Debi Lilly — Women On Fire

One host + two co-authors + amazing Women on Fire book party!

by Debbie on March 14, 2014

It was such great fun couple weeks ago, celebrating Women on Fire Volume 2 in Chicago.

Take a peek at the event by pressing play!

*View more videos of the event here!

As a party planner, I couldn’t wait to “bring to life” the beautiful visual theme of Women on Fire. It was exhilarating dreaming up the look and feel of the book signing party – from color palette to creating fiery florals, cocktails, savory and sweet menu items – we’re talking fun from start to finish.

Of course, nothing is can compare to the inspiration of our dear, fabulous, fine fellow Women on Fire. The room was going to glow just from their sheer presence, as well as all the friends and family joining to cheer our local authors Leah Hamilton and Linda Neff onward and upward. The party, the library at A Perfect Event, every room needed to raise itself up to the greet each guest with a warm, fiery embrace.

First up – creating the visual color palette. Women on Fire means warm, jewel tones from yellow to orange to red – which are easy to incorporate into party details from flowers, cocktail napkins, and paper décor like menu cards.

Second – flowers! Everyone loves a pop of fresh floral, especially in the winter doldrums. Tulips are a low cost, fast and easy flower to buy in bunches from your florist or even right in the grocery aisle. I love ombre design – arranging florals from pale color to rich intensity hues – so we clustered stems from yellow to orange to red inside the vase.

Third – menu. This is the fun part. Guests absolutely love to see and taste something new, unique, and tied to the theme. A cocktail tied to the book title, Women on Fire, was in order. Local Koval Distillery (fun fact, the first distillery in Chicago since the prohibition – and grain to bottle artisans, at that) is always my go to for whiskey cocktails. “Whiskey on Fire” is fast and easy to whip up at home. I am here to tell you, guests are still talking about how delicious these were – a week later.

For any cocktail party a combination of savory and sweet bites rounds out the perfect menu. For an On Fire party menu we needed hot, grilled skewers, bien sur. From beef to chicken, shrimp to veg, skewers are so easy to prepare in advance, cover in spiced all natural dressings (use them as marinades) right from grocery produce aisle, and grill or bake just before guests arrive.

Serve them ontop tasty, healthy salads like lentils, wild rice, cabbage slaws to add in more delicious, nutritious vegetables and grains. I love to buy lentils, black beans, shredded carrots, cabbage, broccoli wokly right in the produce department, and instantly mash them up with bottled organic healthy choice dressings like Garlic Expressions (right from Toledo, Ohio, where my family lives, and carried in groceries coast to coast).

Time for dessert! Parties need a sweet ending, and we instantly thought of fired up smores on skewers. Marshmallows, wooden skewers, and a quick broil in the oven create an instant hit with guests. Drizzle with some melted dark chocolate, crush a few graham crackers as garnish – and you’ve reinvented a childhood favorite. For a healthier choice, skewer fresh strawberries, broil quickly, and drizzle with balsamic syrup (a thicker balsamic than vinegar, available in grocery aisle).

Set the Table – I love to create a visual feast on the buffet – and rolling a colorful The hit of the night, were perhaps the inspired Women on Fire quotes, printed, cut and layered on colorful papers with washi tape accents, then frames, and placed throughout the party ontop mirrors with votive candles.

Inspiration Frames- FOR PURCHASE ($15.00)contact debi@aperfectevent.com

They came, they saw, they “fired” and nibbled. Bought books, cheered, snapped selfies, instagramed.

It was a cherished, perfect night, filled with fire and finery.

Here’s to a 2014, that’s on fire.

Whiskey on Fire Cocktail

1 bottle Koval Whiskey (can use your local favorite whiskey)

1 jar dried Cinnamon sticks

1 bottle organic spiced Apple Cider

1 6 pack Ginger Beer (not alcoholic, but full of fresh ground ginger)

1 pack Simple and Crisp Orange Slices (can use fresh sliced oranges)

1 jar dried whole Anise

Open whiskey, and add 3-4 cinnamon sticks. Cap, and let infuse for at least 24 hours.

Before guests arrive, pour into large drinking jar or pitchers 1/3 whiskey, 1/3 cider and 1/3 ginger beer. Float cinnamon sticks and a few orange slices ontop mixture for garnish.

To serve, fill glasses with ice, top with Whiskey on Fire, and garnish with floating orange slice and anise “star”.

Debi Lilly, A Perfect Event, Women on Fire member

Photography by: Bethany Fritz/Maypole Studios

Food by: Pure Kitchen Catering

Whiskey by: Koval Distillery

Florals by: A Perfect Event

Video By: Jordan Lindley

Filed Under: Inspiration Tagged With: A Perfect Event, Bethany Fritz, Book Party, Debbie Phillips, Debi Lilly, Debi Lilly A Perfect Event throws a party, Debi Lilly Safeway, inspiration, Jordan Lindley, Koval Distillery, Maypole Studios, Party Ideas, Pure Kitchen Catering, strategies, support, Women Inspiring Women, Women On Fire, Women on Fire book, Women on Fire: Volume 2

What wonder awaits on the other side of the door?

by Debbie on February 17, 2014

There is so much excitement around here right now I can hardly sleep.

Women on Fire book co-authors Leah Hamilton and Linda Neff (Photo by Debi Lilly)

There was a fabulous book party hosted by one amazing Woman on Fire that featured two brilliant Women on Fire co-authors in Chicago last week!

And, in less than two weeks we will welcome more than 100 Women on Fire to Naples, Florida for our annual retreat — Ignite Your Life — and Soar!

It is a leap of faith each time a Woman on Fire steps up to take action on her life, hopes and dreams.

*This week’s Pinspiration*

Pin to Share the Love

Each one of the 21 co-authors of our latest book burst through her own fears and concerns to write a chapter about a powerful, true experience that many people in her life may not have even known about. Each did so to help other women who may be faced with a similar challenge. That’s taking courageous action!

I also am inspired that many women coming to this year’s retreat will be attending their very first one. I’m sure some of them are scared, wondering what will happen, who will they meet, will they belong, will it be worth their time, effort and expense?

But this did not stop them from moving forward!

What is important to know is that movement creates growth and change. It gets your juices and your life flowing.

Every decision you make toward something that appeals to you, or that you wish for, or even that you are a little scared of, you move to one of two places:

Either you’re glad you did it and it makes a difference for you — or you learn something important and decide you won’t do that again. There is no way to make a perfect decision every time. And, sometimes the result is even better than you might have imagined!

If you sit back and ponder and think and wonder about the thing you think you might want, nothing happens. You stall out.

I remember the years between getting divorced and meeting my husband Rob. After numerous disappointing experiences with men, I decided I wasn’t going to date anymore. I was going to wait it out and figure it all out in my head.

Thank goodness I had great support to help me reconsider that brilliant notion of mine. Had I sat on the sidelines and thought and wondered about a partner, I probably wouldn’t be in a relationship today. I had to just jump in the stream and swim.

So, it is a brave and bold step that some women have made to attend the retreat — without knowing for certain what wonder is on the other side of the door.

What I know for sure (thank you, Oprah!) is that any time Women on Fire gather in person — whether it is a book party in Chicago or a two-day retreat in Naples — it is an experience warm and loving, thoughtful and provocative, inspiring, uplifting and celebratory.

I was re-reading the other day Brene Brown’s book Daring Greatly and her powerful 10 Guideposts for Wholehearted Living. She reminds us how letting go of the need for certainly and letting go of self-doubt will transform our lives.

Congratulations to our retreat attendees for letting go of what might have held you back from coming — and deciding just to go for it! I can’t wait to hear what you discover after you walk through the door 🙂

And, back to that Women on Fire book party in Chicago …

Thank you to celebrity party planner and Women on Fire member Debi Lilly, founder of A Perfect Event, who hosted the exquisite party last week for Leah Hamilton and Linda Neff in Chicago.

It was cold outside but deliciously warm inside where Debi created another of her magical parties featuring a signature Women on Fire cocktail and exquisite food such a Orange Blossom Torched marshmallow brushetta. In addition to the many guests, other Women on Fire members attending included Dana Frost, Kendall DeBoom, Cindy Clendenin and Debby Edwards.

The party was so elegant, fun and exciting that we’ll post more photos and recipes later this week on the blog.

For this week, I wish you clarity and ease in whatever decisions you make to move your life forward. Go for it!

Have a wonderful week ~

Love,

Debbie Signature

Filed Under: Inspiration, Strategies, Support Tagged With: A Perfect Event, Debbie Phillips, Debi Lilly, inspiration, strategies, support, Women On Fire, Women on Fire book party, Women on Fire: Volume 2

Best-ever Women on Fire Retreat!!

by Debbie Phillips on October 30, 2012

My heart is full.

What an amazing, inspiring weekend with women from 22 states and Canada at our annual Women on Fire Retreat held this year in Chicago!

The fabulous women who attended the Retreat! (Photos by Heather Stone)

Next week I’ll say more about what it was like to be in the energy of all these dynamic, creative, supportive women who are making a difference in the world.

But right now, those of us on the East Coast are preparing for the effects of Hurricane Sandy, and I am sending love and hope for everyone’s safety.

Meanwhile, please join us in a few Women on Fire moments from the weekend! More pictures next week.

Chicago host and Woman on Fire Debi Lilly cheering!

The wise and talented Sophfronia Scott, publisher of the next Women on Fire book, shared our plans for inviting co-authors to participate. Very exciting!

Kim Davis, Dana Frost, Nancy Neal and Cindy Clendenin listen intently to Margo Frazier sharing what she is “on fire” about in her life!

Blue Women Group? Not exactly! Dreaming Big was this year’s Retreat theme. Everyone received a blue-gel mask to promote relaxation, better sleep, good dreams!

My sweet mother Mary Lue Phillips attended her first-ever Women on Fire Retreat. Here she is, happy in the moment with Laura Benton, Meredith Schoenberger and Arlene Alexander.

Enjoying the Retreat with my best friend Jan Allen, a coach and life strategist, who moderated a panel on Career Leaps and Changes and also discussed on her experience giving a TEDx talk. (Photo by Jamie Eslinger)

Yoga teacher and trainer Laurel Hodory led us to discover techniques for becoming centered and grounded.

To everyone who participated in this powerful, engaging, life-changing Retreat, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Safe travels home. And stay tuned for next year’s Retreat date and city!

If you haven’t attended a Women on Fire event, I hope you will soon. No better way to fill your cup:-)

Filed Under: Inspiration, Women On Fire Event Tagged With: Arlene Alexander, Dana Frost, Debbie Phillips, Debi Lilly, Heather Stone, Jan Allen, Kim Davis, Laura Benton, Laurel Hodory, Margo Frazier, Mary Lue Phillips, Meredith Schoenberger, Nancy Neal, Sophronia Scott, Tedx, Women on Fire Retreat

As summer closes in…a feast

by Debbie Phillips on August 12, 2012

Is your summer starting to wind down?

We live in the mecca of summer vacationers – Martha’s Vineyard. The head count here right now is about 115,000 people when normally the population is roughly 15,000.

(It used to worry me that we could sink into the ocean in summers but I’ve been assured we won’t!)

So even though our island is bursting to the shores with visitors, in only another week or two, everyone will go home and back to school and all will become quiet again on the home front.

Until then, my husband Rob and I are soaking up these last summer days with close friends, including visiting and local Women on Fire and Vision Day guests.

Women on Fire at breakfast this weekend on Martha’s Vineyard! From left: Jamie Eslinger, Suzi Schadle, Michelle Whittaker, me! and Lisa Umberger Arundale. (Photo by Zan Schmidt)

One of this past week’s many highlights was Women on Fire member Phoebe Lapine coming over and preparing the most elegant, delicious lunch to celebrate the summer.

Phoebe with her luscious creation!

Phoebe is based in New York City and is a cookbook author, food writer and private chef and we love her – and I love sharing her talent in our Women on Fire community!

Check out her blog at Feed Me Phoebe.

She made a Salmon Cobb Salad and we paired it with a twist on another Woman on Fire Debi Lilly’s refreshing summer drink recipe – Watermelon Mint Muddles.

Phoebe and I say cheers to the Muddle! Thank you, Debi Lilly.

I am always on the lookout for entertaining tips and food ideas that are healthy, easy, beautiful and FUN. (Phoebe certainly hit every one of those buttons with her Salmon Cobb Salad… and she even did the grocery shopping! Thank you, Phoebe.)

Phoebe preparing lunch. (Photos by Rob Berkley)

I’m pretty sure after watching Phoebe I can duplicate this gorgeous salad. And, if I can, you certainly can, too!

Here are the ingredients for Phoebe’s Salmon Cobb Salad:

Grilled wild salmon, salad greens, purple basil, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, avocadoes, fresh corn raw sliced off the cob, crispy bacon.

Simple and elegant — one dish shared among six guests.

In addition to Phoebe using fresh and organic ingredients, what truly made this salad outstanding was Phoebe’s yummy Creamy Dill Dressing drizzled over the greens and the salmon.

Creamy Dill Dressing (from Phoebe’s blog)
Makes about 1 cup

2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill leaves
8 ounces plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
1 garlic clove
1 small shallot
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

In a small food processor, combine all the ingredients and pulse until finely chopped. Add 2 tablespoons water and puree until the mixture is very smooth. Depending on the consistency you like your creamy dressing, add more water to thin it out.

Summer fun with dear friends — Jamie Eslinger, Phoebe Lapine, Robert Joerger, Edward Beck, Rob and me. Hope you will visit us when you come to Martha’s Vineyard! You never know who you might meet here:-)

Watermelon Mint Muddle

Adaptation from Debi Lilly’s recipe in her book A Perfect Event: Inspired, Easy Elegance for Every Occasion

In a tall glass, fill bottom with watermelon and several sprigs of fresh mint; “muddle” together (I use a wooden spoon).

Then fill with ice; sparkling water (or sparkling wine such as Prosecco). When I use sparkling water, I add a splash of lemonade to give it even more pizzazz!

Cheers!

Phoebe’s masterpiece!

I look forward to seeing a number of you here on Martha’s Vineyard next Friday when RoseMarie Terenzio will read from her best-selling book Fairy Tale Interrupted. She will discuss her life as John F. Kennedy Jr.’s personal assistant for the last five years of his life and how experiencing that and many other losses has informed her life today.

Rose was the featured interview on the Women on Fire members’ CD a few months ago. I’m so excited many of you will get to meet her as well as other Women on Fire attending!

Have a terrific week. I can’t wait to share lots of inspiring opportunities happening this fall for you!

Filed Under: Inspiration Tagged With: A Perfect Event, Debbie Phillips, Debi Lilly, Edward Beck, Fairy Tale Interrupted, John F. Kennedy Jr., Martha's Vineyard, Muddle, Phoebe Lapine, Rosemarie Terenzio, Vision Day, Woman On Fire, Women On Fire

Perfect Parking Spots

by Debbie Phillips on July 15, 2012

Guest post by EMILY NEAL

Sometimes life gets so chaotic that it’s hard to find a moment’s peace.

Yet, opportunities to slow down and relax often present themselves in unexpected ways and at unexpected times. With a little concentration and awareness, you can almost always find your moment of peace.

Recently, Debbie and I were making a few quick errands in Oak Bluffs. While Debbie drove around and calmly continued talking to me I began worrying that maybe these errands wouldn’t be quite so quick as we drove through throngs of jaywalkers with no parking space in sight.

I hoped and prayed someone would pull out and give us their spot. I’m known among my friends to have very good luck with parking spots, but Debbie’s luck is uncanny. In fact, it’s miraculous.

Just as I was preparing myself for a good hike to the store, a spot opened up. Not only was this spot right in front of the store, but when we looked up, there was a sign that read “Phillips.”
Debbie pulled right into a perfect parking space at Phillips Hardware in Oak Bluffs!

Debbie smiled and said, “Thank you, Dad.” She then told me that since his death she has always been blessed with the miracle and gift of the perfect parking spot.

Though our loved ones may leave us, often they do not leave us empty-handed. They frequently pass down little miracles of peace to help us through our grief.

Woman on Fire Debi Lilly suddenly lost her father-in-law last August while alone in Paris with her children. To honor him and connect with family back home, they walked to every church in Paris to light a candle for Grandpa Carl.

Now, whenever church bells ring, her children look up and say “Grandpa Carl.” Debi often goes out of her way to find the comforting chimes of church bells.

Debi Lilly’s children Lilly and Parker in a Parisian cathedral.

Wendi Knox experienced a miracle similar to mine after her father’s death. She said “the first morning after he passed away, a beautiful little hummingbird fluttered onto my mother’s cement patio. There were no flowers around. Just me.”

Since then, she has encountered hummingbirds at some of her most important moments this past year without him. While meditating before a speech in front of 400 women, two hummingbirds flew by, certainly a sign of father’s love and encouragement.

Wendi has found solace in visiting a small hummingbird sanctuary consisting of one huge red bottlebrush tree with dozens of hummingbirds flitting from flower to flower. She has deemed her small place of refuge as “The Hummingbird Hotel.”

While Debbie, Debi, and Wendi were lucky enough to be given these little reminders, I have not been left with any. I have had to find my own way to relax. You, too, can find an escape from your chaotic life simply by going to your own “peaceful, happy place.” Whether you have faced a terrible loss or not, Wendi offers 5 TIPS for finding your inner peace.

Check in with your feelings. Give yourself permission to feel.
Where’s your happy place? Close your eyes and imagine a place of pure joy.
How to “get there.” Picture yourself in that place with all the colors, textures, sounds, and smells of the place.
A trip to remember. When things go wrong, take yourself to your happy place.
Collect some souvenirs. Keep things around to remind yourself of your place. For example, if your place is the beach, keep a seashell on your desk.

Just as Wendi’s Dad left her with the gift of hummingbirds to inspire her sense of peace, Debbie’s dad left her the perfect spot and Debi the sound of church bells. They were left with these little miracles to remind us to slow down and live the life they are in. Still, you can find peace no matter where you are in life. All it takes is to find your little place of happiness.

Happiness can be found anywhere, whether it is by walking to “The Hummingbird Hotel” or feeling the success of the perfect spot.

Personally, I close my eyes and picture myself lying on a sandy beach and reading the book that has been waiting for me on my nightstand. I slowly breathe in the salty air and imagine the crashing of ocean waves.

Reading at the beach during my summer internship on Martha’s Vineyard

Your place may be entirely different or very similar. It doesn’t matter as long as it makes you happy. And do you want to know the best part? There’s no limit on your happy places! You can have one or one hundred, as long as you find peace.

I’d love to hear how you find peace and happiness. Do you have a “happy place” similar to Wendi’s? Or, an audible reminder like Debi’s? Or something else that reminds you to slow down?

_______________________________________

Emily Neal is an intern at Women on Fire®. A native of Greenville, SC, she will be a sophomore this fall at Vanderbilt University majoring in communications. Her favorite part of her job is meeting all the other Women on Fire and hearing their stories.

Filed Under: Inspiration, Strategies Tagged With: Debbie Phillips, Debi Lilly, Emily Neal, Grief, grief relief, my happy place, Wendi Knox, Woman On Fire, Women On Fire

Muddling through the heat!

by Debbie Phillips on July 2, 2012

Unless you are in Antarctica today — or Seattle or Portland — chances are you are roasting hot.

And, these extreme temperatures are expected to stay with us much of the upcoming holiday week in the United States. But never fear!

Because today’s SPARK! is a tip about a drink so delightful that you will be cooled down and cheered up just by looking at it.

Debi Lily Book
The Muddling Bar is featured in our own Debi Lilly’s brand-new book on entertaining. Debi’s book-signing table all set up. (Photos by Rob Berkley)
In just five, super easy steps we’re going to show you how to make this healthy, thirst-quenching cocktail or spritzer. It’s perfect for Fourth of July entertaining or if you’re like me, I’ve been drinking this special drink (sans alcohol) all day long today.

But first …

I had the pleasure of celebrating and honoring a Woman on Fire in our home. Debi Lilly, the founder and creator of A Perfect Event in Chicago, has spoken at our retreats and been a part of our community from Day One.

(She also has been a favorite and personal planner of Oprah’s for nearly 14 years!)

So it was only a natural that when Debi’s first book was published — A Perfect Event ~ Inspired, Easy Elegance for Every Occasion — we would host a book launch for her. And what an evening it was!

Several Women on Fire attended and one even sent chocolate! (Thank you, Melissa McClain in Seattle who needed a sweater today while the rest of us dripped with sweat;-)

Debi Lilly with muddled cocktail
Debi Lilly with her special, amazing drink in hand!

In typical Debi-style, she and her family whipped up mouth-watering, summer food from her new book and brought it on the ferry boat from Nantucket where she was vacationing to Martha’s Vineyard.

She arrived at our home and with grace and ease put together the party in an hour! Her dream is making your life’s celebrations — whatever they may be — easy and effortless. No one shows us how to do that better than Debi!

To quench your thirst and dazzle your friends and family the next time you entertain, here is how to create Debi’s Muddling Bar and drink.

Step 1: Fill glasses with your favorite fresh fruits

Step 2: Assemble your favorite fresh herbs — we chose this mint from our garden as well as thyme and rosemary

Step 3: Place everything on beautiful trays for your guests to create their own drinks

Debi Lilly Muddling a cocktail
Step 4: Select any or all of the fruits and herbs and mash with a wooden spoon into the bottom of a glass to create the “muddle.”

Debi Lilly pouring a muddled drinkl
Step 5: Pour Prosecco sparkling wine into the glass — and enjoy!

Optional Step 5: Instead of Prosecco, pour ice and sparkling water into the “muddle” and you can drink all day! I also used splashes of lemonade with the sparkling water to give it even more of a refreshing flavor.

Debbie Phillips with Muddled drink
Cheers! Happy Fourth of July this week to you and your family and friends.

What are ways that you keep cool in the heat? You are always welcome to share your tips and ideas in the comments section below.

Filed Under: Inspiration, Strategies Tagged With: A Perfect Event, Coctail, Debbie Phillips, Debi Lilly, Melissa McClain, Muddle, Muddling, Oprah, Women On Fire

It. Was. Magnificent!

by Debbie Phillips on October 3, 2011

The long-awaited Women on Fire Day in Columbus, Ohio is over.

And the joy from the love, inspiration, new and rekindled friendships, wisdom and great energy from the day still lingers. Proving once again that “isolation is the dream-killer” and we can do so much more in the company of each other than alone!

Nearly 150 women from 17 states ranging in age from teens to 80s came to Ohio for the day filled with inspiration, strategies and support.

Here are a few highlights from the day’s photos in this video by Jamie Eslinger.

Do you see yourself or recognize other Women on Fire in the video? No matter, I hope you will be uplifted to see so many women “on fire” in one room cheering on each other’s success!

Huge thanks to ALL of these Women on Fire for making the day so special:

* Jan Allen for organizing and hosting this amazing day at the gorgeous Franklin Park Conservatory.

* Keynote speaker — the one and only, five-time Emmy Award-winning producer, writer and star of her own show on SiriusXM — Janette Barber

* Panelists who spoke from their hearts about their lives: Liz Lessner, Debi Lilly, Mary Ellen Jones

* Women on Fire book co-authors who shared their stories from the book and gave an update on where they are today: Allison Barry, Lori Gagnon, Holly Getty, Mary Ellen Jones, Shannon McCaffery, Ginny Barney and Patti Wynn Brown.

* Our super-human and inexhaustible volunteers: Tandi Musuraca, Tricia Simpson, Angela Ittu, Kim Dettmer and Sandra Gurvis.

* During Women on Fire Day, Andrea Dowding was honored for coaching so many women to success. The day was dedicated to her for her unflinching determination to help women and girls share their gifts, strengths and talents with the world.

Since 2008, Andrea has led Women on Fire coaching groups and teas, along with Jerry Browning.

* Women on Fire and Sophfronia Scott presented the first annual Theo Scott Scholarship to inspiring, young entrepreneur Nicole Lovett. The award was in honor of Sophfronia’s sister Theo who died this past summer and had planned to attend Women on Fire Day.

* Thank you to photographer Nancy Lambert who deftly assembled 150 women to take that final amazing photo in the video!

Thank you so much for being a part of our powerful and ever-expanding circle of love, inspiration and caring.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: A Perfect Event, Columbus, Debbie Phillips, Debi Lilly, inspiration, Jan Allen, Liz Lessner, Mary Ellen Jones, ohio, strategies, support, Women On Fire, Women on Fire Day

You can’t stop a Woman on Fire!

by Debbie Phillips on September 18, 2011

Today I am introducing you to a Woman on Fire whose inspiring mid-career choice was one she might never have predicted or imagined. It happened because she was just following her heart.

Pier Boutin, of Housatonic, Massachusetts, was hiking in a mountainous village in Morocco last year when her eye caught the tiny figures of a little boy stumbling and his five-year-old sister helping him up as he fell down with each step.

The little boy had a serious and debilitating case of “club feet” and Pier, a mother and an orthopedic surgeon, was drawn to this little boy and knew she had to do something.

Dr. Pier Boutin with “Little Amed” at home in the Berkshires; his legs are in casts from his groin to his toes; only 4, and far from his home in Morocco, he rarely cries and brings such love and presence to his American family!

In the village, she met the little boy’s family who speak Berber. Through translators she explained that she could help him. In his village, a deformity such as his would prevent him from receiving an education or being employed.

Pier did what a Woman on Fire does. She returned to the United States and put to work every skill she possessed to change the course of life for this captivating and beautiful little boy she could not leave behind. Nothing would stop her then — or now.

She raised money, organized his many surgeries and medical care, made arrangements for travel (he and his father had never ridden in a car much less fly on a plane to the U.S.) and that’s just the beginning.

She and her husband Dr. Mark Hyman, who are already parents of four, prepared and opened their home to love, nurture and protect Little Amedduring his many months’-long stay and extensive medical care and recovery.

And, Pier has done it all with such gratitude for Little Amed’s parents, marveling that they would trust her with their precious child.

Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Pier Boutin and Little Amed
Drs. Mark Hyman and Pier Boutin joyfully playing with Little Amed who loves Superheroes especially Spiderman

These past few months since Little Amed has joined the Boutin-Hyman family , Pier sends regular updates about the little boy who has changedtheir lives.

When I see her emails in my inbox (and especially after I got to meet the amazing Little Amed last June), I always prepare for happy tears at the latest happenings with this darling child.

Here is an excerpt from Pier’s most recent update:

Little Amed is blossoming. He looks forward to school every morning. He chooses his clothes for school and helps me prepare his snack every night. He is so proud to hobble to class pulling his little backpack on wheels. At night, we have to hang his new drawings by his bed.

His teachers have integrated him and welcomed him wholeheartedly. The children, not only in his class, but in the entire school have followed suit. For example, Little Amed cannot run and play with a ball like the others, so one day he started to roll in the grass. The kids apparently thought this was so funny and fun! They all started rolling in the grass kicking their feet up laughing!

Little Amed is thrilled to attend school. I wish every child could attend class with the same enthusiasm.

And, here is what I mean about Pier living the life of a Woman on Fire. She is living full out and, in doing so, at every turn the universe has risen to help her:

The kindness and innate humanity always shines through hardships. Today, I mention one of so many people who have come forward to help Little Amed, Mohamed Zabian.

While in the mountains of Morocco, the “I love you” watch my husband gave me years ago fell apart. Upon my return (to the Berkshires), I immediately took it to Mohamed Zabian Jewelers.

While completing the paperwork, I mentioned I had a little boy with the same name at my house. I proceeded to explain how I came upon this wonderful little boy with clubfeet. Mr. Zabian asked to be added to my mailing list. As I left, I asked for directions to St. Mary’s School. I thought Little Amed should go to school, play with kids his own age, and learn to speak English.

Mr. Zabian knew St. Mary’s school had already started and there was a waiting list. Enrollment was complete and the school was expensive. Despite this, I decided I would plead Little Amed’s case to the school. Perhaps St. Mary’s would let him go there one or two mornings a week.

Mohamed Zabian instructed me to go home and he would call me about the school the next day. Well! He certainly followed through for Little Amed and me. The very next day, Little Amed enrolled at St. Mary’s full time with the tuition paid in full. Doesn’t it make your heart sing to hear of such generosity!

Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Pier Boutin, Debbie Phillips and Little Amed
Dinner at the Hyman-Boutin home is not only fresh from their garden as they promote good health for all but full of love and life with Little Amed in the house! (Photos by Rob Berkley)

You are welcome to read more inspiration and to follow Pier and Little Ahmed’s latest surgeries and adventures by going to these sites:

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Amed/146240092113654

Blog: http://helpahmedwalk.wordpress.com/

Info/donation page: http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com/little-mo-charity/

Here I am with Little Amed…I, too, fell in love with this little angel boy who will undergo further major surgery September 27. And, after his recovery, he will be able to run and play with all the other children!

And, last…

A huge and warm welcome to the many of you who’ve joined the SPARK!this week after hearing Janette Barber interview me on her show on Sirius XM or you read the profile that Capital Style Magazine EditorKristy Eckert wrote about Woman on Fire. We are so happy you are here!

Also, in less than two weeks, 150 women will gather in Columbus, Ohio for Women on Fire Day featuring keynote speaker Janette Barber, the Women on Fire book co-authors, and a panel featuring Debi Lilly, Liz Lessner and Mary Ellen Jones.

The event has sold out. I can’t wait to see all of you there!

I’d love to hear how the universe has risen to help you when you’ve lived your life “full out.” Please share your thoughts below in the comments section.

Filed Under: Inspiration, Woman On Fire Tagged With: Berkshires, club feet, Debbie Phillips, Debi Lilly, Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Pier Boutin, inspiring little boy, Liz Lessner, Mary Ellen Jones, orthopedic surgeion, Pier Boutin, Woman On Fire, Women On Fire

When loss happens far from home

by Debbie Phillips on August 10, 2011

On occasion, I’ll read a blog post that stops me in my tracks.

In this exquisitely touching tribute, our own Debi Lilly, writing from Paris, shares a wife’s heartache, a mother’s fierce love, a photographer’s eye and a daughter-in-law’s deep and abiding respect.

Debi takes us on a hauntingly beautiful and emotional journey of how she faced the day when the awful thing we fear happening happens – and we are thousands of miles from home.

Click here for Debi’s post

Have you faced a similar situation? How did you cope? What did you learn from the way Debi guided her children? Please share your comments below.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: children and grief, Debi Lilly, Grief, loss, Paris, Women On Fire

And, the holiday traditions winner is…

by Debbie Phillips on December 19, 2010

Wow.

I never expected this.

I now know you can never, ever choose just one winner in a contest filled with thoughtful, kind, caring, nurturing, generous and world-changing women. What ever was I thinking?

So, with great excitement I want to thank you all for your lovely, important, accessible, relatable, holiday celebration changing traditions, stories and comments. I poured over each and every one of them – my eyes tearing up, my heart filling with joy, and my list of new holiday, family traditions growing with every single post.

Debra Bachelder – Your Rockette kickline a la olives and toothpicks is hysterical!

Heather Wilson, Donna Kim-Brand and Lisa Aucoin – I, too, collect ornaments with each and every travel adventure. I will now think of you with each ornament I place on my tree next season, reliving all the worldly family jaunts and travels.

Vera Nicimpaye- The African celebration and rituals were amazing, transporting, and so inspirational to read.

Ashley Smith – I, too, grew up opening one single gift each Christmas Eve. Mine too was always pajamas – made by my grandmother out of Lanz flannel for every single aunt, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and family female to wear for our annual Christmas Eve family photo.

Dianne Phillips – You had me at Miracle Day…

Nan Katzenberger – Baby Jesus cake is one of my many new Women on Fire holiday traditions. Starting this week!

Lorna Bricco – I could picture the winter alphabet photo session like it was in my own backyard.

June Zeringue – Turkey Day Awards are on my 2011 Thanksgiving to dos. I help clients plan their holiday dinners too – and hope you don’t mind if I share this fantastic family celebration with them as well.

Malia Simpson, Melissa Brummerstedt, Anne Harmody and all the cookie bakers – I can’t think of a more perfect tradition than gingerbread house making and holiday cookie and coffee cake baking. I can’t imagine the holidays without picturing my entire four-generation family (and now my own children for a fifth generation) making gingerbread houses, and my darling Grandmother pressing her holiday-shaped butter cookies into green Christmas Trees, red wreaths, and more. These are still my very favorite sweet any day of the year.

And to Lindy Hudson – I loved your Santa story. I am also a believer – and my whole life long the tree will be laden with gifts from Santa. ‘Tis the season!

So, without further ado, my first place winner is…

Melissa McClain!

I read the post so many days ago, but I continue to see Melissa on Christmas Day, unable to stop picturing the little boy beaming with sheer joy over his new train, and. in turn. his mother beaming with gratitude.

It’s the perfect holiday story. Giving to those — even researching the most perfect model — for someone that you don’t even know. Melissa, your tradition goes down in my book right there next to “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

But I couldn’t stop there, because there were two others that again, I just couldn’t get out of my mind.

So I would like to announce a second place winner…

Sharon Harvey, your story of keeping the spirit of your whole family, while Daddy is away on duty, has stayed with me. I am in awe of your creativity (I need you on my team!) and brilliant hands-on activities to celebrate Dad both inside your home and on his ship at sea. Bravo!

And last, my third place winner (trust me I wish I could have 30 winners!)…

Alice Harra, the empty box under the tree is again the very essence of a Christmas tradition. I think it took me two minutes to place the very same under my own tree after reading your post. And about 10 minutes for my kids to excitedly fill it up for other children on Christmas morning.

Thank you, thank you to everyone. Our Valentine’s on Fire contest will be coming up next…and I personally cannot wait for more beautiful stories of love, compassion and life from all of you.

Cheers to happy holidays!

Debi Lilly

Chief Eventeur

A Perfect Event

3050 N. Lincoln Ave

Chicago, IL 60657

www.aperfectevent.com

This is a guest post by media personality and entrepreneur Debi Lilly, a Woman on Fire and a most sought-after event planner. In a contest she created for Women on Fire, Debi chose the winner of the 2010 Women on Fire Holiday Traditions.

Debi Lilly

Wow.

I never expected this.

I now know you can never, ever choose just one winner in a contest filled with holiday traditions from thoughtful, kind, caring, nurturing, generous and world-changing women. What ever was I thinking?

So, with great excitement I want to thank you all for your lovely, important, accessible, relatable, holiday celebration traditions, stories and comments. I poured over each and every one of them – my eyes tearing up, my heart filling with joy, and my list of new holiday, family traditions growing with every single post. Here are some honorable mentions:

Debra Bachelder – Your Rockette kickline a la olives and toothpicks is hysterical!

Heather Wilson, Donna Kim-Brand and Lisa Aucoin – I, too, collect ornaments with each and every travel adventure. I will now think of you with each ornament I place on my tree next season, reliving all the worldly family jaunts and travels.

Vera Nicimpaye– The African celebration and rituals were amazing, transporting, and so inspirational to read.

Ashley Smith – I, too, grew up opening one single gift each Christmas Eve. Mine too was always pajamas – made by my grandmother out of Lanz flannel for every single aunt, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and family female to wear for our annual Christmas Eve family photo.

Dianne Phillips – You had me at Miracle Day…

Nan Katzenberger – Baby Jesus cake is one of my many new Women on Fire holiday traditions. Starting this week!

Lorna Bricco – I could picture the winter alphabet photo session like it was in my own backyard.

June Zeringue – Turkey Day Awards are on my 2011 Thanksgiving to-dos. I help clients plan their holiday dinners, too — and hope you don’t mind if I share this fantastic family celebration with them as well.

Melissa Brummerstedt, Anne Harmody, Whitney Ferre and all the cookie bakers – I can’t think of a more perfect tradition than gingerbread house making and holiday cookie and coffee cake baking. I can’t imagine the holidays without picturing my entire four-generation family (and now my own children for a fifth generation) making gingerbread houses, and my darling Grandmother pressing her holiday-shaped butter cookies into green Christmas trees, red wreaths, and more. These are still my very favorite sweet any day of the year.

And, to Lindy Hudson – I loved your Santa story. I am also a believer – and my whole life long the tree will be laden with gifts from Santa. ‘Tis the season!

So, without further ado, my first place winner of the 2010 Women on Fire Holiday Traditions contest for her story of giving to a little boy she didn’t know and his mother is…

Melissa McClain!

I read the post so many days ago, but I continue to see Melissa on Christmas Day, unable to stop picturing the little boy beaming with sheer joy over his new train, and, in turn, his mother beaming with gratitude.

It’s the perfect holiday story. Giving to those — even researching the most perfect train model — for someone that you don’t even know. Melissa, your tradition goes down in my book right there next to “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

But I couldn’t stop there, because there were two others that again I just couldn’t get out of my mind.

So I would like to announce a second place winner…

Sharon Harvey, your story of keeping the spirit of your whole family, while Daddy is away on duty, has stayed with me. I am in awe of your creativity (I need you on my team!) and brilliant hands-on activities to celebrate Dad both inside your home and on his ship at sea. Bravo!

And last, my third place winner is (trust me I wish I could have 30 winners!)…

Alice Harra, the empty box under the tree is again the very essence of a Christmas tradition. I think it took me two minutes to place the very same under my own tree after reading your post. And about 10 minutes for my kids to excitedly fill it up for other children on Christmas morning.

Thank you, thank you to everyone.

(You can read all of the inspiring entries in the Comments Section below the post here.)

Our Valentine’s on Fire contest will be coming up next…and I personally cannot wait for more beautiful stories of love, compassion and life from all of you.