codepink4peace.org ). Diane said she was amazed at the women who have just appeared out of the woodwork during the last week of planning with their generosity and joy.As they all escaped the rain by climbing into a temporary tent, while the DC police moved in to have it pulled down, Nina Utne, CEO of Utne magazine, a bit worried about embarking on a fast given her enormous work load said, 'I have decided to get involved in this peace vigil, and to fast, for the sake of my children. I don't want them, or any other mother's children, to be put in harms way for what I consider an unnecessary war.' Nina smiled and said, 'We feel like completely drowned rats but everyone is in such good humor and spirits. This was an auspicious beginning, all good things begin with the rain washing away what isn't needed.'Diane Wilson ended the kickoff by proclaiming, 'We will encourage more women to stand up and speak out. As our numbers grow, our voices will be heard.' To find out more and how you can participate: www.codepink4peace.org.?Jodie Evans, The Bad Babes and their Buddies