StarStyle® Empowerment

https://greatnonprofits.org/org/be-the-star-you-are-inc

DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

DONATE: https://givebutter.com/BTSYA

WHY ARE BOOKS SPECIAL?

by Karen Kitchel

In today’s digital world, some people question whether books are still relevant. Yet books remain a valuable part of our lives. They entertain, educate, inspire, and help us see the world from new perspectives. Here are a few reasons why books are so special.

* Books help us escape from reality and explore different worlds. We all need a break from reality every once in a while. Reading can take us to places we’ve never been and introduce us to new ideas. They are also a great way to relax.

* We can learn almost anything from a book. They can transport us to different countries, cultures, and time periods—all without leaving home. Books help us better understand the world and the people in it.

* Inspiration comes from books. Like our best friend, a well-written book has the ability to inspire us to become better people and to achieve our goals. We can learn from some of the greatest minds in history.

* All ages have an opportunity to be entertained. Even babies will smile when given a touch-and-see book, and few gifts can spark a child’s imagination and love of learning quite like a good book.

Books promote creativity and imagination. When you’re reading a book, you can often imagine what the characters look like, what their voices sound like, and where the story is taking place. This can lead to some creative ideas of your
Enjoy reading good books this summer!

Karen Kitchel is the Kindness Coordinator volunteer with BTSYA. She purchased the book No Barnyard Bullies as a gift for every kindergarten student at the school where she volunteers as a teacher. www.scatteringkindness.com You can read more about Karen’s adoption story in the book Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers. https://www.bethestaryouare.org/book-gift

SUMMER READING

by Gowri Kamatchi

There’s something special about reading in the summer. Maybe it’s the extra free time, or the way a good book seems to make a hot afternoon pass more quickly. Whatever the reason, summer has always felt like the season for stories.

One of the best parts about reading is that there’s a book for every age. If you’re younger, I’d recommend the Rainbow Magic series, which is full of magical adventures, fairies, and friendship. For pre-teens, Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dork Diaries, or Kid Youtuber are great choices, packed with the funny and sometimes embarrassing moments of growing up.

As you get older, your options seem to grow along with you. If you’re a teenager or older, you can read just about anything that catches your interest. Summer is a great time to explore different genres—you never know what you might end up loving.

If you enjoy poetry, I’d recommend Les Fleurs du Mal by Baudelaire, a collection that reflects on beauty and human nature, or The Penguin Book of Women’s Poets, which brings together powerful voices from different centuries and experiences.

If you’re looking for a horror or mystery page-turner, I’d recommend Never Lie by Freida McFadden, a thriller filled with twists and hidden secrets, or Strange Houses by Uketsu, an eerie mystery centered around unsettling homes and strange disappearances.

If you’re looking for shorter reads that can make you more well-versed in today’s political climate, I’d recommend Animal Farm by George Orwell, a political fable about power and corruption, and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, a novel that explores wealth, ambition, and the illusion of the American Dream.

But if you have time on your hands for a good cry, I’d recommend Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng, a heartbreaking story about family, identity, and loss.

No matter what you choose, reading is one of the few things that allows us to step into someone else’s world for a little while. This summer, consider picking up something new, revisiting an old favorite, and supporting your local library!

Gowri Kamatchi is a 16-year-old high school junior and content-creator volunteer with Be the Star You Are!® She has a deep interest in global issues, journalism, climate policies, and paleontology. Her hobbies are reading, listening to music, and rollerblading!

OUR RADIO BROADCASTS INSPIRE AND COMMUNICATE

Every week, under the auspices of Be the Star You Are!® charity and produced by StarStyle® Productions, LLC, listeners are encouraged and inspired on our two international radio broadcasts, StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!® and Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio. StarStyle® is a lifestyle program bringing information and innovative ideas that will help with daily living, while Express Yourself!™ is hosted by teens, for teens, with discussions about everything and anything that interests youth today. Both programs are unedited, uncensored, and unapologetically authentic.

Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220

Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617

CONGRATULATIONS TO TEEN WINNER, Julia Howe

Julia Howe has been a volunteer with Be the Star You Are!® and a host of Express Yourself!™ Teen radio for numerous years. She recently won the Princeton Prize and recently won the AAPI Youth Changemaker Award. She wrote that she is overjoyed and incredibly thankful for the mentorship over the years. Here’s what she wrote about this recent award:

“I was selected as the high school recipient of the AAPI Youth Change Maker Award by the APA Heritage Foundation for my work promoting appreciation of Chinese opera through Jing Shao Nian. (https://www.jingshaonian.org/ )The award was announced at the San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie’s AAPI Heritage Month Press Conference at San Francisco City Hall and presented at the APA Heritage Awards & Gala Reception at Herbst Theater, San Francisco’s annual AAPI Heritage Month kickoff celebration. As part of this recognition, I also received certificates of recognition from the California State Senate, San Francisco Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman, and District 3 Supervisor Danny Sauter. I’m so grateful to have this work recognized and to continue helping young people connect with Chinese opera!”

Congratulations to Julia on this outstanding honor. We are certain there is more to come for this talented and dedicated young lady.

BOOKS AND MERCH

Books: A great way to support Be the Star You Are!® and give a gift that continues to give is to buy books as a donation through our portal. Check out our Book Package: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/book-gift

Merch: Find well-made clothing and hats with the Be the Star You Are!® logo at https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/

Numerous colors and styles are appropriate for all ages. A percentage of the proceeds benefits Be the Star You Are!®

ABOUT BE THE STAR YOU ARE!®

Be the Star You Are!® is an all-volunteer organization that operates through contributions, in-kind donations, and proceeds from fundraising events. Be the Star You Are!® does not receive state or federal funding and is solely dependent on contributions from the community and corporations. Be the Star You Are!® is consistently honored as a TOP NON-PROFIT by Guidestar and Great Non-Profits.

Be the Star You Are!® supports all ethnicities and has no religious or political agendas or affiliations. Be the Star You Are!® is proud to have been serving the community, country, and world since 1999.

DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

Read The Lamorinda Weekly

The Blooms of June

Cynthia Brian — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 19:35:04 GMT

“What is a weed? A flower whose virtues have not yet been discovered.”~ Emerson

Because of the late-season rains, the weeds have been overwhelming. I have been pulling, cutting, smothering, and eliminating “these flowers whose virtues have not yet been discovered” since early March. I’m now on my third round of weeding. Yes, many of the weeds have pretty flowers, including vetch, bindweed, cut leaf geranium, Italian thistle, euphorbia, hemlock, and a plethora of grasses. Dandelions are abundant. I use the leaves for salads, while the flowers are fed to the birds.

The much-desired “discovered” blooms are also ample. My hill is blanketed in a sea of blue nigella, orange and yellow nasturtiums, and California poppies. Clematis and nigella flank stairways. The roses are spectacular this year in everyone’s landscape. Deep pink Oriental lilies in my garden are being enjoyed as long-life cut flowers indoors. One of the most colorful specimens is the fluorescent yellow and pink lantana, a heat-loving, deer-resistant shrub that thrives in our climate. Society garlic is also deer-resistant and requires very minimal water, boasting pretty purple plumes.

What else is blooming in my garden and local neighborhoods?

Petunia

Magnolia

Ice Plant

California lilac

Lavender

Sunflower

Zinnia

Hydrangea

Marigold

Peony

Dahlia

Echinacea

Snapdragon

Allium

Mexican Sage

Tithonia

Cosmos

Honeysuckle

Jasmine

Bird of Paradise

Morning Glory

Sword Lily

Bee Balm

Penstemon

Red Hot Poker

St. John’s Wort

Canna

Larkspur

Calendula

Chamomile

Calibrachoa

Agastache

Gladiola

Snapdragon

Feverfew

Bachelor Button

Queen Anne’s Lace

Shasta Daisy

Statice

Iris

Pelargonium

Cape Fuchsia

This is a short list of joyous June blooms, and there are many more, including super succulents. Look for them at your favorite nursery or garden center. Most will prosper throughout the summer and into the fall, offering a flush of blush for months. Plan on sowing seeds in the autumn for many of these.

In my garden, the gloom this June is the loss of fruit on my trees. Again, because of the heavy rains and the strong winds, the blossoms on my fruit trees were destroyed. Pollinators could not do their important work. The sad result is that I have no Meyer lemons, no apricots, no cherries, and no peaches developing.

Thankfully, I do have loquats, tangerines, limes, and a semi-crop of plums this year. Tomato vines are tall and filled with yellow blossoms that will soon drop to be replaced by tiny growing green tomatoes. Other planted vegetables and herbs are already providing nourishment, although my eggplants are still puny. My grapevines are looking fantastic and hopefully will provide a bountiful harvest.

ALERT: Speaking of grapevines…did you buy a grapevine from Costco between April 21 and May 19? If so, your vine may have included a very invasive insect called the glassy-winged sharpshooter. These dangerous insects spread a bacterium, causing a fatal grapevine disease called Pierce’s disease. This pest damages not only vineyards but also citrus and many other plants. Costco is issuing refunds; however, you must isolate the plant and contact the County Agricultural Commission, which will remove and dispose of the diseased grapevine. Do NOT plant or toss into your garbage or green bin. Here’s the website for Contra Costa County: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/7509/Preventing-the-Spread-of-Pests. The phone number to call is 925-608-6600. For more information on this frightening, invasive pest, visit https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/pdcp/gwss-costco-plants.html

Cynthia Brian’s Goddess Garden Guide for June

ü REPOT your crowded cymbidium orchids. Divide and share with friends and family.

ü ADD a snake plant, broad sword fern, Peace lily, or rubber plant to your indoor living space for the maximum amount of natural air purifying.

ü PREPARE your property for fire resilience. Grasses regrow, and ladder fuels return. Slow fire spread and support fire response. Fire season is now year-round.

ü FENCE areas visited by marauding deer. Although fuzzy and poisonous plants tend to be deer-resistant, nothing is deer-proof except a fence!

ü MAKE a teepee for cucumbers, beans, melons, and other climbers by inserting three to four, eight-foot bamboo poles straight into the ground.

ü STAKE your gladiolas before they topple.

ü REFRESH your wooden patio furniture with a splash of colorful paint, or if it’s teak, give it a good cleaning.

ü SWING in a hammock while reading a good book.

ü CUT out dead wood from privets, boxwoods, holly, and other hedges.

ü SERVICE your home and garden with a subscription to Honey Homes. With this code, you will get a $250 discount. https://honeyh.me/eXEn

ü PUT on your overalls to work in your vegetable garden. Take it from the farmer in me-the more seeds you sow, the more food you’ll grow.

ü THIN fruits (if you are lucky enough, have them on your trees)when they are the size of a penny on your overly populated trees.

ü SURPRISE dad with a new garden tool. (Keep the receipt in case he wants to exchange it!) Happy Father’s Day to all great dads!

ü CELEBRATE the summer solstice on June 21 by including neighbors in a midweek cookout.

ü DEADHEAD roses and perennials regularly to encourage voluminous flowering.

ü CONTINUE weeding. As you water, weeds will sprout. If you like the weed flowers, discover their virtues!

ü ENJOY the stunning June blooms in your garden and think about what you want to plant for next June.

Happy Gardening! Happy Growing! Happy Summer!

For more seasonal gardening tips and inspiration, grab a copy of Growing with the Goddess Gardener at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/books.

Her best-selling children’s series, Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures, is available at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store.

https://www.CynthiaBrian.com

The Importance of Family

Cynthia Brian — Sat, 23 May 2026 21:36:57 GMT

MIRACLE MOMENT®

“No matter what you’ve done for yourself or for humanity, if you can’t look back on having given love and attention to your own family, what have you really accomplished?” Lee Iacocca, Retired Automobile Executive

A MESSAGE from Founder/Director, CYNTHIA BRIAN

Because my parents loved each other and my four siblings deeply and unconditionally, I was one of the luckiest children in the world. We were raised on a farm, surrounded by land, animals, and a gigantic number of fabulous relatives with whom we constantly celebrated living. Our values revolved around loyalty to family and friends, responsibility, integrity, and hard work. We had few possessions and even less money, yet our simple life, filled with nature and love, provided the greatest childhood I can even imagine. Today, when cousins get together, we always commemorate our shared gratitude for the incredibly enriching upbringing we experienced.

Family is about commitment. It doesn’t matter whether family is defined by biology, adoption, or choice; family means taking care of one another in good and bad times. Family is home. Family is where we can be our unapologetically authentic selves. Family is our haven, our lighthouse, our school, and our playground.

If you didn’t grow up with a loving family, it is never too late to create a chosen family to share, care, and be fair together. No matter the heights you reach in life, having a family that truly loves you will always be the most critical factor in your personal and emotional success.

I am often asked what my greatest achievement in life has been. That’s an easy one to answer: being a mom.

Here’s to all the magnificent mothers, fathers, caregivers, and those who help children grow into productive, loving adults. You are making a difference in our world. Keep paying it forward.

Family matters.

With love and admiration,

Cynthia Brian

Founder/Executive Director

Be the Star You Are!®

PO Box 376

Moraga, California 94556

https://greatnonprofits.org/org/be-the-star-you-are-inc

DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

DONATE: https://givebutter.com/BTSYA

FAMILY FOREVER

If you are looking for a book to explain family, whether biological, adopted, or chosen, check out the children’s picture book, Family Forever, the 2nd book in the series, Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures. The book chronicles an orphaned newborn squirrel rescued by Stella Bella, who becomes best friends with a Chihuahua and chooses a tribe of chickens, ducks, rabbits, geese, and pigs as his family. Family Forever is available for purchase as a donation to Be the Star You Are!®. Click on the Online Store.

FAMILY IMPORTANCE

Gowri Kamatchi.

Family is the feeling of coming home after a long day and knowing someone is happy to see you. It’s the late-night talks, the inside jokes no one else understands, and the small moments that slowly become lifelong memories.

Life gets busy, but family reminds us what truly matters. Whether it’s sharing meals, celebrating little wins, or simply sitting together in silence, those moments create comfort and connection. Even during hard times, family gives people strength, support, and a place where they can be themselves. The love shared within a family often becomes the foundation for happiness, confidence, and lasting memories.

At the heart of every strong family is love, patience, and being there for one another. The time spent together may seem ordinary now, but those are often the moments remembered most.

Gowri Kamatchi is a 16-year-old high school junior and a content creator volunteer with Be the Star You Are!® She has a deep interest in global issues, journalism, climate policies, and paleontology. Her hobbies are reading, listening to music, and rollerblading!

CREATING A FAMILY

by Karen Kitchell

When I learned that I could not give birth to a child, I was forced to think about what a family is really all about. Not everyone needs to be “approved” before becoming a parent, but I discovered that was part of the world of adoption.

My hope turned to reality the day my son arrived at the Minneapolis airport from South Korea. The social worker said that she had never seen a happier mother. More than forty years later, he still brings me immense joy.

Three years after his arrival, I began to search for a daughter to complete our little family. That process involved an agency in Mexico that abruptly closed, and an “almost-daughter” in Honduras who was mistakenly placed with another family.

Being a believer in what is meant to be, I found that Paraguay was where my baby Maria was born. Bringing her home meant spending two weeks in a hotel that had never hosted a baby. Yet, when the knock finally came on my hotel door to announce her arrival, it was the most beautiful sound I had ever heard.

Many people struggle to build their families in many ways. But in the end, it is simply the love we have to share that defines family.

Karen Kitchel is the Kindness Coordinator volunteer with BTSYA. She purchased the book No Barnyard Bullies as a gift for every kindergarten student at the school where she volunteers as a teacher. www.scatteringkindness.com You can read more about Karen’s adoption story in the book Be the Star You Are! Millennials To Boomers. https://www.bethestaryouare.org/book-gift

EARTH DAY SUCCESS

In April, Be the Star You Are!® volunteers celebrated Earth Day. Thanks to 5 A Rent-a-Space for sponsoring this event, where nature ruled! Take care of our planet and our planet will nourish you!

MEMORIAL DAY REMEMBRANCE

On Memorial Day, we reflect and honor those who have served our nation with the ultimate sacrifice. Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day started after the Civil War when communities decorated the fallen soldiers’ graves with flowers. As we remember our deceased heroes, veterans remind us to fly our flags at half-staff from sunrise until noon, then raise the flag to full staff for the rest of the day.

"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices. Because of these sacrifices, the dawn of justice and freedom throughout the world slowly casts its gleam across the horizon." President Harry S. Truman

Sending love and gratitude to every family who has lost a loved one in service to our United States of America. We remember.

BE THE STAR YOU ARE! HONORED AS A 2026 TOP NONPROFIT and PLATINUM AT CANDID

Congratulations to everyone at Be the Star You Are!® for being once again named a TOP NONPROFIT by Great Nonprofits and Candid (Formerly Guidestar). Be the Star You Are!® is 100% volunteer operated.

GREAT NON PROFITS REVIEWS: https://greatnonprofits.org/org/be-the-star-you-are-inc

CANDID: https://app.candid.org/profile/8421881/be-the-star-you-are-inc-94-3333882

OUR RADIO BROADCASTS INSPIRE AND COMMUNICATE

Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220

Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617

BOOKS AND MERCH

Merch: Find well-made clothing and hats with the Be the Star You Are!® logo at https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/ . Numerous colors and styles are appropriate for all ages. A percentage of the proceeds benefits Be the Star You Are!®.

ABOUT BE THE STAR YOU ARE!®

DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

“Even if you have failed at all else in the eyes of the world, if you have a loving family, you are a success.” Og Mandino, 1923-1996, Author and Speaker

The Art of Gardening

Cynthia Brian — Thu, 14 May 2026 19:41:11 GMT

“If an herb looks nice in a border, then why not grow it there? Why not grow anything anywhere, so long as it looks right where it is? That is, surely, the art of gardening.” Vita Sackville-West

If you have ever had the delight of visiting Sissinghurst Castle in Kent, you will have experienced one of the most romantic and influential gardens of England. Novelist and poet Vita Sackville-West and her diplomat, politician, and author husband, Sir Harold George Nicolson, designed a succession of privacies, or garden rooms, where they spent as much time outdoors as indoors. They were intellectuals, yet they were not horticultural snobs. Vita was fascinated by plant novelties and adored her roses. Their art of gardening embodied a sense of sustainable wildness that could positively influence our gardening goals.

May is a month of magical majesty in the garden. After the April rains, our gardens are irrigated, making it easier to pull weeds as we clean our beds. Temperatures are rising, the soil is warm, and this is the ideal time to sow seeds for summer harvests. So much is blooming…roses, clematis, poppies, passionflowers, azaleas, rhododendrons, bearded iris, lavender, cornflags, Jupiter’s beard, geraniums, Birds of Paradise, and many more brighten our lives. My tomato plants are in the ground, and before the last rain, I sowed seeds of vegetables my family loves to eat–beets, beans, peas, radishes, and turnips.

My artichoke plant currently has a few artichokes forming. Like Vita, I have parsley, sage, cilantro, and thyme planted amongst my flowers. They do look terrific together. I haven’t decided yet whether I will plant corn this season, as my past corn crops haven’t been as successful as I’d hoped. It is important to conserve water, and corn is thirsty.

During May, I like to experiment with new plantings. Terra Nova Nurseries debuted new drought-tolerant Agastache “Peach Pearl” and “Prince’s Plume,” which I added to my sunny spots to attract hummingbirds and bumblebees. Starting in June, the plants will be crowned with stately shades of peach and violet until frost. Heucherella “Pink Stardust” is another new addition to my trial garden. The minty green, silvery leaves are pretty, and it will soon bear unusual star-shaped flowers on sturdy stems. (With my company, StarStyle®, I must confess I am drawn to everything “stars” related!)

I’ve also added a river rock canal to my garden. Not only is it functional, directing rain run-off to my plants, but it is abundantly attractive. My roses are truly the stars of my landscape. The majority are David Austin English roses that are disease–resistant, fragrant, and multi-bloomers. Every two or three days, I spend a considerable amount of time meditating as I walk around deadheading spent blooms. Within a week or so, I’m rewarded with more blooms. Roses are versatile, and contrary to what many people think, easy to grow and maintain. The thorns are irritating, making it mandatory to wear heavy gloves when working with them.

What I love about gardening is that, beyond the weeding, planting, and pruning, my garden is always changing, evolving, and collaborating with nature. My garden is a living canvas of colors, textures, scents, and wildness. As I care for the earth, support biodiversity, and steward the planet, my garden cares for me, feeds me, heals me, and inspires me. With all its imperfections, weeds, and rough edges, I will grow anything anywhere so long as it looks good. So should you!

Surely, this is the art of gardening!

Cynthia Brian’s Goddess Garden Guide for May

PULL weeds while the soil is moist for easier weeding. Continue to monitor your garden for new weeds sprouting.

SOW seeds of beans, zucchini, cilantro, carrots, beets, or other vegetables you enjoy for a summer crop.

TRANSPLANT seedlings of tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants to the garden or containers.

SCATTER flower seeds of sunflowers, zinnias, cosmos, and marigolds.

CLEAR debris, including dried limbs and flammable materials, from the perimeter of your home and garden.

CUT annual grasses and tall weeds to three inches or less before June 1 as part of the wildfire hazard abatement requirements.

FEED backyard birds with a variety of high-quality seeds. You’ll enjoy flighty performances from finches, jays, sparrows, and more.

WATCH for aphids, whiteflies, and caterpillars. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap before infestations spread.

UPGRADE your soil with organic matter and mulch.

INTRODUCE your children and grandchildren to the joys of gardening by letting them pick flowers and food they love to plant.

HANG baskets of petunias, calibrachoa, or begonias to brighten your patio or porch.

DEADHEAD roses and any perennials to encourage additional blooming.

PRUNE boxwoods. Cut back any winter burn or dead branches.

ADD flowers of nasturtium, roses, and violets to your dinner plate. They are edible and nutritious if they have not been sprayed with pesticides.

REGROW scallions by sticking the root ends in water after snipping. You’ll get a fresh crop very quickly.

RELEASE ladybugs into your garden if you spot aphids. Ladybugs (also called lady beetles) only stay in a garden when there is sufficient food. If yours fly away, don’t be dismayed. Pat yourself on the back as your garden is healthier than a neighboring landscape.

PROTECT yourself from ticks by applying DEET when you are gardening or outdoors. Research indicates that the majority of tick exposure occurs during everyday activities, including working in our gardens and enjoying our barbecues.

TUCK edibles into your flowerbeds. Parsley and garlic chives look especially handsome as a border. Vita Sackville-West would approve.

RECEIVE a FREE home walk-through, 1.5 hours of handyman time, plus a $50 VISA gift card for meeting with my favorite handyman service to chat about your to-dos. Here's my link (first come, first served): https://honeyh.me/eXEn/trial I only have SIX of these FREEBIES available through the end of May. Act quickly if interested. https://honeyh.me/eXEn/trial

PLANT a beautiful “Angel Face” rose bush on Memorial Day in honor of a military friend

.Happy Gardening! Happy Growing!

For more seasonal gardening tips and inspiration, grab a copy of Growing with the Goddess Gardener at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/books.

Tune into Cynthia’s StarStyle® Radio Broadcast at https://www.StarStyleRadio.com .

Her best-selling children’s series, Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures, is available at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store.

Hire Cynthia for writing projects, garden consults, and inspirational lectures. Cynthia@GoddessGardener.com https://www.CynthiaBrian.com

Our Power, Our Planet

Cynthia Brian — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:01:15 GMT

MIRACLE MOMENT®

“The Earth does not belong to us. We belong to the Earth.” Chief Seattle

A MESSAGE from Founder/Director, CYNTHIA BRIAN

I grew up on a farm where being sustainable was a way of life. We were dry farmers, which meant that the fields were irrigated solely by the rainfall. Water was a precious commodity, and after many years, my dad and brothers built a reservoir to collect the precipitation. We recycled, reused, repurposed, remade. We saved seeds to plant the heirlooms later. From my parents, I learned from an early age that this Earth is our only home. The survival of our planet is the survival of human life. The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we grow all depend on a healthy ecosystem. When we damage nature, we disrupt the balance that sustains us.

Human-driven climate change is leading to extreme weather, rising sea levels, increased disease transmission, widespread food and water scarcity, and a shifting growing season. My own garden continues to foretell that times are changing…and not for the better. Biodiversity matters as life is interconnected. Pollination is essential to food production. Losing species weakens the natural order.

We must stand up for the environment with compassion. We must choose people over profits and health over harm. We need to work together to build a better future for ourselves, our children, and the world at large. We want our grandchildren to inherit an Earth with clean air, drinkable water, and a safe environment.

We are responsible for protecting the planet. I lead with hope and will continue to focus on how we can be proactive in driving change. Humanity is our greatest tool. Let us act as sensitive stewards of this beautiful Earth.

We have the power!

Cynthia Brian

Founder/Executive Director

Be the Star You Are!®

PO Box 376

Moraga, California 94556

https://greatnonprofits.org/org/be-the-star-you-are-inc

DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

DONATE: https://givebutter.com/BTSYA

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” Jane Goodall

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY with BE THE STAR YOU ARE!®

On Saturday, April 25th, from 10 am to 1 pm, BE THE STAR YOU ARE!® partners with 5 A Rent-A-Space and others to commemorate EARTH DAY. Come create a take-home herb garden, grab a bag of fragrant potpourri, choose a tomato plant, and more. Enjoy snacks and conversation in this FREE celebration of our beautiful Earth. Books will be available for purchase. Location is 5 A, 455 Moraga Rd. #F, Moraga. https://www.bethestaryouare.org/events-1/earth-day-at-5a-on-april-25-2026

SIMPLE WAYS TO BE KIND TO OUR PLANET

by Karen Kitchel

Every act of kindness, no matter how small, makes a difference. By taking care of our planet, you’re creating a healthier and more beautiful world for your community and a brighter future for those who come after us.
Here are five small but meaningful acts of kindness for you to consider:
Conserve Energy — Flip off lights, unplug electronics, and shut down computers when they’re not in use.
Save Water — Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or scrubbing dishes.
Plan & Freeze Leftovers — Prevent food from going to waste. It also helps your wallet.
Host a Seed Swap — Share seeds with friends, neighbors, or local groups. It’s a fun way to diversify gardens and rely less on store‑bought plants.
Volunteer at a Community Garden — Lend a hand with planting, weeding, or general upkeep. Many gardens depend on volunteers to thrive.

Karen Kitchel is the Kindness Coordinator volunteer with BTSYA. She purchased the book No Barnyard Bullies as a gift for every kindergarten student at the school where she volunteers as a teacher. www.scatteringkindness.com You can read more about Karen’s adoption story in the book Be the Star You Are! Millennials To Boomers. https://www.bethestaryouare.org/book-gift

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.” Margaret Mead

OUR EARTH, OUR RESPONSIBILITY

by Gowri Kamatchi

The earth is our only home. It gives us everything we need to live: clean air, fresh water, healthy food and beautiful nature. But today, our home is experiencing problems like pollution, climate change and loss of wildlife–many on the brink if not already extinct.

Each of us has a role in protecting the earth. No matter how small or big, young or old. Small actions can make a big difference. We can save energy, reduce waste, recycle, and use less plastic. And along with that, we can plant trees, grow local flora by getting seeds from the library and not littering!

Is it also important to spread awareness and encourage friends and family to care about our planet. When people work together, anything is possible.

This earth is our responsibility. If we care for it today, it will care for us tomorrow.

Gowri Kamatchi is a 16-year-old high school junior who is a content creator volunteer with Be the Star You Are!® She has a deep interest in global issues, journalism, climate policies, and paleontology. Her hobbies are reading, listening to music, and rollerblading!

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” Albert Einstein

Go Tell the World-Finding Your Purpose

Cynthia Brian joins Ellen Mongan on the program, Go Tell the World, to discuss finding your passion and purpose in life. Be uplifted. Click above to watch!

BE THE STAR YOU ARE! HONORED AS A 2026 TOP NONPROFIT and PLATINUM AT CANDID

GREAT NON PROFITS REVIEWS: https://greatnonprofits.org/org/be-the-star-you-are-inc

CANDID: https://app.candid.org/profile/8421881/be-the-star-you-are-inc-94-3333882

VOLUNTEERS SPEAK

Read what volunteers say about their involvement with BTSYA:

Julia Howe

Being a host and radio reporter on Express Yourself! Teen Radio has been one of the most meaningful parts of my high school experience. Through Be the Star You Are!, I have created and led segments on teen mental health, women in STEM, and youth leadership. I have interviewed entrepreneurs, researchers, and community leaders, and collaborated with other teen reporters to produce episodes that reach listeners in over 200 countries. What makes BTSYA special is that teens are trusted with real responsibility. We research our topics, prepare questions, host live broadcasts, and learn how to think on our feet. It is not scripted or overly edited. That authenticity has helped me grow from someone who was nervous to speak on air into someone who feels confident leading conversations. The skills I have built through this program have carried into my other work as a nonprofit founder, singer, and student. Most importantly, BTSYA has helped me believe that my voice deserves to be heard.

Saanvi Phaneendra

Be the Star You Are! has given me an extraordinary platform to share my passion for space exploration and AI with a global audience. Through hosting radio segments on Express Yourself! Teen Radio, I’ve had the incredible privilege of interviewing experts and expressing my perspectives on topics I deeply care about. With episodes available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, reaching listeners across hundreds of countries, my personal credibility in this field has grown tremendously. I’m especially grateful to Cynthia for helping publicize my rocket exhibit at the Moraga Library. Attendees at the Pear and Wine Festival even recognized my work! This support has also fueled the rapid expansion of my own initiative, GalacticGet.org, which is growing quickly throughout the Bay Area. Thank you, Be the Star You Are!, for championing young voices and for helping me in my quest to seed curiosity in young children about the wonders of space exploration. Your mission truly changes lives.

Listen to a fantastic radio program about AI on the Moon and Mars hosted by both Julia and Saanvi: https://sites.libsyn.com/560220/ai-on-the-moon-and-mars

Jatin Bains

Being a part of Be the Star You Are!® has been so great. It has helped me gain more confidence and I really enjoy the different topics we talk about. Ms. Cynthia is so nice to work with, and she is a great mentor.

Milan Bains

I have been a part of Be the Star You Are!® since I was 11 years old. I have learned so much about myself and the world around me. I look forward to the work I will continue to do with this wonderful organization throughout my high school career and beyond. I would urge any teens that are looking for a way to donate their time to a good cause to join!

Jatin and Milan are brothers on Express Yourself!® Listen to their episode on How Curiosity Leads to Success: https://sites.libsyn.com/560220/how-curiosity-leads-to-success

“We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” Native American Proverb

OUR RADIO BROADCASTS INSPIRE AND COMMUNICATE

Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220

Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617

“We do not need magic to transform our world. We carry all the power we need inside ourselves already.” ~ J.K. Rowling

Buy books and clothing as a donation to Be the Star You Are!®

BOOKS AND MERCH

Merch: Find well-made clothing and hats with the Be the Star You Are!® logo at https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/. Numerous colors and styles are appropriate for all ages. A percentage of the proceeds benefits Be the Star You Are!®.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to live on this beautiful and astonishing Planet Earth. In the morning, I woke up with a sense of gratitude.” –Earl Nightingale

ABOUT BE THE STAR YOU ARE!®

DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

Read: https://lamorindaweekly.com/articles/2026/posy-poetry/

“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.”

~ Dale Carnegie

Spring into April

Cynthia Brian — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:14:54 GMT

“With joy and poetry, sunshine feels cozy.

Spring is blooming with the power of posies.” Cynthia Brian

Do you remember holding hands with friends, walking in a circle, singing the children’s nursery rhyme, “Ring-a-round the rosie, a pocket full of posies?” The origin of the song is unknown, but it has been attributed to the Bubonic Plague or Black Death beginning in 1347. A posy (also spelled posie) is a small bunch of flowers given as a gift. In the Victorian era, the selection of flowers heralded specific meanings. Since etiquette required strict behaviors, it was easy to express feelings through floriography. This language of flowers could mean friendship, devotion, love, or even complete non-interest, depending on the posy presented.

The floral sonnets in my garden are flourishing and beguiling me as a blooming visual poem, providing endless variegated posies to design. It appears that all my plants are flowering everywhere all at once.

The color purple rules with wisteria twining high into the magnolia, clematis weaving through the bower, while the French lilacs and white jasmine perfume the poetry.

Rose bushes are cloaked in buds and bursting into color. The thornless Lady Banksia rose scales the fence and scrambles up the plum tree, bursting with white, fluffy flowers. Daffodils, tulips, wood hyacinths, heuchera, cyclamen, freesia, and Dutch iris blanket beds in a kaleidoscope of shades.

One portion of my hillside is swathed in edible yellow and orange nasturtiums. Poppies and calendulas cover the lower hillside. Hellebore, azalea, camellia, Bergenia, and an orchestra of greenery offer a posy party just waiting to begin. Wherever I look, patterns rhyme in a fluid, natural landscape.

My way of making a humble posy packet is to choose three to five different specimens of blooms in complementary hues. Any flower that you wish can be chosen. My favorites are always whatever is currently blooming in my garden…roses, peonies, daisies, calendula, and everything I’ve already mentioned. Cut a few shoots of whimsical greenery, such as asparagus fern, ivy, or mimosa. You will need rubber bands, twine, ribbon, pruners, and either a jar of water or paper to wrap the bouquet.

Steps:

1. Choose one flower to be the focal point. It will be the center and higher than the rest of the bouquet.

2. Add stems of other flowers, working from the center, as you rotate your bouquet, making the posy round, tight, small, and even.

3. For texture, place your greenery where needed.

4. When you are happy with the look of your posy, secure it with twine, floral tape, or a rubber band.

5. Trim the leaves off the bottom stems and cut all the stems evenly.

6. I like to add a scalloped doily as a base. If you do this, cut a hole in the doily and situate all the stems through it. The doily adds a touch of elegance and nostalgia.

7. To finish, either wrap in paper (a brown paper bag), newspaper, or decorative wrapping paper, or place in a small clear jar with water. Tie a satin ribbon around the paper or jar.

8. Voila! You have created a poetic posy to give as a gift or to enjoy yourself.

The Power of Posies

By Cynthia Brian

With a handful of petals, the universe hums,

Soft as a whisper, yet louder than drums.

A posy of blossoms, gathered with care.

A floral language that we want to share.

No thunder, no trumpet, no conquering might.

Flowers can turn the darkness to light.

They bloom in defiance of frost and despair.

Painting hope softly as they perfume the air.

A lilac boasts innocence, youth, and spring, too.

A rose holds a promise in every hue.

Lavender lingers with calm in its breath.

Reminding us that life dances with death.

What power is this in a stem and a seed?

To comfort a heart, to answer a need.

Saying “I remember”, “I love”, “I forgive”.

Giving us beauty and the courage to live.

So, gather your posies, let tenderness grow.

Strength isn’t always the loudest we know.

With blossoms and fragrance, we feel happy and cozy.

Give the gift of friendship with the power of posies.

Besides the posy poetry that you will discover in your garden, listen to the chorus of life singing. Hummingbirds, songbirds, frogs, crickets, squirrels, bees, bumblebees, and butterflies congregate with rhythmic enthusiasm.

Plant poetry and make posies for friends. It is springtime in our gardens. Enjoy the show!

Cynthia Brian’s Goddess Gardener Guide for April

April may be the most rewarding and busiest month of the gardening year. The weather has been warm, and it is time to get outside to work and play.

FERTILIZE the entire landscape with a slow-release fertilizer. For best results, water deeply immediately.

SCATTER snail and slug bait as these mollusks continue to be active. Pay extra attention to any new seedlings or small plantings most susceptible to their nibbling.

WATCH for aphids and other insects. As they emerge, treat with an organic formula. I find that dishwashing liquid mixed with water does the trick or use Neem oil or other insecticidal soap. Or ladybugs from your nursery or garden center when you see aphids or other pests on your plants. Remember, ladybugs fly to infested gardens so if your garden is pest-free, they may just fly away.

IRRIGATE as needed. Aim for deep watering often. The weather has been warmer than usual. Make sure your drip and sprinkler systems are working properly. Check sprinkler heads for damage or breakage. On lawns, ascertain that sprinklers have not been covered by grass over the winter.

MOW lawns regularly.

REDUCE light pollution for a “night-friendly sky” by using warmer, amber colored lights instead of the cooler blue lights, which amplify the night skyglow. Night creatures, including bird migrations, bats, owls, and insects, will thank you.

CHECK container plants regularly. They may need more water and additional feeding.

ADD compost to beds.

WEED, weed, weed. The weeds are exploding and multiplying. Keep on weeding.

CONTINUE to clean fallen camellia blossoms from under the bushes and trees.

REMOVE the strappy foliage from daffodils and narcissi if they are crispy dry. Do not cut back if foliage is still green. The bulb garners the energy for next year’s bloom through the leaves.

CELEBRATE Earth Day on April 22 and join me at Earth Day at 5 A on Saturday, April 25^th, 10 am to 1 pm, where you can create a small herb garden to take home, make a bag of fragrant potpourri, and purchase autographed copies of my books. 455 Moraga Rd. #F, Moraga. https://www.bethestaryouare.org/events-1/earth-day-at-5a-on-april-25-2026

SOW seeds of scarlet runner bean, sweet peas, or morning glories to climb on fences and wire.

ADD pollinator plants for butterflies and bees.

SKIP tilling your soil unless you are starting a new bed. Tilling has been found to harm the beneficial microbes, fungi, worms, and insects that help your garden grow.

PLANT tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, squash, and other warm-season favorites when the soil feels warm.

INCLUDE a gurgling fountain in your landscape and watch the birds, hummingbirds, and other critters enjoy a bath and a drink.

SUPPLEMENT boulders and rocks to a deer-resistant garden (especially in front yards) to add structure and interest. Ornamental grasses, lavender, lamb’s ear, sage, lilac, boxwood, viburnum, rosemary, barberry, holly, fern, hellebore, daffodil, iris, Chinese fringe, rock rose, and calla lilies are good choices. Remember that when deer are hungry, they will eat anything!

MAKE posy poetry and have fun being creative.

Happy Gardening. Happy Growing. Happy Springtime.

For more seasonal gardening tips and inspiration, grab a copy of Growing with the Goddess Gardener at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/books.

Raised in Napa County vineyards, Cynthia Brian is a New York Times best-selling author, actor, radio personality, speaker, media and writing coach, as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3.. Tune into Cynthia’s StarStyle® Radio Broadcast at https://www.StarStyleRadio.com. Her best-selling children’s series, Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures, is available at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store.

Hire Cynthia for writing projects, garden consults, and inspirational lectures. Cynthia@GoddessGardener.com https://www.CynthiaBrian.com

She Shines!

Cynthia Brian — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 21:27:38 GMT

MIRACLE MOMENT®

“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” Michelle Obama

Thanks for reading StarStyle® Empowerment! This post is public, so feel free to share it.

A MESSAGE from Founder/Director, CYNTHIA BRIAN

Women are leading the change and shaping the future. The month of March is dedicated to honoring women’s contributions to history, society, and gender equality. Our country will be celebrating its 250th birthday in 2026, yet women have had the privilege of voting for only 106 years, thanks to the 19th Amendment. In 1920, according to Britannica.com, about 7% of women earned bachelor’s degrees. In 2025, 61.8 % of all new college graduates were women, with 64.6% receiving associate degrees and 63.6% master’s degrees, according to the Pew Research Center. For women ages 25 to 34, 47% of women have a bachelor’s degree compared to 37% of men in the same group. The demographics across racial and ethnic groups in 2022 for women earning bachelor’s degrees were uplifting:

Black women: 65.2%

Hispanic women: 62.3%

White women: 57.6%

Asian/Pacific Islanders: 56.3%

Be the Star You Are!® has been dedicated to elevating women, families, and youth since our founding in 1999. We know that education equals success. Through the outreach programs of BTSYA, the values of personal growth, self-confidence, increased literacy, and self-empowerment are fostered. Engaging critical thinking skills and honoring personal expertise are valued as essential. Everyone from anywhere is welcome under the auspices of Be the Star You Are!® projects, and this month, we celebrate the fearless females who are making a difference and transforming lives in communities and countries.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who served as a Supreme Court Justice for 27 years, said it best: “Women belong in all places where decisions are made.”

Go girls! Dream big! Be unstoppable!

Cynthia Brian

Founder/Executive Director

Be the Star You Are!®

PO Box 376

Moraga, California 94556

https://www.bethestaryouare.org/blog-1

https://greatnonprofits.org/org/be-the-star-you-are-inc

DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

DONATE: https://givebutter.com/BTSYA

“I raise up my voice, not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.” Malala Yousafazi

BE THE STAR YOU ARE! HONORED AS A 2026 TOP NONPROFIT

Congratulations to everyone at Be the Star You Are!® for being once again named a TOP NONPROFIT by Great Nonprofits and Candid (Formerly Guidestar). Kudos to the radio reporters, content creators, book reviewers, researchers, newsletter contributors, and other volunteers of all ages who have made BTSYA a top nonprofit throughout the years. Be the Star You Are!® has been instrumental in improving the lives of so many young people since 1999 without any paid staff or employees. Be the Star You Are!® is 100% volunteer operated. I am proud to help this nonprofit continue to inspire, motivate, and encourage everyone to be their unapologetically authentic selves and shine. And thank you to our generous donors. BTSYA couldn’t do all the work without support.

Read what two volunteers say about their involvement with BTSYA:

“I joined BTSYA about six months ago as a researcher and content creator for the monthly newsletter. I was drawn to the organization because of their commitment to literacy for all children, teens, and young mothers. Cynthia and her team work tirelessly and with such joy and compassion for all to ensure that youth and young mothers understand the power they have to change their own lives! I can think of few pursuits more worthy! I’m proud to represent BTSYA and cannot recommend them highly enough!” Shanin, BTSYA Researcher & Content Creator

“During my time on BTYSA, I have truly enjoyed every single moment! Cynthia Brian is such a welcoming individual who allows teens to use their voices for topics they are deeply passionate about. I started working as a reporter on teen radio in 6th grade, and now I am in 10th grade. I have grown so much with my speaking and writing skills through the reporting I have done on BTSYA. This is truly a great non-profit!!” Kirpa, Radio Host and Reporter

“Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women.” Maya Angelou

CONGRATULATIONS TO PRINCETON PRIZE WINNER, JULIA HOWE

Be the Star You Are!® is thrilled that our teen volunteer and Express Yourself™ radio host, Julia Howe, was notified that she won the Princeton Prize in Race Relations Certificate of Accomplishment! Julia has been an integral part of BTSYA since 2022. She is a youth entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and is committed to introducing Chinese Opera to younger audiences, empowering teen girls in sports, and advocating for innovative education. Julia is indeed leading the charge to elevate women. Congratulations, Julia, on shaping the future of women.

Here’s what Julia wrote about winning this award.

“I was recently honored to receive a Certificate of Accomplishment from the Princeton Prize in Race Relations (1 of 2 from the Bay Area), which recognizes high school students who work to advance racial equity and foster understanding in their communities. One of the projects highlighted in the award is Jing Shao Nian, a youth Chinese opera program I founded in San Francisco. Through performances and intergenerational events, we introduce young students to Chinese opera while also discussing the history of anti-Asian racism and the resilience of cultural traditions. The goal is to make culture feel alive and accessible for the next generation, while creating opportunities for community members of all backgrounds to engage with it.”

“Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world.” Hillary Clinton

LEADING THE CHANGE

by Gowri Kamatchi

Women around the world are playing an important role in creating a more sustainable future. Through activism, science, and community leadership, they are helping protect the environment and promote long-term solutions to global challenges.

Many women have become powerful voices for climate action. For example, Greta Thunberg has inspired millions to speak out about climate change. Environmental leader Wangari Maathai also showed how sustainability can empower communities by leading tree-planting efforts that supported both nature and local women.

Women contribute valuable perspectives because they are often closely connected to natural resources through agriculture, water management, and family care. Their leadership helps create practical and community-focused solutions.

By supporting women’s education, innovation, and leadership, societies can strengthen environmental protection and sustainable development. Women’s ideas, determination, and leadership will continue to shape a healthier and more sustainable future for everyone.

“I wanted to be a certain kind of woman. I became that kind of woman.” Diane Von Furstenberg

KIND WOMAN QUIZ

by Karen Kitchel

There is much written about the traits of a truly kind woman. Take a moment to reflect on which of these attributes apply to you.

A kind woman…
· Notices what others need without being told
· Is often described as empathetic and compassionate
· Lifts others up
· Respects personal boundaries
· Speaks up for people who need support
· Remembers small details that matter
· Quietly puts herself in others’ shoes
· Keeps showing up when kindness is not easy

Karen Kitchel is the Kindness Coordinator volunteer with BTSYA. She purchased the book No Barnyard Bullies as a gift for every kindergarten student at the school where she volunteers as a teacher. www.scatteringkindness.com You can read more about Karen’s adoption story in the book Be the Star You Are! Millennials To Boomers. https://www.bethestaryouare.org/book-gift

“A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman.” Melinda French Gates

OUR RADIO BROADCASTS INSPIRE AND COMMUNICATE

Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220

Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617

“The best protection any woman can have is courage.” Elizabeth Cady Stanton

BOOKS AND MERCH

Merch: Find well-made clothing and hats with the Be the Star You Are!® logo at https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/. Numerous colors and styles are appropriate for all ages. A percentage of the proceeds benefits Be the Star You Are!®.

“Women have always been the strong ones of the world.” Coco Chanel

ABOUT BE THE STAR YOU ARE!®

DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

Share StarStyle® Empowerment

Shine on, sisters!

March Forward!

Cynthia Brian — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 20:29:02 GMT

“Fascination is fertilizer. Whatever you place your attention on grows.” ~ Alan Cohen

The rain finally arrived at the end of February, followed by several warm days reaching into the high 70s. It felt like bathing suit weather, and I was tempted! Fascination is fertilizer.

I am tickled with the signs of spring. Birdsong enchants me throughout the day, magical music energizing creativity. While the buzz of the honeybees fills the morning air, the croaking of the frogs reverberates throughout the evening. The pollinators are busy savoring the sweetness of the flowering peach tree, crabapple, and the viburnum in full bloom. March 20^th marks the vernal equinox, yet we have been enjoying an early spring since the beginning of February. Yellow is the predominant color in March with wild mustard, Acacia trees, oxalis, Mexican stonecrop, and daffodils dotting roadways, gardens, and hillsides.

Daffodils and jonquils of varied throat colorations, frills, ruffles, and petal markings decorate my landscape and my floral arrangements. Daffodil is the common name for the genus narcissus, while a jonquil is a specific species with several strong-scented yellow florets with leaves that are rounded. Depending on the expert speaking, there are 40-200 different species, subspecies, and varieties of daffodils with thousands of hybrids. Daffodil bulbs and blooms are poisonous to deer, squirrels, and rodents. Daffodils are weather-tolerant, and they will grow beautifully in sun or shade. They will naturalize when planted in drifts, making them the true trumpets of the vernal equinox.

Spring is the time to look forward. The 2026 Garden Trends Report from the Garden Media Group names “Lemonading” as the gardening theme of the year. Lemonade…another March yellow! The philosophy is “rooted in turning challenges into opportunities with creativity, joy, and intention.” “Lemonading” is about curiosity and play, transforming setbacks into opportunities through mindfulness. Since I was a young girl, I have always embraced “lemonading”, the idea that when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.

Gardening is filled with examples. It doesn’t matter if one is an accomplished green thumb or a beginner; mistakes and disappointments always occur in the garden. Plants will get diseases, deer will devour the roses, and beloved plants will die. It is part of the cycle. Instead of giving up, my mantra is “failure is fertilizer”. Put the blunders and plunders on the compost pile and build a new garden. People I meet often tell me that they cannot grow anything. I’ve been told, “I have a brown thumb; everything I try withers and dies.” I don’t buy that response. That narrative is a belief they’ve told themselves. Plant a plot of shamrocks, also known as oxalis, and you’ll be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day every year! Dig a few bulbs into your garden bed and be surprised when blooms magically appear. Shift to succulents or cacti with almost no maintenance required. Wherever one places attention, growing and thriving occur.

The early show of spring transpired in February, but March showcases the spectacular. While many trees remain bare, camellias, tulip magnolias, crabapple, redbuds, peach, Bradford pear, and plum blossoms sweeten the sky.

Dutch iris, calla lilies, Bergenia, sedums, rosemary, Chinese fringe flower, and numerous spring flowering bulbs engage our senses. Optimism and reflection soar with the flamboyant, mystical quality of the sweeping spring landscape as we welcome this month of rebirth. The quiet crunch of gravel underfoot as I gather a bouquet of fluffy plumes reminds me to experience the calmness as well as the beating pulse of the floral abundance of my spring garden. How grateful I am for a stroll in the serenity of nature with its twinkling patterns of wistful beauty.

Lemonade life, March forward, and be fascinated!

Cynthia Brian’s Goddess Gardener Guide for March

ü BUY azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons now so you can choose colors that complement your landscape.

ü FERTILIZE all plants throughout the month.

ü APPLY snail bait around plants susceptible to snail and slug damage.

ü SPRAY roses, fruit trees that have not budded, and citrus with a combination of mineral oil and liquid copper to kill overwintering insect eggs and disease spores. Wash any citrus fruit with warm water before consuming it after spraying.

ü TREAT viburnums and other plants that may exhibit powdery mildew. An effective organic spray is to mix one tablespoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of non-detergent soap into a gallon of water. The soap helps the mixture stick to the leaves. Neem oil is also a useful, organic fungicide.

ü MONITOR irrigation. Since rain is predicted throughout March, water your landscape only when necessary.

ü PREPARE flower beds by enriching the soil with compost, earthworms, and mulch.

ü WEED, weed, weed. Weeds steal nutrients and moisture from your favorite flowers.

ü GATHER the tender leaves of wild mustard and miner’s lettuce to add to your salad bowl.

ü SHARPEN and clean garden tools. You’ll be busy next month.

ü COLLECT fallen camellia florets. Rotting flowers left on the ground encourage petal blight.

ü CUT a few branches from flowering peach or plum trees to enjoy the slow release of the sweet-smelling, beautiful blooms.

ü GET a tetanus shot if you haven’t had one in the past ten years. Digging in the dirt doubles the hazards.

ü AERATE your lawn. The soil is compacted from winter rains and foot traffic. Leave the plugs to add nutrients back into the grass.

ü FERTILIZE lawns with an organic high-nitrogen mixture specifically for spring growth.

ü SOAK bare-root shrubs, roses, and trees in tepid water for four hours to rehydrate them before planting.

üSPRING forward with household chores by engaging a professional handyman from Honey Homes to help get your home in shape for the season. Use code https://honeyh.me/eXEn through March 31 to get $400 off a subscription.

ü BUY seed packets from catalogues or your favorite garden center. Be brave and explore new samplers.

ü CELEBRATE March 17th with a container of shamrocks, also known as oxalis. Erin go bragh, Ireland Forever!

Happy Gardening. Happy Growing. Wishing you the luck of the Irish.

For more seasonal gardening tips and inspiration, grab a copy of Growing with the Goddess Gardener at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/books.

Raised in Napa County vineyards, Cynthia Brian is a New York Times best-selling author, actor, radio personality, speaker, media and writing coach, as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3, https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org. Tune into Cynthia’s StarStyle® Radio Broadcast at https://www.StarStyleRadio.com.

Her best-selling children’s series, Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures, is available at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store.

Hire Cynthia for writing projects, garden consults, and inspirational lectures. Cynthia@GoddessGardener.com https://www.CynthiaBrian.com

Conspiracy of Love

Cynthia Brian — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:45:23 GMT

MIRACLE MOMENT®

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” Hamilton Wright Mabie (1846–1916).

A MESSAGE from Founder/Director, CYNTHIA BRIAN

In the midst of winter, February is perceived as a bleak and boring month. However, February honors more cultural celebrations than any other month. It starts with Groundhog Day, predicting future weather. With Valentine’s Day, February commemorates love and romance. Focusing on our hearts, it is also American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness of heart disease. This year, the world enjoyed the excitement of the Winter Olympics together. Our Presidents Washington and Lincoln are celebrated in February, as is social reformer and abolitionist Frederick Douglass, who launched Black History Month. Sports fans were glued to the TV on Super Bowl Sunday, and the lion dancers performed for the Lunar New Year Spring Festival in this year of the Horse. Lunar New Year encompasses celebrations in multiple countries, recognizing Korea, Vietnam, Tibet, and China. Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras in French, is Carnival all over the world. Years ago, I spent Mardi Gras in Nice, France, which was a wild, crazy experience. The evening of Carnival on February 17 began the Muslim observance of Ramadan, which is a holy month of fasting. It coincides this year with the Christian Ash Wednesday on February 18, which is the beginning of 40 days of fasting, almsgiving, and prayer, symbolizing Jesus Christ’s reflection in the desert. World Understanding and Peace Day is recognized on February 23rd, and the United Nations observes World Interfaith Harmony during the first week of the month. February is filled with numerous other observations, including fun “National Days”, like Youth Leadership Month or Great American Pie Month.

In other words, February brings global awareness to cultures, customs, and celebrations. This is an opportunity for us to embrace empathy, open our hearts, and love our neighbors.

Let’s engage the whole world in this conspiracy of love.

Celebrate living as one world. We are all on the same team!

With gratitude,

Cynthia Brian

Founder/Executive Director

Be the Star You Are!®

PO Box 376

Moraga, California 94556

https://www.scatteringkindness.com/2026/01/help-support-students-and-families/

DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

DONATE: https://givebutter.com/BTSYA

FINDING THE QUIET IN CHAOS

by Cate Taylor

February always feels like that weird middle ground where winter is dragging on, but things are starting to shift. Most people get caught up in the big, flashy versions of Valentine’s Day, but I think the real “love” we need right now is a bit more grounded. It’s about more than just candy or cards; it’s about actually being there for each other. Between the stress of college apps and everything else going on, just being a decent person to someone who’s struggling makes a massive difference.

To me, peace isn’t some huge, unreachable goal—it’s just the energy we bring to the hallways every day. It’s choosing to be chill when things get tense or reaching out to someone who’s been quiet lately. If we focus on just being a little more patient and kind, we can actually build a community that feels safe for everyone. Let’s make this month about more than just the hype.

Cate Taylor is a high school senior who’s passionate about mental health awareness and keeping things real. When they aren’t finishing up graduation requirements, they’re usually found looking for the best local coffee spot or hanging out with friends.

IMPORTANCE OF LOVE

by Gowri Kamatchi

Love comes in many forms, and each one plays an important role in our lives. Family love gives us support and a sense of belonging. It’s often the first kind of love we experience, teaching us care and trust. Friendship love brings fun, loyalty, and understanding, helping us feel accepted for who we are. Romantic love adds excitement and emotional connection, reminding us how deeply people can care for one another.

There is also self-love, which is just as important. It helps us set boundaries, respect ourselves, and grow with confidence. All these types of love work together to shape who we are and how we treat others, creating healthier relationships and a stronger sense of self.

Love doesn’t have to be perfect to matter. What’s important is the effort, kindness, and care behind it, because even small actions can make someone feel truly valued.

HELP FEED CHILDREN IN MINNESOTA

Our Kindness Coordinator, Karen Kitchel, lives and volunteers in Minnesota. With the latest upheaval due to ICE raids, many children are not going to school and therefore are not receiving any meals. Karen has been creating gift bags and posted this:

“Minnesota is slowly trying to recover. Teachers have been overwhelmed with trying to address all the needs of students. Many people are asking how they can help, so I’m promoting donations for the school where I volunteer. They had to close for now because parents are afraid to send their kids to school. When they don’t go to school, they don’t get breakfast or lunch. Hard to think of my Kindergarteners going hungry! Feel free to share -- Help Support Students and Families - Scattering Kindness“

BOOKS FOR KIDS

Here’s an email we received about our children’s books from a reader.

“I had the opportunity to review Flap Forward! Fly Free!, and I must commend the warmth, authenticity, and purpose woven into this story. Drawing inspiration from real-life animal rescue experiences gives the narrative a genuine emotional core, while the themes of courage, cooperation, and community make it deeply relatable for young readers.

What stands out especially is how this book extends beyond a single story. As part of Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures, it reinforces consistent, meaningful lessons, kindness, inclusion, individuality, and compassion, brought to life through vibrant watercolor illustrations. The message encouraging children to ask for help and rely on a supportive community is both timely and powerful. Thank you! M.A.”

If you are looking for inspirational books for children that are beautifully illustrated, find information and buy autographed copies with extra goodies with proceeds going to Be the Star You Are!®

OUR RADIO BROADCASTS INSPIRE AND COMMUNICATE

Every week, under the auspices of Be the Star You Are!® charity and produced by StarStyle® Productions, LLC, listeners are encouraged and inspired on our two international radio broadcasts, StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!® and Express Yourself™ Teen Radio. StarStyle® is a lifestyle program that brings information and innovative ideas to help with daily living. Express Yourself!™ is hosted by teens, for teens, with discussions about everything and anything that interests youth today. Both programs are unedited, uncensored, and unapologetically authentic.

Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220

Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617

Listen to our new song, “Youth are our Future…They are our today!”

ABOUT BE THE STAR YOU ARE!®

DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

Share your love of cultures, customs, and CELEBRATE LIVING!

The Early Show

Cynthia Brian — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:59:31 GMT

“The flowers of late winter and early spring occupy places in our hearts well out of proportion to their size.” Gertrude Wister

With the rainy December weather and the warm, dry January, an early spring has erupted in my garden in February. The green grass blankets the hillside alongside the oxalis shamrocks, which usually bloom in March. Narcissi have sprouted, and their fragrance and beauty are the focus of vases that I’ve been gifting friends. Succulents are thriving with jade in full bloom. Bradford pear trees are already sporting their creamy white flowers.

Bees buzz around camellia and viburnum. Calla lilies declare that the season of rebirth is nigh, while snapdragons bloom between the green fronds of naked ladies. California poppy seeds scattered in late fall have popped everywhere, including on pathways.

Winter greens of arugula, cabbage, Swiss chard, chives, ramps, and lettuces make their way to the dining table. Carrots and beets planted in late fall are ready to harvest. With these early-blooming flowers, beneficial insects, birds, and hummingbirds are flocking to my garden.

Since Valentine’s Day is midway through the month, February in the garden promises a romance in nature. Most gardens may seem bare, sleepy, or even lifeless; however, underground roots are growing, bulbs are bursting forth, and the first flowers are braving the unpredictable weather to share their love.

Gardeners express their devotion to a future flourishing landscape by pruning back roses, berries, and fruit trees now. Although this is an unusually pleasant February, it’s not too late to plant for a beautiful and bountiful spring. Be prepared for cool nights and occasional frost. It’s necessary to continue protecting tender plants by wrapping them in burlap or cotton sheets. To get a jump start on spring planting, take advantage of the warm spells we are experiencing. Water sparingly, as February rainfall normally provides substantial moisture.

As we enjoy this early show, we still have much to do in our gardens as we march on.

Cynthia Brian’s Goddess Gardener Guide for February

ü FLIP through seed catalogs to find new specimens for your spring and summer gardens.

ü CLEAN and sharpen tools to be ready for the March madness.

ü SPRAY your roses, fruit trees, and other deciduous trees with the final dormant spray to keep the bugs at bay.

ü REFRESH houseplants. Repot with fresh potting soil, prune any dead leaves, and give a jolt of fertilizer.

ü CLEAN bird houses. Fill the feeders. Attract our feathered friends with clean, fresh water in the fountains and birdbaths.

ü PLANT tender summer bulbs such as gladiolus, cannas, dahlia, and caladium towards the end of the month as the soil dries.

ü PRUNE fuchsias and any still dormant shrubs or trees. Prune fruit trees such as apples, pears, and peaches before bud break. Do not prune spring flowering specimens such as tulips, forsythia, lilac, or magnolia.

ü PICK a few stems from your camellia to enjoy in a floating bowl indoors.

ü ADD color to your drab landscape by planting eye-popping primrose, cyclamen, or impatiens.

ü LOVE your heart by eating healthy fresh greens, berries, and fruits combined with exercising, and thinking positively.

ü SOW seeds of carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, lettuces, spinach, peas, and fava beans for a continued harvest.

ü TRANSPLANT starts of broccoli, cabbage, kale, Swiss chard, leeks, and onions.

ü PLANT pansies, violas, sweet peas, larkspur, and calendulas.

ü DIVIDE perennials like daylilies and irises.

ü FEED roses and fruit trees with organic fertilizer and compost.

ü BUY bare-root roses, berries, fruit trees, and grapes. Follow directions to plant before the end of the month.

ü MOW lawns only when necessary, as the cooler weather slows growth. Never mow when it is raining or the grass is extremely wet.

ü WATCH for snails and slugs. Hand-pick them, use barriers, or throw organic Sluggo to kill these destructive mollusks.

ü AMEND the soil with compost to improve structure and fertility.

ü WEED, weed, and weed. While the weeds are young, they are easier to remove.

ü MULCH beds to suppress additional weeds.

ü APPLY dormant oil sprays to fruit trees.

ü HIRE a handyman and get a $400 discount (normally $250) until the end of February with this code https://honeyh.me/eXEn if you live in San Francisco Bay, Los Angeles, Dallas, Austin, or Chicago. Get your house and landscape in order!

ü SHARE the romance on Valentine’s Day with a gift of a potted plant or bouquet of favorite blooms.

Happy Gardening. Happy Growing. Happy Love Month.

For more seasonal gardening tips and inspiration, grab a copy of Growing with the Goddess Gardener at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/books.

Raised in Napa County vineyards, Cynthia Brian is a New York Times best-selling author, actor, radio personality, speaker, media and writing coach, as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3, https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org. Tune into Cynthia’s StarStyle® Radio Broadcast at https://www.StarStyleRadio.com. Her best-selling children’s series, Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures, is available at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store .

Hire Cynthia for writing projects, garden consults, and inspirational lectures. Cynthia@GoddessGardener.com https://www.CynthiaBrian.com

Thanks for reading StarStyle® Empowerment! This post is public, so feel free to share it.

Honoring Holiday Houseplants

Cynthia Brian — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:24:32 GMT

By Cynthia Brian

“Every plant is a teacher, and every gift is a lesson in love.” unknown

The holidays bring joy, celebration, and gifts. If we are fortunate, many of those gifts are plants that offer us the opportunity to engage with nature and admire the beauty and wisdom of the botanical world. When the holidays are over, what do we do with that stunning poinsettia, Christmas cactus, bromeliad, or anthurium? With just a little care, these holiday plants will continue to brighten our spaces long after the season has ended.

For all plants, including living trees, the first task is to remove the decorative foil from around the pot. If the plant is small enough to go into a sink, give your gift a good drink. Remove any dead or dying stems and place them in a decorative container with drainage that will enhance your home’s décor. For trees, take them out to a patio or balcony. You can determine if you wish to plant your tree in the spring or save it for the next holiday. Keep in mind that if your tree is a conifer (pine, fir, redwood, cedar, etc.), it will grow to be a very tall and wide specimen.

When my children were young, we bought twelve tiny, decorated pine trees in a gallon container for a dollar a piece, believing that after using them for holiday decor, we would create our own Christmas tree farm. When the new year arrived, we removed the tinsel and ornaments and, in the spring, planted our treasures as planned. For a few years, we shaped and pruned the growing trees, cutting a few as our Christmas showpiece. Eventually, the trees grew so tall to become a small forest. Some fell naturally; others had to be cut down. The initial twelve dollars spent to grow a Christmas tree farm, in the following years, cost hundreds of dollars more than just buying a tree from a favorite lot. Plant your trees with caution!

For smaller green companions, here’s how to nurture your growing gifts to thrive and enjoy throughout the year.

Poinsettias

Poinsettias are synonymous with Christmas, with their vibrant red, pink, or white bracts shining brightly. This year, my sister gifted me a sparkling purple poinsettia. It was obviously painted this color and was sprinkled with glitter. I loved it. Most people toss their poinsettias, but they can last for months or years if given the proper care. Allow the leaves to drop naturally and then prune the plant back to reduce watering until spring. Poinsettias like their soil to be moist, but not soggy. When the top inch of the soil feels dry, it’s time to offer a drink. Like most plants, make sure you have good drainage to avoid root rot. When it comes to light, place your poinsettia in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Too much light will scorch the leaves. Too little light will make the plant lose its color. Keep the plant away from fireplaces and furnaces as well as cold drafts. Poinsettias are happiest in temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. With a little care, you can encourage your poinsettia to bloom next Christmas.

Christmas Cactus

Hallelujah! For the first time in years, my four potted Christmas cacti plants actually started blooming in December and are still blooming. The Christmas cactus is known for its beautiful tubular flowers in shades of pink, red, or white. Native to Brazil, and unlike other cacti, Schlumbergera thrives in a humid environment and doesn’t require full sun; in fact, it prefers filtered light. This makes it an excellent indoor plant. Watering is like poinsettias, and overwatering will lead to yellow leaves. Keep your Christmas cactus in a cool spot of around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Many people keep the plant in a dark room for several weeks before the holidays to encourage it to bloom, although I just keep mine on my patio and balcony. My plants always bloom, but until this year, they chose their own month.

Bromeliads

I’m a huge fan of bromeliads with their colorful bracts and tropical flair. They make terrific gifts because they thrive in most conditions while being ignored. Water bromeliads in their “cup” formed by leaves and keep them in a bright location with indirect sunlight. Since they love humidity, they are a perfect plant for bathrooms. If the air is too dry, they may not bloom. You can use a humidifier to keep the air moist. Bromeliads only boast one flower before dying. But don’t despair, as the “mother” dies, offshoots called “pups” appear, restarting the cycle. When the pups are large enough, they can be transplanted to another container.

Anthuriums

Another personal houseplant favorite, anthuriums are known for their long-lasting red, white, or pink spathes, which look like flowers but are modified leaves. Like the other plant gifts mentioned, these striking specimens can last year-round with easy care. Prune away spent flowers to encourage new growth. Anthuriums enjoy slightly moist soil, but not soggy, and prefer bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight will scorch the spathes, and too little light will stunt their growth. Keep the plants away from drafts and in a warm location where the temperature remains between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Like Goldilocks, anthuriums want temperatures to be “just right.” Feed the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every eight weeks in spring and summer.

Amaryllis Bulb

If you read my December 2025 column, you saw a photo of a waxed amaryllis bulb I was gifted. Since it required no water and no soil to grow, I placed it in a sunny spot and have been watching it grow. Soon it will have two blooms. If you are growing amaryllis in a pot, make sure it has adequate drainage and is placed in indirect light. After it has finished blooming, cut the flower stalks but leave the foliage. Reduce or stop watering and move it to a dark space. Resting is essential for it to rebloom next season.

Honoring our houseplants is a wonderful way to influence our well-being. Plants improve our moods, reduce stress, and enhance our focus. These eco-friendly gifts symbolize growth, renewal, patience, and relationships that bloom over time. By nurturing these vibrant plants, you’ll be reminded of the season’s joy and pleasure each time you water, prune, fertilize, and admire their beauty. These gifts of plants are a lesson in love.

Happy Gardening. Happy Growing. Happy New Year!

Cynthia Brian’s January Goddess Garden Guide

üPARTICIPATE in the FREE online summit, Wellness from the Inside Out for Home & School Life. beginning on January 19th. https://www.deborahmyerswellness.com/cynthia

ü RECYCLE your Christmas tree. Make sure to remove all decorations, stands, lights, and tinsel. Check your local curbside service for pickup dates.

ü CREATE a dry creek that can be utilized as a running creek when it rains.

ü FORCE bulbs of narcissus, hyacinth, or tulips for an indoor garden that will brighten winter days.

ü HEAVY PRUNE roses by one-third to one-half in January or February. Remove dead, damaged, and diseased canes as well as inward-growing canes. Make sure to wear gloves and use a sharp pruner.

ü MIST plants when they seem droopy. Heaters zap moisture out of plants just like it dries your skin. Misting in the morning and evening provides relief.

ü PICK persimmons to add to salads and desserts.

ü REFRAIN from mowing lawns when it is raining, as mowers can get clogged and the grass can be damaged. Deep ruts will occur and compact the soil, encouraging poor lawn health.

ü BUY your bare-root roses locally for a better selection. Your nursery will be able to advise you on the latest best buys.

ü SOAK bare-root fruit trees, roses, and vines in a bucket of water for a full day before planting. Anything in a cardboard box must be removed to spread out the roots. Cut off any damaged or broken roots.

For more seasonal gardening tips and inspiration, grab a copy of Growing with the Goddess Gardener at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/books.

Raised in Napa County vineyards, Cynthia Brian is a New York Times best-selling author, actor, radio personality, speaker, media and writing coach, as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3, https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org. Tune into Cynthia’s StarStyle® Radio Broadcast at https://www.StarStyleRadio.com. Her best-selling children’s series, Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures, is available at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store.

Hire Cynthia for writing projects, garden consults, and inspirational lectures. Cynthia@GoddessGardener.com https://www.CynthiaBrian.com

The Power of Peace and Literacy

Cynthia Brian — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 19:06:40 GMT

MIRACLE MOMENT®

“Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.” – Benjamin Franklin

A MESSAGE from Founder/Director, CYNTHIA BRIAN

Are we on the verge of World War III? The chaos, corruption, and cover-ups that are happening in government circles concerning the takeover of countries and their resources are extremely disconcerting to most Americans. Here at Be the Star You Are!®, our main focus is improving literacy and increasing positive media messages to empower women, families, and youth. Yet, how can there be positive media messages when we are watching ICE agents murder innocent citizens on USA streets, with our leaders challenging the rule of law while announcing that they are in charge of a foreign sovereign country?

From the time of creation, our world has been unstable with plagues, wars, injustice, greed, and uncertainty. Yet throughout history, individuals have fostered deep peace. Peace is not dependent on circumstances. Peace is rooted in our responses. We must be responsible and accountable for our actions. When we anchor ourselves in meaning and not just money, the chaos isn’t erased, but it becomes less threatening. Through love, faith, truth, service, and creativity, we each create a life of meaning.

Every individual has the opportunity to grow peace through honest conversations, forgiveness, justice, and care for the vulnerable. Retribution and vengeance against those we perceive as having wronged us is a prescription for war. Because of nuclear power, the next war could mean the annihilation of the human race.

We can debate ideas, politics, and policies, yet respect one another as neighbors and human beings. As we begin a new year, my prayer is that each of us, regardless of politics, race, religion, gender, or ideology, refuse cruelty, reject chaos, reveal cover-ups, and demand truth, positivity, and kindness so that peace will prevail.

May we all heed the words of the legendary Jimi Hendrix: “When the power of love overrules the love of power, the world will know peace.”💖

To create the future, we must harness our power to create it. Stand for peace.

Wishing you improved literacy and the rewards of peace in 2026.

With gratitude,

Cynthia Brian

Founder/Executive Director

Be the Star You Are!®

PO Box 376

Moraga, California 94556

https://greatnonprofits.org/org/be-the-star-you-are-inc

DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” Mother Teresa

PEACE IN THE WORLD

by Gowri Kamatchi

Peace in the world starts with me, and with you. You can feel it when you slow down and choose patience instead of anger, when you smile at a stranger or listen to someone who needs to be heard. Peace feels like warmth in the chest, knowing we belong to each other more than we realize.

And from here, peace spreads outwards. It crosses borders, languages and beliefs, reminding us that every life has value. World peace grows when nations choose cooperation over conflict, when communities protect the vulnerable and when differences are met with curiosity, not fear. Unity does not mean we are the same, it means we stand together despite our differences. When we act with compassion, speak for justice, and care for our shared planet, we help build a future where everyone can live safely and in hope.

Gowri Kamatchi is a content creator volunteer with Be the Star You Are!®. She is a 16-year-old junior with a deep interest in global issues, journalism, storytelling, and climate policies. Gowri’s hobbies include reading, listening to music, and rollerblading!

“Imagine all the people living life in peace.” John Lennon

LITERACY, PEACE, AND KINDNESS

by Karen Kitchel

Literacy, peace, and kindness are deeply interconnected. Every book we open is a door we unlock. Literacy is more than just the ability to read; it’s the bridge to empathy. When we step into someone else’s story, we trade our assumptions for their insights, and our judgment for their perspective.

Peace is found in the presence of understanding. Understanding is the blueprint for peace. This new year, let’s not wait for the world to change; we can be the authors of change. Choose to be the bridge where there is a divide.

Reading builds empathy. Empathy builds peace. Peace builds a future. In a world full of uncertainty, let’s make kindness our common language and make this new year one of growth, understanding, and love.

Karen Kitchel is the Kindness Coordinator volunteer with BTSYA. She purchased the book, No Barnyard Bullies, as a gift for every kindergarten student where she is a volunteer teacher. www.scatteringkindness.com You can read more about Karen’s adoption story in the book Be the Star You Are! Millennials To Boomers. https://www.bethestaryouare.org/book-gift

“We will not learn how to live together in peace by killing each other’s children.” President Jimmy Carter

FREE SUMMIT ON WELLNESS FOR ALL

Be the Star You Are!® is happy to announce that our Founder and Executive Director, Cynthia Brian, has been selected as a featured expert for Wellness from the Inside Out for Home & School Life, a global online interview series kicking off on January 19th. Cynthia will be joining forces with Deborah Myers, a certified acupressurist and recipient of the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award. For over 30 years, Deborah has been helping youth, families, and educational communities discover how to be partners with their bodies to reduce stress and increase focus. Deborah has curated an incredible panel of 22 educators, doctors, and parenting coaches to create a “360-degree toolkit” for the learning community. This online series is completely free to attend, and it’s designed to fit into your busy schedule, even in your pajamas. Listen to Deborah discuss the summit in her interview on the radio broadcast, StarStyle®-Bethe Star You Are!®. https://sites.libsyn.com/556617/wellness-with-deborah-myers-and-evolution-of-business-cards

If you are a parent, a teacher, a school leader, or anyone who cares about the next generation, you need to be in this room. Register for FREE here https://www.deborahmyerswellness.com/cynthia .

“When the heart is at peace, the body will be healthy.” ~ Chinese proverb

LITERACY: The Right to Read: The Power of Literacy

Compiled by Shanin Shapiro

The most important way to tell if a child will succeed in school is to look at his or her mother’s ability to read.¹Illiteracy, or the inability to read and write, has far-reaching consequences for us as individuals and for our communities. Illiteracy greatly impacts our ability to obtain high-paying jobs and gain access to healthcare and community services. It may keep us from participating in important civic events like voting in elections. Illiteracy also affects our self-esteem, making us feel isolated and left out from the world around us. Read the full research at https://www.bethestaryouare.org/_files/ugd/d2f78a_01f950b88fa94fc599ccd7e990ad290e.pdf

For information and statistics about the importance of literacy compiled by our BTSYA researchers, visit https://www.bethestaryouare.org/about-us/research

“Nothing can bring youpeace but yourself.” Ralph Wald Emerson

OUR RADIO BROADCASTS INSPIRE AND COMMUNICATE

Every week under the auspices of Be the Star You Are!® charity and produced by StarStyle® Productions, LLC, listeners are encouraged and inspired on our two international radio broadcasts, StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!® and Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio. StarStyle® is a lifestyle program bringing information and innovative ideas that will help with daily living, while Express Yourself!™ is hosted by teens, for teens, with discussions about everything and anything that interests youth today. Both programs are unedited, uncensored, and unapologetically authentic.

Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220

Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617

“Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding.” Albert Einstein

ABOUT BE THE STAR YOU ARE!®

DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

https://www.CynthiaBrian.com

“Fighting for peace is like screaming for silence.” Unkown

“An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.” Mahatma Gandhi

Inspired by Nature

Cynthia Brian — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:57:34 GMT

“The best Christmas trees come very close to exceeding nature.” Andy Rooney

It’s the most magical time of the year! As I drive through neighborhoods, the outdoor whimsical displays with twinkling lights bring a smile to my face and fill my heart with joy. No matter what traditions we celebrate, we can’t help but be delighted by the sparkling Christmas trees framed in windows, glowing snowmen playing on lawns, and glittering reindeer poised for flight.

On our farm growing up, my parents transformed at least two acres of orchards and gardens into a sparkling wonderland with shimmering, sometimes flashing, lights, ornaments, and creches. No tree or bush was unanimated, glistening in the chilly nights. We lived so far in the boondocks that this shining spectacle was necessary for Santa and his sleigh to spot our home from outer space. Freshly baked cookies, jugs of milk, and carrots straight from the soil awaited Jolly St. Nick, Rudolph, and the rest of the team. Oh, what fun!

Nature has always been the inspiration for my holiday décor. I collect pinecones, cut branches from my conifer trees, and pick sprays of Pistache, holly, pyracantha, or cotoneaster berries to weave a tapestry of holiday cheer. Even the red cones from my magnolia trees make an appearance.

This year, friends Margi and Bill surprised me with what I thought was a red lightbulb. After unwrapping it, I saw that it was an amaryllis bulb hand-dipped in red wax. These waxed amaryllis require no water and no soil to grow. According to the instructions, I placed mine in a sunny spot and will watch it grow. The amaryllis will bloom two or three times this season. To coax it to grow next year, I’ll remove the wax, store it in a paper bag in a cool, dark location, and then plant it next fall. Wow! What a delightful, natural holiday treasure!

For nature lovers, indoor plants make exceptional gifts that last beyond the holiday season. Orchids, bromeliads, spathiphyllums (peace lilies), and anthuriums. With minimal care, these plants will reward you for years with continuous blooms. My peace lilies raise elegant white sails, while my anthuriums flaunt red spikes of inflorescence, although you can find anthuriums with pink or white heart-shaped flowers as well. Despite the erroneous reputation for fussiness, orchids are among the easiest and most enchanting plants to brighten any room.

Phalaenopsis (moth orchid) and dendrobiums prefer bright, indirect light and infrequent watering. The array of colors is breathtaking, so you can find a species for every occasion. When the flowers die, trim the stem above a node to encourage reblooming.

Bromeliads, with over 3500 species, arrive dressed in vivid pinks, reds, yellows, oranges, and whites. Their striking bracts make a statement long after the holidays have ended. When the mother plant flowers, her life cycle is complete, and new pups emerge to begin again.

Crotons are another tropical plant with a gigantic spectrum of wildly variegated foliage that delivers spectacular color during the holidays. As outdoor plants, they will grow to ten feet tall, but indoors, they remain under four feet. Crotons can be pruned and prefer warm temperatures above sixty degrees Fahrenheit. Like many other plants, crotons are toxic if ingested, and their oils may cause skin irritation. Use care around small children and pets.

Decorating the Yule tree with lights and ornaments is a joyful tradition. Conifers, usually spruce, pine, fir, cedar, or other evergreens, are the preferred natural Christmas tree, yet many people are opting to buy a realistic, yet synthetic, Balsam fir with memory wire branches and micro-LED lights because the technology allows for easy setup and storage. I fancy decorating my fifteen-foot fiddle-leaf fig because it is too tall and too heavy to relocate! Regardless of what type of tree your family prefers, the way you adorn it is what makes it special and unique.

A beautiful Christmas tree display that thrilled me this year was created entirely from pots of bromeliads. The bromeliads were variegated, vibrant, and multicolored, an explosion of color requiring no additional ornamentation.

For gardeners, decorating trees with flowers, birds, butterflies, bird houses, and other nature-inspired elements brings the outdoors inside.

Sometimes, the most beautifully garlanded trees do come close to exceeding nature! Marvel at the mystery of their great beauty. Be inspired by Mother Nature!

O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum, how faithfully you blossom!

Cynthia Brian’s December Goddess Garden Guide

REDUCE the watering for your landscape as the rain and cooler weather should supply your plant material with sufficient hydration.

WATER any plants in containers that are sheltered from rainfall.

SPRAY white vinegar on newly emerged weeds to kill the roots. Spot treat as needed when new shoots appear.

FEED the landscape with a slow-release, all-natural fertilizer.

SCATTER snail and slug bait around plants susceptible to their nibbling as activity increases in cooler weather.

APPLY sulfur around the root zones of acid-loving plants to lower the PH and promote health and increased color. Ferns, citrus trees, camellias, and rhododendrons will benefit from increased vigor.

PLANT red and white cyclamen along pathways to enhance holiday charm.

PICK a bouquet of the last of the roses to enjoy indoors before January’s heavy pruning.

GIVE living plants as holiday gifts. Living plants and trees offer lasting beauty that recipients will remember for months to come.

Wishing you a magical season of love, light, giving, and receiving. Let nature’s brilliance be your muse for the final days of 2025.

Happy Gardening. Happy Growing.

For more seasonal gardening tips and inspiration, grab a copy of Growing with the Goddess Gardener at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/books.

Raised in Napa County vineyards, Cynthia Brian is a New York Times best-selling author, actor, radio personality, speaker, media and writing coach, as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3, named the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year by the Moraga Chamber of Commerce. https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org.

Tune into Cynthia’s StarStyle® Radio Broadcast at https://www.StarStyleRadio.com.

Her best-selling children’s series, Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures, is available at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store. Book Four, Flap Forward, Fly Free! is available NOW.

From Cynthia Brian and StarStyle® Productions, LLC, we wish you a magical Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and all the festivities you enjoy. Merry, Merry!

Giving and Generosity

Cynthia Brian — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 22:09:32 GMT

MIRACLE MOMENT®

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

A MESSAGE from Founder/Director, CYNTHIA BRIAN

The holidays are a time of celebration, family, and togetherness. The heart of all the traditions, however, lies in giving from the heart and generosity towards those less fortunate. When we give, whether it is through money, time, or acts of kindness, the bonds between people are strengthened. When we give, we are reminded that compassion, empathy, and connection plant the seeds of goodwill that flourish throughout the year. We are not perfect. We are all humans in training, and as such, we are always learning how we can be and do better.

The holidays can be a time for loneliness and financial strain for many. By donating to causes that resonate with you, you can make generosity meaningful. Contributions to charities, food banks, shelters, and community programs make a tangible difference in someone’s life. Through donations, you offer hope and healing, uplifting recipients, encouraging resilience, and fostering gratitude.

Through generosity, we offer a glimmer into our souls. Even tiny gestures such as sharing a meal, volunteering, or smiling at a stranger can brighten the day of another person and create a ripple of positivity. I have often been told that I know not how many people I may be helping in one way or another. The same is true for each of us.

Donating, giving, and generosity enrich both the giver and the receiver, making this a more caring world. How will you make a difference for a cause, a person, or an organization this holiday season?

Whatever you celebrate, may you enjoy a beautiful, blessed, and bountiful festive season of light and love.

Thank you for your continued support of our work at Be the Star You Are!® 501c3.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Joyous Kwanzaa!

With gratitude,

Cynthia Brian

Founder/Executive Director

Be the Star You Are!®

PO Box 376

Moraga, California 94556

https://greatnonprofits.org/org/be-the-star-you-are-inc

DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

“No one has ever become poor by giving.” – Anne Frank

Generosity: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

by Shanin Shapiro

During the holidays, we often think about helping those less fortunate than ourselves. For some, it’s a time of struggle…over the loss of a loved one, with depression, loneliness. At these times, it’s hard to feel generous.

But generosity can be an act of kindness towards ourselves. Studies show acts of giving trigger the parts in our brain responsible for happiness and empathy.When we cultivate generosity, we’re not only helping others, we’re helping ourselves.

Something else happens when we give. Our one act of kindness triggers a chain reaction of generosity. We give to someone, who gives to someone, and on, and on.

What if we all acted with generosity every day? Why don’t we try it? One small act of kindness and generosity every day. Maybe hold the elevator for someone. Or make eye contact and smile. Imagine how good you’ll feel and the ripples of generosity you’ll have created!

Shanin is a volunteer with Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3. She lives in California with her husband and kitty. She loves hiking and reading, and credits both with keeping her healthy and young at heart!

Giving and Donating

by Gowri Kamatchi

Giving and donating are gentle ways of showing we care. In a busy world, choosing to give reminds us to slow down and notice others. Even the smallest act can make someone feel seen and supported. It can be as small as sharing a meal, passing on clothes you no longer need, or supporting a cause that matters to you.

What makes giving special isn’t how much we offer, but the heart behind it. Every act of kindness creates warmth—between neighbors, families, and even strangers. When we donate with love, we build a softer, kinder world where everyone feels a little more held.

Generosity doesn’t take away from us. It fills our days with purpose and reminds us that we’re all connected. When we give, we spread comfort, hope, and a little bit of light.

Hi readers! My name is Gowri Kamatchi. I am a content creator volunteer with Be the Star You Are!®, and I am a 16-year-old junior. I have a deep interest in global issues, journalism, storytelling, and climate policies. My hobbies are reading, running, and rollerblading!

The Power of Giving

by Cate Taylor

Generosity is one of the simplest ways to make the world better, yet its impact reaches farther than most people realize. Whether it’s donating money, offering your time, or sharing something small like a warm meal, giving reminds us that we’re all connected. When people choose to help others, they create a ripple effect—one act inspires another, and kindness spreads. Donating isn’t about the size of the gift; it’s about the intention behind it. Even small gestures can lift someone up, ease a burden, or give someone hope on a hard day. Generosity also changes the giver. It builds empathy, gratitude, and a deeper understanding of what truly matters. In a world that can feel fast-paced and overwhelming, choosing to give slows things down and fills life with purpose. Giving doesn’t just support others—it strengthens communities and brings out the best in all of us.

Hi, I am Cate Taylor, a teen content volunteer with Be the Star You Are!® charity. I am someone who believes in kindness and showing up for others. I find joy in helping, connecting, and making a positive impact wherever I can.

SPOONFULS OF KINDNESS

by Karen Kitchel

December is a wonderful time to scatter a little extra kindness and joy. It’s often the small,  unexpected moments that stay with us. During this season, keep an eye out for those simple experiences that may become your never-to-be-forgotten memories.

Leave spoonfuls of joy wherever you can. Give a candy cane to a stranger and offer a cheerful “Merry Christmas!”  And remember that gifts aren’t always things. Say a quiet prayer for the homeless person on the corner. The moments we hold closest are the ones wrapped with love.

Scatter some joy today!

“My religion is kindness.”~ His Holiness the Dalai Lama

ABOUT BE THE STAR YOU ARE!®

OUR RADIO BROADCASTS INSPIRE AND COMMUNICATE

Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220

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SUPPORT WOMEN, FAMILY, AND YOUTH THROUGH MERCH

Find well-made clothing and hats with the Be the Star You Are!® logo at https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/. Numerous colors and styles are appropriate for all ages. A percentage of the proceeds benefits Be the Star You Are!®.

BOOKS KEEP ON GIVING

A great way to support Be the Star You Are!® and give a gift that continues to give is to buy books as a donation through our portal. Check out our Book Package: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/book-gift

“For it is in giving that we receive.” – St. Francis of Assisi

DONATE via PayPal with no fees or Give Butter.

Wishing you a memorable and happy holiday season from all of the volunteers of Be the Star You Are!®. Make MAGIC! THANK YOU!

Gardening Gifts and Grifts

Cynthia Brian — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:43:29 GMT

“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” Marcus Cicero

As autumn unfurls its crimson, gold, and pumpkin-colored tapestry, the season of gratitude gently settles in. Wild turkeys strut through my garden like they own the place. They gobble and gossip while leaving behind deposits of fertilizer that I gratefully accept as their rent. At dusk, they flap into my oaks and pines to roost. They are not exactly garden gifts, but I am grateful that my rural refuge is a blend of human habitation and untamed wildlife.

With the holidays fast approaching, it is time to talk about gifts, and, unfortunately, grifts. While we are browsing for thoughtful presents to delight the plant lovers in our lives, scammers are working overtime to fool us. Slick new artificial intelligence tools have made it astonishingly easy to fabricate convincing fake plants, bogus websites, and too-good-to-be-true “botanical discoveries.” This year, as you make your list and check it twice, I have suggestions for real treasures to help you avoid the frauds.

Over the years, the gifts that have thrilled me the most have always been nature-connected. One memorable Christmas when my son was in college, he rolled up with a truckload of boulders. Yes, real, authentic, heavy rocks because he knew I was building a dry creek bed. Another year, he delivered eighteen bales of hay for the barnyard. My daughter gifted me tools, books, and two baby goats. When Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul, the book I co-authored, hit the New York Times best-seller list, my first-grade teacher sent me a beautiful peace lily. That glorious Spathiphyllum has been repotted several times and still blooms boldly in my family room after twenty-four years as a daily reminder of her kindness.

Books and live plants always top my list for “the gifts that keep on giving”. They inspire, teach, and literally grow. As a proud member of Garden Comm, I reached out to fellow horticultural authors whose works can help any gardener cultivate beauty. These books are available at your favorite bookstore, online, and if you want autographed editions, buy copies directly from the author’s website. I also share a fantastic tool that I have found incredibly helpful, and a service I use that can rescue you from most chores. Next month, I’ll offer a collection of living plants that will brighten any home for the holidays.

Before I unveil my Goddess Gardener’s Gift Guide for 2025, I want to address the darker side of this bright season: the garden grifts.

Fraudsters are flooding the marketplace with AI “rare”, “unusual”, or “recently discovered” plants, accompanied by exquisite, impossibly perfect photos of the specimens. Swindlers create polished e-commerce sites, lure you in with these spectacular plants, and, after extracting your money, vanish without a trace. By the time you realize that the plant you purchased is nonexistent, the players have disappeared with no recourse for your monetary investment. Here is how to spot and identify potential scams before you fall for them.

Spam Spotting

1. Examine all photos closely:

Be wary of perfect photos that look more like a painting or a fantasy novel cover. If it has glowing leaves, hyper-symmetrical patterns, or neon colors, it is most likely AI-generated. Use a reverse image tool like Google Images to see if this photo appears on multiple websites or stock photo libraries.

2. Scrutinize the description:

Real plants have scientific names. If there is no scientific name, or the description indicates that this “rare species was recently found on a remote island”, consider this a giant red flag. If the growing instructions appear suspicious, bizarre, or inconsistent with known plant biology, this could be a clue that this plant may not exist at all.

3. Beware of bargain prices:

Don’t fall for the low price on this “very unique specimen”. Proceed with necessary caution. Spammers will price something absurdly low to lure you to provide your credit card and personal information.

4. Don’t be rushed:

Scammers love a pressure play. The demand “Act Now!” or “Only a few left in stock” is the grifter’s trick of urgency. Pause. Take a breath. Verify. Do your diligent homework by searching other sites to see if the plant exists and compare prices if it does.

Beyond these basics, always check the seller’s profile and any reviews. How long have they been in business? Do they specialize in horticulture and gardening elements? Reputable nurseries clearly explain how they pack and ship items. A promise like “worldwide shipping in three days” is fiction and a flashing warning sign of a scam.

The guiding wisdom still holds: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Protect yourself by purchasing from established businesses with solid reputations. Better yet, purchase authentic “exotic” plants from local nurseries, where you will also find expert advice on how to grow your new “shiny” gift.

If you decide to purchase online, I have curated a list of trusted producers to help keep your garden and your wallet safe at https://www.cynthiabrian.com/home-garden-products.

Cynthia Brian’s Goddess Gardener’s Gift Guide for 2025

The following gifts from my colleagues at GardenComm, a community of garden communicators, will excite the gardeners in your life.

Books:

ü Small-Scale Homesteading by Michelle Bruhn and Stephanie Thurow

https://forksinthedirt.com/product/book-small-scale-homesteading/

Learn practical skills for a resilient lifestyle in this sustainable guide to gardening, keeping chickens, maple sugaring, preserving the harvest, and more.

ü High Yield, Small Space Organic Gardening by Christy Wilhelmi

https://gardenerd.com/

Practical tips for growing your own food.

ü Mythic Plants by Ellen Zachos

www.Mythicplants.com

Enjoy Greek mythology, traveling, the potions, and poisons from the Gardens of the Gods.

ü Weeds of the Pacific Northwest by Mark Turner and Sami Gray

https://turnerphotographics.com

Weeds are ubiquitous. This book showcases 368 unwanted plants and how to control them.

ü Wonder and Joy for the Wired and Tired by Dr. Pam Stephens Lehenbauer

A guide to finding inspiration and well-being in a wonder-filled world where nature impacts health and living.

https://mothernaturesapprentice.com

ü Plants are Speaking, Are you Listening? By Linda Langelo

https://lindalangelo.com

Guides readers through lessons in connecting with the esoteric nature of plans through science.

ü Growing with the Goddess Gardener by Cynthia Brian

https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/books

A bouquet of twelve months of short-true garden stories paired with a full calendar of tips, tricks, and to-do lists to cultivate fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs.

ü Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Cynthia Brian, Cindy Buck, Marion Owen, Pat Stone, and Carol Sturgulewski

https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/books

101 Stories to Sow Seeds of Love, Hope, and Laughter, this book is filled with inspiration and insight for anyone who enjoys plants, trees, and flowers.

ü My Father is the Gardener by Shelley S. Cramm

https://www.gardenindelight.com

Featuring a selection of Biblical plants, My Father is the Gardener unearths inspiration and wisdom through preparing soil, watering, weeding, cultivating, and composting.

Children’s Picture Books

ü Wait like a Seed by Erin Alladin

https://erin-alladin.com/books/

Milkweeds and monarchs star in this nonfiction children’s book celebrating the life cycle of a plant for ages 4-8.

ü Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures by Cynthia Brian

https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/books

A series of four children’s picture books for ages 1-8, with engaging true-animal stories to teach kindness, confidence, friendship, and positive life lessons on a lively, love-filled farm.

Best Garden Tool:

ü CobraHead Mini Weeder and CobraHead Long Handle

https://www.cobrahead.com

The CobraHead Weeder & Cultivator is a multi-purpose tool made of forged steel and other recycled materials. Like all of CobraHead’s line of garden tools, it is made in Wisconsin and built to last.

Service:

ü Honey Homes Handyman Service

https://HoneyHomes.com

This is a terrific gift for anyone who can use help with home or garden challenges. Get a free home walk-thru, and if you subscribe, get $250 off a handyman service at Honey Homes.

ü Home and Garden

https://www.cynthiabrian.com/home-garden-products

A curated list of quality home, garden, beauty, and lifestyle products and services.

I hope these suggestions give you a jump-start on joyful holiday gifting while helping you sidestep the seasonal grifts. It is my honor to share this column with you, and I remain deeply grateful for your loyal readership.

As I write this, the wild turkeys have flapped to the treetops, safe from becoming anyone’s Thanksgiving entrée. May your own holiday be a blissful, bountiful celebration of gratitude with the people you cherish.

Happy Gardening. Happy Growing! Happy Thanksgiving!

For more seasonal gardening tips and inspiration, grab a copy of Growing with the Goddess Gardener at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/books. Raised in Napa County vineyards, Cynthia Brian is a New York Times best-selling author, actor, radio personality, speaker, media and writing coach, as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3, named the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year by the Moraga Chamber of Commerce. https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org. Tune into Cynthia’s StarStyle® Radio Broadcast at https://www.StarStyleRadio.com.

Thanks for reading StarStyle® Empowerment ! This post is public so feel free to share it.

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A Cultural Thanksgiving

Cynthia Brian — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:30:41 GMT

MIRACLE MOMENT®

“I am grateful for my life because I have been able to do things that help people understand each other better.” — Nelson Mandela

A MESSAGE from Founder/Director, CYNTHIA BRIAN

The season of gratitude and generosity has arrived. America, our global melting pot, is blessed with extraordinary abundance thanks to the countless immigrants who have made the U.S.A. their home. Except for Native Americans, every person here is a descendant of someone who journeyed from elsewhere. Our nation’s greatest wealth lies in the rich tapestry of cultures that converge, each contributing unique talents, traditions, and strengths that elevate us all.

At Thanksgiving and every day, I give thanks for the diversity that shapes our country. As a child, my parents taught us that humanity is one family: one people, in one nation, living in one world. Kindness, tolerance, and inclusivity were the pillars of our home. “We all bleed red,” my mom would remind us—simple words, powerful truth.

As individuals, we must learn not only to accept our differences but to celebrate them. There is no room for hatred, discrimination, segregation, bigotry, inequality, or prejudice. Intolerance of any kind cannot be excused or endured. A peaceful planet depends on our willingness to see one another fully, to offer respect, dignity, and fairness to all, regardless of gender, race, color, creed, religion, or sexual orientation.

The journey toward acceptance begins at home. As a nation, we’ve taken meaningful steps forward, yet the road ahead remains long. Understanding and empathy are built first within our families, whether biological, adopted, or chosen. Cast aside prejudice. Step into someone else’s shoes. When we treat others as we hope to be treated, life becomes richer, kinder, and more fulfilling.

As Thanksgiving approaches, my heart overflows with gratitude for all who support Be the Star You Are!®. A special bouquet of appreciation goes to the remarkable teens who power this nonprofit and to the parents who inspire their dedication to service.

Embrace your heritage. Celebrate the beautiful mosaic of cultures that nourish a bountiful Thanksgiving.

We share this world. Let every day be a day of gratitude, acceptance, and love. Build a community of caring and sharing. Appreciate one another, and keep spreading that love generously.

With appreciation, gratitude, and love,

Cynthia Brian

Founder/Executive Director

Be the Star You Are!®

PO Box 376

Moraga, California 94556

DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, or worn. It is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.” –Denis Waitley
BTSYA TEEN STARTS CHINESE OPERA COMPANY

After realizing how rarely young people encountered Chinese opera outside their grandparents’ living rooms, BTSYA volunteer and Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio host, Julia Howe, founded Jing Shao Nian.

These are her words:

“I first watched Cantonese opera with my popo and was captivated by the painted faces, embroidered robes, and expressive gestures, but when I mentioned it at school, no one else had ever seen a performance. I wanted to change that. Jing Shao Nian began as a small after-school workshop for fourth- to seventh-graders, teaching not just performance but also the history behind the art: Chinese immigration, censorship, and cultural storytelling. We train students in acting, singing, movement, and stagecraft. One of our favorite workshops is the makeup session, where kids paint traditional opera looks on our teen leaders. It always ends in laughter (and a bit of a mess).”

Student leader, Samantha, chimes in: “It’s important for kids to learn Chinese opera because it keeps our culture alive. If our generation doesn’t carry it on, this beautiful art form could fade away.”

Visit the website (with lots of photos): https://www.jingshaonian.org/

Julia is a proud recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award.

Julia will host a radio program about cultivating cultures on November 16th at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220 and will be available thereafter wherever you listen to podcasts.

THANKS ON THE TIP OF YOUR TONGUE

by Karen Kitchel

While we celebrate one special day of giving thanks this month, we can enjoy making someone feel appreciated every day. It’s also a great way to energize our body and our soul.

There are big thanks, like when you run out of gas on the highway and an angel appears with a tank full of gas. Or a stranger who picks up all the spilled candy that your little darling scattered on the supermarket floor. Then there’s little thanks, like every time you check out at the convenience store. Acknowledging the cashier, who continues smiling at an unending line of customers, might be the only recognition she’s felt in a week.

In all cases, we’re trying to communicate that we appreciate whatever someone has done. What we sometimes forget when our mouths quietly say “thanks” is to look the person in the eye to acknowledge their positive presence in our day. Adding a couple of words beyond ‘thank you’ usually is what gets remembered — “Thanks for your great service!” or “You are awesome!”

Who To Thank?

You know your favorites, but in case someone has slipped your mind, here are a few others to consider.

*Maintenance workers *Receptionists *Mechanics *Coaches *Nursing assistants *Childcare workers *Construction laborers *Editors *Fast food cooks *High school principals *Ice cream servers *Snow shovelers *Butchers *Caregivers *Organists *Truck drivers *Pizza makers *Librarians *Bank tellers *Bus drivers.

And A Few More:

The person cleaning the restroom

The guy mopping the floor

Neighbors who pick up trash in the road

Puppies waiting at the door for you to come home

People who anonymously scatter kindness wherever they go

The millions of folks who may never have been thanked

Find someone to thank today. And have a Happy Thanksgiving!

PRESERVING CULTURE, GRATITUDE, AND THANKSGIVING

by Gowri Kamatchi Vijayakumar

‘Preserving culture is about cherishing traditions, languages, and values that shape who we are. In a world that moves fast and blends everything, cultural preservation reminds us to pause, to celebrate where we come from. It can be as simple as cooking a family recipe, learning a traditional dance, or speaking a few words in your grandparents’ language. These moments keep stories alive.

Thanksgiving, at its heart, is a perfect time to express your gratitude not just for what we have, but for the cultural roots that ground us. Sharing tradition across generations or even across communities builds appreciation and understanding. When we honor our heritage with thankfulness, we create a bridge between the old and the new. Preserving culture isn’t about staying in the past–it’s about carrying its beauty forward, with gratitude guiding every step.’

Gowri Kamatchi Vijayakumar, a 16-year-old junior, is a content creator and book review volunteer with Be the Star You Are!®. She has a deep interest in global issues, journalism, storytelling, and climate policies. Her hobbies are reading, running, and rollerblading!

GIVE BOOKS FOR HOLIDAY GIFTS

Books are gifts that keep on giving, as they can be read and re-read not only by you, but your family, friends, and colleagues. For a $140 tax-deductible donation to Be the Star You Are!®, you will receive seven first-edition, autographed books and extras with the proceeds benefiting our youth outreach programs. Visit https://www.bethestaryouare.org/book-gift . If you prefer to purchase individual books, click on the ONLINE STORE at https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org

RADIO BROADCASTS COMMUNICATE, COLLABORATE, AND INNOVATE

Every week under the auspices of Be the Star You Are!® charity and produced by StarStyle® Productions, LLC, listeners are encouraged and inspired on our two international radio broadcasts, StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!® and Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio. StarStyle® is a lifestyle program bringing information and innovative ideas that will aid with daily living, while Express Yourself!™ is hosted by teens, for teens, with discussions about everything and anything that interests youth today. Both programs are unedited, uncensored, and unapologetically authentic.

Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220

Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR SANTA DAY

The annual Santa Day at 5 A will be Saturday, Dec. 6th, from 11 am to 2 p.m. in Moraga. It’s always a fun event with treats, hot chocolate, and a photo with Santa. Our Be the Star You Are!® volunteer and radio host, Keerthi, will be available to help little ones get their picture with jolly St. Nick and create holiday crafts. 5 A, 455 Moraga Rd. #F

Moraga, CA 94556 More info and photos at https://www.bethestaryouare.org/events-1/santa-day-at-5-a

DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

DONATE with GIVE BUTTER

ABOUT BE THE STAR YOU ARE!®

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” — John F. Kennedy

Fall into Autumn

Cynthia Brian — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 23:30:48 GMT

“Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird, I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.” George Elliot

Frogs and crickets. Crickets and frogs. Growing up on our farm in the boondocks, the croaks and chirps were the melodies of the night. In the spring, the frogs sing as they search for mates. With the warm temperatures of autumn, the crickets increase their chirping to attract mates as they search for safety and food before winter arrives.

My family and I enjoy eating al fresco with the calming chorus of the crickets serenading. Of course, as we near a haunted Halloween, our meal is interrupted by the eerie howling of the coyotes. Pups born in the spring are leaving the dens of their parents to establish their own territories, and they want everyone to know that they are on the move.

We decorate for Halloween with creepy crawlies, spiders, and bats. As much as people fear insects, scientists are concerned about their decline. According to an article in the July/August issue of the Smithsonian, insects are disappearing at a rate of one to two percent a year on a global basis. Bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, bats, flies, ants, and other insects pollinate three-quarters of the world’s flowers and crops. It is those creepy crawlies that feed birds, fish, fowl, reptiles, and other insects. Without insects, humans wouldn’t eat.

Carnivorous plants also depend on insects to survive. The Venus flytrap plant has jaw-like leaves with fine trigger hairs that signal the trap to close when insects arrive, using their enzymes to digest them.

Another predatory plant is the Giant Pitcher Plant, which lures its victims as large as rats with the scent of its nectar. Insects and animals fall into the pitcher to be digested by an acidic liquid. Sometimes birds hunt those insects that have landed on the Giant Pitcher Plant, only to become the main meal.

It is pumpkin season. When you carve your favorite Jack O’Lantern, save the seeds and roast them. Pumpkin seeds provide fiber, protein, and healthy fats. All you have to do is scrape them from the pumpkin, rinse them well, and remove the pulp. With paper towels, dry them thoroughly, put them on a cookie sheet, and add a tablespoon of olive oil and seasoning of your choice. Bake them at 325 degrees for approximately forty minutes. Cool, eat, and enjoy!

This may be the final month to enjoy the magic of entertaining outdoors until the rainy season. Allow nature to set the scene. Elegance and charm are enhanced by the natural backdrop of the changing colors of the leaves, the crisp autumn air, and the chirping of the crickets. Use grape leaves, branches, acorns, pumpkins, and foraged fall flowers. Bring some of the seasonal beauty indoors, too. Harvest seed pods and the red, orange, and gold autumnal foliage for unexpected elements.

Follow my October gardening guide to fall into autumn. It is delicious!

Cynthia Brian’s Goddess Gardener Guide for October

ü ENCOURAGE lizards and bats to take up residence. The western fence lizard carries a protein that destroys the Borrelia bacteria that reside in the stomachs of ticks carrying Lyme disease, and bats eat 6000-8000 mosquitoes nightly. Other pluses are that lizards eat lots of unwanted garden insects, and bats are pollinators.

ü CLEAN birdbaths and fountains. Continue adding fresh seed to bird feeders.

ü SAVE the seeds of your best-producing flowers and herbs. Drying them and storing them in a dark, cool place is the easiest way.

ü REFRIGERATE the bulbs of tulips, hyacinths, and crocus for four weeks before planting.

ü BOOST your levels of vitamin C as flu and cold season begin by brewing a homegrown rose hip, sage, and peppercorn tea. Pick ripe red rose hips from your rose bushes and red peppercorns from your pepper tree. Smash or grind and add to the teapot with shaved ginger, lemon rind, lemon juice, sage leaves, and honey. Peppery and delicious, hot or iced. Substitute garlic for the honey for a zesty herbal broth, which is yummy with steamed vegetables.

ü BUY colorful gourds and small pumpkins to brighten your porch. They will serve dual holidays with the simple addition of decorative spiders, skeletons, or ghouls for Halloween and, in November, add a turkey, fall leaves, or pilgrim figurine for Thanksgiving.

ü FERTILIZE lawns and scatter micro clover seed as a lawn alternative or in addition to your grass. Micro clover supports pollinators, conserves water, suppresses weeds, and offers a lush green cover.

ü FEED begonias and roses to encourage more blooms.

ü HARVEST the last of your grapes and apples. Add the colorful leaves to a tabletop for a spectacular autumn arrangement.

ü CLEAN patio pads and lounge cushions before storing for the winter. Prevent outdoor furniture from the elements with sturdy covers. (This is a four-day chore for me every fall and spring!)

ü ADD colorful coleus in fall hues to your patio.

ü VISIT your favorite nursery to purchase trees boasting gorgeous fall colors. Not only is this the best time to plant your trees, but by witnessing them in the autumn splendor, you’ll get the colors and textures that work best in your landscape.

üIDEAS for holiday gifts may be found at the link for quality home, garden, beauty, and lifestyle products at https://www.cynthiabrian.com/home-garden-products.

ü PROTECT the spiders and beneficial insects. Your garden will thank you.

ü HIRE a handyman service. When you have a home or garden challenge that needs solving, use this code to get $250 off a handyman service at Honey Homes. Highly recommended https://honeyh.me/eXEn

ü CARVE your pumpkins, light the Jack O’Lanterns, weave your webs, erect the gravestones, and dress up the skeletons you’ve been hiding in the closet. Nature provides the imagination for your supernatural trick-or-treat decor.

ü CONSERVE your pumpkin seeds. Clean, roast, season, and enjoy them as a healthy snack.

Happy Gardening! Happy Growing! Happy Halloween!

Tune into Cynthia’s StarStyle® Radio Broadcast at https://www.StarStyleRadio.com. Her best-selling children’s series, Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures, is available at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store. Book Four, Flap Forward, Fly Free! is available NOW.

Hire Cynthia for writing projects, garden consults, and inspirational lectures. Cynthia@GoddessGardener.com , https://www.CynthiaBrian.com

Egg-citing News from My Barnyard!

Cynthia Brian — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 21:30:09 GMT

As a literacy and child advocate, I am so thrilled to announce that the books, Flap Forward! Fly Free, the fourth enchanting title in my beloved true-story children’s picture book series, Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures, arrived at our Be the Star You Are!® offices.

In this heartwarming true story, readers return to the cheerful world of Stella Bella’s farm, where barnyard friends learn to believe in themselves and embrace the courage to soar.

With my signature storytelling and a gentle life lesson on bravery and self-belief, Flap Forward! Fly Free encourages children to step beyond fear and chase their dreams.

The series, which began with No Barnyard Bullies, Family Forever, and Books in the Barnyard: Oh Deer!, continues to delight children, parents, and educators alike with its vibrant illustrations and messages of friendship, compassion, and confidence.

“Every creature deserves a chance to spread its wings. Through Stella Bella’s adventures, I hope children see that kindness and courage can help them fly free.”

Perfect for readers ages 1–8, Flap Forward! Fly Free is available now at major retailers and online bookstores.

To learn more, visit: www.CynthiaBrian.com/books

When books are purchased directly from https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store, proceeds will benefit Be the Star You Are!® 501c3 charity, and also receive extra goodies.

Purchasers may also click on the STORE logo at https:// www.BetheStarYouAre.org. A collection of all four books in the Stella Bella Barnyard series, as well as the three books in the Be the Star You Are!® series, is also available through a donation with the Book Package.

Help children grow with kindness, curiosity, and confidence. Instill love instead of fear and encourage helping others achieve success through these true animal escapades. Get your copies today - perfect for holiday gift-giving! https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store

Thanks for reading StarStyle® Empowermen! This post is public, so feel free to share it.

Be Not Afraid

Cynthia Brian — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 18:53:55 GMT

MIRACLE MOMENT®

“Fear less, hope more; eat less, chew more; whine less, breathe more; talk less, say more; hate less, love more; and all good things are yours.”

~ Swedish Proverb

Thanks for reading StarStyle® Empowerment! This post is public, so feel free to share it.

A MESSAGE from Founder/Director, CYNTHIA BRIAN

We are living in a time and place that is laced with fear and anxiety. The Swedish proverb above provides a roadmap to peace and serenity. When I was writing my latest book, Flap Forward! Fly Free!, I didn’t realize how poignant and appropriate the message of this new book would be in this divisive moment. Nature and my barnyard of adopted animals have always been my inspiration and the foundation for encouraging kindness, community, and love so that we can all rise above our fears. When we need help, we need to ask for it. There is power in collaboration and cooperation. The courage to face our fears results when we work together for solutions.

Sadly, fewer Americans are opening a book just for fun. Reading for pleasure has decreased by 40% over the past 20 years, studies are showing. Also discouraging is that these studies indicate that only 2% of adults are reading to their children daily. A study, “Libraries and Well-being”, was commissioned by the New York Public Library. Libraries are essential, supportive environments for learning. The study summarized, “If you are feeling unmotivated and unconnected, the library has now been scientifically proven to improve your well-being, the perfect antidote to all the push alerts and doomscrolling that’s bringing you down.”

Read book reviews written by teens for children, teens, and adults. Visit your local library to find antidotes to your fears. Look for books that are authored by humans. The Authors Guild, of which I am a member, now certifies books that humans write instead of being generated by AI. Look for the “Human Authored” logo.

Believe in yourself, your thoughts, and your power to make change. Fear is the opposite of love. When you love more, fear dissipates.

Wishing you a safe and haunted Halloween.

Be not afraid.

With LOVE,💖

Cynthia Brian

Founder/Executive Director

Be the Star You Are!®

PO Box 376

Moraga, California 94556