TwitterMom of the Week: Meet Kathy Arnos!

You'd have to be living under a rock to miss this country's growing green movement. It's everywhere -- from the loads of new, "natural" and organic products on store shelves to Earth Day celebrations at school, green themes playing out in movies and on primetime TV, in the blogosphere, and of course right here on TwitterMoms.

So, while green living is a red-hot topic today, there are some people who've been doing it for decades.

Meet Kathy Arnos, 54, married mother of a 24-year-old daughter and editor/producer/host of Eco Family News, a free e-newsletter, website and radio show based on the principles of her brainchild, the Whole Children, Whole Planet Expo, a natural parenting and family expo. (The next one is scheduled for April 2010 in the Los Angeles area.)

"Our goal is to provide families, friends, and professionals with a comprehensive resource," says Kathy, whom the LA Weekly dubbed "The Good Mother" in the 1990s. "We feature products, companies, organizations, sustainable practices and enrichment learning programs that support healthy, sustainable lifestyles for both children and adults – mind, body and spirit."

Kathy grew up in LA in the entertainment industry as somewhat of a "mascot" on the 'My Favorite Martian' set. In the early 80’s she went to work for socially conscious television producer Norman Lear, then married someone she met while doing wardrobe for Alice Cooper, became a porcelain doll maker, and gave birth to her daughter Danielle in 1985.

Wow. But this is where her journey really began.

"[My daughter] has been the most amazing teacher of my life," says Kathy. "She has taught me so much about myself, and life. She has been my challenge, and my gift -- the bittersweetness of motherhood." Her story is posted here, and it provides background on how Kathy got started on her healing and writing paths.

"I love to do exotic things and write about them," says Kathy. "I have an edible and medicinal garden and labyrinth in my back yard. I have been doing tai chi and sword for over 10 years. I sit on several advisory boards related to health and environmental issues. I am passionate about both of these subjects and work with schools, neighborhood councils, and other officials to help educate the community. And I love taking pictures!"

"I believe it is important to have a career working, playing and living your passion – and that is what I do," says Kathy. "Today everything I do is because I believe in the importance of being of service to others and myself. I love to inspire, educate, learn, and share with others the gifts and knowledge I have been blessed with. My daughter has been my teacher -- showing me a reflection of myself, from which I have been able to learn and grow."

Here's what Kathy says about her Faves:

"Oh my … My taste and favorites have changed over the years, so that is a hard one. I have always liked nature shows because they are so zen – but they are not my favorite. 'Ally McBeal' is one that comes to mind straight away. I just loved the absurdity of her truthful subconscious displays of insanity that are a part of all of us. Oh yeah, and my soap opera that I have been watching for 25 years – 'Guiding Light.' I started watching this when I was pregnant with my daughter and have basically taped and watched it almost every day since. Being a single mom I would work, work, work all day and then collapse at night in front of the TV. Bummed that the show will be going off the air this summer after 72 years – they were the first soap opera on television."


Lea Curtes-Swenson is a grateful, happy freelance copywriter and married mom of two little squirrels (oops, girls) living in Denver. You can find her at Lea Writes, LLC. And if you find yourself on I-80 between Denver and Minneapolis come June 19th, keep an eye out for a packed-to-the-gills minivan. Give us a honk!