{ Volume XXIII, Number 4 } July & August 2008
A Publication of the Women’s Community Center of San Luis Obispo County
Cover art by Amber Furr
Day With Creative Women
Saturday, August 9, 2008 Mission Plaza, 10am-5pm 3 Day With Creative
5 Talk About It
4 Get Out
6 100 Years of the
Women Info
of “Overwhelm”
Halcyon Store
7
Voices Around the Table
8-11 Creative Women: Poems and Art
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Women’sPress
Dear Readers, Welcome to our second annual Creativity issue. This is not to say that other issues aren’t creative, but for the July-August issue we include even more creative content: short essays, stories, poetry, and images. Our inspiration for the creative character of the issue comes from the fact that the Day With Creative Women is celebrated at Mission Plaza in August, and the event is the annual fundraiser for the Women’s Community Center, our publisher. So enjoy this issue’s many creative offerings from the women in the county. I take this opportunity to announce that I have submitted my resignation as editor of the Women’s Press to the WCC, effective December of this year. After six years, I want to turn my time and attention to a book I am writing and time available does not allow me to write, perform my day job, and manage the paper. It’s time for me to move on and for someone else to step in and continue. So we are seeking a new editor and welcome any leads or offers to fill the job. As I look back on my work with the Press, it is the contact and conversations with you women that have enriched my life and made the job interesting and inspiring. I know that in leaving the paper, I am not leaving those connections and networks of women behind—you will still be there to expand my life and views. It’s just that I have come to the point where I want to enjoy you more in person, not in the pages of a paper. And what is my book about? It’s about how single middle-aged women can work together to build supportive community for the last stage of their lives, including options for living together, forming virtual community, and how to organize and finance the options. Our “retirement” will not look like that of our mothers; it will, in fact, not be a retirement, but a moving on to the next stage of our lives. What will that look like? How will we finance it? If you are interested in talking to me about the topic and would like to be considered for some focus groups I will be holding, contact me at kdbythesea@gmail.com. Enjoy your summer and be safe.
Wometn’s Press | July & August 2008 | womenspress.slo@gmail.com
Drum Circle Magic
Part Two: Feeling The Beat
By Francesca Bolognini In the first installment, I began by invoking a sense of the all-pervasive nature of rhythm. Now it is time to personalize the experience. You have a unique gift of rhythm that only you will contribute to the universe or your local drum circle. This exPression of self may be stimulated in an infinite number of ways, bringing your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual energies into focus for an equal variety of intentions. If your initial purpose for drumming is recreation, your approach will be light-hearted. In contrast, drumming is also an extremely effective method for mourning, recovering from and transcending great loss. In any case, one begins or joins the rhythm in a way that exPresses the internal and then goes beyond, allowing the Greater to enter and accomplish healing work. Rhythmic drumming dissolves the boundaries between self and other, creating Universal Consciousness. We instantly respond to rhythmic stimulus with our whole being, our brain waves aligning immediately through a principle of physics known as entrainment. Permit yourself to experience this effect within your body. If you own a drum, give it a single strike and let that sink in. If not, almost anything resonant will do. I own a wok lid with a particularly pleasant ring to it. Empty plastic water jugs became drums for joyful guests at a recent Solstice celebration. The vibration created by the first impulse to strike is internalized, motivating the next move. Take note of where within your body you feel this most. You will know when you find your personal instrument because it will resonate with you in a magnetic sort of way that will inspire, almost compel you to interact again. As you are drawn to continue, a shift in consciousness takes place.
Do not be concerned if you are not educated in a vocabulary of ethnic beats. This is essential only if you are planning on playing for a wedding ceremony in Kenya or a harvest festival on the Ivory Coast (I kind of know that beat), but not at all necessary to play a rhythm with friends on the beach, or in some back yard or living room on the Central Coast. After becoming familiar with where the heart of any beat resides, it is quite easy to learn to listen for the space in the rhythm that is yours to fill. What makes a rhythm a rhythm is a series of components that is repeated regularly. There will be an emphasis, some space and some filler. Be sensitive to the other players, listen as much as you play, and let your part be determined by what moves you. Jamming, as this is known among musicians, is a great way to get a feel for drumming. Should you be so inspired later on to learn some of the world’s classic rhythms, you could embark upon a great life study. Until next time, keep the beat!
Drum Circle Keeps Growing! I am happy to announce that we have 44 names on the list of women interested in drumming. We recently had 14 attend at our AG gathering and many were new faces. If you would be interested in joining us and getting notifications of upcoming gatherings, contact womensPress.slo@gmail.com. If you want to host the group at a certain location, let me know and I will notify the group. Almost half of the women on the list live in South County, so we will be especially having both scheduled and spontaneous get-togethers in this part of the county. Join us!
Women’s Community Center Board Angie King, President Sonia Paz Baron-Vine Robin Rinzler MAILING ADDRESS: Women’s Press Women’s Community Center 880 Industrial Way San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 805.544.9313 Managing Editor: Kathleen Deragon womensPress.slo@gmail.com Layout & Design: Benjamin Lawless Photographer: Lynda Roeller Distribution Manager: Charlene Huggins Advertising Team: Beverly Cohen, Carol Dawn, Benjamin Lawless
Submissions Welcomed!
Articles, essays, opinion pieces, letters, artwork, poetry wanted & appreciated. The Women’s Press reserves the right to edit all submissions for content, clarity & length. Contact womensPress.slo@gmail.com or call 805-544-9313. The opinions exPressed in the Women’s Press are those of the authors & do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Women’s Community Center. The Women’s Community Center does not necessarily endorse products or services advertised in the Women’s Press.
Evelyn Adams Barbara Atkinson Barbara Baltimore Dee Carroll MaryAine Cherry Kate Czekala Joy Davis Bailey Drechsler Anne Dunbar Cynthia Fatzinger Angela Henderson Margaret Hennessy Jane Hill Susan Howe
Heather Mendel Berta Parrish Adele Sommers Jill Turnbow Jacqueline Turner Andrea Zeller
Grandma’s Handbook By Bonnie Young Don’t walk under a ladder! Better toss pepper over your left shoulder! Grasping these floating gems in the world of Grandma Finnegan, I could avoid bad luck, maybe escape kissing a fool—if there was a fool who wanted to kiss me. Grandma ruled supreme—shared my bed, guided me down Federal Avenue in Mason City, Iowa: in and out of The First National Bank, J.C. Penney’s, Monkey Wards and sometimes, Damon’s. My favorite was the last stop, Woolworth’s Five and Dime. I didn’t expect any orange slices or toffee wraps— Ignore all those glass bins! At the rear of the store Grandma boosted me onto a red stool, greeted Mabel smiling behind the counter. “The same?” she cracked. I jiggled and twirled on the stool, as excited about this monthly event, as what was coming. Even now, “Egg salad on rye, pickle on the side,” sounds good to me.
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A Call For Artists, Musicians, Creative Business Women And Craftswomen For “Day With Creative Women,” Saturday, August 9, 2008
See the current etnertainment line-up on page 11 Calling all Creative Women! The Women’s Community Center of San Luis Obispo County invites you to participate in the 34rd Annual Day with Creative Women, to be held in Mission Plaza in downtown San Luis Obispo on Saturday, August 9, 2008. This event draws over 2500 people from all around the Central Coast and beyond, and features more than 80 vendors displaying their own creative arts. If you create art or handcrafted items, you are invited to display and sell your works. If you are creating something for sale, please submit pictures of your work with your application. Entertainers of all types will be performing throughout the day. Last year’s line-up included African dancers, Middle Eastern dancers, Hawaiian dancers, mimed folk tales by Fran Dukehart, singers Sheri O, Jennifer Young and Travis Larson, Karen Tyler, Jill Knight, and the Motowners. If you are a member of a woman-oriented band, let us know and we can make a spot for you! This year we encourage women in business to submit applications for a booth to market your creative skills. Please submit a short essay (no more than one page) describing how your business is creative and how it benefits women. Non-profit
Our mission is: • TO maintain an accessible center to collect and exchange information of interest and concern to women • TO organize and facilttate workshops, clinics, seminars, classes and support groups on subjects of interest and need • TO engage in and facilitate interaction among local, state and national agencies and organizations working to benefit women
organizations are also invited to reserve a booth to provide the community with information about your services. This event celebrates women’s creativity in all spheres. We realize many women have male partners and we welcome them. However, we do require that all booths be staffed by women during the event. Space on the Mission grounds is limited so reserve your booth now! For more information or booth space reservation, call the Women’s Community Center at 805-544-9313 or download the vendor application form from www.wccslo.org. Early-bird discount booth rates are $50 for non-profits, $80 for a single 8’ by 8’ space and $140 for a shared booth (2 or more vendors in one space). These rates increase after July 25, 2008. Day with Creative Women celebrates women’s creativity with music and entertainment, arts and crafts for display and sale, continuous entertainment, delicious food, and children’s activities, and is a fundraising event to benefit the Women’s Community Center of San Luis Obispo County, dedicated to the empowerment of women. For more information, check the website www.wccslo.org, call 805-544-9313, or email us at dwcw2008@aol.com.
Family Law Action Committee Dealing With Divorce 3rd Wednesday of each month – 7 PM Upcoming: July 16, August 20, and September 17 Talk with other women who have been there, done that in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. $10 donation
Call for Volunteers
Self-Represented Litigants’ Clinic
Hear ye, hear ye! The Women’s Community Center is looking for a few volunteers to help with several projects. We could use some help with general office duties and to monitor family court proceedings (Court Watch) We are still forming committees for our annual August fundraising festival: Day with Creative Women in Mission Plaza. Call the office at 805- 544-9313 or call Robin at 805-801-3235. Thanks!
4th Tuesday of each month – 5:30 PM Upcoming: July 22, August 26, and September 23 Get family law advice from local attorneys and/or paralegals. Reservations required. $40 donation Call 544-9313 for information
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The Time is Now! Day with Creative Women, 10 AM – 5 PM August 9, 2008 at Mission Plaza, SLO It’s that time of year again. I’m talking summertime, with long days, soft dusky evenings, the sounds of music and laughter in the air. I’m talking Day with Creative Women, the annual event in the Mission Plaza that you won’t forget or ever miss once you’ve been there. Our poster (the cover art) says it all– creative women enjoying the beautiful weather and scenery, enjoying the company of friends, listening to music, taking in all the sensuous sights and smells gracing the Mission Plaza with creative women’s arts and crafts. This is a magical time, when the reality of modern life, attendant stress and jarring sounds fall away as we soak up the energy of our talented sisters for the day. Over the years, this event has blossomed and evolved. It once was one of the only places in the Central Coast that a woman artist could have a public showing of her work – there just weren’t the galleries and art spaces there are today and women were not equally welcomed in the arts world. Some years, DWCW was actually 2 days, and some years it was even 2 weekends!
This year it is one day, August 9, from 10 AM to 5 PM, a non-stop day of art, music, food, and children’s activities, featuring women in business as well as the arts. Over 80 vendors and non-profit agencies are expected to exhibit, including a number of creative women in businesses providing a range of services for county residents. Come join us and experience the exuberance and warmth of spirit that creative women bring to share. Attendance is free. You will be awestruck by the intricate designs of the jewelers and potters; amazed by the audacity of artisans in fibers and cloth; pleased by the variety of foods for your palate; amused by the wonder the children bring to their own area to create their own art, or to interact with the petting zoo animals. Day with Creative Women is a fundraiser for the Women’s Community Center, a non-profit agency serving women and their families in San Luis Obispo County. For more information, contact 544-9313 or DWCW2008@aol.com.
Women’s Equality Day
August 26, 2008, 6 PM Meadow Park, SLO
Thirty-nine words. Thirty-nine words that changed the face of American politics. “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.” That’s it – the entire 19th Amendment to the US Constitution, which passed in an all-male Congress in 1920. And what a difference those words have made. In the intervening years, we have had women governors, local representatives, and some US Representatives, and eventually some US Senators (at one time there were 8); in 1984 Geraldine Ferraro was nominated to be vice president. And now we have strong competent women running for all the offices – from President down to city councils. What does that feel like? Is it different running now than before Bush? Are the voters more receptive to women’s issues? Each year to commemorate this event, NOW celebrates Women’s Equality Day, by national resolution since 1971. Four years ago we had a panel of local women in pol-
itics and this year, another big election year, we are presenting another aspect of women in politics. While Hillary couldn’t work our event into her schedule, we do have a number of women in office, retired from public office, and seeking office joining us to talk about how it feels, as a woman, to be a politician today. San Luis Obispo chapter of the National Organization for Women presents an interactive discussion among women politicians in San Luis Obispo county, probing some of the overt and tacit assumptions people make about women candidates, the effects of the sexism in our culture as exPressed in the media, the problems of finding child care, how running for office has changed (or not) in the last 10 years, and whatever other topics are raised by the panel and the audience. Join us at Meadow Park Community Center on Tuesday, August 26, 2008, at 6 PM for this free event, open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Bring your friends and your comments.
Women’s Press Seeks New Editor Our current editor is resigning in December, and the Women’s Press is seeking another woman to take the reins of managing the paper. The job is a volunteer position. A manual that overviews the processes, tasks, resources, and contact information for doing the work will be available to guide you. You will be working with a small advertising team, a distribution manager, and a layout designer. Proofreaders are available. You will have the opportunity to meet interesting and committed women writers and community figures. Here briefly is a list of job duties: • Confirm print dates • Set themes (or not); enrich current content; create new content categories • Send out e-mail soliciting content and notifying distribution manager and advertising team of print date
• Arrange for cover art • Monitor submissions, which includes communication with writers as needed • Edit submissions (or arrange for editing) • Send to layout designer with content list • Proof PDF files of layout (or arrange for proofing) The paper comes out every two months, so the bulk of the work occurs the last two weeks before printing, usually at the end of the month. The paper’s website needs to be developed, so one future task could be to work with someone to enrich the website. A database also needs to be developed. Choose to work alone. Build an editorial staff. Form an editorial collective. The outgoing editor is available to answer your questions. Contact her at womensPress.slo@gmail.com.
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WomenatWork
Wometn’s Press | July & August 2008 | womenspress.slo@gmail.com
Are Men Welcome at the Women’s Business Partners’ Center? By Andrea Zeller Men often ask me if Mission Community Services Corp. (MCSC) and/or the Women’s Business Partners’ Center (WBP) allow men to access our services. The answer to this question is a resounding yes! The reason we call attention to women lies in basic Marketing 101 theory. MCSC’s WBP Center program’s primary target market is Latinas because they are growing businesses at six times all others in our nation. Second, women in general are growing business at twice the rate of men. By focusing on these target markets, MCSC hopes to generate the highest potential economic growth and wealth in our community. While we focus on providing specialized services to a particular market niche, women, we also we value and treasure the potential men offer to economic growth. Marketing is how you define, promote and distribute your product, and how you maintain a relationship with your customers. The true compass of marketing is people – ultimately your business succeeds best when you are in touch with and are responsive to your customers’ needs. Marketing theory is made up of the 5 P’s; Product, Positioning, Place, Price, Promotion. Product is what (items or services) you have to offer to the customers, understanding your product from the customers’ point of view. Women in general are more relationship focused and like to bounce ideas with others before they arrive at solutions. So WBP’s services are very relationship oriented yet at the same time, focused on bottom line results. Positioning is how your target market defines you in relation to your competitors. MCSC gives basic, step-by-step skills and resources to elevate visions into successful ventures, simplifying the complex and making opportunity accessible to all. Place, or distribution channel, is the method for making your product or service available to the consumer. MCSC uses relationships, classrooms, professional coaching and mentorship programs to build skills, knowledge, and networks that enhance opportunities for success. Price is the amount of money charged for a product or service or the value exchanged for the benefits of the product or service. As a non-profit tax exempt organization, MCSC structures its pricing formulas on a graduated scale based upon household income and family size thus allowing low to moderate income individuals easier access to MCSC’s important programs. Promotion is the specific mix of advertising, personal selling, sales promotion, and public relations a company uses to pur-
sue its advertising and marketing objectives. Because MCSC’s target market is largely relationship based, our strongest promotion method by far is word of mouth. Successful MCSC clientele continuously tout praise and give examples of successes as a direct result of their experiences with MCSC programs. As you consider the five “P’s� of MCSC’s marketing approach, it is clear to see why women are easily attracted to our services. But here’s what some of our male graduates have to say about MCSC: “After several years of small business struggle, the Vision to Venture course provided a tremendous amount of information that has helped us focus, organize and problem solve. The course was a great opportunity to help our business grow.� Sean Beauchamp, Founder of Southpaw Sign Company, Inc. “The MCSC is a valuable community business resource and the Vision to Venture class, in particular, was perfect in assisting me to prepare a well thought-out business plan.� Jeff Marcove of Marcove Executive Training The Women’s Business Partners’ Center, hosted by MCSC under a grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration Women’s Business Center Program, offers all its programs and services to the entire community. Call today and see how we might help you achieve your entrepreneurial dreams! . Andrea Zeller, Executive Director of Mission Community Services, coordinates Women’s Business Partners (WBP) to ensure all community resources are leveraged and optimized to support entrepreneurial women. WBP serves everyone interested in establishing selfsufficiency through small business ownership. WBP can take you step by step towards success and can help those who speak only Spanish. Visit www.MCSCorp.org or call 595-1357 to find out more.
Treating Children with Autism / Sensory Disorders
Lawrence Bardach, OTR / L
Pediatric Occupational Therapist ! www.Playpaththerapy.com
805-481-7529
Handling Q&A After Presentations By Dianne Legro What do you do when, at the end of your presentation, you ask if anyone has questions and no one raises a hand? Not to worry, there are several fixes for this that create easy audience interaction. We need to remember first, that audience members are shy, too! They don’t want to risk looking foolish in front of anyone any more than we do. So they may keep quiet when you invite their interaction and then ask you their question after you finish your talk. Here is one great technique I use all the time and teach to my clients to solve it. Do this: • Memorize three questions that you have heard in the past or that you think your audience might like to know about but maybe would feel sensitive to ask. • Rehearse the questions and the answers as if they are part of your talk and have them ready. • When you ask your next audience if they have any questions and no hands go up – Smile and say this, “While you are thinking about the question you want to ask, let me share with you a few questions I am frequently asked that might help you. A lot of have people have asked me _____.â€? (My own example is: A lot of people ask me how I work with my clients.) “And what I tell people is _____.â€? (My example: I work with clients one on one in person or by telephone. Both are equally successful. I help craft their unique message and help them deliver it with success.)
This way, you break the ice and give them the time they need to warm up their courage to ask you their question. You may need to do this twice, with two questions. And if they still haven’t asked you one, then you smile and say “GREAT! That means I was completely clear! I am so glad!� Big hint, ask questions that you want them to know the answer to!! This technique works to your great advantage for another reason as well. You can bring up specialized information about your business that they will hear in a fresh way because they are not feeling “presented� to. Be honest, be real, be sincere in helping them over their shyness. Dianne Legro is a national speech coach to individuals and corporate groups. She is a keynote speaker and will help you to speak like a pro and increase your business. Contact her at Dianne@diannelegro.com.
How to Get Out of “Project Overwhelmâ€? By Adele Sommers It’s two weeks before the deadline, but your project is at least six weeks behind! Everyone is sweating bullets. As project leader, you’re wringing your hands. A volcano of surprises has erupted since the project launched three months ago. And in contrast to everyone’s prognostications, no one foresaw the lava flow of trouble ahead. So what in the world can you do? Couldn’t you try a last-minute, heroic maneuver? Well, you could, but should you? A misconception about projects is that you can remedy every late delay by adding people or increasing effort. In certain cases, you can. In others, adding people at the eleventh hour — or working 24/7 at a frenzied pace — brings chaos, frustration, and errors. This article explains how to get out of “project overwhelmâ€? and restore sanity to your endeavor. It’s time to get real, regroup, and swiftly chart a new course. It’s time to reframe success! Reframe success? What exactly does that mean? Well, initially, you and your team defined a set of requirements for completing the project. There were four types of criteria involved (some of which may have been simply implied): • Time (the speed or schedule for doing the work) • Cost (in terms of the funding, the resources, or a combination) • Quality (how well the effort needed to be done) • Features (how many components or deliverables there were, and how complex) On this project, however, it seems you’ve run into a common situation in which the features (and perhaps quality) have collided with time. Too much to get done on too short a schedule. So the “disconnectâ€? in
your situation is that you won’t be able to complete everything you started out to do per the original schedule. The answer is not to hide behind your desk; it’s to re-plan the tail end of the project so you can smoothly carry over the unfinished tasks to a later phase. Here is a simple but effective strategy for applying this sanity-saving approach. Review all outstanding tasks and requirements, then sort them into these categories: #1 “Must-have� within the remaining schedule, because you need them very soon #2 “Nice-to-have� within the remaining schedule, but they could be carried over to the next agenda #3 Can’t do yet, even if you wanted to, as there isn’t enough information available Review this reprioritized list with your team and management, making any changes needed. If you execute your plan accordingly, you’ll sleep soundly again at night! Adele Sommers, Ph.D. is a business performance consultant who helps entrepreneurs align their life passions with their business purpose. She also guides organizations through “tactical tune-ups� and “strategic makeovers� in individual or group sessions. Contact her today for a free initial consultation at Adele@ LearnShareProsper.com, or 805-462-2199.
5 A Loved One’s Guide To ‘Talking About It’:
Sexual Assault By Ali Hatcher, SARP Center Education Services Coordinator
W
e understand that sexual assault can be very difficult to talk about. Because of this we are usually not prepared when someone we care about experiences sexual violence. It is at this time that our response becomes an integral part of their healing process. There are important things to understand about a survivor of sexual assault in order to best help them. Every survivor is unique in their experience, reaction, and healing process. However, there are common feelings that almost all survivors experience at some point, and responses that they find comfort in. There is no blueprint for the way an individual will react to sexual assault. However, survivors commonly report going through similar phases of recovery. This process is called Rape Trauma Syndrome. The first phase is “The Acute Stage” where a survivor experiences a wide range of emotions and physical reactions immediately after rape. Common feelings include fear, humiliation, guilt, shame, anger, revenge, disbelief, shock, and feelings of powerlessness. The survivor is being constantly haunted by the memory of the assault. The second phase is “Denial” and is characterized by the desire to go back to the way things were before the assault. Survivors may say things like “I want to pretend it never happened, I just want to move on with my life.” This period may last months, years or in some cases, a lifetime.
The final phase is “Healing and Resolution.” In this phase, the survivor may experience strong flashbacks, nightmares or the resurfacing of emotions from the assault. Generally during this time they will start counseling and begin to recover. Eventually, a stronger, more self reliant and confident individual emerges. As a friend or significant other, all of these stages can be extremely difficult to watch your loved one go through. It is common for friends to feel helpless. It can also be hard when the survivor disconnects or isolates herself. Instead of taking this personally, we must be patient and understanding of their behavior. When talking to a survivor, there are three very important things to remember: First, never blame her. She has already blamed herself. Typically we don’t intend to blame, but by questioning their behavior, we can sound judgmental. Avoid asking questions like “Why did you walk home alone?” or “Why were you hanging out with those people” or “Why did you drink so much?” or “Why didn’t you yell or fight back?” Everyone has the right to live without the fear of rape. Survivors need reassurance that no matter what their actions were, it was not their fault. Second, believe her. Not being believed may have been her biggest fear about telling someone else. The decision to share this information is huge and a vital part of the recovery process. It can be especially hard
for the survivor when the perpetrator is someone she knows, either in her family or social network. When survivors aren’t believed, they experience it as if they are being re-traumatized. Lastly, empower her. Every victim of sexual assault experiences some degree of powerlessness. An assault takes away one’s right to choose. When we begin making decisions for her, we are contributing to those feelings of powerlessness. Instead, we can offer options and resources then support any decision she makes. In doing this we must also remember to be patient, allow her to heal at her own pace, and support that entire process.
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he Sexual Assault Recovery and Prevention (SARP) Center’s mission is to transform the lives of sexual assault survivors, their families and the community through hope, healing and empowerment. Their vision is to create a world that is free of sexual violence. They are contributing articles regularly addressing issues around sexual assault. The SARP Center has been serving SLO County for over 31 years. We offer a 24-hour crisis hotline, counseling, advocacy/accompaniment, education, and self defense. All services are free, anonymous, confidential, and available to survivors or significant others, ages 12 and up. For more information contact the SARP Center at 805-545-8888 or online at www.sarpcenter.org.
A Daughter’s Way: A Short Story By Anne Schroeder
D
anya, my precious child, he is your Papa. There is nothing to be gained from your tantrums. Do you hear me, Danya? Stop this now. Danya, it does no good, Daughter. He is your Papa. So long you have followed in my shadow, watching me with the babies. So much the helper. Only, now, I think how angry you have become. Can you not stop? So many bad words come from your mouth, Danya. I won’t have it. The little ones, they need their sleep, too. And the neighbors? What must the neighbors think? Papa is shamed at the noise you make, when the world thinks to sleep and our house is filled with the noises of the day. You must obey him, Danya. He is your Papa. Someday you will be grown, with a family like ours, and you will know how hard it is to have such a daughter who refuses to see the way of it. Stop, daughter, or Papa will get the lash again and this time he means to use it. It leaves stripes, this I can tell you. Stripes upon your legs that will cause questions at school and trouble for your Papa and me. Stop now, before the authorities come to cause trouble. Too many questions—already the neighbors ask about the screaming in the night. So much do you resist, my Danya. Come, lean your head against Mama and let me soothe your brow, here, where sweat dampens your curls until they kink like the Gullah woman at the ice cream parlor. Do you remem-
ber her, Danya, the bright orange robes she wore, the rings fixed upon her fingers like twists of wire? Hush, girl, and I will twist a wire ring for your finger. No? What is it you want, my precious? I would give you anything to make you smile as you used to, while I heat the olive oil and add the eggplant, slowly, so not to toughen the flesh. So many things we cook together, do we not, my Danya? There, that is better. You are calmer. A woman now, Danya. Your body does not lie about these things, and everyone can see that it is true. Uncle Rehar, he mentions it to Papa only last week, that you have become a woman. Stop the sobbing. Papa waits and the hour is late. Come. I will lie beside you. Do not cry to me for help because I cannot, Danya. I cannot! Don’t ask it of me or you will get the strap, the same as I did. See? See the scar? I have it still, in the soft skin behind my knee, where it is hidden by the skirt that I wear, always. Do you want a scar for all time, Danya? Do you? No—you do not want something this hideous, something that will remind you every time you look at it! Every time your hand passes across your body, you will remember what it was like—this time and all the others. Without the scar, the memories will fade. If only I do not have this to remind me. This hateful scar that aches so. Sometimes I wake in the night because I dream that I am on fire.
The scar is the thing, Danya! You must never fight. Never! Promise me on the memory of your grandmother. Promise now. I will lie beside you in the bed and I will pray. My prayers will rise to Heaven. So strong my lips will form the words that I will send prayers roaring like a wind through the trees. Do you hear me, Danya? I will squeeze my eyes so tight that they will be sealed, welded shut so that the night cannot tear them open. You think that I am weak? A silly woman with no spine? Do you know what it costs me to bite my tongue and to keep my silence? You think I don’t want to find a better way? What is it that I tell him? What is it he is to tell Uncle Rehab when the question is asked? How I have tried to ignore the signs, to think of you as my little girl still, even to convince your Papa. But Uncle Rehar, he knows. They all know, Danya. And so do you. Come, Daughter, it is time. Climb into bed beside Papa and be still. You are a woman now. Uncle Rehar was saying so, only last week.
A
nne Schroeder’s inspirational memoir, Ordinary Aphrodite, is a baby boomer’s reflection of the Social and Sexual Revolutions of the past 40 years. She will be selling her books at Day for Creative Women. A percentage of sales will benefit battered women.
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LocalPerspectives
Wometn’s Press | July & August 2008 | womenspress.slo@gmail.com
A Nurturing Conversation By Jeanie Greensfelder Last December I spoke with a friend and teacher who asked, “What do you want in the new year?” “To feel good,” I hazarded. I hated that kind of question. “Great,” he said, “what would make you feel good?” “For my neck not to hurt.” “Oh,” he said, “that won’t do. If it’s not your neck, something else might annoy you. I’m lucky. The thing that makes me happy is stupid jokes and my brain provides a constant supply of them.” He smiled and continued. “A scientist might have a happy life with three breakthrough moments. An opera diva might need a dozen accolade moments per hour to feel good. How many moments do you need in a day for it to be a good one?”
I felt stupid but said, “How about ten?” “Good,” he said, “how about one every waking hour? If we look back on fulfilled days when we die, we’ll feel satisfied with our lives.” After our talk I discovered my source of happy moments is a smile. The impact of that facial exPression amazes me. An instant endorphin, a smile alerts me to look and make a joyful moment happen. I smile at flowers, leaves, my husband, traffic lights, and at being alive. Such abundance. Through colds, aches, and pains, I insist on my ten plus happy moments and I am grateful. “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. What we do with this hour, and that one, is what we are doing.” Annie Dillard What signal works for you to alert you to have a good, special moment?
Halcyon Store’s Authors’ Festival By Anne Peterson Twenty-some local authors set up their tables under the old walnut trees behind the 100+ year old Halcyon Post Office and Store. The first-of-its-kind event was sponsored by Susie Clark, proprietor of the Post Office/Store, who admitted that she needs help with publicity. A small contingent of viewers and buyers found ample opportunity to talk with the authors as they all enjoyed the cool Saturday weather on June 26th. Many history writers displayed their works. Mary Moses featured her Morro Bay Remembers, vols. 1 & 2. In addition, she displayed No More Baglady Fears and 52 Ways to Manage Your Money, which should probably appear with other Self-Help books but what should I do with a crossever? Altogether, Mary has written 9 books: 4 novels and 5 nonfiction books. She often pairs up with Judy Martindale. Gordon Bennet displayed his history of Arroyo Grande (written with John Loomis), The Old Days, illustrated with fine photos. Anita Shower showed her history of Grover Beach, one of Arcadia Publications’ series of 4001 titles, Images of America. Norm Hannond wrote the definitive narrative of the creative, marginal people who lived in the Oceano dunes in the ‘20’s and ‘30’s, The Dunites. He has followed it up with a history of Oceano. Both are illustrated with old photos. Loren Nicholson regaled onlookers with fascinating narratives of old-time trains and planes as he displayed his historical books, Rails Across the Ranchos and Romualdo Pacheco’s California and Carrillo’s Defiant Daughters. Irene Kooi Chadwick wrote of the history of the Dutch Immigrant settlement of Iowa in Iowa Images. She also showed her volume of poems, Dawn Pearl. Gordon Snider’s history appeared in the form of historical fiction with his novels, Sigourney’s Quest and The Separatist, adventurous creations from the past. There were also several Self-Help books. Phyllis Davies published the notebooks she wrote after the death of her 13-year-old son in a plane crash, Grief, the Climb Toward Understanding. She has gone though several printings, meeting people here and in her travels who have been helped by her work.
Several hospice organizations have used her book. Ken Helfant, a retired psychologist and teacher, wrote a practical exercise book, Questions to Grow By, A Path to Emotional Maturity. Holly Ziegler’s Buy Your Home Smarter with Feng Shui and Sell Your Home Faster with Feng Shui seem to be full of timely advice and help. Daya Sarai Chocron gives healing help with Crystals and Gemstones, Healing the Heart, and The Healing Power of Seashells. She also has a line of healing essences. Suzan Vaughn, psychic counselor, has books taken from notes from her experiences with people and animals, Pages From a Pet Psychic’s Notebook and Dispatches From the Ark. She has years of experience as a psychic guide. The rest of the authors displayed their books, which were unique. Kevin Patrick Sullivan, noted local poet, showed his latest work, The Space Between Things. Nancy Walter’s little books for small children, Bumpsie’s Neighborhood and Bumpsie’s Garden are delightfully colorful and full of illustrations designed to stimulate children to want to read. There are many appealing three-dimensional aids, too. Susanne Champeau’s short story, “Les Soeurs en Crime,” appears in the anthology, Gone Coastals, published by the local Sisters in Crime Chapter. Janine Carter displayed her book This Is a Good Day to Live. Marion Wolff’s memoiric book is Shedding Skins. Mel Warner’s soulful book about butterflies all over the world, A Butterfly World After All, had lovely illustrations. Cecelia Frances Page had an array of books from her 34-publications of fantasy, romance and other fiction genres, one of which was Awesome Episodes. Ella Thorp Ellis, the only surviving Dunite, showed her books of fiction, Swimming With the Whales, Riptide, and The Year of My Indian Prince. She has written 9 and has 3 more in the works. The authors’ gathering, in its pleasant surroundings, was delightful and somewhat rewarding to the writers, since many sold books, even though the crowd was meager. With more robust publicity, another such event might be even more successful.
Michelle Bachelet, Chile’s Woman President By Sonia Paz Baron-Vine Although here in the USA we have lost our bid for a woman to be the first president, my birth country, Chile, elected a wonderful smart woman as president two years ago. I am proud to be her friend. Here is a picture of us, taken on her last visit to the USA on June 13 of this year. Michelle Bachelet was born in Santiago, Chile in September 29, 1951. She is the mother of three children, ages 26, 21, and 12. She is a medical doctor a surgeon, with graduate studies in military sciences. In addition to Spanish, she speaks English, German, French, and Portuguese. Her mother, Ángela Jeria, is an archaeologist. Her father, Alberto Bachelet, was a General in the Chilean Air Force. He was later imprisoned by the military junta that deposed the democratic elected President of Chile, Salvador Allende. General Alberto Bachelet died in prison in 1974 of a heart attack as a result of the strain on his body from the torture to which he was submitted. Michelle Bachelet and her mother were also arrested by the military junta and imprisoned and tortured as well. Once freed, Bachelet and Jeria traveled to Australia as exiles. From there, they continued on to East Germany, where Michelle Bachelet studied German, in Leipzig, and then enrolled at Humboldt University medical school in Berlin. While living in Germany, she married a fellow Chilean exile, architect Jorge Dávalos.
Sonia Paz Baron-Vine and President Bachelet
Returning To Chile. In 1984, she returned to Chile and worked to restore democracy. During this time, she consulted for the Pan-American Health Organization, the World Health Organization, and the German Technical Cooperation Agency (GTZ). In 1994, she joined the Health Ministry as a consultant on primary care and healthcare services management issues. She was Minister of Health in 2000 under the first democratic government. Later she was the first woman Minister of Defense. First Woman President. On October 1, 2004, Dr. Bachelet stepped down as Defense Minister to run as a presidential candidate. Following a 438-day presidential campaign, she and her three contenders squared off at the polls on December 12, 2005. She received a massive, but not yet decisive, 45.95% of the popular vote. On January 15, 2006, a final election runoff vote was held, and Michelle Bachelet won with 53.5% percent of the vote. After 476 days on the stump, she became the first woman in Chilean history to hold the highest office in the land.
Halcyon Store Celebrates 100th Anniversary By Barbara Ricardo The Halcyon Store and Post Office will be 100 years old in August and will celebrate all month long starting with an open house on August 6, complete with barbeque, refreshments, raffles, store-wide discounts, old picture albums, diaries, and more. On this date, the store will change hands, making Jennie Foremaster, daughter of Susie Clark, present proprietor, the new owner and postmaster of The Halcyon Store and Post Office. The store has changed hands only nine times in its 100-year lifespan, Susie, being the longest owner at 24 years. As all new owners have done, Jennie will put her own particular vision into the store. Although she plans some exciting new changes, she will keep the “community aspect” of the store. Some entries from History of the Halcyon Store, Post Office, and Library September 1993, compiled from writings of Joyce Hedin, the store’s proprietor from 1957 to 1971, reveal the following. “The store and post office date back to 1908, although the original building, which housed the store, stood about one block north of where it stands now. It came into being in response to a request made by The Temple of the People, a philosophical, religious, and ethical society, which established its headquarters on this coast in 1903. In August 1908, the following announcement appeared in the Temple Artisan, official publication of The Temple of the People: The general Post Office Department at Washington, D.C. has granted our application for a post office which is now established under the name of Halcyon. Therefore, from this time on, all Temple mail should be addressed to Halcyon, San Luis Obispo County, California. No mail should hereafter be addressed to Oceano. When the Oceano Depot was a mail drop, Herman Volz, a long time resident of Halcyon, was employed as mail carrier. When Volz arrived in Halcyon in 1920, Edgar Cheatham was mail carrier. Herman recalled the familiar sight of the old man in his cart, pulled by his ancient white horse, bumping along over the sandy hill road to the Oceano railroad station
where he met the mail train twice a day. (Herman had a Model T flatbed truck).” On September 1, 1983, Susie Clark (present owner) officially took over proprietorship of the Halcyon Store and Post Office, with a mixture of anticipation, excitement, and apprehension at the large responsibility awaiting her. She began right away putting her special touches and particular brand of energy into what was by now a rather venerable institution, and through her tender loving care, it has grown to what it is today. All the owners have worked hard to create an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, so that those who come to do business go away feeling a little better than when they came in. It always was, and still is, a place where neighbors meet while collecting their mail from old- fashioned mailboxes on the wall. There is no home mail delivery in Halcyon, so all residents must come to the Halcyon Post Office. Postal customers from everywhere are called by name and treated as friends. The store customers are welcomed with smiles and offered any help they might need in finding just the right gift for themselves or someone else. Friends meet to shop or sit and have coffee or a cold drink and snack and visit, either at the small table under the window inside the store, or on the patio table outside under the walnut trees. It is a step back in time where things are slower and quieter and softer. The store always smells good and shopping is actually fun, as the store carries gift items not readily found elsewhere. A lot of stories have gone through the Halcyon Store and Post Office in the past 100 years. Hopefully, a lot more will pass through in the next 100 years. It will be exciting to see what happens when the new owner begins her tenure. Knowing Jennie, it will be inspiring.
Voices
July & August 2008 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press
Voices Around the Table: Heather Mendel I take the time to play with new ideas and materials, walk out in nature, listen to beautiful music and converse with other creative friends. Evelyn Adams I collect interior and craft books and visit galleries and art shows. Not to copy, which is counter creative, but it helps transport me to my creative zone. Most nurturing is my collaborative work with eco-artisans, for our creative synergy. Barbara Atkinson I nurture my creativity with stillness and a quiet mind, by writing questions to myself, and by walking and reveling in nature. Jill Turnbow By putting it on the stage. I’m blessed to be part of a theatre company (Houselights Theatre) and I enjoy challenging myself with projects I’m not sure I can do and then watching it all come together. Sonia Paz Baron-Vine I remind myself that the arts, painting, writing or singing are like riding a bike...it just comes back to you. All I have to do is grab some silk and do a painting, or sit in my garden under the trees and the poems will come along a melody....
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What do you do to nurture your creativity?
Delia Horwitz I make sure I have enough quiet, inner time to listen to my creative impulses, then make sure there is some space on the calendar so I can act on those impulses. Sometimes dancing as I clean the house or do a chore will feed my creative urge--at least for a little while. Know what feeds my creative needs, and make sure a
few of them actually get scheduled and experienced. I do something ordinary in a different way. Anne Dunbar I create space for my creativity. I take time out. I provide materials and let the juices flow! Roberta Kay I never thought I had artistic creativity due to a second grade teacher who insulted and laughed at my efforts. At 60, I overcame that life-long hang up when my dear friend, artist Simone Viola, introduced me to silk painting. It was easy to learn, quite fulfilling and fun!
Where to find Women’s Press
All Libraries and the following exceptionally fine establishments! • NORTH COUNTY: Atascadero – The Coffee House and Deli, Starbuck’s at Von’s Plaza, Green Goods, Player’s Pizza, Harvest Health Food Store, North County Connection, Senior Center, Women’s Resource Center/Shelter Office, Curves. Paso Robles – Cuesta College North Campus, Café Vio, Curves, DK Donuts, Panolivo French Cafe, NCI Village Thrift Shop, Paso Robles Health Foods; Templeton – Twin Cities Hospital, Templeton Market & Deli, Affinity Chiropractic, Kinship Center, Jobella’s Coffee; Santa Margarita– Santa Margarita Mercantile. • NORTHERN COAST: Baywood – Coffee & Things; Cambria – Cambria Connection, Cambria Pines Lodge, Chamber of Commerce, Gym One, 7 Sisters, Azevedo Chiropractic, Lilly’s, Alloco’s, Cambria Drug and Gift, Bob & Jan’s Auto Shop, Linn’s, Donna’s Nail Salon, Cookie Crock, Rainbow Bean and Coffee Shop; Cayucos – Cayucos Super Market, Kelley’s EsPresso & Dessert, Ocean Front Pizza, Chevron Station, Mobile Balloons; Los Osos – Starbuck’s, Baywood Laundry, Cad’s, Carlock’s Bakery, Chamber of Commerce, Copa de Oro, Garden Café, Los Osos Deli Liquor, Volumes of Pleasure; Morro Bay – Backstage Salon, Coalesce Bookstore, Coffee Pot Restaurant, The Rock, Southern Port Traders, Sunshine Health Foods, Two Dogs Coffee, La Parisienne Bakery. • SAN LUIS OBISPO: Broad St. Laundry, Cool Cats Café, La Crepes, Edna Market, Art Café, Booboo Records, Creekside Center, GALA, Marigold Nails, Palm Theatre, Susan Polk Insurance, Utopia Bakery, Unity Church, Zoe Wells, Naturopath, Cal Poly Library and Women’s Center, Center for Alternatives to Violence, Chamber of Commerce, Cuesta College Library, EOC Health Services Clinic, HealthWorks, Healing Alternatives, Laguna Laundry, Linnaea’s, Monterey ExPress, Natural Foods Coop, New Frontiers, Nautical Bean, Outspoken Beverage Bistro, Phoenix Books, Planned Parenthood, Rudolph’s Coffee & Tea, San Luis Obispo Housing Authority Office, SARP, The Secret Garden, SLO Perk Coffee, Spirit Winds Therapy, The Studio Fitness for Women, Uptown Cafe, Yoga Centre, Ahshe Hair Salon, Apropos Clothing, Soho Hair Salon, Tom-Mel Beauty Center, Hempshack, YMCA, KCBX, Fairchild Salon, Jaffa Café, Med Stop (Madonna Plaza), World Rhythm and Motion, Steynburg Gallery, Correa Chiropractic, High St. Deli, Sunset N. Car Wash, Jamaica You, United Blood Services. • SOUTH COUNTY: Arroyo Grande – Natural Balance, Mongo’s, Act II Boutique, Central Coast Yoga, CJ’s Restaurant, Curves-AG, Cutting Edge, EOC Health Services Clinic, Girls Restaurant, Grande Whole Foods, Kennedy Club Fitness, JJ’s Market, Chameleon, Brave New Wares; Avila Beach– Avila Grocery, Custom House, Sycamore Hot Springs, Inn at Avila, Joe Mamma’s; Grover Beach – World Gym, Back Door Deli, Cindi’s Wash House, Nan’s Pre-owned Books, Therapeutic Body Center, 30-minute Fitness; Halcyon – Halcyon Store; Nipomo – Anna’s Creekside Coffee House, Healing Touch Spa, Curves, La Placita Market, Healthy Inspirations, World Gym, Trendy Sister Salon, Senior Centers; Pismo Beach – Honeymoon Café, Pismo Athletic Club, Zadok’s; Shell Beach – De Palo & Sons Deli, Seaside Cafe, Steaming Bean. • SANTA MARIA: Café Monet, Hunter’s Landing, Library, Curves on Main and on Broadway, Lassen’s. • ORCUTT: Loading Dock, Oasis Spa.
MaryAine Cherry I walk the hills to rejuvenate my mind, heart and body as I put my mind at ease in nature. On the quiet mountains, I find wonderful insights to my desires and inspiration to follow through with them. It seems so easy to be in touch with that which brings me tranquility simply by putting my feet on the ground and allowing the beauty of our area to fill and rejuvenate my creative self. Anne Schroeder My creative non-fiction and memoir often comes with a price--often, I’m pulling secrets from the soul. I nurture the quiet spaces by meditating, praying the rosary, taking solitary walks, and filling myself with joy. When I’m balanced, my writing is balanced. Anne R. Allen Two words: down time. I schedule time to do nothing. Nothing is the rich, dark soil that new ideas need in order to germinate. T.C. Wits I go to all the auditions I can, even if I’m not clear about what I’m going to do or know little or nothing about the show or roles. I trust my intuition and imagination to figure something out in the moments when I’m there. I leave the rest to the director’s vision and the theatre and music Gods and Goddesses.
Kathleen Deragon I dance around the house, take a dance class, put on some music to dance to, drum, walk on the beach. Basically I get out of my head and into my body! Carol Stern The most powerful way of nurturing my creativity is to meet regularly with my writing partner, Janice. We sit around her dining room table with our laptops, journals, photos, current writing project, and inspirational writing materials. We start with our favorite activity, which is to choose a “prompt” and then each write about it for about 15 minutes—without any planning or editing, just the simple joy of exPressing ourselves with words. Kathy Myers I am an “action-oriented” person, so my creativity usually takes the form of action. I am the head of a small nonprofit group that raises money to help build schools in Afghanistan. The work I do organizing, creating events and working with our volunteers provides a tremendous nurturing factor in my creative life. Jeanie Greensfelder I nurture creativity by asking myself questions to think about on walks, to answer in meditation, and to sleep on at night. Regardless of the answers that come, I jump into a project, fumble around, and delight in whatever shows up.
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CreativeWomen
Wometn’s Press | July & August 2008 | womenspress.slo@gmail.com
Day With Creative Women Saturday, August 9, 2008 Mission Plaza, 10am-5pm
Photo supplied by Debra Windsong
Performers Julia Mitchell has performed professionally in San Luis Obispo County over the past 10 years, singing songs of the female jazz greats: Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, Diana Krall and others. She has performed many weddings, fund raisers and concerts, including the Cambria Jazz Festival and as a featured artist at the Jazz Federation concert in San Luis Obispo. She has a deep, rich voice that is ideally suited to jazz and torch. She will be accompanied by her husband Brett Mitchell, an accomplished pianist/composer. Debra Windsong is a well-known local musician on harmonica and vocals. She’s often seen sitting in with the best bands in our area, and has played with some famous musicians as well. She currently has two duos, one with Ted Waterhouse as “Catalina Eddy & the Breeze” and one with Chris Roullard as “Chris & Mrs. Jones,” and often hires out as a freelance performer. She is still working on some original songs. In the meantime she’ll keep you very entertained with popular blues, light rock, r&b and jazz standards. Flutists of the Central Coast: a group of women who love to play flutes! Who are they? Maybe one is your doctor; maybe one is your child’s math teacher; maybe one is your next door neighbor, or the person you see walking a dog in the morning. This group of creative women is going to delight you with music you may know, but perform it with a distinctive sound you probably haven’t heard before.
Photo of Inga Swearingen by Barry Goyette
Tribal Mosaic is an eclectic group of dancers and performers from different tribal belly dance genres, backgrounds, and troupes who have come together to create a mosaic of sound, movement, color, and texture. Their dance form celebrates the strength, beauty, and power embodied in and by all women, and the music and costumes reflect the world’s cultural diversity. They dedicate our performance at this year’s Day with Creative Women to all the creative women in our community and around the world who have inspired, challenged, and encouraged them to be the best they can be. Inga Swearingen began her career as a singer/songwriter, accompanying herself in alternate tunings on the guitar. Transitioning to jazz was natural for her; she scat sings with agility and grace, infusing the genre with fresh life. Currently performing, recording, and teaching at Cuesta College, she has performed on NPR’s broadcast “A Prairie Home Companion,” with internationally known pianist, composer and improviser Art Lande, at Carnegie Hall with the Leon Anderson Quartet, and locally with the San Luis Obispo Symphony conducted by Michael Nowak. She has also written and composed for the Central Coast Children’s Choir. The Chrome Addicts, a women’s steel drum group, will also perform.
Photo supplied by Brett & Julia Mitchell
Coppertone by Patti Sullivan
Photo by Jeanie Greensfelder
Day With Creative Women By Sonia Paz Baron-Vine We arrive from near and far smiling, hugging and laughing happy to see each other Every year under the sycamores by the creek we meet bringing our creations sharing our art Creative women we all are our hands magical tools our voices sweet melodies our words pure poetry A day with creative women our banner announces and the young girls walk among our art with bright eyes filled with wonder
And the old sisters visit us with tenderness happy to see our unity blessing us with smiles Welcome sisters old and new here we meet again to show our art, to make new friends to sing along the ancient song of sisterhood
Summer mornings found us at Newberrys buying Tangee lipstick in bright coral ancient popcorn from the greasy glass dome root beer floats at the fountain finally sitting in the car “watching the people” my mom’s favorite pastime we’d go home put on plaid or floral cotton sun suits get out our tanning lotion COPPERTONE! which promised to turn our pale soft roundness into perfectly bronzed angularity We’d lounge around on towels in the backyard reading movie magazines full of endless stories about Debbie, Eddie and Liz Sometimes combing peroxide into our hair aiming for a Connie Stevens or Yvete Mimeux look our results always missing by a mile After the heat built a mountain of discontent in my mother she’d turn our patio into a tropical paradise garden hose flung over the French doors trickling over the banana tree that never bore fruit We’d hide out in the house listening to “Pearly Shells” and the sound of water outside waiting to enter the evening in our hopeful new skins.
Photo by Lynda Roeller
Affinities By Jean Gerard Part of me runs with squirrels and coyotes up canyon draws to shadowed springs fragrant with sage and chaparral. Sometimes I sun with snakes on stones that smell of ash from summer fires, hunt mice, dally with lizards or sometimes peck at bits of wood and dodder sticking to my tail feathers. In my excrement I drop seeds of flowers and in the happenstance of dying, leave flesh and bone behind as trace minerals for generations born in such holy places.
CreativeWomen
July & August 2008 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press
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UnsungHeroine
Joanne Ruggles: Art Mirroring Soul and the Sacred Fire burst forth with a Big Bang, scattering divine sparks as the first seeds of matter and life endowed with potential and the memory of their original source, inspiring and informing them to participate in creation and evolution
By Berta Parrish “Larger than life” was my first imPression when I saw the artwork before our interview. Huge canvases with vivid colors, intertwined sensuous figures, and intense energy symbolize the human condition as seen by Joanne Ruggles, Cal Poly Emeritus Professor of Studio Art, artist, and workshop leader. “I draw and paint the human form so I can better know myself - that in itself is a fulfilling journey,” is how she explains the resonance between her art and her own emotional passages. Retired from Cal Poly with the Distinguished Research, Creative Activity, and Professional Development Award in 2004, Joanne began an unanticipated journey – the challenging path back to wellness overcoming breast cancer. Never one to shy away from the paradoxical existential questions, like her 9-11 series depicting fear, shock, and grief in a world gone mad, she began illustrating her anguish in the Stone of Hope Series. Painting during the chemotherapy treatments and surgery gave her relief; it transported her out of pain into the creative realm. “Telling your story is the first step in healing,” she explains. “My world was turned upside down. The global became very personal.” The canvas became the storyteller’s medium to exPress the stages of recovery, from rage to resignation to healing to joy. With such relief and renewal, she wondered how individuals without the balm of a creative outlet deal with such adversity. This inquiry and desire to help others with cancer led to a James Irvine Grant for the “Indomitable Spirits: Giving Face/Voice to Courage” Program. This inspiring exhibit
reflected the work of 12 Central Coast artists who gave image and voice to their experience of survival through art. By sharing and working on each other’s mixed media projects, the participants learned to relinquish control, to trust others, and to make empowering choices. The second Indomitable Spirit group was partially sponsored by a Puffin Foundation grant and their art will be exhibited at the Cuesta College Art Gallery in September. Joanne believes that the collaborative creation of these paintings serves as a metaphor for the healing process: “The pieces end up not where we thought, but where they belong. Much like life itself.” Life continues to fuel Joanne’s inner and outer journeys. Sharing the transformative power of art, she teaches others how to employ it as a vehicle for healing and personal growth. At the Creative Healing Retreat for Breast Cancer Survivors sponsored by Enhancement, Inc. in October in Morro Bay, she leads the collage making sessions. The goal of the retreat is to help survivors improve their quality of life by learning techniques to reduce stress, fear, and anxiety through art, music, writing, yoga, and education. Additionally, in November she presents her “Creative Collaboration and the Healing Narrative” seminar at Esalen that encourages participants to give form to their own survival stories that have allowed them to move toward a healed future. “Larger than life” describes more than just Joanne’s art; it also applies to the artist. The canvas of her soul is just as immense, colorful, complex, evocative, empathic, and courageous as her paintings.
Genesis and genetics, order and chaos, tangible and intangible, predetermination and self-determination, everything interconnected within and between all the universes where nothing is alien. Words and Art By Hilda Heifetz
Why Grandma Bought That Car By Anne R. Allen She dreamed of riding with Kerouac, with ToddandBuzz, red-Corvetting down Route 66— freedom in her hair. But she got snagged on white-picket biology/destiny— and the goofy smile that farmer gave her, along with his fragile heart. She loved that smile more than her own self, a full forty years— till his heart broke for good and she buried him in the root-clogged dirt of this old town. But for her, the road’s still there. and in this dream, she’s not riding; she’s at the wheel.
Aged Whine By Eldonna Edwards
Horse Women By Lani Steele Where are the winged mares? Heads high, sifting the wind in their nostrils. Time is passing, memories are being murdered Under the hooves of centaurs. I want to be a horse-woman, Winged, flying through the clouds With children on my back, Headed for a brave land, where courage Is measured in daily living, not knightly dying. Bring me my hooves and wings, My shining feathers and forged feet, I am headed for gardens of coral, Through seas of resistance, roses of intrigue, To mountains of shelter. There, my flinty hooves will Grind lodestone to fable,
Photo by Lynda Roeller
Granite to stories and sands For children to play in. Away from stallion screams, Rutting battles and bloodied sons, The children of women will grow tall, Strong and gentle, brave enough For truth, wise enough for beauty.
Photo by Jeanie Greensfelder
is this how it starts— this sliding away of brain cells like change down the sofa cushions unseen but not unmissed? take this morning, for instance you reach for massage oil pump the liquid soap instead— an easy mistake, maybe, but later you were making a point or trying to about famous people in politics when suddenly the name of that actor from West Wing (you can see his face) turned to vapor before it reached your tongue even though you squinted real hard, as if you could squeeze the letters from behind your eyelids well, you know who I mean, you said it’s not just the memory, no it’s the body, this body once lean
and strong and sexy, my god how it thrilled you to own it before the floor became like gravel beneath your bare feet each morning as you stumble to the kitchen groaning—ow, ow, ow no one hears you complain, though because the bed is empty no lover waiting for your return no coffee delivered by gentle hands no dent left by his body in the sheet and you like it that way, really measured it all very carefully the weight of love against this solitary life their neediness against your need to mold each day with your own hands hands that remind you of your mother’s now folded across your chest, listening to your own breath as you wade through a hot flash, then bolt upright, eyes wide Martin Sheen!
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CreativeWomen
Wometn’s Press | July & August 2008 | womenspress.slo@gmail.com
Ancestral Cloak: A Letter to My Niece
Go, Buffy! by Jeanie Greensfelder Susan Pressed her thumbs to her ears to muffle Paul’s bugle call. His “come home” signal stopped, but she hurled one more soggy tennis ball into the pond. Buffy dashed after it, legs splayed like a bear. Sec onds later, the ball at her feet, Susan threw her arms around her drenched black lab. She raced Buffy up the hill where Paul stood, hands on hips, in front of their Carmel hacienda. “Cut the horseplay,” he said when Buffy pranced around him. “Susan, you aren’t even dressed. They’ll be here in half an hour.” With a full body shake Buffy showered Paul with pond water. “God damn it.” He yanked the ball from her jaws and flung it into the woods. “Get rid of that mutt.” “She’s my best friend.” “She ruined our lives.” Paul stared at Susan until she looked away. She gulped a deep breath and went to change. Dressed in black silk, she set out appetizers, lit a dozen candles, and stopped to nuzzle her pet. Paul glared over the top of his Wall Street Journal. “Surely you won’t bore David and Mimi with the feats of wonderdog. Let’s find something more important to talk about.” “Okay, Paul.” The bell chimed and Buffy bounded to greet the guests. “Stay away,” Mimi said as Buffy wagged her tail. Paul pushed Buffy out the door and kneed her off the porch.
Mimi brushed imagined wounds from her linen slacks before she plopped on the couch, kicked off her spiked heels, and massaged her toes. “Bunions. I need surgery, but when to fit it in.” As Susan poured the Chardonnay, Mimi pointed to the crab dip, “Fatty. That stuff gives us indigestion. We had to buy special beds so we could sleep with our heads elevated. Oh, wellll,” she said, and shoveled a fully heaped cracker into her mouth. “We’ve got reflux,” David explained to Paul. “We’ve got Tempurpedic,” Paul said. “No, no! Reflux is a burning esophagus,” David said. “Before Prilosec, the only thing that helped Mimi was to drink hot water. One time my back went out and I couldn’t even stand. Mimi drove me to the emergency room, but once there she got reflux, paralyzed with pain. On my hands and knees, I crawled into the hospital begging: ‘A glass of steaming water. Quick.’” Through their laughter, Susan fidgeted, sure she could hear Buffy whimper. “My back went out in a board meeting in Paris,” Paul said. “I sat like a robot for ten hours until the deal closed. Then I called an ambulance. Three days in the hospital!” “My migraines get so bad,” Mimi said, “I want to commit suicide.” “Same here with my kidney stones,” David said. “With my bad back,” Paul said, “I wanted to drop dead.” “Great idea!” Susan’s words trumpeted from some place deep within. She stared at Paul. Then Susan bolted out the door. “Let’s go, Buffy. To the pond!”
Wild and Precious Life By Joanne Hand I am reminded, sometimes on my daily walks of the ending line in a poem, “The Summer Day” by Mary Oliver, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” One generally thinks in terms of career or money. I’ve come now, in this time of my life, to believe in this “precious life” in terms of this little walk I did today in the woods, how I noticed this black dragonfly again with golden iridescent wings, that play of light and shadows along the path, the smell of warm pinewood, sage and today an owl
Memory Holes Rita Traner-McDermott Our memories are filled with holes. I wonder, can I blame my absurdly low SAT scores on those pesky memory holes? While it’s true that my test scores still sting a little, they have rarely crossed my mind during these last fifteen years. It’s peculiar that this memory, long lost down a random hole, managed to surface when I sat down to write. Where did it go until just now? Has it been on vacation? Did it run away? It must have been in hiding; it knows how I feel about it and it wouldn’t want to upset me on purpose. As humans, we’re bombarded with potential memories every moment of our lives. It would be overwhelming if we had access to all of them on a constant basis. Even when we’re sleeping, our minds are digging into holes in search of memories to twist up and cleverly weave into our dreams. Don’t our memory-making machine brains ever give it a rest? It is truly exhausting, this business of living.
feather, downy and white lying on the path. I used to take from the woods a piece of twig, a stone, or feather, and make little “altar-shrines” and place them around the house. Now, I choose to leave put...relics in a sacred temple, undisturbed. I emerge from the woods each time a different person, having tucked into my heart all these experiences and feelings to perhaps be brought out at a later time when humanity calls out for empathy. The sacredness of being in such a place, wherever it is for one, sustains us in times called forth. I can always return to the memory of the woods for strength, comfort, and grace.
Yesterday was my sister’s birthday; she would have been twenty-eight years old. I spent some time in front of my little bookshelf arrangement of statues and knickknacks, the physical reminders that I still can’t quite put away: a smudge stick she made, a keychain from our last vacation, her Ganesh statue draped with a hawk feather. That was nice, but what is even nicer is my well-stocked store of vivid memories that emerge when I’m not even looking. I can hear her laughter, taunting me with a case of the fake hiccups. I can sense her disapproval when I splash water around the bathroom sink. I can picture our weekend-long, dress-up tea parties. From the excitement of welcoming my new baby sister – with that amazing head of black hair – to the fragile sweetness of our final hug, I can remember. You see, we really ought to be thankful to the holes that both absorb and release our pasts before we even know what’s happening. It’s those precious, random holes that offer us delight – or sometimes horror – when they pop up to remind us that a memory, while sometimes gone, is not forgotten.
By Kathy Bond By the time I arrived on the planet, in 1942 in war-torn England, I’d already lost three of my grandparents. I lost my surviving grandmother after ten years. I lost my mother one day after my birth. I see them in photos and wish I’d known them. I carry ancestors around like a cloak. I know their names: George and Harriet Bartlett, Gertrude, Rowland, and Kathleen Mae Beavis. I try to flesh out and discover their characters and personalities. I view “Barhough,” my mother’s family home north of Newcastle-on-Tyne, Northumberland. In enlarged pictures of the garden and front of the house, I see my aunt standing there. Tears wash over words as I write, seeing their images in my mind. My mother’s brother, Uncle Harry, wrote out a family tree to fill in some gaps; conversation has added more to the picture. In 1979, I made my first trip back home in 35 years, spending a day with my aunt and uncle. Aunt Olive met us at the bus stop. I admired a dark green and silver necklace that she wore. “It belonged to your mother,” she said, and took it off, and gave it to me. Later, she gave me a silver sugar and creamer, also my mother’s. After a lunch of Shepherd’s Pie, they pulled out a shoebox full of photos, and we looked through them.
Childhood images of my mother, her brother, and sister appeared, along with adult ones of my mother, and pictures of my aunt and uncle’s 1930’s wedding. They spoke of my mother’s death, mentioning the childhood illness that damaged her heart and ultimately led to her death. I gained a clearer picture with these crucial details. They described how crowded wartime trains made it impossible for them to travel to southwestern England for her funeral. I wanted to stay and visit longer with these kind, gentle, long-lost relatives, but had only scheduled two weeks for this trip, and had many more relatives to see. It had taken so long to make the trip. The following year, five of my elderly relatives died. Family doesn’t completely disappear, but emerges and reappears in the future. In my uncle’s love of Scotland, and his job in law enforcement, my father lives on. The past reaches out when Grandpa’s hairline and slender frame is visible in his great grandfather’s photo. Dead in a mere flesh and blood sense, family continues through genes and DNA. The double helix strands weave a family tapestry that joins our past, present, and future. I find comfort and healing in the knowledge that you and my mother share the same birthday.
Confessions of a Multitasker By Kimberly Chapman Hi. My name is Kimberly and I am a Multitasker. I pride myself on my ability to respond to e-mails, return phone calls, and type memos—all while holding conversations with friends. I frequently stop working on one project to chase down a “pop-up” thought, only to return to the first project with no thoughts at all. The end result is the realization at the end of the day that nothing has been completed. Nothing is finished. “How can that be, when I worked so hard?” It seems that I am a victim of society’s mistaken belief that multitasking is a necessary art form, and I’m not the only one. As business professionals, most of us buy into the current “keep busy” culture. But why has “keeping busy” come to mean leaving the office door open, cell phone on, fax and copy machines humming, all while we unconsciously and frequently check e-mails, respond to phone calls and send instant messages? Does it no longer matter how much work we actually complete? As it turns out, focus, and not multitasking helped me think through, research, write, and submit this article. I had to close
my e-mail program, silence the phone, find a comfortable, solitary location with my laptop and, finally, turn on smooth jazz. That’s how I got the work done! As much as I love my gadgets, I have to recognize that the most effective and efficient use of my energy is to prioritize my day and focus my efforts on one thing at a time. Keeping busy, it turns out, is not the same thing as working effectively. Unfortunately, something in my brain keeps telling me that everything needs my attention right now! And the more tasks I have to accomplish, the greater the temptation to run from one thing to the next as fast as my brain can carry me. Fortunately, I am learning to combat this occasional (or incessant) tendency by ruthlessly prioritizing my daily tasks and objectives. That’s my plan…and I’m sticking to it. Hi. My name is Kimberly and I am a Multitasker. I’ve been clear minded and focused for… ooooo, look at that pretty, shiny thing! Kimberly Chapman is an efficiency consultant. Contact her at (805) 928-4837 or www. optimizeandorganize.com.
Let the Dominoes Fall By Jill Turnbow I have a great deal of experience with the Domino Theory. I start one, seemingly small and innocent project that I believe I can complete in no time at all and then I find myself immersed in another and then another. I should never utter the phrase, “just give me a minute to do this one little thing.” You might as well pull up a chair and pour yourself a cocktail – I’m going to be a while. The latest in my series of falling dominoes began with Freecycle.com. (If you haven’t checked into this, it’s a must for all scroungers.) I saw a post for a free filing cabinet. Of course everyone can use more storage, so I grabbed it. Hey, it was free. It wasn’t in perfect condition so that led me to the hardware store for paint, then back to the hardware store for rust remover and MORE paint, which led me to learn
that I can explain the look by saying “It’s an artistic expression, the blue paint is SUPPOSED to run like that.” The next domino led to making room for the new cabinet in my office which meant cleaning out and removing the old file cabinets. That led to me figuring out how to get a heavy 4-drawer cabinet from my driveway to the house and two smaller ones back to the driveway. (I live alone and cats are useless when it comes to heavy lifting.) Next I had to go through the files and decide that I had held on to some things far too long. And of course you can’t just throw out piles and piles of paper without reliving the memories attached to them. Two of the drawers were jammed with two of the worst years of my life. Papers, forms, bank statements, memories, all wrapped around my father’s pass-
Continued in Dominoes, page 14
July & August 2008 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press
CreativeWomen
Pictured are Sara Powers (3rd place), Annakarina De La Torre-Fennel (1st place), and Danielle Ames (2nd place)
Women playwrights awarded top prizes By Yvonne Duran Annakarina De La Torre-Fennel once wrote a play about her name. It won her an award. I’d like to think that had I been blessed with such a literary name I too would be penning accolade-worthy material, but I don’t think I’m that talented. That was my thought as I sat in the audience for De La Torre-Fennel’s latest play performed at the New Play Festival on June 7, 2008 at the Clark Center Studio on the Arroyo Grande High School campus. That was my thought as I watched all of the plays that were written, acted, and directed by students from Mr. Houck’s Drama Class. I’ve acted in many plays, and even directed once, but I’ve never written anything as funny or entertaining as what these students produced. Not that I haven’t tried. Thus, as a judge, I was imPressed by the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners: Annakarina De La Torre-Fennel for A Generation of Blind Dates (1st), Danielle Ames for A Play (2nd) and Sara Powers for Always Painful (3rd). For the 9th consecutive year, cash prizes of $150, $100, and $50 for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, respectively were awarded by Stolen Fire Theater. In A Generation of Blind Dates a guy and a girl succumb to a series of blind dates over several decades with, unbeknownst to them, each other. They philosophize about relationships, blind dates, and the meaning of... well, cherries. A Play spoofs theatrical culture, using devices like a play-within-a-play and cross-gender casting,
while spotlighting backstage dramas like actors’ practical jokes and heated quarrels, a “tree” having a melodramatic breakdown because she missed her cue and ruined the whole play, and the stage manager constantly reminding them all how soundproof backstage is not. Always Painful, a comedic musical, is a day in the life of three students (nerd, hippie, and hot chick) taking Advanced Placement tests. So how are award-winning playwrights made? De La Torre-Fennel, who has won other writing contests, states that her writing didn’t fully develop until her sophomore year with the help of her pre- advanced placement teachers. “I have always had a vivid imagination, and great analytical thought, but what I needed was practice at structure; that was my tipping point, helping me to become a better writer. I am a pretty succinct writer, kind of Hemingway, so without organization, there was no flow to my writing.” Her first comedic play, A Generation of Blind Dates was inspired by a late-night talk with her mom about the human tendency to be absorbed with the negative, while completely missing the good under our own noses. De La Torre-Fennel summarized that even with “something that seems so terrible, a blind date, . . . something unexpectedly good can come out of it, if we choose to look at it that way.” De La Torre-Fennell, will attend the University of Southern California in the fall, majoring in theater and screenplay writing.
One of the most remarkable differences between human beings and the animal kingdom is our innate ability and need to exPress ourselves. This exPression manifests itself through all manners of creativity from art to song and all the mediums in between. When we find an exPression that resonates with us individually, we are transported to another dimension of life. Our brainwaves have been found to change when this resonance occurs. Our heart rates and metabolisms slow and regulate themselves. This remarkable synergy generates greater health and in turn well-being. All human beings are born with gifts of our spirit. Where it comes from is another discussion in itself but the fact that the gift of creativity is real is generally undisputed. I share with women knowledge of the gifts that were given to me, that they in turn would share these and their found gifts with others. Women’s Creative Circles are an opportunity to come together for the purpose of exploring our creativity, finding our gifts, and bringing their exPression into the light. We meet exPressly to play with various mediums and make simple and lovely objects from recycled and natural materials that are readily available and free. When women come together in the context of making things another powerful energy is released, that of kinship and sisterhood.
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Law Offices of Geraldine E. Champion 805-473-4747
Call to hear about upcoming seminars!
www.ca-elderlaw.com
Women’s Creative Circles: A Gift for Our Spirit by Evelyn Adams
NURSING HOME?
This synergy brings another satisfying dimension to our time together and in itself is a healing of spirit. Whether creating wild soy candle votives, or handmade paper, the learning begins to take place and acknowledgment that we’re quite capable of creative exPression – and it feels good! Women over the ages have gathered to make things in unison. Creative Circles are also a loving, supportive, non-judgmental introduction to creativity for women who suffer from low-self esteem, symptomatic of the common mantra, “I’m not creative; my mother, sister, best friend is the creative one.” Awakening our innate creativity often leads to a new or renewed outlet, with a personal celebration of our creativity. An evolution that when giving time to ourselves, our exPression can take place in our kitchen, extra bedroom or corner in the garage anytime we want, AND we make ourselves feel great! Ask any artist who does this daily for herself how good it feels. Evelyn Adams leads Women’s Creative Circles and is a guest speaker about creativity exploration and its many benefits. She is the founder and lead developer of BRAVE New Wares DevGroup, for BRAVE New Options---developing creative vocational programs for youth and women at-risk, including foster and homeless women with children. To host a Women’s Creative Circle, call 815-8700.
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Body&Soul
Wometn’s Press | July & August 2008 | womenspress.slo@gmail.com
Balancing Your Wheel of Life By Laura Grace
Being-Ness – Human-ness By Heather Mendel
Perhaps too much of everything is as bad as too little. — Edna Ferber Imagine your life as what the Buddhists refer to as the “wheel of life” and you are its “hub,” or center. Each spoke on your wheel represents a different aspect of your life: relationships, work, health, finances, spiritual growth, social activities and so forth. Is your wheel balanced, or are one of the spokes getting more attention than the rest? Like a wheel that is meant to rotate smoothly with each revolution, we are happiest when our lives are flowing smoothly because we are in balance. You’ll know when you’re out of balance: life will feel heavy, your energy will be lower than usual and your enthusiasm for life may be missing. The problem may not necessarily be that there’s anything wrong, but that you’re overly focused on one area while neglecting others that are equally important to your well-being. Which area might that be, you wonder? Well, it’s usually the one that you’re constantly thinking about, worrying about and probably talking about. Most likely it’s the one that your friends are tired of hearing about! What is your wheel of life like? Are you in balance? If not, your response may be: “I’m not having any fun,” or, “I have lost my zest for living.” As summer unfolds and we’re touched by longer days of sunshine, notice if it’s time to come into balance. A couple of practices for creating more balance include: #1 Live life as an adventure. Every single day you are on an adventure of Self-Discovery. Daily, ask yourself: “What am I going to learn today? What might I discover on today’s adventure? What am I going to know that I don’t know now? What’s going to be activated within me that has been latent?”
#2 Approach all the tasks and duties that you have throughout the day with awe and wonder. Albert Schweitzer likened indifference to a sleeping sickness of the soul. Its most dangerous aspect is that it sneaks up on you. Schweitzer wrote: “As soon as you notice the slightest sign of indifference, the moment you become aware of the loss of a certain aliveness, of longing, of enthusiasm, of zest, of zeal, take it as a warning. You should realize your soul withers and suffers if you live superficially.” We all have the capacity to awaken from slumber to greater aliveness, even while doing tasks we believe are menial and inconsequential. Develop and focus on the spokes in your wheel of life that have been neglected. Attaining balance adds greater harmony and helps us to be hopeful and optimistic about the good in our lives. Vital optimism is a quality that runs deep in us; it’s a belief that the best is yet to come. Laura Grace is the Spiritual Leader of the Circle of Spiritual Enlightenment in San Luis Obispo, CA: www.spiritualcircle.org. Laura is also the author of the books Gifts of the Soul and The Intimate Soul. Visit Laura at: www.lauragrace.net or call: (805) 748-7506
Perhaps it is the temporary nature of a sunset that makes it so beautiful. Within a very short period of time, we see the western sky brighten and deepen intensely before the sun slips behind the horizon, drawing down the indigo cover of night. People who live in coastal California watch the spectacle in awe. It is more than the beauty of the shifting colors that draws attention. Perhaps it is a reminder of the temporary nature of everything in our human lives. Eckhart Tolle reminds us that as human beings we face the paradox of enjoying both human-ness and being-ness; in the midst of this duality we find the challenge and the potential of living our lives most fully. We are familiar with the human side of our lives— the world under the control of egoic mind, that keeps up a constant chatter of past memories and future expectations, all that prevent us from experiencing each moment. And the one thing we are guaranteed with everything we know and understand about our humanness is that it is all temporary— the very fabric of our lives, wants and experiences. In every instance, the adage “this too shall pass” applies. The other side of the equation is our being-ness that we access most easily through the largely unfamiliar right-brain avenues open to us. We have not been trained to understand this reality as valid. It is the place of the present, of dreams and images rather than words and ideas. Where the realm of the left-brain seems so solid and provable, the right-brain opens to us all that is eternal, ephemeral and true. It is a place of spacious, silent oneness. Unlike the dualistic nature of the human world, here our state of existence has no opposite. It is from this interconnected being-
ness that we begin our human journey and to which we return when our temporary sojourn is complete. In Jewish wisdom literature, we find the suggestion that we each carry two slips of paper in our pockets each day. On the first is written: “It is for me the Universe was created” and on the other “I am but a mote of dust in the Universe.” Such a practice acknowledges the universal “I am” of which I am a part and at the same time reiterates that the “me/mine separation” in which I believe I live shows the insignificance of my temporal story. Each time we watch a sunset and feel ourselves deeply moved by its beauty, let us recall and revel in both our own temporary human nature and at the same time the eternal spirit in which we live. Heather Mendel has focalized women’s spirituality groups for the past 15 years. She can be contacted through her website at www.wordartist.com, and also e-mailed at heathermendel@charter.net or called at 544-4933.
18th Annual
Women’s Long Dance September 18-21, 2008 Arroyo Grande Location
Diana L. Carter
t Music t Words t Video
t Professional Writing t Creative Services
We invite women of all ages to the upcoming Long Dance, from young women who have begun Moontime to Grandmother Elders. This ceremony is an opportunity for unity, for women of power to gather together and create something extraordinary. It is a place to cast your intentions into a circle of profound energy. All circles are welcomed! Come daughters of Earth Mother; put on your power and join together. Let there be magic! We will be dancing in the West on the Medicine Wheel. Send SASE for further information and/or registration form to:
Church of Empowerment
P.O. Box 76 Arroyo Grande, CA. 93421 Or go to the website for downloadable forms: www.churchofempowerment.org or call/email:
Carter House Productions (805) 549-0270
www.slowriter.com
Join us!
For a trip to Cancun, Mexico! Nov 2nd-7th round trip air from SLO, 5 nights all inclusive at the Crown Paradise Club Resort. All meals, all alcoholic drinks! Deposit by July 15th & swim free with the dolphins!
Call 781-2630
Hua Anwa 805.481.0892
Jade Bracken 805.772.5068
Skywalker 805.967.6537
Rosa2hua@aol.com
Jadebracken@gmail.com
Sowelu@silcom.com
Brothers come and join this lodge of
Inquire about joining Home Lodge.
support and ceremony. Sit in circle
This is the circle that supports the
with the protectors of this sacred
Lodges within the ceremony.
space. Drum, story tell and counsel with other brothers.
NOWNews
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This Page Presented by the
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National Organization for Women The purpose of NOW is to bring women into full participation in the mainstream of American society NOW !
Coordinator’s Corner By Angie King NOW Chapter # CA 565 PO Box 1306, SLO, CA 93406 SLONOW @ kcbx.net http://groups.myspace.com/~slonow
NOW News Compiled by Angie King The CA NOW state conference, held in Hollywood in April, was a great success. With the theme of “Women in the Public Eye,” the conference focused on the opportunities in the new media for women to advance, while acknowledging the gains we have made in more traditional media. Keynote speaker, Helen Reddy, shared her philosophy, that as we become more conscious, the world around us transforms as well. It is our perception that drives the positive change we want. Workshops included panelists from the movies, both in front of and behind the camera, from print media, here and abroad, book and blog authors, all discussing the images of women and how we can impact our society and culture. Thank you to our delegate, Mary, for bringing us back so much information. As always, each workshop crafts a resolution from the discussion for action by the membership. Check out canow.org for the details. On the same topic of women in the media, the NOW Foundation has noted with alarm an increase in the sexism exhibited by the mass media. Senator Clinton’s campaign seemed to bring out the worst in reporters, a hostility that spilled over to become even physically threatening at times. And it’s not just those women in the public eye, the recipients of the remarks, who are hurt. Girls everywhere hear that woman can’t be competent, their shoes are out of style, their laugh is unladylike, they’re ball busters, or wimpy and weepy, everything except the fact that these
are smart competent women seeking only the same as their male counterparts. Girls remember those messages, which sets us all back another generation. Stop the media’s misogynist venom, as Kim Gandy, NOW’s president has put it. Sign the petition at now.org/petition/media. The national NOW membership conference will be in Bethesda, Maryland, on July 18-20. The board is asking approval of a change in the bylaws to permit totally virtual chapters. Members would pay dues and meet with each other on line, and be eligible to send delegates to the national conference. This is seen as another organizing tool to bring more members into the organization. I guess we’ll wait to see what happens to the land-based chapter membership as a result. Last issue, I reported on the approaching middle age of Title IX, passed in 1972, and intended to achieve parity in educational opportunities, including sports, and how the “good old boys” continue to find ways to thwart that intent. CA NOW has been active in investigating complaints and accumulating evidence of violations for legislative testimony, and to aid plaintiffs bringing suit against schools in violation. CA NOW was instrumental in the case against Fresno State University for firing 3 coaches who tried to bring their school into compliance. In March this year, the Office of Civil Rights in San Francisco accepted for investigation information CA NOW had brought them showing Cabrillo College (near Santa Cruz) was in violation, despite notification to them to correct their policies.
The last two months have been really exciting, following the Clinton/Obama campaign. As you know, NOW PAC endorsed Hillary Clinton very early on. NOW members around the country worked very hard helping her win state after state, debate after debate, and delegate after delegate. I know some people felt she had too many “negatives,” but so does Obama, and now we’ll see how that plays out. I hope those of you who supported Hillary’s run at the White House will now support the Democratic candidate over McCain, and not be a sore loser. The one thing we as women cannot afford is to have four more years (or more) of failed Republican policies – the war, of course, but also the environment, domestic programs like health care, including children’s health care, and on and on. Let’s close the old wounds and move forward! The official nominating process will take all summer, but by the September issue of this paper, I hope we are all revved up and busy campaigning! But of course, the presidential race is not the only issue to be decided in Novem-
ber. There are a number of local races that can determine the course of local politics, and there are a number of women running for seats on city councils. SLO NOW plans to showcase these women candidates at our annual Women’s Equality Day celebration (see related article). This event takes place August 26th, giving us all time before the election to support our favorite candidates. This is a chance to have a close-up-andpersonal time with these women, asking them questions such as: why do women get involved in politics these days; how does it feel as a woman to run for office; is it different from the experiences felt by men; has politics changed at the local level with a woman candidate for major office, what issues are you passionate about; and anything else you and they will discuss. Join us at Meadow Park for this event on August 26. Of course, we are also participating in the GALA Pride in the Plaza on July 6 and Day with Creative Women in the Mission Plaza on August 9. Please help by signing up through e-mail for a shift at either of these events (slonow@kcbx.net).
NOW Calendar July 2: • Pres. Johnson signs Civil Rights Act, 1964 July 8: • Birthday of Faye Wattleton, activist, 1943 July 6: • Gay Pride in the Plaza July 6: • Birthday of Nancy Reagan, 1921 July 10: • National Women’s Political Caucus holds initial meeting, 1971 July 18-20: • National NOW convention, Bethesda, MD July 15: • NOW regular meeting, 6 PM July 19: • Seneca Falls convention, 1848
July 21: • Birthday of Janet Reno, 1938 July 24: • Birthday of Bella Abzug, 1920 August 3: • Birthday, Maggie Kuhn, founder, Grey Panthers, 1905 August 6: • Women’s Peace Day, anniversary of Hiroshima bombing, 1945 August 9: • Day with Creative Women, Mission Plaza August 13: • Birthday of Lucy Stone, 1818 August 19: • NOW regular meeting, 6 PM August 26: • Women’s Equality Day
Election news
Get Involved — Join NOW! San Luis Obispo Chapter National Organization for Women Every woman doesn’t have to join NOW, just the 142 million who are discriminated against! Name: _ _____________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________ City/St/ZIP: ___________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________________________ Regular Dues ….$40 Sliding Scale…..$15-39
Amount enclosed: ________________________
Send your check and this form to
PO Box 1306 SLO, CA 93406 Chapter # CA 565 slonow@kcbx.net
General Meetings 11573 Los Osos Valley Rd, #B, SLO
3rd Tuesday of every month at 6:00 pm
While you are reading this, you might also be watching the Democratic and/or Republican national conventions, scheduled for this summer. A lot of us got energized early with the major rivalry between Senators Clinton and Obama, and now we will unite behind the promise of changed direction for the country. There will obviously be more to think about as the actual election approaches, but here are some other items of current interest. State Initiatives: In California there promises to be a bruising fight over two initiatives, not yet numbered; one tries, for yet a third time, to amend the state constitution to limit a minor’s access to abortion services; the other would “amend” the state supreme court’s interpretation of the state constitution to re-ban same-sex marriage. Florida, Illinois, and Oregon have similar measures banning any marriage other than between a man and a woman. Anti-choice propositions are also on the ballot in a number of states besides California. In South Dakota, after last year’s initiative was struck down as unconstitutional, opponents of abortion are back with a second attempt. In Oregon and Colorado, measures are still qualifying, while in Missouri opponents failed to get enough signatures to qualify, both for an anti-choice measure and for one against affirmative action. Other states contemplating anti-
affirmative action initiatives are Colorado, Arizona and Nebraska. NOW PAC has endorsed 23 women and men running in state/national races, including, in California, Jackie Speier, who currently won a special election to fill Rep. Tom Lantos’ seat and faces re-election in November. See the entire list and how you can help at nowpacs.org. EMILY’s List has targeted 6 state races: Kay Hagan for the US Senate in North Carolina against GOP incumbent Elizabeth Dole; Jeanne Shaheen for US Senate in New Hampshire against GOP incumbent John Sununu; Bev Perdue for governor of North Carolina for an open seat; Jill Long Thompson for governor of Indiana against the incumbent GOP Friend of Bush; Ann Kirkpatrick for US House in Arizona with no viable GOP opponent; and Kay Barnes for US House in Missouri against a GOP incumbent who rails against her “San Francisco values.” NOW PAC has also endorsed Barnes. All these women running for major offices ties into our planned program for Women’s Equality Day on August 26 (see article) With all these women running for office and the various ballot measures affecting our own survival, we encourage all of you to become active in this election cycle. Your life or that of your daughter depends on it.
14
Events&Workshops
Bulletins Women’s Empowerment & Self Defense Workshops The Sexual Assault Recovery and Prevention (SARP) Center proudly offers its Women’s Empowerment and Self Defense Workshop to all women in our community, ages 12 and above. This workshop helps participants to maximize their chances of surviving a sexual assault and learn ways to successfully avoid one all together. Workshops follow the Women’s Empowerment Model of Self Defense and focus on identifying and using our unique strengths as women. Participation in self-defense classes encourages you to think in terms of options and choices, develops your awareness and assertiveness skills, and provides practice for physical self-defense techniques. A good self-defense class will expand the way you think about violence prevention, help you deal with your fears, and enable you to feel more empowered in your life. **Now Offering** Senior Self Defense! This class is geared toward specific risks and issues of sexual assault only faced by senior women. Physical moves incorporate more physical awareness, mind/body empowerment, and holistic movement. Remember: #1 Women do not ask for, cause, invite or deserve to be assaulted. Women and men sometimes exercise poor judgment about behavior, but that does not make them responsible for the attack. #2 Whatever a woman’s decision in a given self-defense situation, her decision to survive the best way she can must be respected. #3 Good self-defense programs do not tell an individual what she “should” or “should not” do. A good pro-
Wometn’s Press | July & August 2008 | womenspress.slo@gmail.com
gram offers options, techniques, and a way of analyzing situations, including a full range of strategybuilding. A program may point what usually works best in most situations, but each situation is unique, and the final decision rests with the person actually confronted by the situation. Workshops are held once a month on a Monday evening from 6 to 10 pm. The location alternates each month between Paso Robles and Shell Beach. They are open to all women regardless of athletic abilities. We are currently developing an Advanced Women’s Empowerment and Self Defense Workshop, where we will provide more in-depth training in awareness, assertiveness, and physical techniques. Participants can include any woman age 12 and above who has completed our beginning level Self Defense Workshop. The first Advanced Workshop will be held in August in Paso Robles. Although the workshops are free, it is important to sign up ahead of time. Call Gillian or Lindsay at the SARP Center for class details and to reserve your place in our next workshop. Remember: A woman’s best weapon is herself: her mind, her voice, and her body!
Learn a different approach for generating sales Central Coast Women’s Network meeting August 7th, 2008 5:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Glen Oak Pavilion - Botanical Garden (El Chorro Regional Park, across from Cuesta College). The meeting, which includes din-
Another D.A.M. Art Show From left to right: Fan by Dana Hixson Boats by Anne Godsey and Roses by Marylou Falstreau
ner, is $30.00 for Members and $40.00 for Non-Members for tickets purchased before July 21th The guest speaker will be Kristin Johnson, founder of MOXIE Market Share Development (www.moxiemarketshare. com), a lead generation service that partners with B2B companies to capture relevant market share nationwide through effective prospecting strategies. For more information or to RSVP for this event, please call Jacky Lopez at 805-439-1013, by email at: events@ccwnetwork.com, or book online at the website. www.ccwnetwork.com. All net proceeds benefit CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).
the third Wednesday, July 16th from 6-10PM. 5-Cities GREENDrinks is a new Monthly GreenHappening (1st SLO County Affiliate of International GreenDrinks.org, since March ‘08). We’re opening to take tickets from 6-10. Featuring Our Educational FUNDrum Circle led by Francesca Bolognini of Cambria (her Remo Drums will be available) and Steve Paige of Baywood Samba, Los Osos. Join us for: • Dancing with wild abandon • Delicious food by Honeymoon Cafe • Mixing it up with like-minded • Folks who just want to have green fun! Write-In ballot admission tickets are $20 (tickets give you have option to write in the name of your favored non-profit each month (Women’s Press!), 5-categories, to receive $5 of your ticket price)
Growing Grounds Downtown Store is expanding its hours! We’re now open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The Store is located at 956 Chorro Street, San Luis Obispo (across the street from the Mission). You can also visit our booth at the San Luis Obispo Farmer’s Market, downtown San Luis Obispo, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Call (805) 544-4967 for more information.
5-Cities GREEN Drinks Come on out to SLO DOWN PUB and help us Grow the Green! 1200 Grand Avenue, Arroyo Grande BRAVEvents would like to invite you to July’s 5-Cities GREENDrinks, (5-CGD),
D.A.M. stands for the three award-winning artists: Dana Hixson, Anne Godsey, and Marylou Falstreau, and they will be having “Another D.A.M. Art Show” on July 26th and 27th. “We are friends and yet we each have unique styles as artists,” says Marylou. “Kim creates beautiful oil paintings and is well known for her depictions of luminous jelly fish. Anne paints with acrylics and is known for her bright, contemporary land and seascapes. My mixed media paintings are intuitive and have a spiritual and playful quality to them.” All three artists have won awards in the county as well as outside of the area. Because they are women, they have decided to share a percentage of their proceeds with the Women’s Shelter Program of SLO County and the SLO High School Girls Basketball Program. “We believe strongly in supporting the women in our community and feel this is a great opportunity to do so.”
Dominoes Continued from Page 10 ing. I know legally I had to hold on to them for at least seven years, but it’s now been twelve. I sucked it up and tossed them into a trash bag. The time had come to let go. My only thought was, “Why didn’t I do this years ago?” So four days later, a simple project like finding a couple of drawers from a stranger has led me to a lighter heart, a purging of past drama, an organized office, and a sigh of relief. The dominoes fell in the right direction. Now if I can just find an industrial size shredder.
The show will take place July 26th and 27th at the home studio of Anne Godsey, 423 Rennel, North Morro Bay, from 11am until 5pm.
Resources
July & August 2008 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press
ABUSE
Hospice of SLO County (inc. miscarriage/stillbirth
Planned Parenthood
545.8888
Safe and Sober Support Group
Stroke Support Group
781.6406
Senior Peer Counseling
(inc. domestic violence support groups) 461.1338
545.8888
Transformations Counseling Center
545.8888
FINANCE/BUSINESS
support) 544.2266 or 434.1164
Center for Alternatives to Domestic Violence
473.6507
North County Women’s Shelter & Resource Center,
Free, trained in-home counseling for 60+ 547.7025, ext. 15
Rape Survivors Support Group, SLO
489.5481
SARP (Sexual Assault Recovery & Prevention)
Free monthly workshops 541.7908
Support Group for Sexual Assault Survivors
Consumer Credit Counseling Services
Adults Molested as Children Support Group (AMAC)
545.8888
781.6400 www.womensshelterslo.org
Women’s Shelter Program of SLO
ADDICTIONS
Talk/Listen - Emotional support
800.540.2227
GAY & LESBIAN
Gay and Lesbian Alliance of the Central Coast
AA Meeting
541.4252
Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA)
438.3889
Al-Anon
Mostly socializing! Call 474.9405
Cambria Connection (12 step support)
AIDS Bereavement Group (Hospice)
PFLAG.Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays
SLO 549.9446
471.8102 (SLO)
544.2266 (SLO)
534.1101
544.4883
15
Caregivers of Stroke Survivors Women’s Support/Therapy v (general) Women’s Healthcare Specialists
POLITICAL Code Pink
ososousaville@aol.com
545.8412; Dawn Williams
541.4252
543.2220
slonow@kcbx.net
Commission on Status of Women Democratic Women United League of Women Voters
541.3211
498.2176
534.9204
HOSPICE
927.1654
544.2266
Women’s Recovery Home 481.8555
544.2266 and 434.1164
546.1178
782.8608
781.4275 800.549.7730
AARP 788.2643
SENIORS
541.3164
Jobline 756.7107
461.6084
Cal Poly University
http://calpolyjobs.org 756.1533
544.1414 (SLO); 748.9070 (Arroyo Grande); 434.2081 (Templeton); 927.4290 (Cambria)
929.1789
Cuesta College
http://www.cuesta.edu Jobline 546.3127
781.1790
http://www.womenforsobriety.org 215.536.8026
www.slocareers.org 788.2631 or 788.2690
Computer help: 489.6230
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
549.3361
In-Home Support 781.1790 Nursing help for the terminally ill 781.5540
595.1356 www.mcscorp.org
781-5821
www.jobhunt.org 788.2601
542.0900
782.9200
489.5481 dg17@juno.com
Family Law Facilitator
Free, trained in.home counseling for 60+ 547.7025 ext. 15
Lawyers Referral Services/Legal Aid Alternative
SPIRITUAL
Casa Solana
Compulsive eaters Anonymous, H.O.W.Concept Drug & Alcohol Services Overeaters Anonymous SCA, SLAA & SAA (Sex, Love & Romance Addictions) TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Women for Sobriety
SOL (Single Older Lesbians)
748-2676; contact Gloria
549.9656; contact Shirley Powell
JOBS/CAREERS
http://SinC-CCC.blogspot.com
Cal Poly Foundation
Adult Day Care
Hospice of SLO County
Hospice Partners of the Central Coast
The Creekside Career Center
Department of Rehabilitation
Childcare Resource Connection
Private Industry Council (PIC)
541.2272 or 800.727.2272
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
“A child’s voice in Court in SLO County” 541.6542
LEGAL
781.1847
District Attorney’s Office – Victim Witness Center
781.4058; ask for Susan Hughs
462.0726; ask for Barbara
Children’s Services Network
First 5: Children & Families Commission Homeschooling in SLO County (HSC) La Clinica De Tolosa 238.5334 La Leche League
Adult Literacy
541-4219
Mission Community Services Corporation Women’s Business Partners
READERS/WRITERS
Birth and Baby Resource Center
546.3755 www.bbrn.org
NOW (National Organization for Women)
Core Mediation Services
544.6334 medeee8@aol.com
781.5821
546.3769
788.2099
544.9313
543.5140
Pro Per Divorce Workshop
Creative Writing Group Nightwriters
Sisters in Crime
Adult Protective Services Computerooters:
Department of Social Services:
Elder and Dependent Adult Advocacy and Outreach – Victim Witness Assistance Center Elder Law, Geraldine E. Champion, Attorney Foster Grandparents.Senior Companions Senior Ballroom Dance club Senior Peer Counseling
Circle of Spiritual Enlightenment
995.1390; www.spiritualcircle.org
Meditation Monday evenings 7-7:45 pm Open to all. 772-0306 awakeninginterfaith.org
489.9128
544.4355 and 466.3444
473. 2548
MEDICAL SUPPORT/SERVICES
541.8666; ask for Beth
460.9016
781.1600
534.9234 (LO); 547.3830 (SLO); 226.8669 (Templeton) 547.3830, 534.9234 (SLO/Los Osos)
473.6507
Paso Robles 238.9657
WOMEN’S CENTERS/SHELTERS
541.9113
781-3993
892.5556
543.4478
543.1481 ext. 3 for information
461.1338
547.3830 (AG); 927.4290 (Cambria); 226.8669 (PR); 547.3830 (SLO)
786.0617
226-9893
544.9313
www.endometriosisassn.org
549.8989 (crises), 781.6401 (business) www.womensshelterslo.org
771.8640 www.enhancementinc.com
OTHER WOMEN’S ORGANIZATIONS
no or low cost reproductive health services 544.2478 (SLO); 489.4026 (Arroyo Grande)
481.1039; Cici Wynn, President
No or low cost reproductive health services 542.0900
781-0922; Karen
440.2723 www.campingwomen.org
3rd Thursday, SLO, 7 -9 pm 464-0564
543.9452
785.0132
2nd Monday, 4-5 pm, 782-9300
544.3399 or 783.2383
466.7226 (Atascadero/Templeton) 481.7424, 473.1714 (Arroyo Grande) 544.1342 (SLO)
800.247.7421 or 489-5481
Migrant Childcare Program
MOMS Club of South SLO county
Senior Legal Services
Awakening Interfaith Spiritual Community Hungry Hearts Spiritual Community
Partnership for Children
ALS Support Group (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
RC liturgy with womanpriest 546.8672
Real F.A.C.T.S. (Forum on Abused Children)
Alzheimer’s Support
Mondays, 7:30–8:30 PM; 772.0306
Every Sunday, Coalesce Bookstore, MB
Sunday Services 995-1599
Social Services
Support for Kids Coping with Domestic Violence
EMERGENCY/CRISIS Hotline
www.slohotline.org 800.549.8989
545.8888 or 800.656.HOPE (4673)
Sexual & Rape Prevention (SARP)
Temporary Restraining Order & Victim Witness Program 781.5821
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
A.D.A.P.T. (Aid in Divorce Adjustment Problems Today)
543.0388
434.2081 or 534.9234 or 800.443.1236
543.3764
542.0577 (SLO) 481.5093 (Grover Beach) 927.1654 (Cambria) 466.8600 (North County)
543.7969
Alzheimer/Dementia Resource Center
CALL–Concerned Agoraphobics Learning to Live Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) Community Counseling Center Dealing With Divorce
544.9313
DePression and Bipolar Support Alliance Group
927.3703
489.2990, saintbarnabas@sbcglobal.net
546-3774; free, meets weekly in SLO
489.2990, saintbarnabas@sbcglobal.net
Divorce Discussion Group
Eating Disorders Support Group Grief Awareness Group
227.4785
American Cancer Society
Anorexia Nervosa & Bulimia Support Group Arthritis Foundation Cancer/ Breast Cancer Support Groups Caregivers of Aging Parents
Celiac Disease Support Group Endometriosis Association
Enhancement, Inc. (for breast cancer survivors) EOC Health Services Clinics
Healthworks of the Central Coast
IC Interstiti al Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome Long-term Care Ombudsman Services of SLO County
Meditation Group
New Beginnings Church
Self-Realization Fellowship
Homeless Shelter
Housing Authority North County Women’s Resource Center, Shelter Prado Day Center (for the homeless) Women’s Community Center, SLO Women’s Shelter Program of SLO
Altrusa International, Inc.
American Association of University Women Camping Women Hadassah.SLO
OTHER GROUPS & GATHERINGS
Lymphedema Education & Support Group
Central Coast Peace and Environmental Council
Parkinson’s Support Groups
Compassion & Choices (or Final Exit) Please send additions, corrections or deletions to: womensPress.slo@gmail.com or leave a message at the WCC: 805.544.9313. Last update 07/09/08.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
Near Downtown Deluxe Continental Breakfast Pool & Spa Fitness Room Guest Laundry Suites
2050 Garfield Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Toll Free: 800.544.7250 805.549.9911 Fax: 805.546.0734 SUPPORTERS OF WOMEN IN BUSINESS!
Mama’s Meatball Fine Italian Cuisine
True wealth is about more than money. It’s about achieving life.® Let us help you achieve what matters most to you. Contact a Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor today. RAMIREZ/SIPSAS Financial Advisory Team Helen Sipsas, CRPC® Financial Advisor (805) 596-2227 1020 Marsh Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 www.fa.ml.com/rsteam
Dine-in • Take-out • Full Catering Service All three locations are open: Mon.-Sun. 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM 570 Higuera St., #130 • San Luis Obispo, Ca 93401- tel. 805.544.0861 New Locations: 325 Pier Ave. • Oceano, CA 93425 • tel. 805.473.2383 In Avila Hotsprings • San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 • tel. 805.627.0288
© 2008 Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated. Member SIPC.
Also, order on line: www.MamasMeatball.com
$5 off
with $25 purchase or more not valid when purchasing gift certificate/furniture
A Children’s Store 570 Higuera St. Suite 190 in the Creamery in SLO 10:30 - 5:00 Tues.-Sat. Tel: (805) 593 0226
We also buy...
New & Gently-used condition baby & toddler clothing, furniture, gear, toys & maternity products. Call for an appointment.
FLUTE INSTRUCTION & PERFORMANCE Serving Students of All Ages NEW: Beginning Recorder Lessons
Bonnie Richan bonnie@bonnierichan.com 805-748-6087 Current Member: San Luis Obispo Symphony San Luis Chamber Orchestra