my soul craves

a place for stillness

growth

an open heart

gracious gratitude

my soul craves love

Distortion

As a woman there's no getting away from society's distorted obsession with the perfect body, the perfect face, the ideal weight, the 'look'. My daughter is on the precipice of adolescence and is trying to figure out how to 'be' in the world, perfect just as she is in this moment.

So many barricades ahead of her including her own friends, boys (& men), the media machine and Lady Gaga!

My daughter is thoughtful and curious and already has a strong sense of self and belief in who she is. But when she comes home from school asking me if she's ugly it breaks my heart.

For now I will be the mirror that reflects her beauty. The beauty I can see both inside and out until she can see it for herself without distortion, without the veil of self-hatred and ridicule. As I watch her in front of her bedroom mirror she looks at her profile from this side and that, frowning. Finally she grins at her reflection and at me watching her. Head cocked to one side she winks at herself and says ' hey there gorgeous'.

international women's day

INTERNATIONAL WOMeN"S DAY

the women of the world gather
to celebrate acheivements in social, economic and political areas.
As a Player in the Ruby Bloomers Women's Circus, I'd like to recognise the achievement of these Blue Mountains women -past and present- who have been involved in creating productions, characters and entertainment for nearly 8 years.
The Ruby Bloomer's Women's Circus uses circus based theater to express issues such as women's oppression, different roles of women in society and absurdities of womens life.
the women of Ruby Bloomer range in age from 18- 55, with some not starting their clowning life until their late 40's. The women, many mothers and working have enriched their own lives, inspired others and continue to grow in strength as they develop new skills and explore ideas.

THE WOMEN"S ROOM
Another Blue Mountains hub of women's social and creativity is born from one womans dream to help other woman, lost in the dreary routine of life, to discover their latent creative juices. For over 5 years the idea has grown to a much loved community hub, culminating in an annual festival and art show.

Birth Hour
the Blue Mountains Community Radio, bluFM 89.1 fridays 12-2pm: informing and empowering women to own their birth space.



these are just a few examples of the wonderful acheivements of women in the Blue Mountains.