Atiliay noun, a play off the French word “atelier”; a workshop/studio, esp of an artist or designer; my creative space

Notes plural noun, a brief record of facts, topics, thoughts written down as an aid to memory; a short informal letter

 

Throughout the past few weeks, I've been asking women for advice on turning 40. What has their experience been like? What has worked for them? What do they wish they knew? What would they go back and do or not do? 

 

I have loved reading the thoughtful, honest, funny, and generous responses and am very excited to share them with you. 

 

In addition to a variety of advice ranging from health to purpose to relationships and everything in between, there's also personal experiences and a poem by poet and writer Mary Walker (that she helped pick out which was very exciting since I'm a big fan!)

 

This blog post is too long to put in its entirety here so I was going to pick a few favorites to share but it was too hard to pick! Instead, here's a look at the beginning and you can click on it or the link below to read more. I hope you'll check it out or bookmark it for later! And to the women who shared--thank you for making this post possible!

Food4Africa is a non-profit based in South Africa that is near and dear to my heart. (If you've been here for awhile, you have most likely supported them throughout the years via stationery, workshops, fundraisers, and cakes if you're super old school and awesome :)) They are committed to feeding children with at least one vitamin and mineral enriched meal a day and serve those whose circumstances place them on or below the poverty line. Food4Africa developed and distribute a porridge of maize and soya containing 19 vitamins and minerals to various locations across SA through a network of dedicated volunteers. These meals help to: 

Back in 2007 I had the opportunity to meet the passionate founder and team/volunteers, see what they do firsthand, and meet some of the babies, toddlers, children, schools, and communities they help. It's something I'll never forget and I have tried my best to support their work since that trip. I began with donations to their general fund then a few years later began sponsoring the Ebongalethu Educare Center, Preschool & Nursery, in Motherwell, South Africa. 

 

 If Food4Africa's work speaks to you and you are able to, I would be so grateful if you would join me in supporting their work. It would be an amazing way to begin this new decade knowing that The EEC has food secured for all the little ones in their care. My goal is to raise $2400 which covers meals for this year and the next--it would be so helpful to be able to give them funds in advance! I used to donate a portion of proceeds from my products however as I am phasing out of physical offerings, this would also help in that transition.

Here are a few numbers to know:

The fundraiser will end on Sept 30th and I will wire transfer the funds to them. Every donation and every dollar makes a difference and impact! 

 

Below are photos of the center--on the left is when they first moved to this new location so the structure was still being finished. The lady with the baby on her back is Gladys, she is the founder of the EEC and in her 70s! On the right is the structure after it was finished and painted.

Thank you for sharing, celebrating, and giving with me, and for reading :) Have a great start to your September and take good care! 

PS: Fellow 1984 babies and anyone who grew up during that time, here are a few things from that year:

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