DTBF Videos

Dare To Be Fabulous has created our own Youtube channel. If finding the time or inspiration to write your DTBF story has proved difficult, now you can relay your story or capture a DTBF moment on video, as well! Check out the three introductory videos. They give you an overview of our channel and tell you how to submit your videos for our consideration.

Currently, there are three playlists on our DTBF channel. First, is the "Celebrated Contributors" playlist, offering an inspiring and fun collection of videos that shed light on some of the notable women whose DTBF stories are posted on our site. "DTBF Stories & Guest Columnists" is another playlist. Here, you can share your DTBF stories or , if you're a guest columnist on our site, you can submit a short clip introducing your already written story (we'll provide the link.) The third playlist is entitled "Just say DTBF!" and...well... that's pretty much what it is!

We've posted our first DTBF story on the channel and invite you to watch it. It's entitled, "I faced My Phobia." It's a story from Jane McGinn, who lives in Manhattan and tells us how she went about overcoming her intense fear of elevators.

Remember that every one of us has DTBF stories to share. Dare To Be Fabulous is not just about women who have accomplished great things. It's about all of us facing our every day struggles and finding those moments or experiences of fulfillment in their midst. That's something we can all relate to.

DTBF!

Johanna

Brave in Ribbons

"Then up rose Mrs Cratchit, Cratchit's wife, dressed out
but poorly in a twice-turned gown, but brave in ribbons,
which are cheap and make a goodly show for sixpence; and
she laid the cloth, assisted by Belinda Cratchit, second of
her daughters, also brave in ribbons … .”
Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol


This is my favorite Dickens quote. I’ve always wanted to write about it because, to my knowledge, it has been inexplicably overlooked. Yet the very first time I read it, it struck me deeply. In its simplicity and seemingly throwaway description of a hardworking and stoic woman waiting cheerfully for her beleaguered husband to come home so they can begin their meager, heartfelt Christmas celebration, volumes are said about the resilience of women in general.

A twice-turned gown – meaning it the skirt, sleeves, and neckline have been rehemmed more than once to hide fraying and wear – is a testament to Mrs. Cratchit’s pride, and sense of pride in herself, that she is not defeated by the poverty and appalling working conditions that typified not only her husband Bob Cratchit's at the hands of Ebenezer Scrooge, but the conditions of workers and families in newly industrialized England itself. And, further, she adorns the gown with ribbons – cheap and pretty – that undoubtedly lifted her spirits for the celebration of the holiday that she was determined to make memorable for her family. She was indeed brave. And brave in ribbons.

I love Mrs. Cratchit. She is a minor character in A Christmas Carol, yet she epitomizes the best in women – the strength, the ability to take care of as many as need caring for in whatever situation, the ability to take charge, and the depth of the commitment they are able to show loved ones. And to occasionally look pretty while doing it all. (Which, let’s face it, makes everyone feel better.)

The year is ending. She has endured the trials and tribulations of yet another one. She is ready to celebrate. And the nicest part for me is that she has clearly even passed this on to her daughter, Belinda, “ … also brave in ribbons.”

Whatever we have been through in 2009, it’s nearly at an end. We’re still here. We’ve survived it in some fashion or other, at least for now. We tended to those we care about, and maybe even made someone happy, whether we knew it or not. We can fly our flags – our pretty ribbons of endurance. At least we should. I urge you all to just say “I did it”! It might not have been much in your eyes or the eyes of others, but I’ll bet it really was. And then put on the clothes that make you feel special, however old and worn or new and sparkly they might be.

You are brave. Now be brave in ribbons. And tell your daughters.

Patti

Photo: Hermione Baddeley, A Christmas Carol, 1951.

Fab Celeb Updates

Check out our Celebrated Contributors page for an updated roster of notable women who have shared (or plan to share) their own DTBF stories. Below are some of their latest updates. (Click on their names to link to their DTBF stories!)

Ginny Lambrix

"I am now the Director of Winemaking and Viticulture at Truett Hurst. We have launched a new brand- VML- named after me and dedicated to Pinot. Very cool... And I have a nice little flock of goats and sheep... Perhaps the biggest news is that Jon and I are expecting a baby boy in February.... So lots of changes, all good. My first company picture was wearing my DTBF tee shirt!"

Mariana Tosca

Mariana just wrapped production on a documentary that she produced and stars in called “Equine Destiny” about America’s Horse Slaughter Industry and is filming the pilot for the TV series “Call to Action” which will take viewers along as she rescues slaughter-bound horses from a kill buyer feedlot and releases them onto a wild horse sanctuary. (So far in 2009, she has pulled 147 horses from slaughter pipelines throughout the US and returned them to a life of freedom.) Earlier this year, she received an Artists for Humanity award for her dedication in helping the homeless population of Los Angeles to acquire job skills helpful in alleviating their plight. In the Summer of 2010, Mariana will be producing and starring in “Earth Echoes” a theatrical production that will run as a benefit for several environmental and animal protection non-profit organizations. She is also still leading the campaign for the release of Billy the Asian elephant from the Los Angeles Zoo, as the Los Angeles Court of Appeals just granted approval to proceed with the case against the Los Angeles Zoo for abuse and neglect of the 14 elephants who have died there. Mariana was recently asked to join Dr. Jane Goodall in serving as an Advisory Board member of Save the Chimps.

Renel Brooks Moon

Renel on the mike during her last show on Kiss FM

After 25 years of hosting 98.1 KISS FM’s “Renel in the Morning,” Renel Brooks-Moon has decided to step down. The radio station hosted a party in her honor and pictures and message boards are linked on their website, linked above, for her fans to visit. Meanwhile, Renel continues to be the public announcer for the San Francisco Giants. It’s been 10 years and she’s enjoying every minute! Read a recent interview with Renel, “Off radio but still at microphone,” published in the San Francisco Chronicle on August 27th.

Jill Robinson

Jill addressing the audience at the Second China International Animal and Nature Film Festival

Jill was in Chengdu for workshop meetings and events on site, then in Southern China as an invited participant for the Second China International Animal and Nature Film Festival in Sichuan province. Her China team was invited to join the event, which recognizes local and international filmmakers. The following quote is an excerpt from Jill’s blog:

"On the last night, it was like a scene out of Hollywood, with thousands of people crowded together in a huge auditorium, together with film crews shooting for live transmission on TV. “ While on stage to hand out a documentary award, Jill used the opportunity to discuss the endangerment of sharks and pandas along with re-iterating the need for China to stop the cruel practices inflected on her beautiful moon bears. She continues in her blog, “Now, since the festival, we’ve had several fairly high-profile people in both local and international film and media asking if they can come along and visit the bears – and so the message widens and perhaps our little piece of heaven in Chengdu will convince them to do more."

Never resting, Jill then headed to Europe where she will be for another 3 weeks.

Terri Lyne Carrington

"My new CD "More To Say" is finally out after nearly 2 years in the making! I am real proud of it and hope that other folks like it too! Most of my time these days is spent chasing my 3 year old around or teaching at Berklee, as well as gigs and session, so I am busier than a one armed paper hanger! All good - I am not complaining.... Until next time...." Terri Lyne

Check out Tavis Smiley’s recent interview with Terri Lyne regarding her new CD.

Rory Freedman

Rory in her kitchen, as seen in the New York Times

Rory just returned from a two-month backpacking jaunt around Europe and has never been so inspired creatively. She's ready to get crackin' on another book---maybe even one that's fiction.

Nalini Nadkarni

Nalini speaking at the TED Conference.

"I gave a talk at the TED Conference in Long Beach this spring. It is a high-profile conference with many “idea people” who talk about their work, dreams, and accomplishments. Each talk is only 18 minutes, and it is hard to cram all the things one wants to say into that time. It has been seen by many people around the world, and nearly all of the feedback has been about people who are excited about trees and forests and trying to save them. That is very hopeful to me.

There were some good developments in terms of science outreach beyond science. Several of my projects were featured on the splash page of the National Science Foundation website. One of them was the “canopy rap” project I created, in which I hired a rap singer to accompany me and two other scientists with 40 urban youth (middle school aged) into the forest to learn about the plants and animals. The rap singer made up songs about the forest, and the kids did, too! They ended up making a CD of their songs in the sound studios of my college, and each student took home a copy of it for their friends and family.

In addition to these, I was really happy to be in the forest this summer. My family (husband and two teenage kids, Gus and Erika) took a six day backpacking trip to a remote area of the North Cascades National Park. We saw only 4 people in the six days we were there. And just last week, I took my annual solo backpacking trip to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness for six days. It was great to be out there on my own, just hiking, watching marmots, eating simple food, watching the starts, and letting my thoughts quiet and settle away from the everyday hubbub of life. But I’m glad to be back with my family and garden and work!

DTBF!

Nalini"

Ingrid Newkirk

"I’ve been on tour with my book lately. I’m asking people to consider loaning a copy to that person at work who loves dogs but who doesn’t think about other animals, that neighbor with the fur coat in the back of the closet – too embarrassed to wear it again; and that relative who insists you have “just a little” of the turkey at Thanksgiving, as well as to that wonderful kid on your block who rescues the birds fallen out of trees or who won’t cut up the frog in class. I’ve used real life stories to bring the individual animals alive and give them a voice and the book is packed with great resources, simple options, and compassionate solutions to rid our lives of the casual cruelty that wheedles its way into what we buy, eat, do and wear. I hope you take a peek and enjoy it a lot!

DTBF!

Ingrid"

Dianne Reeves

Dianne Reeves can be seen on tour throughout the rest of this year . She is also recording a new album which will be out next year. We'll announce it as soon as it's out!

Kamala Lopez

Kamala at the New York Latino International Film Festival.

"The good news is that A Single Woman won the Exceptional Merit in Media Award from the National Women's Political Caucus in DC!

Also, I am developing a TV series about girls and gangs and I wrote a related article on Huff Po about what's going on with that.

DTBF!

Kamala"

Kelly Dobbins

Kelly is currently training to compete in the NPC National Bodybuilding and Figure Championships this November.

Julia Butterfly Hill

Julia’s recent photo in the SF Chronicle.

Julia continues to inspire people to speak up, take action and make a difference in this world. Check out “Catching up with...Julia Butterfly Hill,” an article that appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle last April. Julia also continues to update on her own blog.