May 1, 2002

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This is a special card from my personal collection of antique postcards. Note the area North Yakima, Washington.

Thank you for the birthday greetings and warm wishes.. birthdays are still magical and mine was extra special. My dear friend Dorothy Grant invited me to a special luncheon in Seattle, Washington. It was the '1st Annual Native Women's Leadership... and Honouring Luncheon'. The keynote speaker was Ms. Hattie Kauffman, a CBS News Correspondent, who is from the Nez Perce Nation.

Hattie spoke candidly about growing up in one of Seattle's poorer districts. She remembered the community dinners she attended as a child and how meaningful these community sponsored events meant to her. There were many times, she told the audience, where there was no food, no hydro, and no one but these small organizations that had warm food and warm words for her and her family. She shared with us the words of encouragement from her mother and the mothers' of the community.

She told us stories that honoured her fears. She reminded us, an audience of over two-hundred women, that we all have fears but we should be inspired by them.... not intimidated by them. I believe Hattie's message was... do your best with what you have and at the very least... 'just show up.. just keep showing up'!

Once again I would like to take this time to thank our suppliers and customers for their encouragement and support.

Many thanks... Denise Brillon-Hill

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