One smile can brighten a day. One kind gesture can lighten a burden. One kind word can change a heart. One noble intention can move the earth. One sincere effort can change the world. One step towards peace and prosperity can usher a positive change and make world an amazing place to live. A great welcome to the year 2010 and a big hello to each of you!



Wouldn’t it be great if each one of us shared that one thing they would remember the most about 2009. One thing that really brought a positive change in your approach towards managing your personal or professional life. One thing that made you a better human being and contributor to our society. One thing that you achieved or something that happened that you will cherish for whole lifetime. If you can share that one experience of yours and how you learned from it, I am sure it would be great for all of us to read.

Lot’s of folks have a sort of tradition of setting certain goals at the beginning of New Year. Have you done so? I hope you will let us know what your New Year’s resolution is. What is that one thing you intend to achieve? What is that one thing you would want to contribute that can make this world better? 



For me personally, 2009 was a very challenging year. While the first part of the year went to wrapping up a two and a half year building project and moving for the fifth time in that period, the second half went into launching a production company in Nevada County; www.SierraMountainProductions.com

It’s been a really a satisfying experience to see so many community members offering their support, encouragement, and help as we start this new project. My business partners, Roy Rogers www.roy-rogers.com and his brilliant wife, Gaynell www.pressandrelease.net and I have been touched by the kindness of our community. We anticipate this effort will not only bring positive enriching art and music to our home town, opportunities to those in and around our community, but also a positive way to increase tourism, increase outside income into the community, increase jobs, and increase the budget for our communities schools, education, music, and more. In addition Sierra Mountain Productions will donate a percentage of profit to local charities or organizations in need.

While working hard for the year to start such a business I’ve had the privilege of meeting even more wonderful folks from this community who are serious about making a positive difference here in 2010 and beyond. All this made my belief in human spirit and its desire to succeed and overcome all challenges even stronger. If life throws you a lemon - make lemonade, someone said so rightly.

As for 2010, my resolution is to partner with like-minded individuals who are each making an effort to improve world conditions and awareness starting right here at home. I’d also like to start a nonprofit organization for the cause of literacy and the arts. I will be pleased if any of you have any ideas to share for the same.


It’s over to you now. Let everyone know about one thing you have learned or achieved in 2009 and what your resolution is for 2010. Send me your lists and I’ll post on our website! That way we’ll all be supporting you in your goals for this new year.

Have a great - great year ahead!


Blessings to all,

CiCi Stewart
www.CynthiaStewart.com
www.SierraMountainProductions.com

MARDI GRAS COSTUME BALL AND VALENTINE'S DAY CELEBRATIONS

Dreams in the making…

What does Valentine's Day and Mardi Gras have in common you ask? Read on to find out!

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine.

Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers. There was often a social gathering or a ball.

Mardi Gras, also known as "fat Tuesday," this pre-Lenten festival is celebrated in Roman Catholic countries and communities. In a strict sense, Mardi Gras, or Shrove Tuesday, is celebrated by the French as the last of the three days of Shrovetide and is a time of preparation immediately before Ash Wednesday and the start of the fast of Lent. Mardi Gras is thus the last opportunity for merrymaking and indulgence in food and drink. In practice, the festival is generally celebrated for one full week before Lent. Mardi Gras is marked by spectacular parades featuring floats, pageants, elaborate costumes, masked balls, and people dancing in the streets.

There’s a lot of rich tradition, history, and religious significance surrounding the customs of Mardi Gras. There’s also a lot of fun. While there’s really no way to experience the parades, the festivities, and the cooler weather during this part of the year, we at least have one small way to experience Mardi Gras and that’s king cake.

This year, in Northern California a new tradition is formed and history will be made as Sierra Mountain Productions presents “Mardi Gras Costume Ball Valentine’s Day Celebration”. Held in an exclusive estate nestled among ancient oaks and green rolling hills in a romantic private setting history will be made and you can be a part of it! This night promises to be a night that will be a marker for all future Mardi Gras or Valentine’s Day events. Imagine the ambiance of a private estate, exquisite decorations, tables set with linens and flowers, candles glowing, corks popping against original New Orlean’s Jazz sounds wafting through the rafters.

Captivate your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day and join us in celebration for this exclusive and unforgettable event!


© Cynthia Stewart