{ Volume XXIV, Number 3 } May & June 2009 A Publication of the Women’s Community Center of San Luis Obispo

po County

Ashley Wertheimer “Looking Up”

3 Mother’s Day 7 Voices Around 9 Unsung Heroine: 13

The Table Priscilla Mikesell

6 Thank You 8 Eve-o-lution 10 Motherhood

Lunafest Sponsors!
 2 Women’sPress
Courtney’s Quill
As spring lopes by and the weather toggles
from cool to extremely warm, I can’t help
but look forward to summer. While I have
made it my goal to be present in the moment
and to appreciate each day in its singularity,
I long for lingering summer days and warm
evenings. Perhaps it’s because I’m a teacher:
the late nights I spend grading papers, the
low pay, and the persistent term “budget
cuts” looming around the halls gets erased
the minute I submit my grades and bask in
the knowledge that for two and a half months
all I have to do is play with my kids, read for
pleasure, and tend to my garden. So while I
am trying to be present, I am also lost in my
day dreams of a near future.
But before summer comes my most cher-
ished personal holiday, Mother’s Day. Maya
Angelou once said, “A mother’s love liber-
ates.” To me this sums up my ultimate goal
as a mother. I want to liberate my children
from hate, from unhealthy ego, from narcis-
sistic desires, from…well, from all the worst
the world can offer. And while this lofty goal
is not completely possible, I do believe that
it is somewhat attainable by trying to be a
mother that is aware, lives with intent, and
teaches forgiveness and humility. And as you
can see from the amazing articles women sub-
mitted about mothers, my sentiment is shared
by many.
Women’s Press also would like to announce
our official entrance into the world of online
technology. Yes, Women’s Press has an updated
and hip website. Please visit us at www.wom-
enspress-slo.org. Furthermore, we are also
twittering. Follow us at twitter.com/womens_
press. And finally, we have a Facebook page.
Find us under our email and add us as your
friend. Whew… are you still with me? I know
this is a lot to take in, but I also know that by
staying connected and in touch, we are much
stronger and more vocal.
How did we get so technologically savvy,
you may be wondering? Well, it is not me. I
must give overwhelming praise to our amaz-
ing intern, Cassandra Carlson. Cassie has
been working with us for six months and has
diligently put together our website and twitter
account. Cassie, a journalist major at Cal Poly
and feminist advocate, also helped build this
issue, showing us a few things about content
and design. I anticipate that Cassie will have a
long and successful future ahead of her, and I
can only hope to always be her friend.
Finally, our next issue will have a special
section focusing on creative women in cel-
ebration of Day of Creative Women (August
8, 2009 in Mission Plaza). Please send us your
thoughts, articles, and ideas. Until the next
time, thank you again for your continued
support.
Courtney
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in the WOMEN’S PRESS.
Drum Circle Magic Part Six: ASHE
By Francesca Bolognini
Welcome back to the circle. Our adven-
tures in rhythm have covered the univer-
sal to the personal, modes of instruction
and experience, the heart and the vocabu-
lary of drumming. We shall next explore
how drumming affects our shared con-
sciousness and by extension, our culture.
The term “Ashe” is an African word, trans-
lating as “so be it”. Almost indefinable in
our culture, it refers a state to being, com-
pletely in the moment, balanced mentally,
physically, spiritually, and sexually, in touch
with Divine energy which is seen as gender-
less, channeling both love and sensuality in
a conscious, connected way. In this state,
timing becomes perfect, the flow becomes
intuitive, and the groove irresistible, heal-
ing, and transformational. Such connection
requires surrender to the moment, without
the crutches of analysis and critique as com-
fort zone. Focus must range to the center,
embodying group consciousness.
This is a pivotal time on our planet.
We are in a unique position to affect the
future of all life. To successfully heal serious
environmental and social imbalances, it is
imperative that women become empowered
to bring the divine feminine principles back
to a prominent position in collective con-
sciousness. Values of nurturance, love, and
sensuality are essential to both men and
women. Men must have safe and enjoyable
ways to express this energy as well. We, as
women, however, have the advantage, in
that this energy is natural to us. For those
6000 free copies distributed in SLO County. Subscriptions available.
Contributors
Beverly Engel
Jeanie Greensfelder
Judythe Guarnera
Ali Hatcher
Hilda Heifetz
Charlene Huggins
Laura Grace
Judythe Guarena
Volunteers
Evelyn Adams
Barbara Atkinson
Cassandra Carlson
MaryAine Cherry
Suzanne Delinger
Kathleen Deragon
Bailey Drechsler
Anne Dunbar
Cynthia Fatzinger
Ani Garrick
Angela Henderson
Margaret Hennessy
Jane Hill
Susan Howe
Women’s Press | May & June 2009 | womenspress.slo@gmail.com
Becoming part
of the circle
By Kathleen Deragon
My mother is a party girl, and I figured
she was also interested in what her “kooky-
bird” daughter was doing when I told her
I was going “drumming.” So recently when
Mom flew up from LA for my brother’s
50th birthday celebration, I invited her to
come to drumming with me. Initially, she
refused, but curiosity and her desire for a
good time won out and she came to Oak
Haven Gardens and joined ten of us (ages
50-75) for an incredible session. Mom, 82,
initially sat outside our circle, but she was
invited to join in using some percussion
instruments that are always available, such
as tambourines and rattles. The beats of our
40-minute improv session soon were ines-
capable and Mom eventually was shaking
who have been stifled, discouraged, trau- and drumming along with the rest of us.
matized, or prohibited, it is still just below She became part of our circle.
the surface, and for the good of all, must If any of you readers are hesitant to join
be reconnected to our Souls. In her must in because you have never drummed, heed
read book on the history of drumming, this story. You, too, will find yourself part
When the Drummers Were Women, Priest- of our circle, keeping the beat, and hav-
ess of the Drum and accomplished author ing a grand time learning like the rest of us
Layne Redmond lays out an enlightening what it feels like to discover and express the
timeline. She illustrates in concise, inspir- rhythms we all possess.
ing prose and fabulous pictorial documen- Join us for drumming! We have 100
tation, the progression of the ascent to the names on our notification list and would
loss of our feminine focus in “civilized” cul- like to see yours there, too. We drum
ture through the gain of rhythmic sophis- every 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month.
tication and subsequent suppression in Contact us with your name, e-mail, and
the service of war. This book is a real eye area of the county in which you live:
opener, explaining the importance of our womenspress.slo@gmail.com.
rhythmic heritage and empowerment to the
expression of feminine influence and cre-
ation of balance within societies and their Cover Artist Ashley Wertheimer
interactions with others. Our cover artist Ashley
To play in circle in a state of Ashe is to Wertheimer, is a art and
reach beyond the self. Often, when I feel design senior at Cal Poly,
exhausted with a certain rhythm, about to her piece ”Looking Up”
stop, one of the players or listeners will step was recently shown to the
up to dance. Once they begin, I feel I can- the public in the Culti-
not stop because she just started, and so I vated Power senior work
play a bit longer. Subtly, because of surren- art show. Her painting
der to the movement before me, I am swept takes a inferior view on
up by a wave of renewal, entranced and car- nature as the viewer looks
ried far beyond my previous energy level up the tree trunks almost
and into the realm of the Sacred. That’s looking to see the future.
what I’m talking about. Going beyond the Her use of warm colors “Surrender”
bounds of ego, where dancer, rhythm, and are used successfully as the picture exudes a
dance become one. So envision a balanced, perfect summer day for our May/June issue.
peaceful world, and allow your sensual, In her free time Wertherimer enjoys full
rhythmic self to manifest. Until next time, moon worshiping and loves to travel.
keep the beat!
WOMEN’S COMMUNITY CENTER BOARD
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May & June 2009 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press
Mother’s Day
Editor’s note: Happy Mother’s Day!
Though this holiday is often viewed as “hallmark-y,” many of our readers went
beyond the obvious and sent us wonderful snippets of love and beauty. I think
of mothers as not just women who have born children, but of women who have
taught, helped, lead, and supported, and really have been the foundation for
which all has been built upon. I also view the power of motherhood in nature, as
exemplified by the name “Mother Nature.”
The Lady I Called Mom
By MaryAine Cherry
I noticed when I would call home that Dad
answered the phone now, and I didn’t hear
Mom wanting to know who it was like she
used to. I always talked to Mom and not
so much to Dad. I thought the change was
because Mom had a hard time hearing with
the phone, but she was really just slipping
away: when visiting conversations became
misunderstood and lost any flow that took
place when each person clearly heard the
words.
I moved back to SLO to be closer to
my elderly parents, family, and grandson. I
didn’t know what a short time I would have
with my beloved Mother. She didn’t talk
much, and when she did, it was often as if
she was having a separate conversation. She
seemed to be enjoying her own thoughts
and company. I listened to her reflections
on her past and was content to simply sit
with her, holding her hand. She often told
us we were miracles and special angels sent
from God to bless her life. What a mom!
I didn’t notice how thin she became
because she often wore oversized clothes.
When she became very ill, I realized how
thin she was as I helped her dress one day. I
believe her body was shutting down slowly;
her organs were giving up life.
As she sat on the couch, her mind
drifted to happier times as she told me sto-
ries about my brothers and sisters. She said
she was going home to her mother and
father. They were waiting. I now under-
stand when she started calmly talking that
way that she was preparing to die.
I miss having Mom cheer me on and
tell me how life will work out. When I told
her I was getting a divorce several years ago,
she simply said, “you haven’t met the right
person yet and someday you will.” I never
imagined my mother would say something
like that to me, not with the strict religious
upbringing I had. Perhaps in her elder 89
Photo by Scott M. Liddell
years, she realized there was so much more
to loving and listening. I felt so understood
by her that day.
After her death, Dad and I went through
boxes stored in the garage and found saved
school work, rewards, holiday cards, and
drawings from our childhood. Five gen-
erations and 69 years of pictures were in
albums. My mom was a housewife that
obviously cherished her nine children and
loved her family unconditionally. She saved
bundles of letters that were written in the
40’s while Dad was in the Navy and kept
mementos from all the places they lived
during those early years.
In her later years, Mom started painting
watercolor nature scenes (all throughout her
seventies), giving all of us original works by
her. It’s never too late to learn something
new. Love, respect, and willingness to try
are the qualities Mom gave us, and she was
an inspiring, well-loved, real lady. My spirit,
like hers, is the strongest part of me and she
showed me that I can do anything I put my
mind to. I have to believe in myself like she
believed in me.
MaryAine Cherry is the founder of Return
To JOY! Release, Inspire, Believe. Her website
is www.return2joy.com
LocalPerspectives: Mother’s Day
More Than Just Hands
By Natalie Mendoza
While eating dinner at a prestigious res-
taurant, I noticed my mother fidgeting
with her hands under the table. Discerning
my curious facial expression, she quickly
responded in a self-conscious tone, “I com-
pletely forgot to put lotion on. I don’t even
want to show my hands.” My mother’s his-
tory of cleaning houses is visibly exposed
through her ashy and wrinkled hands. With
sympathy toward her concerns I responded,
“Don’t be embarrassed. Your hands are the
hands of a woman who has worked hard
her entire life.” At that moment my moth-
er’s hands stood out as a representation of
someone who has physically struggled and
fought to survive, a representation of some-
one who has suffered through backbreaking
labor. My mom’s withered but sturdy hands
represent who she is and the challenges she
has gone through.
Looking down at my own hands, with
not a scratch to complain about, I felt I
should be the one embarrassed. The toil-
some work of my mother only made my
placid lifestyle more obvious. Just like my
mom’s hands, my hands have a story to tell
about whom I am and what I do. My hands
reflect my personality. My hands reveal the
person I dedicate myself to being. I believe
that hands are a direct and basic representa-
tion of individuality.
Unlike my mother, I do not have a sin-
gle scar on either of my hands. They are as
smooth and well preserved as can be. This
is due to my weakness in athleticism and
my fear of taking part in risky activities. My
preference lies in the leisure of placid diver-
sion. The rush and challenge that athletes
feel when playing sports is what I feel when
I draw. The ability to be precise and to have
My Mother
By Lynne Levine
My Mother, Rae Klion, was so ahead of
her time in spirit and mind! Her uncondi-
tional love for me taught me how to love
and her constant reminder that, as a young
woman (I was only 24 when she died at 48)
3
stabilized control over my hands is what I
have accomplished in order to establish this
passion of mine. Although my hands do
not have the ability to catch a victory pass
in football, my hands are capable enough to
create such a vivid image on paper.
My hands are objects of my creative
mind. I adorn and personalize all of my
belongings, my hands being one of them.
I add excitement to my life by painting
my nails with crazy colors and unpredict-
able designs. Every new pattern satisfies
my need for change; a new combination of
bright colors expresses the liveliness of my
emotions. I do not like to blend in and fit
into what everybody else does. Decorating
my hands so that they do not look like any-
body else’s demonstrates my belief in indi-
viduality.
Most importantly, my hands are the
multi-functioning hands of a student.
They have not been damaged by chemicals
like my mother’s. My hands have not been
exposed to dangerous conditions, causing
them to age with unnatural rapidity. With
the joined force of my signaling brain, my
hands have adapted to typing and writing
papers. I am able to work a calculator with
the rapid movement of a couple of fingers.
This ability is easily taken for granted by
many, but in my perspective, is significantly
valued through my belief.
By means of careful observation, I have
concluded that my hands are the simplest
version of my personality at its entirety.
They may not reveal such qualities that
make my mother the wonderful person she
is, but they reveal the qualities that make
me unique as an individual. A simple belief
in the meaning of hands carries valuable
and revealing messages.
Photo by Preston
I could be whatever I want to be, has been
the guiding light in my life. Love, indepen-
dence, and compassion were her legacy to
me and my children (whom she did not live
to know), and has spanned two generations
of Mothers -- me and my daughters. Her
teachings, by example, have indeed been
the foundation of our lives as Mothers.
4 LocalPerspectives: Mother’s Day
Reciprocity With Mother Nature
By Jeannie Greensfelder
On a hot-fudge sundae day, cold air with
blazing sunshine, I left the San Simeon pier
and walked half way down the beach to the
semi-secret trail that led to the point.
Seeking nourishment, I inhaled the
good medicine of pine and eucalyptus trees.
The Bridesmaid and the Plumber’s Friend
Mom to the Rescue
By Judythe Guarnera
“You’ve got one shot at it, Judy,” Dad
warned me when I was ready to take my
driving test. “I’m getting a new car, and I
am not about to trust a novice driver with
my first new car,” he warned.
I passed the test, all the while convinced
that Dad would change his mind. My
pleas fell on deaf ears, my excitement melt-
ing like a popsicle on a hot summer day. I
continued to take the bus to work as I had
expected. A few months
later, I had the final fitting
for my wedding dress.
When I asked
Dad to drive me,
he hesitated only
a moment and
tossed me the
keys to his new
car. I suspected
that the comfort
of his chair and a
roaring fire were
sufficiently moti-
vating to over-
come his fear of my driving.
I gleefully dashed out of the house to
pick up Connie, my maid of honor. When
the fitting was over, I was reluctant to change
into my jeans and sweater. I was imagining
how my future husband would smile when
he saw me. I was giddy with excitement
when I got behind the wheel. The euphoria
disappeared when I cut a corner too sharply
and heard a crunch, as the right fender went
metal to wood with a telephone pole. After
pulling over, we approached the damaged
fender with pounding hearts to witness one
serious dent.
Undaunted, Connie said, “I can fix
that.” She smiled conspiratorially. When
we got to her apartment, she dashed inside,
emerging with a triumphant smile and a
plumber’s friend. My startled look was met
with a smug, “I’ve seen them do this on TV.
It literally pulls out the dent. “
A few monarchs flitted by and two jun-
cos trilled and jumped in a paired flurry
followed by a spring-time chase. When I
reached the point, my vista included distant
mountains and nearby arched rocks. Beds
of kelp danced below with each wave and
the blue sea merged with the sky.
Connie went to work. (I’ll bet she was
good with toilets, too!) When she fin-
ished, we proclaimed the car “as good as
new.” I suspect that working in almost total
darkness might have influenced our
optimistic assessment. I hugged her and
headed for home, anxious to get to the
safely of my room.
The next day, as I left for work, I real-
ized that my step mom was already gone.
She hadn’t said anything about the fender.
Whew! I guess we did get that dent out.
That sure brightened my
day.
That evening Mom
came rushing into
the house. “Joe,
come here and
see what hap-
pened.” I held
my breath. They
were talking
excitedly when
they came back.
Mom told us the
strange thing that
had happened
that afternoon. She was visiting a friend in
the hospital when she heard a crash. She
rushed to look out the fifth floor window
to see a car hastily backing away from her
crumpled right fender.
Later, as I considered this turn of events,
I had two competing thoughts. One was
that mom might have had her own fender
bender and made up the preposterous story,
so Dad wouldn’t be upset. The second
thought, and probably more likely, was that
mom noticed the dent when she left the
house in the morning. As moms often do,
she probably spent the day trying to come
up with a plausible story that would get me
off the hook.
After dad died, and for the rest of her
life, I toyed with the idea of confessing to
her. Instead, I just held in my heart another
reason why I loved her so much.
Women’s Press | May & June 2009 | womenspress.slo@gmail.com
Before people arrived, Mother Nature’s
wonders existed unheeded. Human beings
were the first to reflect on beauty and to feel
awe. Did our consciousness evolve because
nature wanted to be seen and appreciated?
We know people thrive when recognized
and valued. I received so much on this
day and everyday and hoped my noticing
Mystique of Feminine
By Laura Grace
Women are inherently mystical. We have a
natural tendency to experience a direct con-
nection with the Divine. This occurs not
only during prayer, meditation, or worship
but at any time. Women frequently describe
a deep sense of connection to God as part of
motherhood. We see God in others, and we
see God in our children and grandchildren.
Experiencing God by adhering to specific
paths and procedures, guidelines and rules,
is not a necessary component of the wom-
an’s spiritual journey. We accept that God is
infinitely too big to fit into one religion or
one path. For women, our spiritual journey
and our lives are one and the same.
Rabbi Nachman, the grandson of the
founder of mystical Judaism, Baal Shem
Tov, once stated that if one desires to find
the Shekkina, the Divine or Mystical Femi-
nine, then one should go to the place where
women tell “stories.” Women’s spirituality
entails relying on and sharing our personal
experiences. In my own life, when teaching
or presenting a spiritual message, I find that
I experience the greatest fulfillment from
relaying a significant experience that I have
faced and evolved through. Doing so allows
me to connect with the heart and soul of
other women who either have, or perhaps
someday will, face a similar situation. I also
find that I learn the most from women who
share their personal experiences with me.
Sharing our stories with our daughters is
one of the most powerful gifts we can offer
them. It is food for their soul. Our daugh-
ters may not remember some of the things
that we have strived to teach them, but they
will remember our experiences. Our per-
sonal stories reveal how the journey is simi-
lar from one generation to another and how
deeply connected we are. The mystical fem-
inine aspect within us recognizes that we
help each other grow through our life sto-
ries.
As I write this, my daughter, Alexis, is
three months pregnant. A few days ago,
Photos by Jeannie Greensfelder
gave something back. Believing something
mutual happened between my seeing and
nature being seen invited a deeper aware-
ness and heartfelt connection.
On my walk back, I observed the tex-
tures and touched the bark of trees, feel-
ing a new bond with the natural world that
more than ever needs attention.
while reflecting on some of the changes I am
witnessing in her, I came across a quote by
an unknown author: “Mothers and daugh-
ters are closest, when daughters become
mothers.” In some of our recent conversa-
tions, she has wanted to discuss some of the
stories that I have shared with her over the
years. Her desire for closeness is stronger
than before, and I am seeing how profound
the mother-daughter bond truly is.
Transitioning through the different
phases of our lives: menarche, infertility,
childbirth, the loss of a child, the decision
not to bear children, menopause—are part
of a woman’s rite of passage that are closely
connected to our spiritual lives. They are an
intimate part of our evolution in which we
seek reason to rejoice and find strength.
As we experience “Mother’s Day,” may
we share our stories of overcoming obsta-
cles, handling grief, and celebrating life.
May we honor the divine and mystical fem-
inine within our daughters, nieces, sisters,
mothers, grandmothers, friends, and, our-
selves.
Laura Grace is the spiritual leader for the
an interfaith spiritual community Circle of
Spiritual Enlightenment in San Luis Obispo,
a teacher and spiritual director and a mem-
ber of Spiritual Directors International. She is
a syndicated columnist for more than twenty
publications and is the author of the books
Gifts of the Soul and The Intimate Soul.
May & June 2009 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press Body&Soul 5

White Queen Days, a little inspiration

by Anne R. Allen
I call these crazed times “White Queen Days,” after
Lewis Carroll’s White Queen, who ruled a kingdom
where “It takes all the running you can do to keep in the
same place.”
The White Queen offered Alice this advice for
surviving her “Looking Glass” realm: “Speak in French
when you can’t remember the English for a thing; turn
out your toes as you walk, and remember who you are!”
Pretty good advice for the surreal world of 2009.
Well, the French and the toe thing—not so much—but
“remember who you are” is true wisdom.
When I’m feeling beaten down by the horrors
of present reality, watching my income dwindle and
expenses explode and when I’m cut off by the drones of
“customer service” after three hours on hold—or treated
like a soulless bug by the medical-industrial complex, I
Sanctuary Disconnect
By Anne Schroeder
The idea of “home as sanctuary”—
what’s not to love? A place of meditation,
contemplation, seclusion that leaves me
strong, ready to fight my spiritual foe:
at least, that’s what I keep telling myself.
But this is the confession of a sanctuary
potato.
Eighteen years ago, when my
husband and I were looking for a new
house, a sanctuary was at the top of
the list. We found a winding road in rural Atascadero, an
ancient path for Salinan Indians making their way inland
from their sacred place at Morro Rock.
A place where mountains block the sun morning and
afternoon, where wild gobblers preen in the middle of the
road and where, for many years, we were limited to a single
television station.
But we were blessed to be living among nature. We have
bear, fox, mountain lion, deer, coyote, possum, rattlesnakes,
skunk, buzzards that circle above, strutting Tom turkeys,
and (one day) a yard filled with teen-age, second-string
Toms commiserating unrequited love.
The downside of living in a sanctuary is that friends
rarely drive six miles down a dead-end road to “drop in.” It’s
a long trip into town for random acts like gym workouts.
remember I AM STILL ME. I think of those small suc-
cesses and moments of joy that make up who I am, and
remember that I once published a couple of novels to
good reviews; that I’ve been rewarded for honest work;
that I have loved and been loved; and I have sung and
danced and reveled in the wonders of creation.
Maybe we can keep running like Alice, clinging
to the White Queen, or maybe we can’t. Maybe we’ll
end up living in a tent city, scrounging recyclables, or en-
slaved to a sociopathic husband or boss, terrified of los-
ing insurance benefits. Maybe we’ll watch our children
slip into poverty from lack of education. But it’s all part
of a mad game perpetrated by players we cannot under-
stand or control. What we can control is our dignity, our
memories, our hope, and a rock-solid sense of self.
Anne R. Allen is a freelance writer based in Los
Osos.
The narrow lane is a death trap for teens; a
girl’s memorial cross marks the side of the
road.
The lesson my husband and I have
learned is to be careful what we ask for.
Our sanctuary is sometimes too much of
a good thing when it’s only the two of us,
and the evenings are long, and we miss the
social stimulation that town dwellers take
for granted.
Our home a sanctuary? It’s a quiet
place, a place of prayer and reading. My
writing shack is being constructed in our
spare time with salvaged lumber and antique store finds.
But all of this begs the question, what came first: house
as sanctuary or sanctuary as house? At my door I have two
hangings, a framed collection of Chinese hand-painted
miniature greetings and a Christian blessing.
At the mantle I have a bundle of sage for burning.
In my prayer center, I have a font of holy water near my
crucifix. My daughter has fung shei-ed us for financial and
personal success. Seems like I’m covered. But, in truth, my
thoughts are my sanctuary—the house is merely a reflection
of who I try to be.
Anne Schroeder’s writing can be found at www.
readanneschroeder.com
Inglis Carre’-Dellard
So many of us begin our artis-
tic quest with the goal of making
“beautiful” things. We think the
well-made object that is harmoni-
ous, balanced, and gratifying to the
senses is our ultimate goal. Perhaps
the most “original” or novel tech-
nique, subject, or color palette will
grab the viewers’ attention and sat-
isfy their need for “beauty”.
I see a couple of major prob-
lems with an artist making beauty
their singular goal. The first one is
that the perfection of beauty is rare
and only achieved by a minority of
works, while the rest fail in varying
degrees to meet the standard. The
authors of these works feel inad-
equate. It is no wonder that, with
such a small chance of a “success-
ful” outcome, artists tackling a new
project experience a degree of fear
and timidity that stifles free expres-
sion. This situation makes finding
one’s artistic voice almost impos-
sible.
The second problem is that
beauty, by itself, has only a short
lived effect. Consuming it is like
eating a sugary confection. The
effects of the sugar will wear off in
an hour or two. What is needed
is the complex carbohydrate of art
called “meaning”. Meaning is the
quality that fills us up and contin-
ues to engage us by stimulating us
to ask questions and to ponder vari-
ous answers as they relate to our-
selves and our worlds. In addition
to feeding our visual hunger, an art
work that has meaning feeds our
spirits and intellects. It calls into
being a correspondence between
the viewer and the artist.
The way we put meaning into
our work is to strive to express our
own explorations of our inner and
outer worlds. Copying another art-
ist’s technique will make this job
harder because that artist’s tech-
nique evolved as a response to his or
her explorations, not ours. Express-
ing our unique and innermost
selves is a risky business, and often
downright uncomfortable. It also
requires a certain boldness. The
upside is that we don’t have to have
all the answers. The questions are
more interesting anyway.
We don’t have to squeeze our-
selves out all over the canvas like
paint from a tube in order to reveal
some of ourselves. All we have to
do is to allow the viewer of our
art more than a view of the visual
recording of what we see—to allow
the viewer a glimpse of our core, a
glimpse of our thoughts, feelings,
and questions about what we are
painting. With this new, expanded
goal before us, we may sometimes
create expressions that go beyond
illustration and put the heart back
into art!

Owning our power through meditation and non-resistance

ing. Not understanding, not controlling, not directing. Simply experiencing. Saying Yes to the moment
Ruth Cherry
and experiencing what is at any given second.
I get crazy when folks in my meditation group ask me “why” questions, or repeat what the current
guru has said on television, or talk in abstractions off the top of their heads. I am committed to making
the Saturday morning meditation group a healing experience, but healing never happens intellectually.
The Controller, or the side of us that wishes to take control, tells us to get into our heads. The Controller
is trying to protect our vulnerability, to prevent too much feeling, and to live superficially. The Control-
ler is never the figure we call on when we want to live with passion and depth, the essence of medita-
tion.
The Controller helps us keep our lives going by attending to necessary details: keep food in the
fridge, cut the grass, balance the bank statement (or at least know pretty much where you stand), pay
bills on time, change the sheets regularly, buy clothes on sale, and generally use good judgment in
practical matters.
That’s great and we absolutely need the Controller’s input. I hope you have a strong Controller.
But as with everything else, there is a time and place for the Controller. If we indulge the Control-
ler with too much of our energy, we’ll have trouble sleeping, lose our spontaneity, forget how to
have fun, and turn our lives into a series of projects to be completed.
The Controller is a subpersonality we develop from our experience growing up. In school we
meet certain expectations; we arrive on time, keep our desks neat, hand in homework, and sit quietly
when the teacher speaks.We restrain our here-to-fore unrestrained natural enthusiasm in deference
to the demands of the world around us.We all need to learn that lesson and to give it priority in
many parts of our lives–our work, our responsibilities as citizens and neighbors, our conduct with
strangers, and our planning for the future. We don’t want to live without a Controller.
However, the Controller is not how we heal. Healing requires vulnerability and an
open-ended commitment to be present and to see what happens. We don’t want
to use that presence and vulnerability with the tax collector. We give the state
its due. But just as we have responsibilities to the outside world, we also have
responsibilities to the inner world. “Why,” you ask,“is it not enough to obey
the law, live a decent life, and contribute in our own particular way?” Certainly
no one will criticize you and you will build a comfortable life for yourself. If you are
satisfied with ceasing your questing at that point, OK.
Some of us, however, feel pulled to look more deeply. The death of a child thrusts us into an agony
we don’t think we can survive. An unexpected turn of events leaves us without the future we had
counted on. Or simply living every day pulls us away from the world and into spaces inside which scare
us. For whatever reason, we want more.The surface verities don’t satisfy and our heads can’t answer soul-
ful questions.
Our churches can offer comfort and support, but delving into the depths of ourselves is so personal
that we must set out alone. It would be easier if we could take the latest best seller with us and we could
read about our lives, but at some point we must confront and experience our own lives. Just experienc-
At first this exercise may serve to get us through a strained time, but eventually, and with time, it
becomes a way of life. And then we don’t identify with the Controller, but with the one caught in
the current. We don’t know where we are being carried and we don’t need to. We simply say Yes
and go with the flow of our lives.
On an inner level we practice non-resistance to everything–I won’t fight any feeling which
comes up, then acceptance of everything–thank you for this feeling which I don’t like, then
trust–I say Yes to this second. Owning our power includes each of these steps. Non-resis-
tance challenges those of us who like to act, who judge, and who want to correct. But as
we accept that life is not a problem to be solved and that our minds (our Controllers) don’t
know best, we acknowledge the beauty and wisdom in the patterns of our lives, which
lead us to heal. Life is for healing through experience. If our Controllers cut off our ex-
perience, we can’t heal. Healing is messy and sometimes painful and always vulnerable,
and we’re never in control. Life knows what experiences we need to heal. We can go
with them or resist and stay in our heads.
Owning our power may manifest in our gratitude for every little thing:“Thank you
for my breath today.”“Thank you for that driver cutting me off and taking my park-
ing place.” “Thank you for the latest disappointment.” How many times have I heard,
“That’s crazy to be thankful for what you don’t like and didn’t choose and don’t want!”
It is. But what’s the alternative? To be angry or hurt and vengeful? To take it person-
ally and hate others? I’ve lived that way and it doesn’t feel good, it doesn’t empower me,
and I don’t heal. My life works better when I say,“Yes, thank you, and what’s next?” I can
get very angry and very self righteous and very intellectual when I’m hurt. I can demolish
another with my analysis and words. But where does it get me? I’m still in the world and
so are they, and I’ve just contributed a whole lot of pain that didn’t need to be there. All
because I was insulted, which is to say, not in control. Control is useful only in circumscribed
situations. With God, the soul, eternity, feelings, or relationships, control is a dirty word.
Meditation is practice for life. We practice letting go of our minds, accepting what comes,
releasing what we no longer need to hold onto, breathing, trusting, and waiting to be shown
the next step. If we can do that for twenty minutes we can do it throughout the day. We prac-
tice the relationship we want to have with Life in meditation and then we live it all day. And
that’s owning our power.
Ruth Cherry, Ph.D, is a clinical psychologist specializing midlife when psychological and
spiritual dynamics merge. The power of the unconscious at midlife to heal and to transform
is tapped in meditation. Besides writing about meditation, Ruth leads guided meditation
groups weekly both for the public and for inmates in a state penitentiary. Visit her Web site is
midlifepsychology.com.
6 ThankYou
Bates Care Management is a leading pro-
vider of professional geriatric care manage-
ment services. With the rapidly growing
population of elders in the San Luis Obispo
County area, we strive to enable elders to
remain in their homes for as long as is safely
possible, and to give assurance to adult chil-
dren that their elder is being given the best
possible quality of life.
Bates Care Management is at the fore-
front of providing innovative services to
elders, including elder fraud prevention,
daily money management, and cost-ef-
fective services planning. Please call us to
see how we can help with your particular
needs.
(805) 771-9124
www.batescare.com
Central Coast Lymphedema
Central Coast Lymphedema Therapy has
specialized in treating Lymphedema and
chronic swelling since 2001. Lymphedema
is a chronic disorder that results from the
accumulation of protein-rich fluid in body
tissues when lymphatic fluid is unable to
circulate properly. This is caused by injury,
scarring, infection, or cancer treatment
with lymph node removal and/or radiation.
CCLT’s therapists are licensed and nation-
ally certified in the treatment of Lym-
phedema.
(805) 782-9300
www.cclymphtx.com
Walk in – Float out.
This vision, founded
a decade ago by
Kathleen and Rudy
Stowell, gave birth
to a nurturing, revi-
talizing spa. Atten-
tion to detail and a
knowledgeable, pro-
fessional, friendly
staff set Healing
Touch apart. This inviting spa offers a com-
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services to address every skincare need—
Dermalogica® skincare treatments and
products; Glominerals™ makeup; a host of
massage therapies; as well as professional
indoor tanning.
And with spring in the air and wedding
preparations underway, Healing Touch
offers exceptional bridal packages. Culti-
vate glowing skin before your special day
under the expert care of our skin therapist
and makeup artist.
(805) 931-0512
www.healingtouch-nipomo.com
Women’s Press and Cal Poly Women’s Programs & Services want to say
Thank you
to the generous sponsors
who made LUNAFEST possible
We had the most successful event so far!
We are an interfaith
community dedi-
cated to celebrating
diversity and hon-
oring the spirit that
connects all things.
We respect the truth
in the world’s religions
and the path of each individual. The Cir-
cle affirms that the Spirit of Love is the
Source of life, and that we are meant to co-
create as loving participants in the world in
which we live. Our teachings demonstrate
the way for individuals to heal and awaken
through the power of prayer, meditation,
and self-less service. We subscribe to the
ancient wisdom of the world’s sages in
ways that supports contemporary living.
(805) 541-1963
www.spiritualcircle.org
RETurn to JOY!
Are you ready to return to joy? Our time-
saving “mind-body intervention” technique
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issues at a “core” level – so you don’t have
to retell or “relive” the experience or event.
90% of our clients get immediate results.
MaryAine Cherry is a Master Rapid Eye
Technician-Trainer and Massage Therapist ,
specializing in relief from chronic pain and
owner of RETurn to JOY!
(805) 773-4475
www.return2joy.com
Radiology Associates is where compassion
meets technology. For fifty years, Radiology
Associates has been the premier provider
of radiological services in San Luis Obispo
and surrounding areas. We were the first
practice to provide round-the-clock imag-
ing services delivered by all Board-Certified,
Fellowship-Trained Radiologists. Our goal
is to provide superior patient care using the
latest advances in medical imaging technol-
ogy, in a compassionate and caring environ-
ment.
With four convenient locations, Radiol-
ogy Associates is committed to serving the
needs of the Central Coast, and to mak-
ing patient visits convenient, comfortable,
and less time-consuming. Our mission is to
provide our patients with the most accurate,
timely, safe and caring imaging services, the
latest technology, and the highest level of
expertise available in the community.
(805) 674-4791
www.rasloimaging.com/
Women’s Press | May & June 2009 | womenspress.slo@gmail.com
SLO Chai has a solid reputation for its out-
standing tea products. Our varieties include
the Vanilla Spice Latte, 5 flavors of teabags,
loose leaf teas, and the one-and-only Chai
Cream Ale. Certified Organic and Fair
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we commit 1% of profits toward sustainabil-
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So whether you are heading to work or
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Please continue to share SLO Chai with
family and friends and make it a part of
your daily ritual.
877 FAIR TEA (324-7832)
www.slochai.com
Susan Rodriguez has been a local State
Farm Insurance Agent for 6 years, in the
area 19 years, and in the insurance industry
21 years. Susan’s agency, located in down-
town SLO, offers a wide variety of insur-
ance products, mutual funds and banking
products. They specialize primarily in auto
insurance, homeowners insurance, and life
insurance.
For Susan, the most rewarding part of
being a business owner in San Luis Obispo
is building relationships with clients and
associates throughout the community. Her
agency’s mission is to help people manage
the risks of everyday life, recover from the
unexpected, and realize their dreams.
(805) 783-7050
www.rodriguezinsurance.com
Green Acres Lav-
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f a m i l y - ow n e d
farm with a heri-
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products since
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around the world to see how we distill fresh
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We have over 13,000 lavender plants on our
farm and over 60,000 lavender plants grow-
ing around the State in a cooperative Alli-
ance, where we work together to grow the
lavender industry one sustainable step at a
time. We are committed to our community
and making healthy lavender products.
We are the original SLO County Laven-
der Farm open to the public, and we love
sharing our lavender farming passion.
(805) 466-0837
www.greenacreslavenderfarm.com
The Conscious Colors Energy Center, shar-
ing the colors of higher consciousness: color,
sound, aromatherapy and chakra yoga.
Energy balancing classes & courses with
internationally-recognized instructor &
healer Constance Hart.
(805) 305-0046
www.consciouscolors.com
Rockview Lending Group is a full-ser-
vice mortgage company based in Arroyo
Grande, servicing the Central Coast and
beyond. Leslie Kight is a certified mortgage
planning specialist. FHA and VA loans are
just a couple of the programs we specialize
in. Call for answers to your mortgage ques-
tions, even if we did not originate your cur-
rent mortgage. We are happy to help and
look forward to being of service
(805) 489-1978
www.rockviewlending.com
Consignment
shopping is not
only hip, but
it is also earth
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loads of fun shop-
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price, as well as provide a venue to re-coop
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Why buy the LAST one on the rack
when you can buy the ONLY one on the
rack?
489-5266
www.act2boutique.com
Karen Hale
Karen Hale, D.C. & Hypnotherapist and
Wellness Mentor
Karen brings to her work 35 years of
formal education and experiential learning.
Integrating all aspects of one’s life creates a
unique richness. Working in harmony with
her clients, she helps others discover their
own wisdom and walk in life.
(805) 801-5439
ubwell53@gmail.com
Core Mediation Services, “The Divorce
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May & June 2009 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press
VoiceS AROUND THE TABLE
“In these stressed times, what do women of the world need now?”
We need to quiet that voice that
echoes throughout every day. The
one that tends to get louder as the
day comes to a close. It’s the one
that constantly reminds us that we
didn’t finish the laundry or pay the
water bill or answer our best friend’s
email. So what? we need to say.
How about teaching our inner voice
to say Ta Dah instead of To Do?
Will the water really get turned off?
And our best friend is probably just
as busy and will survive...and the
laundry? Well, that’s just nonsense.
-Deborah Reyes-Gardner
The reassurance that the stock
market will recover so we can live
comfortably through our retirement
years and also comfort in knowing
that social security will be around
for us, our children, and grand-
children so we don’t have to work
until we are eighty. It would also be
wonderful if there were peace and
harmony in all corners of the world
and food for everyone.
-Sue Kaplan
More wine and sleep. Women of
developed nations need a wife. Ok,
seriously. Social acceptance of and
support for a woman who works
full time and has a family to care
for. I think there is an increase in
the anxiety in women because she is
expected to do it all - well. Univer-
sal government assistance for child-
care if she is employed.
-Laurel White
We need to step back and put
into perspective the most important
things: freedom to express our tru-
est selves, love, and health.
-Lisa Jouet
Wine. Hah. No really, women
need perspective. Every “time” is
stressed if you allow it to be. Take
time to live in the moment and
appreciate what you have. Change
is inevitable, and it doesn’t have to
be a bad thing.
-Kristin Tara McNamera
Perspective. Keeping things in
perspective is key, especially when
one seems to be in a baren, dark,
lonely, or foggy season of life. Sea-
sons always end; keeping a proper
perspective helps us see further ahead
and not get bogged down by trou-
bles. It keeps us moving forward. I
also think having a right perspective
of our personal roles, responsibili-
ties, and priorities is important (wife,
mother, friend, sister, citizen of our
city, state, country, and the world).
Remembering that the world doesn’t
revolve around me, but that I have
the opportunity to be a blessing to
someone is important.
-Liza Hughes
Each other.
-Amy Hewes
We need respect and no more
patronizing.
-Mary Kay Harrington
To relax and renew. To remem-
ber to breathe and try to stay focused.
Be present...I’d maybe throw good
sex in there too.
-Sara Kaplan
Support from other women.
-Terry Brogno
Dogs.
-Sadie Johann
Support. Women need to stop
judging and tearing one another
down and instead need to support
and build one another up. We can-
not accomplish our goals and make
ourselves better unless we help
those around us and receive help in
exchange. We cannot succeed in our
roles as daughters, mothers, grand-
mothers, employees, wives, partners
or friends if we do not have the care
and support of other women.
-Jennifer Mowad
Each day we are given a choice
on how to live. Do we want to view
the current state as “stressed times”
or a time for creativity and flexibility?
Given that your spending capacities
are currently constrained, how can
you stretch that dollar? What free
activities are available in your com-
munity? How can you reconnect
with friends and family the old fash-
ioned way (board games anyone?)
Though the market may have fluctu-
ated and deflated, it does not mean
our spirits need to. Stress in conta-
gious, but so is joy.
-Tricia Wolanin
Education.
-Michelle Creedon
Relaxation tools; private down-
time; meditation; playtime; joy in
simple things.
-Oak Haven meditation group
***
For the July/August issue:
How can women promote their equality
without being seen as radical?
Express your voice at:
womenspress.slo@gmail
The Answer is Isabella
By Tricia Wolanin
Isabella turned 30 on Janu-
ary 11. Friends she has collected
throughout the years surrounded
her Valley Village apartment.
They spanned the country and
time: Long Beach grade school
to Syracuse graduate school. Her
two bedroom shared apartment
resembled a cheesy high school
dance. Black and gold balloons
flooded the ceiling next to cin-
ema themed decorations.
A make shift photo booth
stood in the corner, with whimsi-
cal drapery surrounding the black
and gold motif. Her brother
acted as the paparazzi as guests
posed in their 80’s themed attire.
Guests filled their stom-
achs with potluck food and were
entertained by a borrowed Wii
Rock Band.
Then the countdown began,
as it had two weeks before for
New Years. People surrounded
Isabella. They waited to hug and
scream as the seconds neared
midnight. Another moment in
time had been marked.
My Built-in Life Support
By Hilda Heifetz
It must be my body and soul
that are offended by the relentless
attacks on my wellbeing by the
mind-troubling health ads and
warnings. The so-called “medical
industries” and the media seem to
be conspiring to create an unre-
lieved state of un-ease (dis-ease) in
our human lives. The onslaught
alone, with its resulting anxiety,
can do us in!
We are aware that what we
Voices 7
I look back at that night with
inspiration, in hopes that my
birthday will hold as much excite-
ment. Isabella did not have a lav-
ish apartment, high paying job,
or a significant other. She had
joy, which consciously lingered
for the following thirty days.
She appropriately created
a blog “30 days of 30.” This
blog followed her quest to daily
acknowledge herself for hav-
ing lived on this earth for three
decades. Some excerpts were filled
with alcohol debauchery and
cake, while others were simply
quiet moments filled with peace.
I thought of Isabella, when
posed with the question “In these
stressed times, what do women
of the world need now?” Isa-
bella was laid off twice the previ-
ous year and had a gut wrenching
break up with her first love.
She could have chosen to wal-
low in her miseries, complain
about the poor job and stock
market, or seclude herself from
others. Yet Isabella chose to cel-
ebrate life. And it was contagious
to those around her.
believe will shape our reality, and
m a r k e t manipulators know
that, perhaps even better than we
do. On the positive side, drug
companies and our doctors rec-
ognize the placebo effect. Test-
ing a new drug takes into account
that when a patient believes he is
taking the drug (though actually
given a sugar pill), his condition
improves!
On the negative side, we are
being made to believe that we
see Life support page8
8 Women’sStories Women’s Press | May & June 2009 | womenspress.slo@gmail.com

Eve-o-lution: The Birth of Humankind

By Heather Mendell
Her name means the mother of the living.
As women, how do we regard her and how
does that affect the way we feel about ourselves?
Eve, in Hebrew, Hava, can be understood in
an entirely different light once we realize that
the original story of our beginnings is told as
poetry rather than prose. Poetry speaks in met-
aphor and when read literally, robs the reader
of the grandeur of the images. The most dra-
matic result of such reading is a negative, patri-
archal assumption about the “mother of living”.
Not the disobedient, temptress she has been
maligned to represent, Eve is, in fact, the quint-
essential heroine. She represents the bold and
courageous intuitive aspect each human being
possesses that moves the human story forward.
Creating midrashim is an a traditional study
of rereading biblical text by filling in the blanks.
This month I offer a midrash I wrote in 1993.
Eve stood beneath the branches of the Tree
at the center of the Garden. They surrounded
her, protectively like the wings of those who
sang so sweetly from the tree. She loved being
here, at home, in the Garden. The glowing
fruit was in her hand, warm, soft, and invit-
ing. She knew that the juice would be sweet to
taste. Although time did not yet exist, here she
was able to gaze into what would become the
past and future of earth’s history. Once again
she thought about her alternatives. She had
been given the choice before, and she knew she
would be given the chance again. Not eating
would ensure that innocence would remain in
the Garden. Innocence, she knew, was incom-
plete, inexperienced, and inert. She looked at
the warm, living fruit in her hand. The rosy
blush of the sacred fruit was as pleasing to
her eyes as its feel was to her hand. Eating of
this gift of creation would open for them the
gates of the Garden. They could step out into a
material beginning. She looked at her beloved
Adam. As the separated beings they would
agree to become, they would experience loneli-
ness. They would not be able to merge, as they
could now, in this Garden of Oneness. Sexual
fulfillment would be the closest they would
come to knowing the ecstasy of merging.
Separation would be necessary because the
material world on Earth would operate under
the law of duality. The challenge for their
children would be to find a place of balance
between the apparent opposites they would
experience, to find the Oneness from which
they came. This would be the first exodus of
many for the children of humanity, whose mis-
sion would be incomplete until Oneness was
attained. Physicality would bring the wonder
of physical experience and emotion, as well as
loneliness and even forgetfulness: to be totally
present in their material world, their ener-
gies and attention would have to focus on the
physical realm. She and Adam, her soul-mate
and help-mate, would be the agents of con-
sciousness that bring the God-force into yet
another level of existence. Adam comfortably
deferred to her intuitive sense in matters of
discussions with Wholly-One, just as Eve, he
knew, would willingly follow his plan once the
course of action was decided. Balance and hap-
piness, you see, really did reign in that Garden!
Eve knew how she would be vilified by
humanity in its childhood. For a time, many
of her sons would consider her the most evil
of beings because of her decision to start this
journey. She knew that her wondrous intuitive
sense, with which she communed with Whol-
ly-One would come to be detested and feared.
Intuition would be symbolized by the awe-
some snake—an icon of wisdom and knowl-
edge— which, like Eve, would become feared
and demonized. Wholly-One assured her that
although this early stage would seem like an
eternity when they were in physical garments
of skin, it would really be momentary. Time
and space, after all, would be but illusions they
would devise in trying to understand and to
remember. Each would claim their Divinity
when ready. Ultimately they would bless her
and gratefully acknowledge her as their mother,
the spark of the start of physical experience.
For much of its childhood, human-
ity would take literally all the allegories their
priests and storytellers would invent regard-
ing their beginnings, until the time for matu-
rity drew closer and understanding of symbol
and myth would softly creep into their con-
sciousness. It would take these children time
to understand that this journey was a choice
she and Adam were given by Wholly-One,
who wanted them to undertake it— but
only when they were ready. It had to be a
choice of free will, which was the natural law
in the Garden, as duality would be on Earth.
Previously, she had hesitated. Compassion
for generations of her future children stayed her
hand. She could see the road ahead, the blind-
ness, the misunderstandings, the hatred, the
pain and tears caused by their ignorance. Out
of those painful lessons would come under-
standing and remembrance. She would be
blessed always by Wholly-One as she was now.
She knew what Wholly-One wanted from her
when she was ready and now, finally, she was.
In joy and thankfulness, she put the sweet
fruit to her lips, and savored its fragrance and
flavor. This was the key to the Gates. She
reached out and took another fruit from the
sacred branch and giving it to Adam, encour-
aged him to eat with her. They once again dis-
cussed the odyssey they were to undertake. He
was not sure he was ready for separation and the
loneliness, for himself or for their children. He
grieved for the time in the story in which his
sons would forget the “wholiness” of his daugh-
ters. Eve understood and lovingly encouraged
him, knowing that everything would turn out
just the way it should. She knew it was time.
Hesitating, he came to a decision. If Eve
was ready, he would follow her intuition. He
ate of the fruit she had brought to him. It
was delicious. Savoring the wonder of it, he
walked to the tree and took a second peach.
Eve knew that his eating twice from the tree
would make memory more difficult for him
but she would be there, at his side, to help him
remember. In sleep and story they would have
the opportunity to cast off their human forms
and revert to all they really were. She, Daugh-
ter of Wholly-One gave thanks, honored and
joyful to be doing what had been desired, but
never asked, of her. She lay down next to him
and merged with him once more, for the last
time, the two becoming one— inner and
outer, active and receptive, male and female,
intuitive and intellectual, thinking and feeling,
wisdom and understanding, compassion and
discernment — all at-one-ment in the garden.
“Tomorrow” the adventure would
begin. Eventually, they would return
to the Garden, mature, whole and ful-
filled, having completed the task lovingly
offered them. The wholly-one slept peace-
fully beneath the Tree of The Wholly One.
B’shalom
Visit http://www.dancinginthefootstepsofeve.com
for more readings from Heather Mendel.

Life support it is reflected in my relationship

continued from page 7
cannot live without the use of
“health” products, that we are
filled with dire symptoms, that
medication and science are our
only recourse. The power of such
repeated suggestion makes us fear-
ful, faithful, consumers....and that
brings in the profit.
What if I don’t buy into all this
salesmanship? What if I relate to a
state of well-being, what if I think
my environment is friendly, what
with my doctors and pharmacists.
Usually, most doctors will
invite patients to report their
symptoms but not qualify them
to make any type of diagnosis.
But my doctors are interested in
both kinds of information from
me as I interpret what my own
body is telling me. Not entirely in
jest, I refer to this exchange as the
doctor being my “second opinion”
while I am my “first opinion.” It
seems basic and sensible. Perhaps
this mutual respect has had some-
thing to do with longevity?
So giving Nature a fair chance
to keep me whole, I don’t want to
be too quick to dismiss or ignore
what was provided as inherent
helpers for my survival. I resist
being exploited by tactics that
scare me into buying products,
that want me to believe my life
depends on them. Could we slow
down the trafficking in pathol-
ogy and start broadcasting the
celebration of the inborn benefits
sustaining us? And the outer envi-
ronment’s interconnection?
These things I prefer to believe:
That we need to know ourselves,

A Girl Thing
By Hannah Hewes-Clark
In my last article, I described my—is
it safe to say?—unique relationship with
my girlfriends. I know with great certainty
that I wouldn’t be the person I am had I
never been friends with them. They have
all played a huge role in shaping my per-
sonality, my beliefs, and the manner in
which I present myself. Now, we’re get-
ting ready to disperse ourselves around the
world—as I head off to New York City
for college, two of them are going to be in
South America, spending a year soaking
in foreign cultures and, I’m sure, leaving
their own marks on the people who will
be lucky enough to encounter them. With
our good-byes quickly approaching, we
are analyzing more than ever the meaning
of our relationship and how we’re going to
change as we adapt to our respective new
locales.
As I spoke about in the last article, our
deep friendship has allowed us to under-
stand ourselves better. Once we embraced
our individual personalities, we began to
analyze each other—observe what makes
see Girls, page 9
if I give recognition to my buil-
tin protectors and healers? What I find myself rereading a chap- strengths and weaknesses, in dark-
of the natural intelligence of my ter in a remarkable book, “The ness and light...that life is the
body (which my mind can only Lives of a Cell” by Lewis Thomas, power to be an individual partici-
attempt to understand) and what practicing doctor, scientist, poet, pant in the cosmic process.
and philosopher. The chapter, I would like to think that what
of the spiritual participation of
my soul (which works in mysteri- “Your Very Good Health,” urges I choose (or is given to me) to
us to have more trust in our own believe will be the compass for my
ous ways)? I tend to feel they are
ability to heal. He wrote, “We life’s journey, staying my course,
both assigned to maintaining my
are paying too little attention and fulfilling my purpose.
survival.
respect to the durability and sheer It is my belief that I am
I believe my soul is married
power of the human organism. Its obliged to speak out against coer-
to my body, inseparable for life. I
surest tendency is toward stability cion by predators, as this essay of
like to think they have taken an
and balance. protest intends.
oath to care for each other “till
It is a distortion, profoundly Most of all, it would be
death do us part,” letting nobody
disloyal, to picture the human important to find that all of my
or nothing “tear us asunder.” I feel
being as a teetering, fallible con- best beliefs defined my past 92
that the guardianship over it all is
traption, always needing watch- years and will attend my eventual
my responsibility. So much so that
ing. departure.
May & June 2009 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press
Tending the Garden with Soul
UNSUNG HEROINE:
Priscilla Mikesell
Girls
continued from page 9
each girl tick and how she handles her-
self in certain situations. In this sense,
our friendship has not only given us
independence, but it has also allowed us
to understand other people, to become
receptive to the differences that makes
every person’s mind his/her own—espe-
cially that of women.
As I look at other relationships
between girls and women—my mom
and her sister, other high school friend-
ships, my boss and her employees, and
of course my own relationship with
my mom—I wonder how we females
can avoid the stinging competition
that often plagues our relationships and
instead reach that point when we begin
By Berta Parrish
It’s springtime on the Central Coast and my garden
needs attention. Weeds abound, plants jump beyond
their borders, and vines threaten their neighbors.
Springtime is also a good time for reflection and the
pruning of obsolete ideas and harmful habits. After
several careers and pursuits, joys and sorrows, dreams
realized and dreams delayed, Priscilla Mikesell com-
pares living to gardening.
“We check to see what works in our minds and
hearts and how that shows up in our lives. If it’s not
working, we weed it out to make room so something
new can grow for us and those around us.”
Priscilla’s life reflects this continual organic, transfor-
mative process. From union organizer to drug and alco-
hol counselor to real estate agent/broker to soon-to-be
paralegal, she has known when to tend the soul’s garden,
when let go of one thing to embrace another. However,
the common harvest in all these careers is sharing her
journey, her insights, and her vegetables with others.
“Part of who many of us are is living our lives as
to learn from each other and learn about
ourselves through each other. From what
hooked up with my boyfriend,” or, “She
can’t date him because I did two years
I’ve seen in my eighteen years of living, ago.” There’s even, “What a skank, you
there are many layers to female competi- know he’s only flirting with her because
tion, and some are easier to identify than she’s hardly wearing any clothes.” Girls
others. in high school will find any reason to
The most recognized and possi- dislike each other and usually the most
bly the most unfairly blamed reason available reason revolves around the
for competitive tension is men. In high guys. Girls hooking up with other girls’
school, you hear the same lines over boyfriends creates civil wars and major
and over: “She’s a bitch because she see Girls, page 14
Women’sStories 9
examples...I’m celebrating 17 and a half years of being
clean and sober, and when you’re struggling with possi-
bility and hope, any example is important.”
She stresses that “it’s not just about recovery, but
having the tools to deal with life.”
Priscilla’s gardening tools keep her connected to her
Source and connected to the Earth. Spiritual practices
such as meditation, Tai Chi, poetry writing, Unity ser-
vices, and the 12 step program maintain the optimism
and energy she needs for her volunteer work. She’s a
member of the Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board, the
Cambria Connection Board, and the Unity of Cambria
Board. Currently, she is also working at the Cambria
Teen Center as Assistant Director, helping to set up a
nicer environment.
“It’s a good match,” she says, “Sometimes, I’m a 14
to 15-year- old developmentally! We play pool, and I
use it as a teaching metaphor illustrating the need to
slow down, to focus on the goal, to relax, and to realize
that it’s just a game.”
Priscilla also helped establish the Senior Day Care
Center in 2001 and planned the Aging Graciously Con-
ference in 2006.
Gardening itself is another spiritual exercise for
Priscilla. The entire process of composting, watering,
weeding, mulching, sowing, pruning, and fertilizing
develop an understanding for renewal, balance, wonder,
patience, presence, care, and letting go of the need to
control. These ideals are enhanced by a hobby in floral
photography.
“Taking pictures helps me slow down and see the
beauty around us,” she explains. “Everything is
about gratitude. You can’t feel thankful and fear-
ful at the same time. If you focus on fear, you’re
stuck. You don’t see the abundance. Just look-
ing at the lush green hills, children playing, and
blooming flowers can heal the heart.”
Priscilla Mikesell is an inspiration and a role
model for us as she passes on the gifts from her
tilled and cultivated life. We don’t need an exter-
nal garden to engage our senses, to evoke a sense
wonder, and to gain meaningful insights. As we
tend of our inner gardens and share the bounty, we
are nourishing our souls in a greater appreciation of the
mysterious cycle of life.
10 Motherhood Women’s Press | May & June 2009 | womenspress.slo@gmail.com

Birth & Baby Resource Network

By Jennifer Stover were touched deeply by a birth experience
and wish to reach out to others. Some had
Attached Parenting:
There is an organization of tireless vol- a beautiful, positive birth which touched
unteers working in our community who, them profoundly as women and mothers
like those in many other “women’s” orga- and they wish to help other women achieve
nizations, receive little recognition or fan- the same.
fare as they strive to educate, support, and Some had births that left deep wounds
empower young women starting families. on their female psyche from which they
What drives these women’s passion to reach are still recovering and hope to spare other
out and share their wis- women. Some have never
dom about pregnancy, experienced giving birth
birth, and early parent- but are drawn to the pro-

Preparing for
ing? Why do they feel it cess as a calling: a deep,
is necessary to continue abiding woman-to-
to struggle against the woman, sister-to-sister
tide of our current cul-
ture?
In 1992 a group of
experience in our core.
As in many other
areas of our female lives,
Pregnancy, Birth, and Parenting
women interested in these women are com- so much happiness. Almost everything was
becoming midwifery ing to see our current set By Lisa Jouet
as we imagined or better. Our midwife and
assistants and doulas of cultural beliefs about her team were right there when we needed
met at a workshop. They birth as being a fraud The philosophy of attachment parenting them and for that we will be forever grate-
shared a common goal: perpetrated by the male- starts with preparing for pregnancy, birth, ful. Our healthy, alert daughter was born in
to make women’s birth dominated world of and parenting. I work directly with clients the wee hours of the morning, and we all
experiences better, less medicine and litigation. all day in our small business. These wonder- fell in love with her instantly.
hilde vanstraelen courtesy photo
medicalized, and more Women are drawn into ful people have shared their life stories with With some help from family, our beloved
woman-centered—ulti- the system by offers to me for over 14 years. As luck would have it, midwife and friends, we have tried our best
mately making women more self-empow- take away their pain and promises of per- many of them are women to parent and meet our child’s needs. An
ered. This meeting sparked an organization ceived safety. A large number of these women had important part of parenting is really listen-
that has changed names, changed members, No one tells them about the risks inher-
strong opinions about natural childbirth ing to children. We have always taken great
and changed locations over the years, but ent in the system or gives them an honest
and a few had home births. My mother’s pains to listen to our daughter, even before
has never changed its core beliefs that preg- choice. No one really shares how empow-
fifth birth was natural and two of my sisters she could speak. On one occasion, our week
nancy and birth are normal, healthy pro- ering birth can be for a woman. This is a
also had unmedicated births. These stories old baby girl was crying inconsolably for
cesses that women are uniquely equipped pivotal rite of passage for a woman and
empowered me to research and pursue what much longer than we were used to. We tried
to perform, and that women should have should not be directed by outside interests,
I knew in my heart would be the best start walking with her, we swaddled her, I tried
access to quality evidence-based care wher- such as the threat of a lawsuit, or someone
for our baby. My husband and I took child- to nurse her to no avail. Finally, we took
ever they choose to birth: in a hospital, else’s personal time schedule. Birth can’t be
birth classes that were two hours each week all of her clothes off, including her diaper.
home, or at freestanding birth centers. They quantified, regulated, put on a timeline,
believe that an educated woman will make or boxed into someone else’s preconceived for 12 weeks. The course recommended a My husband had read somewhere that an
her own best choices for herself and her notion of how it should be. Every woman high protein diet, daily exercises, and join- adult hair could be wrapped around her toe
family and that these choices should not be is unique, and so are her births. ing breastfeeding support groups. This work or something might be poking her. He was
made for her or taken away from her. This If you are interested in learning more helped me so much while I was pregnant, right! Her plastic umbilical clamp had fallen
group is the Birth & Baby Resource Net- about birth in our community or becoming and I urge other women to do the same. off, rolled around to her back and she had
work or BBRN. a member of the Birth & Baby Resource I also found a midwife we felt great been lying on it. As soon as we removed it,
As in many other “women’s” groups, Network visit them in Mission Plaza at about, and she encouraged us to learn more, she stopped crying and we were so relieved.
there is a coming and going of members their annual Birth & Baby Fair Saturday ask questions, and follow our instincts. I My husband and I anticipate each stage
as women try to balance the needs of their May 9 or on the BBRN website at www. even studied hypnotherapy, which added an and we constantly discuss and reevalu-
families, their lives, their work, and their bbrn.org. element of calm to the day of our daugh- ate what works and what does not. Join
passions. It is always a blend of birthing ter’s birth. My husband was with me the me next time as I discuss the second stage
professionals, such as birth educators and Jennifer Stover is a birth educator and doula entire day and so were my mother and sis- of Attached Parenting: Feed with Love and
doulas, and women young and old who founder and vice president of BBRN. ters. I will always remember that day with Respect.

My Vaginal Birth After Cesarian: “women have the right to choose”

By Jen Kaplan
Other than a strange affinity for blueber-
ries, my first pregnancy was a very mainstream
and very typical. I was the perfect picture of
a stereotypical expectant mother in our coun-
try today. And the outcome was also a very
typical story in today’s birthing environment.
One medical intervention after another started
a downward, unstoppable spiral. A 40 week
ultrasound showed that my baby was “very
big,” much too large for “any woman” to birth.
A pathetic attempt to labor was quickly called
off since I was making no progress, proving
that this baby was not meant to be born vag-
inally, and so I walked myself into the oper-
ating room, since that was what was “best for
the baby”. Within minutes my son was born
and being resuscitated while I was being given
massive amounts of morphine. My son was
whisked away with my husband in hot pur-
suit of all those first moment pictures. I was
alone with the nurses and doctors. The next
4 days were a blur of pain, pills, and recov-
ery. However, I went home feeling fine, heal-
ing well and successfully breastfeeding my son.
We were inseparable. I had no major compli-
cations from the surgery, my son was healthy,
and all was fine.
Fast forward to three years later when I
became pregnant again, and I was not the same
person I was from my previous birth. Becom-
ing a mother changed me. I am not the
mother portrayed in the popular baby books
or magazines. I became a mother who nursed
on demand, co-slept, and wore my baby. But
to find other mothers like me, I had to look
beyond mainstream media. And I found them: advocacy for VBACs, and prevention against their instincts, bodies, and choices. Once an
families committed to a natural, attached, con- unnecessary C-sections. Through that organi- induction is begun, there is a series of events
scientious way of life. These mothers spoke zation, I found that SLO has a local chapter that have to take place. An IV and Electronic
about how important, special, magical, amaz- and I soon found myself at the first monthly Fetal Monitoring must be used.When an epi-
ing their births were. They were in charge meeting of ICAN-SLO. There I found a dural is requested the mother from that point
of their bodies, listened to their instincts, and world of information provided by our leader, on must labor in bed, lying down. These are
strived to birth their babies naturally. I was a doula, midwifery student and mother of 2 all contraindicative to birthing normally and
led to a world of doulas and midwives and Ina C-sections and 2 VBACs. At these meetings naturally.
May Gaskin. It was eye opening and trans- I met other mothers who were determined Women who birth naturally are in a com-
formative. I began to realize how sad and to not be forced into a routine C-section and fortable environment, unrestricted, allowed
pathetic my birth story were also seeking out to eat, drink, bathe, and move. There must be
was. I researched C-sec- VBAC information. I movement for the babies to descend into the
tions and felt like I had
lucked out. The list of Recommended learned that Accord-
ing to the World Health
birthing canal. Preferred pushing positions are
squatting or standing. When there are unnec-
possible complications
for mother and baby
by the author Organization,
“There is no justi-
essary medical interventions, that then lead to
more medical interventions, this whole pro-
are long. Don’t get me “Pushed” by Jennifer Block. fication for any region cess is broken down. She now must birth in
wrong: when a cesarean “Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth” to have a cesarean rate the certain parameters and restrictions that
is medically necessary, it higher than 10-15 per- have been laid out before her. But if you leave
can be a lifesaving tech- by Ina May Gaskin cent.” a mother alone to birth her baby and to trust
nique for both mother “Birthing From Within” And yet in our coun- the birthing process, we may not have so many
and baby, and worth the by Pam England try one in three births is unnecessary C-sections. C-sections rate across
risks involved. However a cesarean. This cesar- the world should be in the 10-15% rate. Why
the potential risks to
and films: ean rate increase has not are we at 33%?
babies from cesareans “The Business of Being Born” led to an improvement According to a recent press release by
can be deadly. “Pregnant in America” in the infant mortality ICAN, “Every pregnant woman in the U.S.
Knowing all this and morbidity rates, but should be alarmed by this rate. Half or more
pushed me into the instead has put mothers of cesareans are avoidable and over using
direction of wanting--no needing--to have and babies at greater risk. I also learned that major surgery on otherwise healthy women
a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). I was VBACs are safer for both mother and infant, and babies is taking a toll.” A major driver of
determined to find out all I could about hav- in most cases, than is routine repeat cesarean, cesarean overuse is underuse of vaginal birth
ing a VBAC. My search was relatively easy. which is major surgery. after cesarean (VBAC). The VBAC rate cur-
Online the information is everywhere. I I have heard labor and delivery nurses rently hovers around 8 percent, far lower than
found an organization called International speak from both local hospitals. They all the Healthy People 2010 goal of 37 percent.
Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) which come to the same conclusion as to why so Driving this decline is the growing practice of
helps educate and support women by pro- many births wind up in C-sections: induc- hospitals banning VBAC, due to unattainable
moting birthing choices in the community, tions and epidurals. Mothers lose touch with guidelines that hospitals have to follow.
see VBAC, page 11
May & June 2009 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press Motherhood 11

Savoring the Moment out anyone asking for help or a snack, or just trailing
By Jen Mowad
me from room to room. I also enjoyed more one-on-
As my children grow at what feels to be something one time with my first daughter; we chatted more, we
akin to warp speed, I remind myself of the oft-re- cuddled on the couch with books, we ran up the street
marked but rarely heeded cliché “savor the moment”. to the park for a quick playtime. Yet once my second
I look at my daughters and marvel at how quickly they daughter arrived, naps and nursing quickly swallowed
are growing and changing and how soon they will be in up a big chunk of my day, and I’m still scrambling
By Lisa Pimental Johnson
school and I will be going back to work. Being a stay- ten months later. And as much as I worry about my
at-home mom means I should have more time with eldest feeling like her mommy time has been taken In honor of all
my kids, yet as I reflect on my three years as a stay- away by her baby sister, I worry about how little one- intergenerational
at-home mom, I realize the years have flown by, and on-one attention I provide my youngest daughter. Her women with
I’m not sure how well I’ve used schedule completely revolves families, I have
all that time with my beautiful “ Oh, the quality time, such a around my needs and some
girls. And knowing how many trite reference to something that days I worry she is an ador-
reviewed some of
my favorite books
working moms would love
to stay home with their chil-
is so essentially critical to our able accessory, as I wear her
in a carrier or hold her on my
about the wild
relationships with others. and tender world
dren, it feels like I have a duty
to appreciate and make use of ” hip more than I play with her
on the floor. Those are the
of Motherhood.
“The chil-
every day I get to stay home with my kids. days I am thankful that I am still nursing her, as it’s dren were having
But what exactly am I doing at home with these some of the best quality time she and I get all day. breakfast. This
wonderful children I am supposedly staying home to Oh, “quality time”, such a trite reference to some- was not a pleasant
benefit? Besides doing chores and meeting the kid’s thing that is so essentially critical to our relationships sight,” Jill Mur-
basic needs, which involves a baby that requires two with others. We spout about spending quality time phy simply and
naps a day and a toddler that naps right smack dab in with loved ones, but do we actually understand what accurately states
the middle of the day, I am constantly running errands it means to be invested in our time with others? Do in “Five Minutes Peace”. The mother elephant gets up in the morning
and providing my daughter with social and physi- we know how to shut off the technology that intrudes and tries to sneak away for five minutes of peace in her bathtub. Her
cal activities like play dates, preschool, and gymnas- upon us such as text messages, phone calls and Face- children are like heat seeking missiles and right away find her in the
tics, cooking healthy meals, and leading several mom’s book posts in order to dedicate our attention to one bathtub and offer to entertain her by playing their recorder, reading a
groups. And I’m exhausted half of the time. As much person? And even if we can ignore outside interrup- book and dumping two baskets of bath toys in the tub!
as I mentally abhor and verbally scoff the hectic pace tions, can we turn off that inner voice reminding us The enticing bubbles, warm water, and food on a tray are too
of our society and the frenetic schedules I hear many of all the things we could or should be doing with our much for the children and they end up in the bathtub, pajama’s and
school-aged children keep, am I not subjecting my time? Can we stop worrying about time long enough slippers too. The mother elephant gets out of the tub, wraps herself in
daughters to a similar pace? Is my family not headed to enjoy purely being in the moment with the ones we her ratty robe, and slips downstairs to make a new cup of tea and read
down the same time-constrained road as most families love? the paper alone. She has three and half minutes peace before three
today? So my charge to you (and to myself) is this: spend naked, dripping wet children join her again.
And where is the energy and attention I intended one week in which you purposefully ignore those inter- Every mother has craved and dreamed about five minutes of peace
to dedicate to raising my children? I imagined sitting ruptions that distract you from investing time into in her day, and this story is delightful in its truism.
with my kids painting and doing crafts, teaching them your relationships with those you care about. Devote Without grandmothers, there would be no mothers and family sto-
colors, or picnicking in the yard. I pictured lots of days ten minutes daily to each person in your family and ries would be much less colorful or entertaining. My grandmother was
spent in the yard blowing bubbles, making trips to give that time solely to them, without allowing any- French Canadian and loved to show her French side. Until her pass-
library story hour or a visit to feed animals at the local thing to detract or distract. Start a conversation, head ing at 92, she was fluttering her eyelashes, wrapping herself in French
farm. Of course we do enjoy many of these things, but outside to toss a ball around, or sit down with a book perfume and flowery scarves while flirting with any man!
unfortunately it seems to be squeezed in between the or short game. Although I have only made this con-
In the story, “Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Patridge,”
rest of our busy life, almost as an afterthought. scientious effort for a few days, the difference in my
by Mem Fox, the story of a young scrappy boy who lives next door to
The time constraints feel magnified now that I am attitude toward my children and husband has been
an old folks home in Australia is told. He likes all the old people and
a mother of two, and I wonder how mothers of three remarkable, and honestly, it makes me wish for even
his favorite is Miss Nancy Alison Delacourt Cooper, because she has
or more children manage their time. With one child, I more meaningful time with them. In this case, as in so
many names just like him. One day, Wilfred overhears his parents dis-
always had nap time to find a moment to breathe, eat many others, it seems the more you invest, the more
cussing Miss Nancy and commenting that she has lost her memory.
lunch in silence, and then get a few chores done with- you receive.
Thus begins his journey of discovering what memory means and
what it means to all his “old” friends. He learns it means something
warm, sad, funny: something from long ago and as precious as gold.
He starts to “collect” memories for Miss Nancy and places them in a
VBAC encouraging, and supportive staff of nurses who were
just as thrilled as I was to have a successful VBAC. All special box to give to her. As Miss Nancy tenderly removes each object
from the box, her memories come back in little bits and pieces to the
continued from page 10 through the night and next day I labored on, slow and
off the normal labor curve, but still progressing. We joyful delight of both of them!
were calm and capable and knowledgeable. We knew This is a story that gives respect to the older generation and
Thankfully here on the Central Coast, there are younger generation. It’s full of wit, imagination, and is sure to make
doctors and midwives that know and believe in the that this was not an emergency or a crisis. This was just
me, slowly having a baby. you want to create your own family memory box to laugh, cry, or
safety of VBACs. These doctors know that it is almost simply smile when you open it.
always safer to let a woman deliver vaginally. The very Finally, after 36 hours of prodromal labor and 20
small (less than 1%) risk of uterine rupture outweighs hours of active labor, I pushed my baby out into the
the risks associated with a C-section. One of the pre- world and into the hands of a doctor who held faith
cautionary guidelines for a VBAC birth is that there in the body’s ability to birth, surrounded by cheering
must an anesthesiologist in the hospital. The doctor nurses and a proud husband, and my doula who was
must also be with the patient during the whole deliv- with me every step of the way. When the baby was
ery. These are in place in case of a uterine rupture. The placed on my chest and was nursing shortly thereafter,
laboring mother and fetus must be able to have an I looked around calmly and knew that if I could do it,
emergency C-section quickly. Because of these limita- anyone could.
tions, the only place locally to attempt a VBAC deliv- Our own government wants to reduce the amount
ery is at Sierra Vista Regional Center with a handful of of C-sections being performed in our country. Our
doctors or at home with a licensed midwife. statistics are appalling and an embarrassment. Avoid-
From numerous recommendations I found a doc- ing unnecessary C-sections needs to be a priority in
tor that would take me as a VBAC patient; he assured his county. More accessibility and fewer restrictions to
me that all labors and all births are different. And this VBACs need to happen. Women should not be forced
time I would need to do some things differently. He into repeat C-sections. Women can--and have the
highly suggested that I labor at home for as long as pos- right--to say NO to an unnecessary surgery. Women
sible. He was happy that I had hired a doula, was a need to demand their right to a trial of labor. Mid-
member of ICAN, and was educated on the impor- wives are also an invaluable gift to our society. They
tance of a non-intervention birth, and that I had tools are the original catchers of babies. They are the most
to guide me through my labor this time. I learned that knowledgeable when it comes to birthing and mother-
failure to progress is a relative term and that all births ing. We need to seek out and utilize their wisdom and
have their own timeline. I learned to trust services. We are women. We can birth our babies.
my instincts, calm my fears, and to visualize
a normal, vaginal delivery.
I had a very uneventful pregnancy. No
complications. Felt great. My doctor was
a calm, experienced man who had deliv-
ered thousands of babies and who believes
in the safety and practice of VBACs. My
doula was a peaceful, strong, intelligent,
loving presence who guided, taught, and
supported me. Finally, 12 days past my due
date, my labor started very slowly. After 2
days of laboring at home, we went to the
hospital. We were greeted with an excited,
12 LocalPerspectives
Nurturing Ourselves Moments
By Jeanie Greensfelder
On an overnight visit with my baby grand-
daughter Julia, I pampered her, anticipated
what she might want and gave it to her.
Exhausted when I got home, I wanted my
own bouncy chair, a big wind-up swing,
someone to fix my meals, sing me to sleep,
and carry me on demand.
I noticed my grown-up substitutes: a
recliner chair, a rocker, comfort foods, bed-
time music, hugs or cuddles, and massage.
As a psychologist, I know that the need
for mother is ongoing. Not from our par-
ent, but the healing mothering we can
give to ourselves. From childhood on, our
job is to learn what we need and provide
it. Sometimes we need extra comforts, but
other times structure and discipline serve us
best. For instance, I’ve mastered my desire
A Mother’s Day Lesson
By Jill Turnbow
Mother’s Day is not so much a celebra-
tion for me as it is a reminder of how
Karma can bite you in the behind. I’m not
a mom myself, so I can merely spend the
day reflecting on the memories of my own
mother, who has now been gone for many
years.
My mom was an “older” mom, being 36
when I came along. So in my prime mock-
ing years, my Mother was the age I am
today. As a teenager, my Dad and I found
my Mother to be wildly entertaining. We
just couldn’t figure out how she got through
a day. It was as if her shining light became
a dim bulb.
During those years, we went through
a teakettle about once a month. My mom
would start the hot water for tea and then
go take a bath…or go to the grocery store…
or go to the mall…anything but remember
that she had started the kettle. I would rou-
tinely enter the kitchen and smell smoke,
or see flames shooting from the stovetop.
Once I found the Crockpot shoved into
the corner of the counter and I went to put
it away, only to find it was still on. I didn’t
remember having anything from the Crock-
pot that week, so I lifted the lid, gently, to
see what lay inside. I’m still not sure what
it was, but in a race with the Chia pet, it
was winning. And my mother could never
Photo by Anita Patterson
for daily exer-
cise but haven’t
found the dis-
cipline to cre-
ate a regular
writing time.
How are
you doing
at mother-
ing yourself?
Might you need more nurturing, some play
time and/or some organization of your pri-
orities? Is your self-care balanced? To start,
notice the tone of your internal voice and
cultivate a kind, caring one. Perhaps pick
one loving thing to do for yourself this
week along with a playful one and one of
the more challenging things. Put time for
them, actually for you, on your calendar.
finish a sentence. She would yell up the
stairs, “JAN! Bring down the…” and her
voice would trail off. I never knew what she
wanted but later you could bet she would
be furious that I didn’t bring down what-
ever it was. And it was pointless to mention
the fact that my name wasn’t Jan.
So my Dad and I would constantly gig-
gle and tease her. And when I say “giggle” I
am being polite. We would guffaw at some
of her mindless antics. How could she be so
spacey? What has come over her?
Ahhh, that’s where Karma comes in.
Yes, as I look back on those years from
where I am today, I regret the laughs, the
jabs, the ridicule... because I SOOOOO
get it now. And I apologize, Mom… wait,
do I smell smoke?
Women’s Press | May & June 2009 | womenspress.slo@gmail.com
Photo provided by Sonia Paz Baron-Vine
Sisters Unite, Clean and Reforest
By Sonia Paz Baron-Vine where I had invited women to help me
One hot December day in 2008, four
women, some professional, some artists,
clean and reforest this wonderful beach.
I remember as a teenager spending the
afternoon on the white sand under the huge
some stay at home moms, got together pine trees, looking at the clean blue ocean.
armed with garden utensils, gloves, and gar- But when my daughter showed me a
bage bags, and spent the day cleaning and picture she had taken of the same place,
reforesting a once pristine cove in the cen- 35 years later, the pine trees were gone, the
tral coast of Chile. beach was dirty, and the ocean in danger of
Why is this important you may ask? pollution by the oil tankers passing near by.
Well, there is the obvious reason of So, my call to save the beach went across
helping the environment, but of even more the miles in cyberspace all the way from
importance, these women were each from California to Chile and it was heard by
different cities, had never met personally, many, but only four brave sisters actually
and were of different ages. went there and did something!!
The two things they had in common In the photo above are their faces. They
was their love of nature and that they had are my heroines! From the left: Berta, Rosa-
responded to a call by me via Facebook, rio, Marina, Paula, and Jessia.
A Monthly Series of Spiritual Workshops
Save the World
Congregation Beth David, 10180 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo
Third Thursday of Each Month • 7-9 pm • $20
Contact womenspress.slo@gmail.com or (805) 541-6874 for more information.
May 21 • Gem Crystal Singing Bowls plete the evening with a candle ceremony
Balance your energy field with with sound honoring the Sun. Please dress comfortably
therapist, Barbara Perry, and with guided and bring a yoga mat as the meditation is
imagery by Francine Jensen. Bring a blan- performed lying down.
ket & pillow. Shantel Beckers is a massage therapist
and the owner of Body Centered Ther-
June 18 • Cultivating the apy, Inc. She has studied shamanism for
Sacred Feminine the past seven years with David Elliott, Car-
The summer solstice is traditionally a time rie Woodburn and The Four Winds Soci-
to honor the fertility of Mother Earth. ety as well as through travels to Thailand,
Through integrative breathwork meditation Tibet, India and Guatemala. She leads
and guided imagery we will tap into the on-going meditation circles integrating
sacred Feminine and plant the seeds of the pranayama breathwork and Native Ameri-
dreams we wish to cultivate. We will com- can shamanism.
March & April 2009 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press NOWNews 13
T h i s Pa g e P r e s e n t e d b y t h e N at i o n a l O r g a n i z at i o n f o r W o m e n

the purpose of NOW is to bring women into full participation in the mainstream of american society NOW!

NOW’s WTF Files COMMUNITY

bulletins
CAMBRIA GOES COUN- vice and Workshop day, To register, call or
TRY WITH PATSY CLINE! May 3, 2009. Dannion email Linda Brownson:
will discuss the “7 Les- Linda.sierraclub8@gmail.
Allied Arts and House- sons from Heaven”. The com (805.543.8717).
lights Theatre proudly workshop (directly after To save your place, send
present the boot-stomp- the Service) is $35. For your check in the amount
ing musical, ALWAYS… more information, con- of $40, made payable to
PATSY CLINE, written and tact the Circle of Spiritual the Santa Lucia Chap-
originally directed by Ted Enlightenment. ter/Sierra Club, P.O.
Swindley-based on a true Box 15755, San Luis
story. The show is filled NATURAL LIVING FESTI- Obispo, CA 93406. Par-
with all of Patsy’s greatest VAL MAY 30th tial proceeds will benefit
By Kimberly Anderson tuary. hits, backed by the “Boda- Serenity Natural Liv- the local chapter of the
The husband called a mortuary, who asked cious Bobcats”, a rockin’ ing Health and Wellness Sierra Club.
Recently, a nine-year-old, 80-pound girl in for a death certificate, which he did not have. 6-piece live band sure to Center has designated 2nd Annual “D.A.M. Art
Brazil, who had been beaten and raped by her They told him to call the coroner’s office, and have you up dancing in the Global Alliance for Bal- Show”
stepfather for three years, became pregnant the coroner’s office told him to call the police. the aisles! ance and Healing, a local Artists Dana Kim
with twins. Abortion is legal in Brazil, in cases The couple then found about 6 police offi- ALWAYS…PATSY CLINE nonprofit organization that Hixson, Anne Godsey, and
of rape or life endangerment. cers at their house, who had been told their will open May 22nd and provides free energy bal- Marylou Falstreau are
Brazilian Catholic Archbishop Jose Car- were “human remains in the freezer” and had run thru June 21st at ancing to humanity world hosting their 2nd annual
doso Sobrinho, supported by Cardinal searched the house without a warrant due to TOGS (Theatre at the Old wide, as the recipient of “D.A.M. Art Show” on
Giovanni Battista Re, head of the Vatican “exigent circumstances.” Grammar School), 1350 all donations received dur- June 27th and 28th at
Congregation for Bishops, excommunicated Main St. in Cambria. ing its Grand Opening and 423 Rennel Street, North
the doctors involved in the abortion and the Cheers! Shows are Friday and Sat- Natural Living Festival on Morro Bay.The clever
child’s mother, who arranged the procedure. Lower cost birth control pills and con- urday evenings at 7:30pm Saturday, May 30, from name came by combin-
When asked why he did not also excommuni- doms will be available again at some campus and Sundays at 3:00pm. 10:30am to 5:30pm. The ing the first initials of
cate the rapist, Archbishop Sobrinho claimed and community health centers, thanks to a Tickets are just $20 and Serenity Center is located these accomplished Cen-
that abortion was a more serious sin. provision in the Omnibus Appropriations Act can be purchased at the at 104 Main Street in tral Coast artists. This
After worldwide outrage that the church just passed by Congress. A big thank you to Cambria Chamber of Com- Templeton. There will year they are honored to
had taken the side of a rapist over an innocent the tens of thousands of NOW activists who merce or by calling 927- be product demonstra- announce the addition
child, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, claimed sent emails, letters, and made phone calls to 4667. tions, booths, tours, live of M.B.H.S. art student,
the excommunication had been a mistake… their representatives! Access to reduced-price This Houselights music, food and raffle Molly Wilson. Molly has
though only because an “innocent child’s” life birth control pills had been cut off by a provi- Theatre production will prizes. Additionally you been an integral part of
had been at stake. sion in the 2005 Deficit Reduction Act, which feature Jill Turnbow as will find mini-lectures on the planning of this show
NOW President Kim Gandy comments: made it difficult for pharmaceutical compa- Louise and Amanda Baker raw foods, meditation, and will be displaying
“In Brazil alone, more than one million nies to supply low-cost contraceptives to col- as Patsy. The role of and steps toward sustain- and selling her artwork
women are having unsafe, illegal abortions lege health centers and other clinics, causing Patsy Cline is also being ability. as well. The show runs
each year…” If doctors fear that they could the women who rely on these centers for birth understudied by Karen To learn more, visit from 11-4 each day. A
be expelled from their religious communities control to have to pay up to $50 per month, Anderson. Thom Wald- www.serenitynaturalliving. percentage of all sales
even in the most extreme, horrendous cases something they could not afford. man directs. com or call 434-1924. To by the D.A.M. artists will
like this… how does that affect their deci- learn more about Global go to support the Central
sions? How can they treat their patients under Nursing Mom’s Update SANTA BARBARA WEL- Alliance for Balance Coast Natural History
these conditions? And above all, what will Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, COMES THE LIVE OAK and Healing, visit www. Association.
happen to the women? recently announced that the House now MUSIC FESTIVAL globalalliance.ws Female Zen Master to
has nursing rooms! Here in California, state The 21st Annual Live Visit SLO on May 9th
More from my WTF? Files… law allows moms to nurse in public places, Oak Music Festival, a MONTHLY PHOTOG- A one-day Buddhist
A couple in Glendale had their house and there is a new bill, AB 513, which would three day concert and RAPHY WORKSHOPS meditation retreat in the
searched without a warrant after the wife mis- require insurance companies to pay for lac- camping event will be held OFFERED BY THE Serene Reflection Medita-
carried. She was approximately 5 weeks preg- tation consultants and breast-pump rentals. Father’s Day weekend in SIERRA CLUB tion Tradition (Soto Zen)
nant, and the miscarriage occurred over three This makes total sense, as some infants can- the beautiful and peaceful A series of monthly will be led by Rev. Master
days. She put the tissue in a bag in her freezer not tolerate any kind of formula, and also hills off Hwy 154, above Sierra Club Photogra- Phoebe of Pine Mountain
and asked her doctor what she should do with because breastfeeding can help prevent aller- Santa Barbara, California. phy Workshops will be Buddhist Temple, a Bud-
it. She was told she could either bring the gies, asthma, and a number of other expen- This year’s festival will be centered on the theme: dhist temple and retreat
embryonic tissue in for testing, or call a mor- sive ills. held on June 19, 20, and “Focus on the Environ- center in Ventura County.
21, 2009. 100% of Live ment…learning to com- The retreat will be held
Oak proceeds go to sup- municate your passion on Saturday, May 9, 10
port San Luis Obispo’s for the natural world AM to 3 PM in the Com-
ate from Harvard Medical School, founded
NOWcalendar
KCBX Public Radio. through still and video munity Room of the San
in 1783
To see the complete photography.” The first Luis Obispo Library at
June 24, 1903 - Madame Marie Curie
three day concert line-up workshop will be “…all 995 Palm St.
announces discovery of radium
May 8, 1914 - President Woodrow Wil- and to order your tickets about light,” and features The day will include
June 27, 1880 (1968) - Birthday of Helen
son signed a Joint Resolution designating for the 2009 Live Oak Photo-Painting with Paul several periods of sit-
Keller - Advocate for the disabled; writer;
the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day Music Festival, please McCloskey. This workshop ting and walking medita-
lecturer
May 10, 1872 - Victoria Woodhull is visit the website at www. offers an opportunity for tion, a Dharma talk and
nominated as the first woman candidate for Get Involved - Join NOW! liveoakfest.org or by local photographers to discussion, and a short
U.S. president. phone at 805-781-3030. participate in learning the Buddhist ceremony. This
May 19, 2009 - NOW meeting at 6 pm Full festival adult tickets various methods McClos- event is sponsored by
May 26, 1951 - Birthday of Sally Ride are $115, teen tickets key employs to bring the the Central Coast Bud-
astrophysicist; first American woman astro- $75 and children’s tickets mystery and joy of light to dhist Meditation Group.
naut $35. Day tickets are $35 images that capture your There is no fee, but it
June 10, 1963 - Equal Pay Act enacted: for adults and teens and imagination. is good to show one’s
“To prohibit discrimination on account of $15 for children. This workshop will be appreciation and help
sex in the payment of wages by employers held Saturday, May 16th, support Buddhist monks
engaged in commerce or in the; production DANNION BRINKLEY TO 9:00am to 11:00am, in by making an offering
of goods for commerce.” (PL 88-38) SPEAK the Community Room of (dana) which is grate-
June 14, 1811 (1896) - Birthday of Har- The Circle of Spiritual First American Title Com- fully accepted. Please
riet Beecher Stowe - author of Uncle Tom’s NOW Chapter # CA 565 Enlightenment welcomes pany, Pacific and Morro, bring your own vegetarian
Cabin PO Box 1306, SLO, CA 93406 Dannion Brinkley at a Ser- in SLO. lunch.
June 16, 2009 - NOW meeting at 6 pm SLONOW @ kcbx.net
June 23, 1940 - The first women gradu- http://groups.myspace.com/~slonow
14 Women’sCommunityCenter Women’s Press | May & June 2009 | womenspress.slo@gmail.com

Our mission is:
• TO maintain an accessible center to
collect and exchange information of
interest and concern to women
• TO organize and facilitate work-
shops, clinics, seminars, classes, and
support groups on subjects of inter-
est and need
• TO engage in and facilitate interac-
tion among local, state, and national
agencies and organizations working
to benefit women
Call for Volunteers
Hear ye, hear ye! The Women’s Commu-
nity Center is looking for a few volun-
teers to help with several projects.
Family Law
Action Committee
Dealing With Divorce
3rd Wednesday of each month – 7 PM
Upcoming:
May 20, June 17 and July 22
Talk with other women who have
been there, done that in a supportive,
non-judgmental environment.
$10 donation
Self-Represented Litigants’ Clinic
4th Tuesday of each month – 5:30 PM A Call For Artists, Musicians, Creative
Upcoming:
May 26, June and July 28 Business Women And Craftswomen for
Get family law advice from local
attorneys and/or paralegals.
Reservations required. $40 donation Day with Creative Women
Call 544-9313 for information Saturday, August 8, 2009

Calling all Creative Women! The Wom- women. Non-profit organizations are also
en’s Community Center of San Luis invited to reserve a booth to provide the
Obispo County invites you to participate community with information about

Classifieds in the 35th Annual Day with Creative

Looking for women to tell stories
(amusing, bizarre, touching, erotic) of
amorous adventures in the 70’s for writer
working on novel similar in structure to
Boccacccio’s Decameron.
Contact tallulah97219@yahoo.com
for details.
Need a classified ad?
The Women’s Press is now offering
a classified section. No more than 40
words, just $15.
Reach thousands of women on the
Central Coast, from Orcutt to Paso
Robles and Cambria!
Women, to be held in Mission Plaza in
downtown San Luis Obispo on Saturday,
August 8, 2009. 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 per-
forming throughout the day. Last year’s
line-up included African dancers, Mid-
your services.
This event celebrates women’s creativ-
ity 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 lim-
ited 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 vendorap-
plication 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

Girls
Continued from page 9
“trash talking,” while the actual guys who
cheated seem to just shrug and walk away
without even a scratch. At this age, boys
are too often an excuse for girls to lash
out at each other. So why are girls so des-
perate for a good cat fight? Perhaps it’s
partly just for dramatic effect, but what’s
even stronger than that is the discom-
fort that girls can feel during their high
school ages. We are still getting to know
ourselves and becoming more acquainted
with our sexual identities. Therefore, as
high school girls “experiment” with their
sexuality, they’re put under criticism and
usually hypocritical scrutiny. Contrast-
ingly, because my friends and I helped
each other reach that place of self-con-
fidence, we haven’t felt the need to call
each other “hoes” and “bitches.” In high
school, those who are most comfortable
with themselves are usually the most well-
liked. For my group of friends, the trick
to having a strong, respecting relation-
ship was to help each other figure out and
accept our own identities.
Perhaps the root of women’s issues is
sexism. Throughout history, men have
always had the upper hand in society.
They’ve been able to go to college where
they want, work where they want, dress
how they want, etc. When a man does
something bad or good, he’s still assured
a pat on the back from another man.
Women haven’t always had that privi-
lege, and therefore, though the feminist
movement has come an extraordinarily
long way, women still feel the pressure
to get ahead and show men that they can
do everything just as well, if not better.
While a normal high school girl’s idea of
“feminism” may be sexual freedom and
wearing a low-cut prom dress, women
in college and beyond have a natural
tendency to show themselves as just as
strong, smart, intelligent, and indepen-
dent as men.
How do we abolish this competition
without making Betty Friedan turn in her
grave? Is it as simple as becoming com-
fortable with ourselves, or does that only
apply to a younger generation? Although
the answers to these questions are rela-
tive and therefore ultimately unanswer-
able, I do believe that if we celebrate each
other’s accomplishments, and help each
other out during our failures, we’d create
a much more respectful environment that
lacks gossip and other forms of cattiness.
As I move on to Barnard—an all women’s
college—I look forward to meeting smart
and independent women who I can learn
from and support. This is the women’s
world I hope to build for myself.
dle Eastern dancers, Hawaiian danc- increase after July 25, 2008.
ers, mimed folk tales by Fran Dukehart, Day with Creative Women celebrates
singers Sheri O, Jennifer Young and Tra- women’s creativity with music and enter-
vis Larson, Karen Tyler, Jill Knight, and tainment, arts and crafts for display and
the Motowners. If you are a member of sale, continuous entertainment, delicious
a woman-oriented band, let us know and food, and children’s activities, and is a
we can make a spot for you! fundraising event to benefit the Women’s
This year we encourage women in Community Center of San Luis Obispo
business to submit applications for a County, dedicated to the empowerment
booth to market your creative skills. of women. For more information, check
Please submit a short essay (no more the website www.wccslo.org, call 805-544-
than one page) describing how your 9313, or email us at dwcw2008@aol.com.
business is creative and how it benefits
Help! I’ve Fallen & I Can’t Get Up!
By Jackie Turner
What’s the sound of a thud on a public
sidewalk if no one sees, hears, or pays atten-
tion to the body lying on the floor?
That is exactly what happened to me last
week, in daylight, on Marsh Street, in plain
sight of cars, passersby, and even bicyclists.
I was walking along and all of a sudden, I
tripped on the uneven pavement: my bag
went flying and my body sprawled across
the sidewalk. I lay there like a dead per-
son for 5 seconds, while the world went on
around (without) me.
A man walked by on his cell phone and
almost tripped on my supine body; the
driver of a big pickup truck watched me fall
but raced by to catch the changing light; something worse? Are people too obliv-
the group of people across the street that ious, too detached, too uncaring to help
were laughing and talking to each other – I someone in need?
think one of them might have even waved Luckily for me, I picked myself up,
at me. dusted myself off and went on with my
What is going on here? Am I either too day —a little bruised—inside and out.
old or too young to deserve help? Or, is it
May & June 2009 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press Resources 15
ABUSE Safe and Sober Support Group Stroke Support Group
Adults Molested as Children Support Group (AMAC) 473.6507 471.8102 (SLO)
Rape Survivors Support Group, SLO St. Barnabas (Depression/Divorce/Grief) Caregivers of Stroke Survivors
Support Group for Sexual Assault Survivors 489.2990 www.stbarnabas.ag.org 544.2266 (SLO)
545.8888 Talk/Listen - Emotional support Women’s Support/Therapy v (general)
Center for Alternatives to Domestic Violence 489.5481 534.1101
781.6406 Transformations Counseling Center Women’s Healthcare Specialists
North County Women’s Shelter & Resource Center, Free monthly workshops 541.7908 544.4883
(inc. domestic violence support groups) FINANCE/BUSINESS POLITICAL
461.1338 Consumer Credit Counseling Services Code Pink
SARP (Sexual Assault Recovery & Prevention) 800.540.2227 www.slocodepink.org ososousaville@aol.com
545.8888 or 800.656.HOPE (4673) Commission on Status of Women
Women’s Shelter Program of SLO GAY & LESBIAN 545.8412; Dawn Williams
781.6401 www.womensshelterslo.org Gay and Lesbian Alliance of the Central Coast Democratic Women United
ADDICTIONS 541.4252 541.4252
PFLAG.Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays League of Women Voters
AA Meeting 438.3889
541.3211 543.2220
SOL (Single Older Lesbians) NOW (National Organization for Women)
Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) Mostly socializing! Call 474.9405
498.2176 www.kcbx.net/~slonow/ slonow@kcbx.net
Al-Anon HOSPICE READERS/WRITERS
534.9204 Hospice of SLO County, AIDS Bereavement Group Adult Literacy
Cambria Connection (12 step support) 544.2266 and 434.1164 541-4219
927.1654 Hospice Partners of the Central Coast Creative Writing Group
Casa Solana 782.8608 748-2676; contact Gloria
Women’s Recovery Home 481.8555 Nightwriters
Chemical Dependency intensive JOBS/CAREERS
outpatient program
549.9656; contact Shirley Powell
AARP Sisters in Crime
541-9113 788.2643 http://SinC-CCC.blogspot.com
Compulsive Eaters Anonymous, H.O.W. Concept Cal Poly Foundation
546.1178 www.ceahow.org Jobline 756.7107 www.calpolyfoundation.org SENIORS
Drug & Alcohol Services Cal Poly University Adult Day Care
781.4275 or 800.549.7730 http://calpolyjobs.org 756.1533 489.8894 (Arroyo Grande);
Overeaters Anonymous Cuesta College 434.2081 (Templeton); 927.4290 (Cambria)
541.3164 http://www.cuesta.edu Jobline 546.3127 Adult Protective Services
SCA, SLAA & SAA (Sex, Love & Romance Addictions) The Creekside Career Center 781.1790
461.6084 788.2600 or 237.3014 www.slocareers.org Computerooters:
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Department of Rehabilitation Computer help: 489.6230
929.1789 www.tops.org 549.3361 Department of Social Services:
Women for Sobriety Mission Community Services Corporation In-Home Support 781.1790
215.536.8026 www.womenforsobriety.org Women’s Business Partners Nursing help for the terminally ill 781.5540
595.1357 www.mcscorp.org Elder and Dependent Adult Advocacy and Outreach –
CHILDREN & FAMILIES Private Industry Council (PIC) Victim Witness Assistance Center
Birth and Baby Resource Center www.jobhunt.org 788.2601
546.3755 www.bbrn.org 781-5821
LEGAL Elder Law, Geraldine E. Champion, Attorney
Childcare Resource Connection
541.2272 or 800.727.2272 Core Mediation Services 473.4747
Foster Grandparents.Senior Companions
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) 544.6334 medeee8@aol.com 782.9200
“A child’s voice in Court in SLO County” District Attorney’s Office – Victim Witness Center Senior Ballroom Dance club
541.6542 781.5821 489.5481 dg17@juno.com
Children’s Services Network Family Law Facilitator Senior Peer Counseling
781.1847 788.3418 Free, trained in.home counseling for 60+
First 5: Children & Families Commission Lawyers Referral Services/Legal Aid Alternative
781.4058; ask for Susan Hughs 788.2099 547.7025 ext. 15
Homeschooling in SLO County (HSC) Pro Per Divorce Workshop SPIRITUAL
462.0726; ask for Barbara 544.9313 Circle of Spiritual Enlightenment
La Clinica De Tolosa 238.5334 Senior Legal Services 541.1963; www.spiritualcircle.org
La Leche League 543.5140 Awakening Interfaith Spiritual Community
489.9128 Meditation Monday evenings 7-8 pm
Migrant Childcare Program MEDICAL SUPPORT/SERVICES
ALS Support Group (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) Open to all. 772-0306 awakeninginterfaith.org
544.4355 and 466.3444 Hungry Hearts Spiritual Community
MOMS Club of South SLO county 227.4785 or 674.4162
RC liturgy with womanpriest 546.8672
473. 2548 Alzheimer’s Support Meditation Group
Partnership for Children 547.3830, 534.9234 (SLO/Los Osos) Mondays, 7:30–8:30 PM; 772.0306
541.8666; ask for Beth 888.488.6555 New Beginnings Church
Real F.A.C.T.S. (Forum on Abused Children) American Cancer Society Every Sunday, Coalesce Bookstore, MB
460.9016 San Luis Obispo 543.1481, 238.9657 Self-Realization Fellowship
Social Services Templeton 434.3051 Sunday Services 995-1599
781.1600 Anorexia Nervosa & Bulimia Support Group
Support for Kids Coping with Domestic Violence 541.9113 WOMEN’S CENTERS/SHELTERS
473.6507 Arthritis Foundation Homeless Shelter
892.5556 781-3993
EMERGENCY/CRISIS Cancer/ Breast Cancer Support Groups Housing Authority
Hotline 543.1481 ext. 3 for information 543.4478
www.slohotline.org 800.549.8989 Caregivers of Aging Parents North County Women’s Resource Center, Shelter
Sexual & Rape Prevention (SARP) 543.7969 461.1338
545.8888 or 800.656.HOPE (4673) Celiac Disease Support Group Prado Day Center (for the homeless)
Temporary Restraining Order & Victim Witness 226.9893 786.0617 www.pradodaycenter.org
Program 781.5821 Endometriosis Association Women’s Community Center, SLO
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT www.endometriosisassn.org 544.9313
Enhancement, Inc. (for breast cancer survivors) Women’s Shelter Program of SLO
A.D.A.P.T. (Aid in Divorce Adjustment Problems Today) 771.8640 www.enhancementinc.com
543.0388 549.8989 (crises), 781.6401 (business)
EOC Health Services Clinics www.womensshelterslo.org
Alzheimer/Dementia Resource Center no or low cost reproductive health services
434.2081 or 534.9234 or 888.488.6555 544.2478 (SLO); 489.4026 (Arroyo Grande) OTHER WOMEN’S ORGANIZATIONS
CALL–Concerned Agoraphobics Learning to Live Healthworks of the Central Coast Altrusa International, Inc.
543.3764 No or low cost reproductive health services 481.1039; Cici Wynn, President
Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA)
542.0577 (SLO) 481.5093 (Grover Beach) 542.0900 American Association of University Women
Hearst Cancer Resource Center 781-0922 Karen www.aauw.org
927.1654 (Cambria) 466.8600 (North County) 542.6269 Camping Women
Community Counseling Center IC Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome 440.2723 www.campingwomen.org
543.7969 3rd Thursday, SLO, 7 -9 pm 464-0564 Hadassah.SLO
Dealing With Divorce Long-term Care Ombudsman Services of SLO County 543.9452
544.9313 785.0132
Depresson and Bipolar Support Alliance Group Lymphedema Education & Support Group OTHER GROUPS & GATHERINGS
927.3703 2nd Monday, 4-5 pm, 782-9300 Central Coast Peace and Environmental Council
Divorce Discussion Group Parkinson’s Support Groups 544.3399 or 783.2383
489.2990, saintbarnabas@sbcglobal.net 466.7226 (Atascadero/Templeton) Compassion & Choices (or Final Exit)
Eating Disorders Support Group 800.247.7421 or 489-5481
546-3774; free, meets weekly in SLO 481.7424 (Arroyo Grande)
Project Lifesaver 541.8633 (SLO)
Planned Parenthood
548.0909 www.projectlifesaverofslo.org
SLO 549.9446 Please send additions, corrections or deletions to:
womenspress.slo@gmail.com or leave a message at
the WCC: 805.544.9313. Last update 4/27/09.
 Near Downtown
Deluxe Continental Breakfast
Pool & Spa
Fitness Room
Guest Laundry
Suites
SAN LUIS OBISPO
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!

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, 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, West End Espresso & 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, Hempshak,
YMCA, KCBX, Salon on Monterey, Jaffa Café, Med Stop (Madonna Plaza),
World Rhythm and Motion, Steynberg Gallery, Correa Chiropractic, High St.
Deli, Sunset N. Car Wash, Jamaica You, United Blood Services.
• SOUTH COUNTY: Arroyo Grande – Mongo’s, Act II Boutique, Central
Coast Yoga, CJ’s Restaurant, Curves-AG, Cutting Edge, EOC Health Services
Clinic, Girls Restaurant, Grande Whole Foods, Chameleon; Avila Beach– Avila
Grocery, Custom House, Sycamore Hot Springs, Inn at Avila, Joe Mamma’s;
Grover Beach – 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, RETurn to JOY!; 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.