my friends and I for years during our teens.

The other is someone who I admire as a cancer warrior. Her efforts and diligent work to raise awareness and funds for cancer research, support and services as part of a team has been inspirational. SHE is amazing. Her attitude seems to be great, and I know this warrior has an army of cancer haters in her corner.

So as my poker playing family would say – I’m upping my ante. My bra color isn't what matters. But I will raise the dollars to save the ta-tas and lives of those that I care about. I'll be doing another blog shortly with info about the Green Island Relay for Life.

New Year's Resolution

New Year’s Resolutions are sometimes tough to keep, don’t you think? I’ve normally tried to make a New Year’s resolution that was within reach because I hate to make a promise that I can’t keep, even if it’s to myself. As I started to think what I could make my resolution this year, I decided to go with a quote for my inspiration.

I love quotes ~ they inspire me, sometimes can comfort me to tackle the situation or goal to achieve. I could have gone with two of my favorites which are in my email tag lines, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” (Gandhi) and “Maybe I've been put on earth to be an ordinary person. Not to do anything great, but to do something small that involves great love,” (Anonymous). But they didn’t give me the depth I needed for a new year, a new decade resolution. I decided to go with one of my favorites from Ralph Waldo Emerson ~ for me, it can’t be said any better than this:

"To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Think about all that this quote encompasses, broken down, every part of this is attainable and it can be done in a Grand Way! The first half, it’s fluff so to speak, sometimes it’s tough accomplish – but it is not impossible. The second part, now that’s something to strive for!

My friends and family, I don’t often challenge or dare you – I typically keep dares to my brother and my kids – but I dare you, triple-dog-dare you, and then I challenge you … make a difference. Make a resolution this year that can make a difference in someone’s or something’s life. Maybe you're dedicated to helping out at a pet shelter, donating or organizing a drive for the SPCA; maybe you'll organize and plant/work with a Community Garden that feeds people in your community ~ or work on a food drive; maybe you are organizing or being part of a larger organization that raises money for organizations like the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, Diabetes or the Kidney Foundation; be a big brother/sister or be a host family; clean-up your community; volunteer at the hospital or senior center. Look around your community and schools – think of what you can do to help.

I have an amazing family and an extraordinary group of friends who do outstanding and extraordinary things in our communities ~ let’s make this year and this decade just a little bit better. I dare you.