Book Review“The Women Who Raised Me”Authored byVictoria RowellReviewed by Natalia Roldan HartNatalia Roldan HartUpon opening <strong>the</strong>hard-back book,so neatly boundwith a glossy cover,and beautifulvintage pictures of women,I noticed Victoria Rowell’sautograph. I thought to myself,how nice to be reading asigned novel.I didn’t realize<strong>the</strong> profoundmeaningof thatsignatureuntil I hadfinished <strong>the</strong>novel and discovered<strong>the</strong>odds at whichVictoria sotriumphantlysucceeded.Her story is about surviving<strong>the</strong> system of foster care,Research StudyResearchers at The Johns Hopkins University, School of of Medicine, Departmentof Neurology, Cognitive Neurology/Neuropsychology group group are are recruitingchildren for a study to gain a better understanding of of learning, memory,language and cognition.Specifically we we are are seeking children who: who:•Are between 5 and 17 17 years old•Have no peripheral blindness or or deafness•Are in stable health•Have a responsible caregiver who who will will accompany child child to to research site site in inFell’s Point•Have no no neurological, language, or or behavior behavior disorders disordersOur research site is located in in Fell’s Point, Baltimore, MD. MD. Qualifiedparticipants will be compensated for <strong>the</strong>ir time. Please call 443-287-1701to learn more!Principle Investigator:Barry Gordon, M.D., Ph.D.about overcominghardship,andabout <strong>the</strong>influentialwomen in herlife that havehelped shapeher into <strong>the</strong>woman that she is today.A poetically writtenmemoir, Rowell begins eachchapter by dedicating it toher surrogate mo<strong>the</strong>rs, herclose friends, her inspirationalmentors, sisters, andcaretakers. She captures <strong>the</strong>essence of her experience notonly through her own liferevelations, but also through<strong>the</strong> family histories of thosesurrounding her. Born as award of <strong>the</strong> state of Maine,and <strong>the</strong> child of a whitemo<strong>the</strong>r and black fa<strong>the</strong>r,Rowell facesrejectionand racism.She faces<strong>the</strong> personalstruggle ofhaving anunknown fa<strong>the</strong>r,and anever changingdestinationshe cancall home.Rowell states,“Travelingbetween differentworldsas I did on adaily basis,I becamevery skilledat adapting.This is anessential tool for any fosterchild, not merely to fit in,but to do so with frequency,sometimes at a moment’snotice.” However despite<strong>the</strong>se difficult circumstances,Agatha, Rowell’s fostermo<strong>the</strong>r, encourages her touse her natural talent fordance and helps her to enrollin ballet school-a key experiencefor Rowell. “Yet it wasalso important to have myown ground to stand on, myown sense of self, a sense ofwhere my home really existed.Dancing gave that to me.”Eventually, VictoriaRowell becomes <strong>the</strong> famousactress we all know today,starring in day time dramatelevision shows, soap operasand making appearances inmovies. Her novel is truly atestimony that no matter ourlife circumstances, with <strong>the</strong>gentle nurturing of o<strong>the</strong>rs,<strong>the</strong> right guidance, and <strong>the</strong>belief in yourself, one canovercome all odds.28 Focus on Women Magazine
Miracles Made EasyDear Soul Sisters & Bro<strong>the</strong>rs in Beingness …Do you know how to create miracles?Are you aware everyone has this power?Are you applying this knowledge on a daily basis?Miracles Made Easy shows you how to claim your birthrightto create <strong>the</strong> kind of life you want. It is …… a Spiritual Primerfor those who want to discover <strong>the</strong> power of belief and <strong>the</strong> power ofthought to make miracles happen as every-day events.… a Powerful Review of Principlesfor those who want to understand how <strong>the</strong> world really works and howto make it work better for <strong>the</strong>m.… a Doubt-Busterfor those who find it difficult to believe <strong>the</strong> Universal Truths that guideand support all life.… a How–To Guide to Manifestingfor those who welcome tips and techniques, stories with easy-to-rememberexamples and experiments to try.Once enough people know how to create miracles in <strong>the</strong>ir personal lives,we can combine forces and create miracles toge<strong>the</strong>r to solve all <strong>the</strong> world’sproblems… to create a safer, saner, healthier, happier world. Now thatsounds like something worth doing, don’t you think?Download your FREE copy of Miracles Made Easy or order a discountedbook at www.MiraclesMadeEasy.com. Also availableat Amazon.com and local book stores.Remember, every time you pass on this empoweringinformation, you serve as a positive contributingforce to creating <strong>the</strong> better world that is trulypossible. On behalf of all those who will be so gladyou did—Thanks.P.S. With <strong>the</strong> coming holiday season, considera gift of Miracles. The book suits teens on up.Families will find it interesting, fun reading full ifideas to explore toge<strong>the</strong>r.Ann McGillMidWife of Consciousness—Birthing into BeingnessMidWife@AnnMcGill.comwww.MiraclesMadeEasy.com703-262-0620Visit <strong>the</strong> website for <strong>the</strong> FREE Downloadable BookFor Women, To Women, About Women29
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