Americana Stars Memorial

Doreen Saunders, as a memorial to victims of September 11th, has undertaken an ambitious project: The Americana Stars Memorial. Each victim of the September 11th attacks will have his or her own cross-stitched star. The stars, with each victim's name stitched beneath it, will be attached to panels and when the panels are stitched together the project will be approximately 200 feet long.

As Doreen nears completion of the actual stars, the logistical realities of working with the panels has her in search of a new work space. Up to this point she has been utilizing her studio apartment but the project will soon outgrow it. She is no longer in need of stitching assistance (I asked) but she is in need of donations to fund this next phase. If you aren't in a position to donate at this time (even $5 helps!) please re-post this info on your own blog or otherwise let people know.

Her site includes several fundraising offerings, including the opportunity to purchase some original design patterns of the stars she is stitching. One of the stars is a freebie, and prices are as follows for the others:

1 star for a $5 donation
5 stars for a $20 donation
11 stars for a $35 donation


To purchase cross-stitch patterns of the stars: http://www.americanastars.org/stitchastar2.html

Here is the link to her site: http://www.americanastars.org/index.html

Are people born good writers?

From James Ellroy in Time 9/20/10:

"No. You have to read, read, read, read, read, read, read, read and read. As you read, unconsciously you assimilate the rudiments of style and technique. And when it comes time for a person to begin to seriously write, they either have it, or they don't."

Army of Women: Breast cancer research

I recently became aware of the Army of Women campaign. It seeks to recruit 1 million women (and men) willing to participate in research that pertains to breast cancer. They're seeking both those with cancer and those without.

From the website:

"Women who are interested register on the Love/Avon Army of Women website, providing very basic information such as name, age, city, and state of residence. You will receive email updates from the Love/Avon Army of Women announcing new research studies looking for volunteers just like you. The email will detail the research project and who and what the researchers need. ..."

Also, men with immediate relatives (mother, sister, daughter) who have been diagnosed with breast cancer (or who have been diagnosed with breast cancer themselves) are encouraged to join as well.

I signed up just this week and at this point I don't meet criteria for any of the studies underway. But of course as this collection of potential subjects grows larger and the researchers utilizing them grow more varied, the options will expand. I'm very curious to see what will come of this research in the future.

If you're interested in signing up or would like more information, here's the link