May 3

May 3 surrogacy. a journey of light + love.

photo by sara wilson I am a dreamer. I always have been. I am a philanthropist by nature, a lover. I strive to make life a little sweeter. I'm pretty good at it most days. I have, over my 37 years, perfected a mentality and cultivation of existence that creates an extremely balanced life for myself.

As a small girl, I recall emotions that accompany strong dreamy visuals of the way life should be. Something inside me has stirred from the beginning. A seed that has grown into a strong desire to nurture and create life. With that, I have received riches beyond any expectations.

I thought Id share my journey with you all. One that has almost come to an end...perhaps just a beginning. Only time will tell. I am due any day now with a surrogate child. Genetically belonging to 2 very special people, I volunteered myself to carry and give this life. What has come of this family, as it has intertwined with my own, has been beyond what I ever expected. The spiritual connection and universal energy it has created has changed our lives and will continue to disperse itself into the world regenerating kindness and love for what I hope is many, many more lifetimes.

While our story is nowhere near complete, I thought Id begin to share. We have a blog that tells you a bit more. [who we are + how we got here] We have documented this 9 months with shoots from photographer friends that have been passionate about sharing this with us. As we share a bit here and there for now, our final goal, is a book. Documenting our song through amazing imaginary and very choice words. To not only share our story, but to inspire others just as we have found ourselves inspired from one small dream that has now come to life.

There has been a partnership with a/perture and Winston Salem Monthly magazine this May. A brilliant film, "Who Does She Think She Is?" will be screening at a/perture on Sunday, May 20, at 7:30 p.m., and again, Wednesday, May 23, at 8 p.m. To accompany this film, Winston Salem Monthly magazine has chosen 5 women from the community that somewhat represent the same idea of the movie within our community. I was one of those chosen. Please join myself and these other incredible women as we enjoy the film and then have a panel discussion. We'd love to see you there! Here are a few details on who is involved and more about the film from Emily-Sarah Lineback, editor of Winston Salem Monthly magazine.

THE FILM: While the film and forum obviously focus on motherhood, it's offers a chance for public conversation among everyone. The documentary examines and celebrates women's struggles and triumphs over age-old issues of parenting and work, partnering and independence, economics and art. It follows five women artists as they navigate the economic, psychological, and spiritual challenges of making work alongside making a home and tending a family. We watch as these women, who range in age from 27 to 65, fight to honor their creative vision and families every day. It is not accolades they seek; it's simply the radical opportunity to live whole. You can learn more about the film and the filmmaker at www.whodoesshethinksheis.net.

THE FORUM: With the screenings at a/perture cinema, we take the national documentary and put a local, broader spin on it by highlighting a panel of local career moms -- in fields as varied as fitness to finance, writing to real estate. I hope everyone (panelists and audience members) will interact and tell our stories, share our burdens and visions, and empower one another. We can take this opportunity also to talk about the gender roles and societal set-ups that still make it tough for many women to live "holistically" and not choose between the work and the people they adore. Most especially, my hope is that you will be able to attend and participate further in an event that will celebrate, elevate, encourage, and empower fellow moms!

THE SPONSORS: The showings are part of a multi-faceted event that includes a feature article by the same title in the May issue of Winston-Salem Monthly magazine. Sponsored by a/perture cinema, Winston-Salem Monthly magazine, Wake Forest University Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program, Whitline Ink, Salem Academy & College, and Capture PR.

THE PARTICIPANTS: Career moms that are included in the magazine article are Sterling Hart, naturopathic doctor; Mary Haglund, restaurateur; Dee Dee Knight, personal trainer; Katherine Foster, AIDS Care Services president and activist; and Sally Gupton, photographer. Forum panelists include Sterling along with: Keena White, fitness trainer; Clare Fader, real estate agent; Suzanne Banzet, financial planner; Cheryl Schirillo, public relations/writing maven; Lawren Desai, independent cinema owner; Ann Urban, public relations partner; and Sarah Bush, speaker and author. And again, we want conversation between panelists and the audience, so everyone is encouraged to share.

Movie Trailer: Who Does She Think She Is?