Where in Missouri is Summer Thorp-Lancaster?

Those words, sung to the tune of that 80′s show “Where in the World is Carmen SanDiego?” theme song, have been echoing in my head the past couple of days.  Fair warning, it might get stuck in your head now too.  You’re welcome. 

When I was elected to serve you all, one of the goals I had in mind was to bring a more cohesive feel to the area groups.  We have spent so many years mobilizing all our efforts into legalizing midwives that our other ideas have gone untouched.  Now that we’ve crossed the biggest hurdle, we can settle in to help grow FoMM and support even more families.

Technology is a big boon to this effort.  I write here because I think it contributes to everyone feeling like they know me, instead of feeling as though I’m just some person out there in the big world.  I also think it helps keep us connected by having a reminder (whenever I manage to eek out a post!) of our common interest, home birth midwifery.

The other way I had hoped to bring a sense of connectedness was to travel to each area’s meeting at least once to introduce myself and see how each area functions.  Unfortunately, my husband did not share my same sense of “traveling Summer” while I was pregnant last year, nor did he like putting our one semi-reliable car into overdrive.  He acquiesced on many occasions, but I try to compromise (no snickering, dear).  Needless to say, my presence in places other than the Capitol has been non-existent.

But that’s about to change!  Carpooling opportunities (as well as fun visiting!) abound with my new neighbor, FoMM Legislative Chair Sarah Greek as well as an upcoming purchase of a new (to me), reliable vehicle that can tote my family everywhere.  Watch out!  I’ll be coming to an FoMM meeting or event near you….

Monday, January 9, Sarah and I will be attending the first meeting for the new Kansas City FoMM!  Be sure to visit their Facebook page for more details.

Saturday, January 14, I’ll be heading to St. Louis for the premiere screening of the new documentary by Alicia Hottle-Sippy, “Holistic Child Care: One Family’s Journey”.  This film documents life for one of FoMM’s own, the Meara family.  It’s sure to be informative and entertaining.

If you’re in either one of those areas, I hope to see you there!  If you have an upcoming FoMM event, meeting or other birth-related event you’d like me or another FoMM representative to attend, please email me at peacefulbeginnings1@gmail.com .