A Publication of the Women’s Community Center of San Luis Obispo County
Voices, Views and Visions of the Women of San Luis Obispo County
Cal Poly Women’s Programs and Services and the Women’s Press bring you
LUNAFEST
Films By, For and About Women
A National Film Festival
Saturday, March 10
Cal Poly Business Rotunda
Bldg. 3, Rm. 213
FREE parking
Tickets $10, $7 Students and Seniors (over 62)
LUNAFEST is a national traveling fundrais-
ing film festival of short films by, for, and about
women dedicated to promoting awareness about
women’s issues, highlighting women filmmak-
ers, and bringing women together in their com-
munities. This year, its sixth, Cal Poly Women’s
Programs and Services and the Women’s Press are
sponsoring this event locally on the Cal Poly
campus on the Business Rotunda in Building
3, Room 213 from 4:30 – 6:30 PM on Saturday,
March 10.
Thus far, LUNAFEST, which is spon-
sored by LUNA, the Whole Nutrition Bar for
Women, has raised over $100,000 for the Breast
Cancer Fund and over $250,000 for other wom-
en’s nonprofits. 15% of the proceeds of our local
event will go to the Breast Cancer Fund and
the remaining profits will be shared by Cal Poly
Women’s Programs and Services and the Press.
This unique film festival will highlight
women as leaders in society, illustrated through
4:30 - 5, Pre-program entertainment
5 - 6:30, Showing of LUNAFEST films
Contact 805-544-9313 or
SLOLUNAFEST@gmail.com
regarding tickets and maps to the campus
nine films by women filmmakers. The films
range from animated shorts to fictional drama,
and cover topics such as women’s health, body
image, spirituality, relationships, cultural diver-
sity, and breaking barriers.
LUNAFEST films are pulled from the top
festivals across the nation including Tribeca,
the Los Angeles Short Film Festival, and Lon-
don International Film Festival. Topics of this
year’s films range from quirky animation to
touching documentaries.
We are looking for sponsors for
this event as well as volunteers
to work on committees. Call
the Women’s Community
Center 544-9313.
See the list of movies, p. 2
Creative Women 3 National Organization
Book Reviews 4 Community Bulletins
Body and Soul 5-6
Perspectives on
Superwoman
7-9
Women at Work 10-11
UnsungHeroine
Nancy Castle: Blending
Business and Values for Success
By Berta Parrish
Nancy Castle, entrepreneur, political activist,
mother, and former editor of Women’s Press and
Board Member of the Women’s Resource Cen-
ter (now the Women’s Community Center) , is
considered a Superwoman by her friends and
colleagues. That’s quite a moniker to embody.
Yet, she does it with grace, expertise, and an
infectious passion for helping people achieve
their goals. Not unlike Superman fighting evil,
Nancy defines a Superwoman as “one who uses
her magic powers for good.” In contrast to the
fictional hero, she is accomplishing her mission
in the very real interface between government
and media.
Volume XXII, Number 1
January & February, 2007
12
for Women
13-14
and Workshops
Resources for Women 15
Where to find the
Women’s Press 6
After devoting years of effort and anxiety to
start AGP Video with Steve Mathieu, (the com-
pany specializes in government video produc-
tion, presenting it on cable television and on the
Internet), Nancy realized that she had to reduce
the pressure. Committed to increasing access to
the complicated government process by filming,
distributing, and archiving meetings, she knew
that she was “always just one connector away
from failure.” Therefore, she had to find ways
to wind down from the long and stressful days.
Now, she paints vibrant images to renew her cre-
ativity; listens to music and reads romances to
Continued in CASTLE, p. 13
 Women’sPress
Welcome to the new year, Readers,
I and all the volunteers for the Women’s
Press look forward to a year of growth for the
paper and involvement in activities such as the
LUNAFEST (described on the front cover) and
our Second Annual Retreat, to be held early in
the fall.
We now have a new assistant editor, Amelia
Free, and a new distribution manager, Paula Sig-
man. They will both lighten my workload and
contribute to the input I get from all volunteers
on what content to include and how to make
the paper meaningful and interesting to you and
make sure it’s where you can find it.
Our advertising team is out there contact-
ing businesses who want exposure to our readers,
women with voices, views, and visions. We need
women willing to cover South County, North
County, and the northern coast. You earn a 20%
commission for each ad, a 10% one-time develop-
ment bonus for new accounts, and will get paid
35¢ per mile for mileage accrued during advertis-
ing sales. Call Jacky Lopez (541-4492) if you want
to earn some extra money, meet business persons
contributing to your community, and help the
Women’s Press pay for operating costs.
Several pages in this issue are connected
to the concept of “Superwoman,” with many
women giving their viewpoints on the pressures
that word can impose. It started in the ‘70’s and
is still a problem for women.
I believe that our artists — in all media —
are our truth tellers. Therefore, I want to start
highlighting local artists whose work makes us
examine thoughtfully the world we live in. If you
are one of those artists or know one, contact me.
For this issue, read on page 3 about the photog-
raphy exhibit of Ani Garrick’s work, at the SLO
Art Center until February 18.
I am always open to ideas for content –
themes, issues, interesting local women to profile
– so always feel free to call (474-6444) or e-mail
with your suggestions.
May this year be for you one of health
and joy,
Women’s Community Center Board
Angie King, President
Kathleen Deragon
Susan Howe
Jan Potter
Robin Werderits
MAILING ADDRESS:
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Contact managing-editor@womenspress-slo.org or call
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does not necessarily endorse products or services advertised
in the Women’s Press.
6000 free copies distributed in SLO County. Subscriptions by mail & by e-mail available.
Women’s Press | January 2007 | editors@womenspress-slo.org
LETTERS
Dear Editor,
LUNAFEST Movies
I disagree with the comment in the NOW arti- See Cover for More Information
cle about science books about women that “sci-
MANN KE MANJEERÉ Singer Shubha Mudgal vocals portray the jour-
ence and technology will cure the world’s major
ney of a courageous domestic violence survivor. The story of the music
social problems - poverty, illiteracy, disease”. Prob-
video was inspired greatly by the life of a young Muslim women, Sha-
lem solving and fighting disease is the masculine
meem Paathan. Born into a well-to-do family and the daughter of 7 sons,
way. The woman’s way is intuitive knowing, well-
Shameem fell in love, and much against the wishes of her family married
ness, cooperation, and balanced living. Balance can
the man of her choice. That she made the wrong choice soon became apparent. When her son
be brought back into the world by a transforma-
was three and a half years old, Shameem finally decided to fend for herself. She went through
tive process that brings the feminine back into the
a series of businesses and finally she learned how to drive, an unheard of occupation for a
world.
women in her society. She now drives her own van in Ahmedabad, ferrying passengers.
Vidya Cicchini
PLUM FLOWER Plum Flower takes place in 1948 China. It was a time
Thanks to my wonderful children, great friends
when female infanticide was a normal occurrence for poor rural com-
in Code Pink and other wonderful friends in SLO,
munities. Females could not carry on the family name, so they were less
I had a unique, meaningful, and OUTSTAND-
desirable when too many were born to one family. Plum Flower is about
INGLY WONDERFUL  80th birthday celebration
a mother and father facing a staggering moral choice when they have a
on Oct. 14 at the Community Room of the SLO
fifth daughter. It is based on the true story of the filmmaker’s family.
Library.  This is how it all happened: 
The theme for my party, one of my children’s
SLIP OF THE TONGUE Be careful what you ask a stranger at a bus
idea, was to raise some money for Code Pink, and
stop; a look at perceptions of beauty, ethnicity, and body image define
boy, did we!!!
“ethnic makeup.”
It was a great event: my son’s band came from
Olympia, Washington, and Jim Page, an interna-
tional folk singer and satirist (and a friend of my
son’s), came from far away and performed for over
BREACHED A Mexican women is nearing delivery and is determined
100 people there to celebrate with me. Fun, too,
to have her baby on American soil.
was a dessert auction with the proceeds from that
and a donations no-host bar going to Code Pink.
Folks were SUPER generous and I was just thrilled
with such birthday presents!!!
CITY PARADISE London is a big city, and for those new to it, it can
Days later people were talking about what a
sometimes seem quite scary. But Tomoko, who arrives from Japan to
great time they had -- a few said to me “It was the
learn English, accidentally discovers a mysterious, secret city under-
best party I’ve been to in my whole life”!!  Well,
ground, inhabited by friendly little aliens and beautiful blossoms. After
it was the best party of my whole life, too.  I was
she finds it, everything changes.
bathed in loyalty, fun, humor, thoughtfulness,
warmth, and LOVE. Oh, I forgot to mention, we
TOP OF THE CIRCLE Who is at the top of the food chain? This
raised over $2000 for Code Pink!!
experimental performance piece explores the cycle of life and death--and
Lynne Levine
bacon bits.
Your Opinion
Wanted
DEAR TALULA Filmmaker Lori Benson is a quintessential downtown
Send your letters to: New Yorker who was diagnosed with breast cancer just 14 months after
the birth of her daughter, Talula. With much grace and humor, Ben-
Women’s Press–Your Opinion
son brings us along as her friends and husband document an emotion-
Women’s Community Center
ally charged year. We thus become part of Benson’s inner circle and are
880 Industrial Way
privy to her most intimate thoughts, vulnerabilities, and discoveries. The profound experience
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
makes the filmmaker confront her own mortality and ultimately strengthens her connection
Send e-mail to :
to her true self.
managing-editor@womenspress-slo.org
(“Your Opinion” in subject line)
KYLIE GOLDSTEIN-ALL AMERICAN A documentary about a Chi-
nese adopted, All-American 6-year old.
Subscribe to the Women’s Press:
The annual subscription fee for delivery of
the Women’s Press by U.S. Mail is $20/ AGRICULTURAL REPORT A concerned cow discovers the bliss of
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San Luis Obispo,CA 93401. Write “Women’s
Press subscription” on the memo line.
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January 2007 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press CreativeWomen 

Artist’s Statement
My work is an attempt to crystallize some of the
most profound feelings of life and freeze-frame
human vulnerability. No matter what one’s par-
ticular history, an ability to ground oneself is of
utmost importance in order to function sanely
and to cope in these difficult times. Paradoxi-
cally, it is within the container of oneself, the
human vessel, where one finds a safe space, a
sacred place…
As literal model in much of this imagery, I
have explored my interior landscape and con-
fronted realms rarely consciously acknowledged.
Initially tentative, I became a willing traveler
and documented the journey, haunted by hor-
rors and fears past and present, navigating on the
edge of a chaotic world. I traversed the challeng-
ing, creative path, which ultimately strengthened
and provided hope for the future…
My love of the fine arts is evident in these
gelatin silver prints, as I try to replicate photo-
graphically the moodiness of other artistic media.
My process presents a different way of working
within the black and white medium, yet pays
homage to traditional photographic purity and
all image-makers who have inspired me…
— Ani Garrick, 2006
Editor’s Note
I’ve devoted a whole page of this issue to Ani’s
exhibit because when I viewed her work it gave
me permission to scream, to wail, to weep. I
knew I needed to. Immediately I understood all
the reasons why these self-portraits are in such
pain — and you will, too. So I wanted you to
also have the opportunity “feel” her photos.
We need to acknowledge our pain — and
give ourselves permission to express it. Pain is a
message — that all is not well. Ani gave herself
permission and her work is a gift that encourages
us to do the same. As Beverly Engel reflected to
me after viewing the exhibit, its title, Sacred Ves-
sel, aptly describes a woman’s body — more frag-
ile than a man’s and yet strong enough to hold
and birth human life. More importantly, because
of our immense ability to be empathetic, women
carry the world’s pain. Pain. For all the blood
shed on purpose, for deliberate deaths. For vio-
lence visual, verbal, and emotional in the air, on
screen, and in print. For hungry neglected chil-
dren. For abused women. For never being sat-
isfied with enough. For fouled earth, air, and

Viewing “Fragile: Sacred Vessel”
By Beverly Engel
When I first walked into the section of the San
Luis Obispo Art Center set aside for Ani’s lat-
est exhibition I was impressed by the space. The
walls had been painted Pomegranate and Deep
Mauve and the photographs were beautifully
and professionally displayed around the square
room. The place looks classy and it drew me in.
But the dark subject matter of the photos was
at first off-putting, even for me, a long time
admirer of Ani’s work. The photos in the first
series, entitled, Sacred Vessel: Fragile Container
are raw, intense, and painfully honest. You see
a close-up of woman’s neck and lower face, her
mouth contorted in a painful scream, her neck
muscles straining in pain. My first instinct was
to walk away and move on to the next series. But
I stood transfixed by the details and the emo-
tions. Ani’s skill is evident — her photos look
more like fine charcoal and pen drawings than
photographs — but there is more than technical
skill here. There is real brilliance in the way she
captures human emotion and stays with it. How
she invites you to join her in her exploration of
the human experience.
I moved on to another section of Sacred Ves-
sel: Fragile Container. These photos seemed out
of focus and had a more luminous quality — an
interesting juxtaposition to the previous photo-
graphs. They spoke to me of the invisibility that
women often experience in the world and the
pain that comes from that invisibility and there
was a transformative element to them.
The next series, entitled, Sacred Vessel: Birth
Marks shows pregnant women’s bodies from very
unique angles. In some of the pictures you ini-
tially cannot tell what you are looking at, in oth-
ers the body is right in your face and sometimes
difficult to take in because they are so raw. These
are not like the air-brushed photos of a pregnant
Demi Moore or Britney Spears on the cover of
Vanity Fair. In these photos you see what preg-
nancy actually does to the body — the stretch
marks, the painfully swollen breasts and belly.
water. For hearts not big enough to care for
all beings.
I hope you will bring your mothers, daugh-
ters, husbands, partners, and friends to the
exhibit and have dialogues with one another
Sacred Vessel: Birth Marked is the title of the about all the sources of shared pain. May we
next series and it is even harder to take in than all commit to finding ways to lessen it within
the first series. Here we see a woman grimacing each’s capabilities. Our expression of that pain
in utter anguish. Her pain is so raw and intense acknowledges it and hopefully can guide us to
that the photos verge on the grotesque. I want use our wisdom and work with other women
to look away but I keep being drawn back in. to make our world a more nurturing and peace-
The anguish is painfully familiar yet my mind ful place.
wants to view the photographs from the advan-
tage of a spectator — “It is her pain, not mine.”
Ultimately, though, I am unsuccessful in my
attempts at denial.
The final series — entitled Fragile: Cul-
ture Shocked — is less difficult to look at and Birthmarked: Reportage
I breathe a sigh of relief. This has been quite a
roller-coaster ride. But at closer inspection I see
the pain and anguish again and am reminded
forty
of how painful it sometimes is for us to face By Sharon Coleman
what we must face every day — war, the loss of
innocence, the sterility of modernism, the loss her skin hair eyes allowed
of connection. her to remain — forged papers
When you go to see Ani’s photographs go and she went about the streets even
with an open mind and, even more impor- school until it was almost
tantly, an open heart. Allow yourself to become the end — betrayed and sent
immersed in the depth, intensity and meaning. a death camp when she returned
If you are brave enough to resist your impulse to getting back was giving
walk away you will be rewarded with a poignant birth one, two, three, maybe
experience that will remind you of what it is to four une famille nombreuse
be truly human. You’ll be reminded of what it but forty years later she tells
feels like to immerse yourself in your own and her son if i knew things
other people’s pain. would not get better all this
It took courage for Ani to bare her soul in continues somewhere
this way (except for the pregnant women series, i would not have brought more
these are self-portraits), and you come away from children or this is what
the experience a little more willing to touch your her son has said to me.
own feelings concerning your own particular
journey in life. As Ani stated in her interview Sharon Coleman will be reading this and other
for Black and White Magazine (February 2003): poems at a special reception for the exhibit on
“The pictures capture my experience going deep January 13. See announcement below.
into myself and experiencing the depth of what
it is to feel about life, about certain situations
that are both personal and universal.” I believe
Ani’s work succeeds in helping the viewer to do
the same.

“Garrick began a body of work that is a cathartic act of self- Special Reception:
evaluation and self-revelation… They show universal feel-
ings and truths created through the personal motif of the Saturday, January 13, 6pm
self-portrait. What we are witness to are private moments
of intense letting go, that express anger, revulsion, fear December 18 - February 18
and anguish, presented in a public forum. The remarkable
thing is that as viewers we don’t feel voyeuristic, and that
San Luis Obispo Art Center
is due to the fact that the feelings expressed are known to 1010 Broad Street, SLO
all, and the movement during exposure wipes out the ref- 543-8562
erence to a specific person and gives us instead an image of
an anonymous stand-in for ourselves.”
— Art Center’s Tim Anderson in Art News
concerning the series Sacred Vessel: Birth Marked
 LocalPerspectives Women’s Press | January 2007 | editors@womenspress-slo.org

BookReviews
Winter Gardening on the Central Coast
By Pam Thomas

As winter rains arrive on the Central Coast, it
is easy to focus attention away from your gar-
den, thinking that Mother Nature will take care
of things during this less intensive season. Cer-
tainly, when sufficient rains come, we don’t have
to think about watering as much, and can tem-
porarily shut off automated irrigation systems,
but are there other gardening activities to con-
sider during this cooler, wetter part of the year?
We are fortunate to live in a mild weather
area, and yes, there are things to do in the gar-
den in winter. Deciduous trees, shrubs, and fruit
trees do undergo a period of dormancy in winter,
and this is an ideal time to prune them. Prun-
ing helps stimulate new spring growth, increase
in the ground for at least a year. Look for them
now at your local nursery.
Another group of trees and shrubs to plant
now are our California natives. With beauties
such as California lilac (Ceanothus sp.), Buck-
eye (Aesculus californica), Catalina Ironwood
(Lyonothamnus floribundus), Manzanita (Arcto-
staphylos sp.), California anemone (Carpenteria
californica), Sage (Salvia clevelandii), and Cur-
rants (Ribes sp.), we are spoiled for choice. Plant-
ing natives in the winter helps these plants to
adapt more readily to their new surroundings.
The cooler, rainier conditions reduce transplant
shock, and create favorable conditions for root
establishment.

Clarity Through the Noise
Review By Charlene Huggins
Amy Goodman, host of Democracy Now!, honors
the importance of her job and delivers the day’s
headlines with a gravitas sadly missing from the
tepid, canned spiels spewed by the talking heads
of most television and cable news networks. On
Sunday, November 12th, she delivered her mes-
sage to a standing-room-only crowd at the San
Luis Obispo Veteran’s Hall to promote her new
book Static: Government Liars, Media Cheerlead-
ers and the People Who Fight Back. Her message
is simple, “Speak truth to power.”
The enthusiasm of the crowd revealed the
populace’s need to hear the truth and that is
the goal of her new book. She begins by ana-
lyzing the catastrophic events in August 2005
when Hurricane Katrina caught the country
and the current occupant and his administra-
tion grotesquely negligent as the storm brutal-
ized the American Gulf Coast. Ironically, the
corporate media finally did what it is supposed
to do: “they reported what they saw, not what
they were told.” Images of dead bodies float-
ing through the flooded city, starving Ameri-
cans stuffed into the New Orleans Super Dome,
and people trapped on their roof tops screaming
and begging for help revealed a truth rarely seen
on television and egregiously edited from the
war coverage in Iraq. Goodman argues that the
media has been the megaphone that the Bush
Administration has manipulated and controlled
as they promote their agenda creating a separate
and distorted reality. A plethora of examples are
cited in the book.
This book is an important work for citizens
who feel the media has failed them; for those
who desire to know in detail stories that are
overlooked and dismissed in popular media; for
those who recognize the manipulated percep-
tions and false realities being created by the gov-
ernment, corporate media, and a small gaggle
of pundits “who know so little about so much
in explaining the world and getting it wrong.”
Goodman’s muckraking journalism is invalu-
able in promoting and keeping an honest, well-
informed democratic country. We need to hold
our officials accountable for the policies and
agendas they create, and this cannot be achieved
if lies are sold as truths and our journalists speak
for those in power and forget that “Free speech
is democracy’s last line of defense”. Fortunately
Goodman knows her job and does it well.
air circulation and light exposure, and will help
with the overall health of your woody plants.
Things to look for are removing dead branches,
crossing branches, weak branch attachments,
and “double leaders” in trees (two co-dominant
and competing main trunks). Shrubs like Mexi-
can sage (Salvia leucantha) will benefit from cut-
ting old stalks to the ground to make room for
new replacement stems. Pruning is also a great
way to make cosmetic adjustments to enhance
the shape and scale of your tree or shrub.
A special group of shrubs that benefit from
winter pruning are hybrid tea roses. Prune
to reduce their size, cut out dead wood, and
manipulate the direction of new spring growth.
It is also the time of year to plant bare-root roses,
which won’t require pruning until they’ve been
Using native plants in your garden also pro-
motes a sense of place, this wonderful place
called California. They work ecologically with
our local weather and soil conditions, and
require less water. By using native plants in your
garden, you will attract native pollinators (like
hummingbirds and butterflies), and create an
inviting habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Happy winter gardening!
Pam Thomas is a Cal Poly-educated horticultur-
ist with fifteen years experience working at public
botanic gardens. Her business, Paloma Landscap-
ing (458-9207), provides consulting, design, main-
tenance, and pruning services using California
native and Mediterranean plants.

Soul-Sick Nation
Review By Amelia A. Free

Our global situation is dire. Faced with increas-
ing and destructive global warming, pollution of
all of our natural resources, and escalating politi-
cal and economic activities based on obsessions
with greed and global domination of resources,
we, the people of the United States and Mother
Earth, are faced with the need to create and
enact new paradigms for living in harmony with
each other and our finite planet.
Jessica Murray’s book, Soul-Sick Nation: An
Astrologer’s View of America, is a timely and astute
analysis of our current dilemmas viewed through
a lens that deftly integrates geopolitics, psy-
chology, and spirituality. The lens Ms. Murray
employs is a cosmic one, translated through the
tool of astrology. This integration provides the
reader with an insightful, hopeful, and forward-
thinking model for understanding and respond-
ing to the coming shift of consciousness on our
planet. Ms. Murray is sounding an unflinching
wake up call to all of us to take notice that our
world is in crisis.
Contrary to popular belief, astrology is not
the caricatured practice of making voyeuristic
predictions regarding personal romantic or finan-
cial interests. Rather, it is an ancient scientific
art that was utilized by sages, philosophers, and
political leaders alike as a guide to understand-
ing choices that could be made in any given situ-
ation. As Ms. Murray writes, “Astrology is an
ideal way to approach issues that are rancorous
and frightening, because it is a way of perceiving
that is exceptionally pure and abstract.”
Ms. Murray uses her mastery of astrology to
reveal the underlying strengths, weaknesses, and
hidden motivations that lie at the heart of Amer-
ica’s birth chart, thus uncovering our true poten-
tial as a nation in our current global situation.
She combines an even, rational tone with grace,
wit, and humor in this work, allowing the reader
to transcend any biased, partisan views of our
nation and to engage in a unified inquiry of how
we can, as a community of 300 million Ameri-
cans, transform our country from its current
profane state into one that is sacred. Ms. Mur-
ray guides the reader through that inquiry with
a warm and intelligent hand, carefully pointing
the way through the global catastrophe looming
before all of us at this juncture in history. This is
a must-read book for spiritual and political lead-
ers, astrologers, psychologists, and cultural cre-
atives alike.
Jessica Murray has practiced humanistic astrol-
ogy in San Francisco for 30 years. She is a widely
published essayist and a graduate of Brown Uni-
versity, where she studied traditional psychol-
ogy. She can be reached through her website at
www.mothersky.com.
January 2007 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press
SpiritualityMatters
Becoming All That We Might Be The Magic of Consciousness
By Heather Mendel
There is an old Jewish tale told about Rabbi
Zusya who believed that when he died and
appeared before his God, he would not be asked
why he was not like Abraham or Moses. He
would be asked why he was not Zusya. His con-
cern was that he would not have an answer.
When our lives are ending and we attempt
to account how we spent our time on earth,
we will not have to ask ourselves why we were
not like any other great leader, artist, musician
or poet. We should ask were we ourselves? In
order to answer this we need to know who we
are — a basic question we confront on the start
of our spiritual journeys. When asked “Who are
you?”,most of us answer with our names and
will them go on to list various aspects about our-
selves in terms of family relationships, gender,
work, religious affiliation, nationality, vocation
and interests. For example, I could answer that I
am a woman/wife/mother/American/Jew/artist/
writer. How would you answer the question?
As we try to deepen the search, we will per-
haps reach a point where we can acknowledge
that we are each identical sparks of Divinity
robed in totally unique possibilities and poten-
tials. It is awesome to consider that never before
and never again will there be an exact replica of
ourselves on earth. We each have a totally novel
opportunity to affect this world because of who
and what we are.
As a new year begins, we can take the oppor-
tunity for personal assessment. Are we making
the most of the gifts that we were given to be
used in this life-time? How can we make sure
that we are living up the highest potential within
us? We can start by asking how much time
we invest in those things about which we feel
passionate and how much simple joy do
we experience each day? The two, I believe,
go together. How, after death, do we want to
be remembered?
We all live very busy lives by choice or by
necessity. As women it is so easy to overlook
the needs we have to care for ourselves. What
better gift can we give ourselves at the start of
2007 than the commitment to take some time
each day or week to devote to things that make
I’ll See It When I Believe It
By Susan Wood
Who among us does not want a fulfilled life,
a life of ease and grace and abundance?
How can we have such a life? What do we have
to do? What has to happen to make such a
life possible?
My own opinion is that we need to start
with belief, or faith. Once we have faith, we real-
ize there is nothing we need to be or do or have,
other than allowing ourselves to grow. Once we
believe that something is possible, everything
else starts to fall into place. Once we have faith
that we already are what we need to be, accept
our circumstances, and take responsibility for
ourselves, we begin to take action and grow into
being our authentic and unlimited selves.
Belief, according to the dictionary, is a state
or habit of mind in which trust or confidence
is placed in some person or thing. What if you
don’t have that state or habit of mind? That’s not
possible—you do, but you may not be aware of
it. If you do or you don’t like what is happening
in your life, look closely. There is a belief there
that is producing that result for you.
Become aware of what you believe, then
choose whether you want to continue to believe
it. Is the belief serving you? Would another
belief serve you better? Are your beliefs focus-
ing on what you don’t want, or on what you do
want? For example, do you believe there is some-
thing about you that “is not good enough” when
you constantly compare yourself to others? Per-
haps you would like to lose weight. Instead of
focusing on the “problem” of too much weight,
Body&Soul 
By Gina Turley
I dare to say that most of us at one time or using your will to see it. How about saying to
another imagined ourselves as a magician or fairy your self and believing it, “There are a lot of peo-
princess or prince with magical powers and pos- ple out there who want to pay money for (your
sibly a wand to create our magic. We believed in talent here),” “There is affordable housing in San
our hearts that magic was real in our moment Luis Obispo County,” “My town is a safe place
of make-believe. Reality does not dress us up in to raise my children,.” “There are a lot of peo-
wings and give us a wand to flash around with ple for me to relate to and become friends with
words like abracadabra, yet we do have the abil- in this town,.” “My partner and I are evolving
ity to create the consciousness and thus the and becoming more intimate,” “There are some
world we live in by the mere words we say. really loving, compassionate women and men in
Our words can be expressions of our beliefs this town,” and so on.
and if we want to believe in a positive world, we The truth is, life has many possibilities. If we
have to speak about it. When you say, “Housing recognize our wand of will, we might just create,
is really tough in this town,” “Relationships are see, and become what we want. Just how much
just complicated,” “Men are pigs,” “Women are do you believe? How much magic do you have?
just competitive and jealous,” “No one ever lis- Trust yourself and you will see your life and your
tens to me,” etc., then you are magically creating situation change into what you want. It’s up to
us happy. Perhaps spending a ten-minute period the world in which you believe – because what you to decide what direction you want your life
in daily meditation, or making sure to look at we believe is what we see over and over again to be. It is up to you to be the magician.
(and actually see and enjoy) the sunset each day. whether anything else is there or not to see.
Perhaps we are fulfilled by spending a while each The truth is our world is much broader than Gina Turley facilitates SloGranola, a grass-
week in nature, reading for pleasure, engaged what we have learned to believe. The question roots family support group in San Luis
in a creative hobby or listening to music that is, do we believe we can create what we want? Obispo County, where you can find connec-
relaxes and refreshes. As we list those things that If you don’t believe me, just try it. Start tap- tion through activities led by parents, support
really bring us pleasure, perhaps we are close to ping into the consciousness of what you want group discussion, and play groups for all ages.
knowing who we are and what we want to do to believe instead of what you do not want to To be a part of a growing group you can log on to
with our time. believe. What you want does exist, it just takes http://group.yahoo.com/group/SloGranola.
We all have much to do and many people
who need our time and attention. I am always
reminded that on any airplane voyage we are told
in case of emergency, to put on our own oxygen
masks first before we try to assist anyone else.
Great advice for our everyday lives too. As we
begin to get in touch with who we really are, we
can start to think about whether we are being all
that we might be and if not, where we can start
to make some small changes that will help move
in the direction that will allow us to answer the
question “Who are you?” with the answer, “At
least some of the time, I am a fulfilled and con-
tent spiritual being on this human journey as I
fulfill my roles to the best of my ability.”
Heather Mendel has focalized women’s spiritu-
ality groups for the past 15 years. She can be con-
tacted through her website at www.wordartist.com,
e-mailed at heathermendel@charter.net or called at
544-4933.
start visualizing yourself as your thin self-- and
start focusing on the solution. You cannot create
what you want by focusing on what you do not
want. As you begin to develop more constructive
beliefs you will find that your life will become
easier. You do not necessarily need to know the
solution — when you begin to image and visual-
ize what you want, you will begin to take action
and the “how” or the solution will gradually
unfold.
As you practice believing in a positive sense,
you develop faith: Faith that things are OK, that
you are OK, that life is OK. As you practice
more, you begin to know that things are great,
that you are great, that life is great. Belief fre-
quently requires proof, but faith does not. Grow
into the state or habit of mind in which trust or
confidence is placed in some person or thing and
you will grow into faith. It does not matter what
person or thing you have faith in, or what you
call it—self, higher power, God, etc.—it’s really
all the same.
Expose yourself to and align yourself with
ideas and people with strong positive beliefs.
Read, listen, and discuss. You’ll be amazed at
how you will grow!
Susan Wood is a Certified Life Coach, who usu-
ally coaches by telephone and serves clients across
the country. She will happily provide a free session
for anyone wanting to explore what coaching with
her is about. http://www.susanwoodlifecoach.com
or 805-771-9706.
 Body&Soul Women’s Press | January 2007 | editors@womenspress-slo.org

Health Tips for the New Year... Again?
By Maria Foster
Geez, how many tips can we get via email, news-
letters, TV advertisements, etc.???  I mean, don’t
we all know what to do to be healthy by now? 
I do and I’m still 10 lbs. overweight!  So, what’s
the problem with us anyway?  Why can’t we just
do what we know to do and lose that weight? 
Because we’re human that’s why. We get caught
up with the day-to-day stresses and forget to take
care of ourselves.
Well, here are 3… yes, only 3… tips that
have helped me get re-focused and will hopefully
inspire you enough to GET BACK ON TRACK
and live healthy!
1. Stop beating yourself over the head. So,
the holidays are over and you ate too much....
it’s time to face it for what it is and get over it.  Bookstore, Coffee Pot Restaurant, The Rock, Southern Port Traders, Sunshine
We ALL want to have a good time during the
holidays and eating seems to be a central way of
doing it.
2. Get your foot on the gas pedal and keep
it there. Have you ever driven with someone
who can’t decide whether they want to go faster
or slow down?  Their foot is constantly going
from the gas to the brake pedal! That’s how we
are when it comes to healthy living.  We go
at a really good pace for awhile and then slam
on the brakes as soon as we feel that Starbucks
cravin’ coming on!  Okay, so now it’s time to
cut your braking time in half.  Instead of hav-
ing that Reduced Fat Banana Chocolate Chip
cake from the coffee shop and going to Apple-
bee’s for lunch, decide on one or the other and
reduce your pit stops to no more than three a
week instead of five.
Okay, here’s the last one:
3. Stop going for the gusto and start small.
I remember when my dad used to make the
weekly pasta dinner with the fancy meatballs,
sausage, garlic bread, etc.  Yea, I used to pile that
stuff on my plate like there was no tomorrow and
then go for seconds!  We’d all be crashed on the
couch and living room floor for hours after that. 
Then, there was dessert time...bloating vanilla
ice cream and rich caramel topping regret...some
of you know what I’m talking about.  The rest of
you who don’t...please don’t read on because you
are completely and utterly perfect.
Now, for those that cant’ resist...it’s time to
just change one thing about what you eat...just
one!  Maybe try excluding the table salt, taking
one meatball or sausage instead of one of each,
or skipping the garlic bread this time.  I’m tell-
ing you your little changes WILL make a differ-
ence!  Mel Beauty Center, Hempshack, YMCA, KCBX, Fairchild Salon, Jaffa Café
And, when you do make those little deci-
sions each and every day, soon you won’t even be
thinking about what you’re missing...only enjoy-
ing what’s on your plate and how your clothes
feel.  Avila Beach– Custom House, Sycamore Hot Springs; Grover Beach – World Gym,
NOTE: Do not try any of these tips at
home...just DO them every day and NEVER,
NEVER, NEVER give up!
Maria Foster is a Certified Personal Trainer,
Group Instructor, and Massage Therapist at the
SLO County YMCA.
Where to find Women’s Press
All SLO County Libraries and the following exceptionally fine establishments!
• NORTH COUNTY: Atascadero – The Coffee House and Deli, Starbuck’s at
Von’s Plaza, Carlene’s Café, Green Goods, Player’s Pizza, Harvest Health Food
Store, North County Connection, Senior Center, Women’s Resource Center/Shelter
Office; Paso Robles – Café Vio, Chelsea Bookshop/Café Novella, Curves, Old Mis-
sion Coffee House, Wilmot Market, DK Donuts, Panolivo French Cafe, NCI Vil-
lage Thrift Shop, Paso Robles Health Foods; Templeton –  Magic Windows Coffee
Café, Twin Cities Hospital, Templeton Market & Deli; Santa Margarita– Santa
Margarita Mercantile
• NORTHERN COAST: Baywood – Coffee & Things; Cambria – Cambria Con-
nection, Cambria Pines Lodge, Chamber of Commerce, Gym One, La Crema, 7
Sisters, Azevedo Chiropractic, Lilly’s, Alloco’s; Cayucos – Cayucos Super Market,
Kelley’s Espresso & Dessert, Lily’s Coffee House, Ocean Front Pizza, Chevron
Station, Chamber of Commerce; Los Osos – Starbuck’s, Baywood Laundry, Cad’s,
Carlock’s Bakery, Chamber of Commerce, Copa de Oro, Garden Café, Los Osos
Deli, Valley Liquor, Volumes of Pleasure; Morro Bay – Backstage Salon, Coalesce
Health Foods, Two Dogs Coffee
• SAN LUIS OBISPO: Art Café, Booboo Records, Creekside Center, GALA,
Marigold Nails, Palm Theatre, Susan Polk Insurance, Susan Rodriquez Insurance,
Utopia Bakery, Unity Church, Zoe Wells, Naturopath, Cal Poly Library, Center
for Alternatives to Violence, Chamber of Commerce, Cuesta College Library, EOC
Health Services Clinic, Garden St. Essentials, HealthWorks, Healing Alternatives,
Jamaca You, Karen Hale Chiropractic, Laguna Laundry, Linnaea’s, Monterey
Express, Natural Foods Coop, New Frontiers, Nautical Bean, Outspoken Beverage
Bistro, Phoenix Books, Planned Parenthood, Rudolph’s Coffee & Tea, San Luis
Obispo Housing Authority Office, SARP, The Secret Garden, SLO Perk Coffee,
Spirit Winds Therapy, The Studio Fitness for Women, Two Dogs Coffee, Uptown
Cafe, Yoga Centre, Ahshe Hair Salon, Apropos Clothing, Soho Hair Salon, Tom-
• SOUTH COUNTY: Arroyo Grande – Natural Balance, Mongo’s, World Gym,
Act II Boutique, Andreini’s, Central Coast Yoga, CJ’s Restaurant, Country Kitch-
en, Curves-AG, Cutting Edge, EOC Health Services Clinic, Family Chiropractic,
Girls Restaurant, Grande Whole Foods, Hunter’s Landing, Kennedy Club Fitness;
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, Slender Lady,
Brianna Nicole Spa, World Gym; Pismo Beach – HealthWorks, Honeymoon Café,
Pismo Athletic Club, Zadok’s; Shell Beach – De Palo & Sons Deli, Seaside Cafe,
Steaming Bean
• SANTA MARIA: Café Monet, Hunter’s Landing, Library, Marian Medical
Center, Curves on Main and on Broadway, The Bookworm, Lassen’s.
• ORCUTT: Loading Dock, Café Ole

The Fascia Straight Jacket:

An exercise to get unstuck
By Marleen Walmsley

The fascia is the sheath that binds individ-
ual muscles and organs. It is a clear, highly elas-
tic protective coating. Emotions and traumas are
stored there. When the body is on overload with
them, you get what is referred to as Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome and whatever other name
allopathic medicine labels gives it when they
can’t figure out what causes it. It’s also referred
to as body armor. When you are in touch with
your spanda or life purpose, your spirit, your
innermost desires - you’re in touch with the nat-
ural rhythms and cycles trying to move through
you. Everything flows.
Take inventory of your energy body, be
really conscious of where the blocks are so can
you release them. Your world will open up once
you do that. So within so without.
So without so within.
Here is a technique that is excellent to
unblock spanda, but also good for diagnosis.
It allows the filling in of holes, picks up and
re-inflates what’s sagging, breathes into the gaps
and fills them. The meridians interface with the
world around you on the surface. It’s the meridi-
ans that Chinese medicine and acupressure focus
on to heal. There are 12 major meridians, or elec-
trical energy pathways, throughout the body.
But the nadis are experiential. It is the nadis
that experience the holes. There are hundreds of
nadis throughout the body.
1. Imagine a blue light from the center upper
forehead. And imagine it proceeding to:
2. The throat
3. To right shoulder joint down to elbow
to wrist.
4. To thumb, index finger, mid finger, ring
finger and then pinkie
5. Back to wrist to elbow to shoulder
6. To thymus point (breastbone area) to left
shoulder, to elbow, then wrist
7. To left thumb, etc., wrist, elbow, shoulder
8. To thymus to heart center
9. To right nipple, center, left nipple, back
then center
10. 1” down, then belly button, then 4” down
11. Right ovary, right knee, right ankle
12. Big toe to baby toe
13. Up to ankle, knee, right ovary to 1” below
belly button
14. Repeat all on left
15. Last stop is the 2nd chakra (at pubic
bone) to the tummy button to heart to thymus
to forehead.
When disconnected from spirit/spanda,
habit takes over. The body tells you that you are
unhappy: sinusitis, mucous discharge (the body’s
interface with the outside world is membranes),
rashes, arthritic joints (stuck in a brittle world),
and chronic fatigue. When you are centered
and in the moment, the body is happy – it isn’t
expressing these things.
Marleen Wamsley is a naturopath in Morro Bay.
She is host-producer of Healers Who Share, an
educational TV program on Ch. 2 for those with-
out health insurance. She writes a global natu-
ropathic newsletter and teaches workshops for
medical professionals called New Paradigms In
Healing. To reach her, call 771 9172 or e-mail her at
walmsleyND@gmail.com
January 2007 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press Women’sStories 

Superwoman?! Who’s idea was this anyway? Superwoman vs. Perfectly Imperfect
By Amelia Free By Barbara Atkinson

Superwoman?! Who’s idea was this anyway?
Certainly not a woman. Just like the corset, the
speculum, the forceps, and brassiere, this word
needs to be examined with utmost suspicion.
Historically, relationships have been defined
according to the needs of the military/industrial
complex (M/I) and what it determines to be nec-
essary to fulfill its needs. In WWII, when men
went to war and there were not enough physical
bodies to fulfill the needs of the war machine,
the M/I launched a campaign for women to ful-
fill the former roles of men to meet the need
of the M/I. And women did so, flying military
planes, serving on construction and maintenance
crews, and offering support services. Once the
war was over, women were “convinced” by the
M/I that their “patriotic duty” was to retreat into
their homes and kitchens and give back to their
men the high-paying jobs women were allowed
to fulfill only when their “men” were absent.
The M/I invented lots of new domestic appli-
ances (washer/dryers, dishwashing machines,
etc.) to lure women from the economic field
back into the domestic field, which paid nothing
and which did not acknowledge the importance
of child-rearing education of which women
were the primary purveyors. Women’s work has
always been devalued, demeaned, and dismissed
in our society.
And, women bought the seduction.
And, they have continued to allow them-
selves to be seduced into service of the M/I
complex. In the 1980’s and 1990’s, women were
seduced into the idea that a two-income family
was necessary to survive. This is an irrational and
untruthful statement. Given our wealth, each
and every family should have plenty to ensure
the future of their children. Yet, the CEO’s of
major corporations would have us believe oth-
erwise. It is a lie.
I am a 45-year-old woman who participated
in the M/I induction of believing that my worth
should be determined by my value in a patri-
archal society. Patriarchy invented the idea of
superwoman in order to seduce women into
fulfilling professional roles determined by patri-
archy. It doesn’t work. It never did, though we
have, as women, deluded ourselves into thinking
it does.
For a woman to survive in the M/I complex,
she has been required to become a MAN. This
is insane. We ask women to do the same jobs as
men, AND, in addition, fulfill her role as care-
taker and nurturer of children, our future gener-
ation. Men have NOT fulfilled their part of the
bargain, taking over the caretaking of our chil-
dren and ensuring the future of our nation and
planet. The entire burden has fallen to women.
This is an impossible task. It is an abusive situ-
ation, constantly asking women to do far more
than her fair share of work on the economic and
domestic front, yet also instilling within her guilt
that she has not done so.
Superwoman? Indeed. How about Super-
man? Where is he? We have chosen to ignore the
fact that men have not held up their part of the
bargain in equality of the sexes and still get away
with their failures based solely on the fact that
they are men. I want to see an article on Super-
man and his abilities to fulfill not just the eco-
nomic, dollar provider role, but also nurturer of
his own children.
It is time for us to discard the definitions of
men as to what women are supposed to be and
live by our own definitions. Women continue
to demean themselves so long as they choose to
use this word, invented by men, to define them-
selves.
I always knew I wasn’t superwoman, so there
was no reason to try. Today, it’s reported that the
majority of married women who work outside
the home still find themselves being responsi-
ble for the housework and childcare. As a sin-
gle mom for most of my adult life (I’m post-kids
now), once I got home from work, I needed
down-time. If I stacked anymore on, I would
crash; I just knew that innately. I know single
moms who worked two jobs or worked and then
went to night school – difficult for even married
moms. I wouldn’t have survived that much activ-
ity, nor would have my kids in their early youth.
It’s just the way it was. Nevertheless, I thought I
should do more.
Feminism offered choices
Some of this we unwittingly fostered in the
early days of feminism. We wanted the choices
men had, so aside from working for equality,
emulating men (as opposed to being fully our-
selves) became the fashion for many: we wore
suits with scarf ties, became more assertive, more
sexually aggressive, and may have thought work-
ing outside the home a more noble profession
than motherhood alone. Initially, we were feel-
ing our way, and sometimes made things harder
on ourselves by superimposing maleness on our
feminine selves to get what men had (a confu-
sion still being expressed by some young women
and the media). Most of us hadn’t learned yet
about the balancing of yin and yang. Later, we
more readily embraced our femininity and real-
ized what we fought for was equality to express
ourselves in the workplace and household -- the
choice to be in the workplace, or not, the choice
to have kids, or not. As time went on, the work
of being a mother, which had taken a backseat
earlier, was being readily recognized for the value
it held. Workplace and government-sponsored
childcare became a major issue. Spirituality took
hold of many of us as patriarchal religion was
questioned and a genderless God was reborn for
as-mother/woman-as-whore, and now add
thin-woman-as-power-professional, volunteer,
and gourmet cook. It’s blatantly there for us
to witness on MTV, in movies, and classes on
pole-dancing for your man. It’s housed in the
plethora of young school girls being pressured to
“go down” on guys because it really isn’t full sex.
Hey, sexuality is great. Being recognized for the
value you bring to the workplace is great. Hav-
ing and taking care of kids is great. Doing vol-
unteer work and/or creative art or crafts is great.
Buying into the idea that you can do all of these
things well and at the same time is crazy-making,
and when all is said and done, it’s about allowing
others to have power over us. True power, cre-
ative power, comes from within and isn’t about
catering to cultural and media pressures or what
others want us to be, or being better than others.
Innate power is a tremendous force used to fuel
and strengthen our love of self so that we may
love others.
Now, for the most part, our daughters are
schooled knowing they have professional oppor-
tunities and, barring fundamental Christian
upbringing, that they are equal to men. That’s
the talk anyway. But music that denigrates
women, sexuality for both sexes as power “over,”
and a media and consumerism that glamorizes
being all things to all people, of trying to have
and be it all, belie the reality that awaits young
women as they face the complexities and pres-
sures of work, marriage, child-rearing, house-
hold-ing, and finances.
Choose perfect imperfection
Although, I know it’s hard to buck the
trends of culture, and youth begs us to conform,
I haven’t written this as poor us, the victims of
the scam of superwoman imposed on us by oth-
ers. After all, we have to buy into it. Rather it’s
up to us to teach our daughters and friends to
believe in themselves, their innate worth, and to
take responsibility for the choices they make and
with what they choose to agree, to show them
conformity isn’t all its cracked up to be. They

Surprised by Intelligence?
many. Feminism became softer, not weaker. But
need our support when they are pressured from
other, deep-rooted patriarchal influences played
all sides to be pop culture’s idea of the perfect
a much larger role in the cult of perfectionism.
everything to everyone, capable of doing every-
By Hilda Heifetz Superwoman perfectionism seeks power thing – everything but meeting their own needs.
over vs. power within They need to know that behind any super-
The idea of being a superwoman is about woman is the hidden sadness of perfectionism.
It seems that I always find evidence that all liv- power. Not innate power, but power over things Let us remember and demonstrate that we are all
ing things have intelligence and consciousness. – over time and over others; it’s masculine con- perfectly imperfect. We are enough.
Of course, there are varying kinds and degrees, quest. It’s seeded with perfection-ism and the
according to their nature. A few remarkable pre-feminist, “just-won’t-die” idea of woman-
examples come to mind.
For instance, there’s my bamboo plant that
has now recovered from its life-threatening con-

dition. But a while ago, when it was drying out
and fading, I was surprised to see that, at the
same time, it had started to blossom! In my
experience, bamboo doesn’t blossom. So I called
the owner of a nearby nursery about this phe-
nomenon, and he explained: “When it knows it
might die, bamboo starts producing seeds to per-
petuate its kind.” Is that too romantic to believe?
Well, he’s a pro and I remain impressed by my
bamboo’s sublime intelligence.
And then there’s the psyche of animals who
have their own way of knowing and remember-
ing. When I was invited by my then-sweetheart
(who become my husband) to meet his family at
their home, it included their Chow dog. Look-
ing out the back window, I watched the dog run
around the yard, always coming to a sliding halt
at one particular place. I saw no reason for this
pattern, and when I asked what he was doing, I
was told, as if it were obvious, that “there used to
be a fence there!” An interesting memory... and a
reminder that we humans also limit ourselves by
phantom fences!
As a last example, there was this incident
when I was a nursery school teacher and my son
was one of my pupils. How early in life do we
show more insight than is expected by adults?
When my son was acting up, counting on the
indulgence of our relationship, I took him by the
hand into the next room to stay until he could
quiet down. I felt the other children needed me
to show that I was fair and impartial. I turned to
them for their approval and was greeted instead
with their protest, “But he’s your son!” How
illuminating! They preferred devotion to detach-
ment, a mother’s love to a teacher’s discipline!
Peak Experiences
By Jeanie Greensfelder
People during and after peak
experiences characteristically
feel lucky, fortunate, graced.
— Abraham Maslow
The psychologist Abraham Maslow identi-
fied peak experiences as having “a special fla-
vor of wonder, of awe, of reverence, of humility
and surrender before the experience of some-
thing great.” Maslow believed peak experiences
simply occurred and that we couldn’t make
them happen.
However, Colin Wilson, an English phi-
losopher, found that when his students dis-
cussed peak experiences, they had them more
frequently. Wilson theorized that we could train
ourselves to notice life’s wonders and increase
the frequency of peak experiences.
After experimenting, I agreed with Wilson. 
I stopped on walks and named daily miracles. I
focused my attention on friends and family with
an increased appreciation. I called my new habit
‘living on the mountaintop’ where I viewed
many peaks.
When you see life with wonder, you experi-
ence more high spots.
 Women’sStories Women’s Press | January 2007 | editors@womenspress-slo.org

Superwoman Dis-enchanted Superboomer Remembers

By Berta Parrish By Anne Schroeder

“Hello, my name is Berta Parrish, and I’m a
recovering Superwoman.” It took me a long time
to overcome the addiction to the “I can have it
all” fantasy labeled the Superwoman Syndrome.
Under its spell, my life was just as out of control,
stressful, unhealthy, and unhappy as a substance
abuser’s. I had managed to outgrow the enchant-
ment of childhood fairy tales, like Cinderella
and Sleeping Beauty, to forge independence and
discover my own aspirations, talent, and power.
But it wasn’t so easy to recover from the pres-
sures to be Superwoman.
The images of Superwoman are everywhere.
She’s a Corporate Whiz, Domestic Diva, Dream
Lover, Soccer Mom, Volunteer of the Year, Mrs.
Clean, and nurse all rolled into one. The story-
line is an updated Cinderella story with a twist:
Superwoman slaves in the house working for the
entire family and she works outside the home
all day! Somehow, with profiles and movies of
successful career women with happy families
and clean homes, I thought that as a liberated
woman that I, too, was entitled to “have it all,
all at once.”
Entranced by such mythical expectations, I
tried to balance the diverse demands of a career,
husband, children, church, continuing educa-
relationships. Slowly, lifestyle change by lifestyle
change, authentic balance from within replaced
the superimposed, programmed, cultural imper-
ative of taking care of everything and everyone.
The hidden curse of Superwoman – per-
fectionism – also weakened as I generalized the
Good Enough Mother theory to every aspect of
life. It suggests that adequate maternal behavior
allows a child to develop into a separate, effec-
tive individual. There is a tipping point when
the “enough” point is reached, which means that
quite a bit of “not good enough” is okay until
the scale tips. Hence, parents can actually make
a few mistakes before absolutely ruining their
children. Although hypothesizing the impact of
mothering on infant development, the “good
enough” criterion freed me to experiment and to
make mistakes.
Recently, my forty-year old daughter
sobbed, “Am I a wimp? I can’t do what every-
one else seems to be able to do.” As a recovering
Superwoman, I instantly recognized the insidi-
ous enchantment and gave her my time-
worn copy of Gifts from the Sea
– the real magical ingredi-
ents to contentment.
In 1968, I was there at the lift-off of the Social
Revolution. The ride was dizzying. I entered
Women’s Lib, the “You Can Have It All, Baby,”
the “Take-Home-the-Bacon, Fry-It-Up-In-a-
Pan” era. Overnight I became a working mother
waiting for a promise: like the song says, the
good times are coming. No paper diapers, no fast
food, no delivered pizza, I pulled meat out of
the freezer the night before I needed it. I cooked
from scratch unless we wanted Kraft maca-
roni and cheese—which we had once a week. I
washed clothes and hung them on the clothes-
line in the dark before work, and plucked them
off in the dark when I returned home. I ironed
everything we wore until I met my new best
friend, Poly Ester. I washed dishes by hand, and
sewed most of our clothes (including my hus-
band’s wool shirts
and down
coats.) I canned applesauce and peaches, and
picked strawberries for freezing.
For me, the decade of the ’70s was war. Col-
lege had taught me that fulfillment awaited the
liberated woman. After graduation, the world
opened its doors and I danced through, finding
myself caught up in a dizzying blur of conflict-
ing wants and needs. Having my own money
was intoxicating, better than staying home like
my mother, baking cupcakes.
In those early years I couldn’t tell the enemy
from myself, but I started with the easiest
target — my husband. I started reading Red-
book and Cosmopolitan, and learned to negotiate
a better division of labor. I understood because
women’s magazines explained it to me: men
hadn’t been raised to step up to the metaphoric
dinner plate. Most men did what they wanted
and women did everything else. And what men
didn’t want to do was to care for babies, cook,
shop for food, or clean house.
By 1973, girls I worked with started splitting
into two groups. There was the “my husband is a
bum and I can do better” camp, and there were
the ones like me who were tired, disgusted, and
trying to figure out how to “have it all” without
rocking the marital boat. I was one of those who

Image courtesy silentgod88.deviantart.com

tion, community, and selfhood -- only to end up stayed and figured out how to restructure the
out-of-balance, feeling overburdened, exhausted, marriage contract—but it was hard work.
resentful – and, of course, constantly guilty. If Forty years ago, the Superwomen of the
this sounds familiar, then you might be a closet boomer generation began a metamorphic blast
Superwoman wannabe! into uncharted cosmos. By trial and error we
Seeking an antidote, I read Anne Morrow managed to blend tradition with Women’s Lib.
Lindbergh’s Gift from the Sea. The “island pre- It took dedication, courage and patience—and
cepts” from a famous, busy, talented, wealthy, energy most of us didn’t know we possessed.
and resourceful woman encouraged me to estab- Now Superwoman has become Grandmother
lish new priorities. This book gave me permis- Crone — but that’s another story.
sion to simplify my outward life, find a central
purpose, discover my inner strength, stay close Anne Schroeder writes from Atascadero, Her
to nature, accept change, and nourish valued memoir, Ordinary Aphrodite, is under consider-
ation for publication. She wrote Branches on the
Conejo: Leaving the Soil after Five Generations.

“What Will We Do Now?”

The “New” Modern Phenomena of the “Superwoman” “Super” Woman Carol Dawn
by Margaret Hennessy
by Frances Yee

Some say our generation has it all, can do it all,
and there’s the overwhelming voice saying that
we should do it all. The young women of today
often hear teachers encourage them to “pursue a
professional career” and elders suggest, “Follow
your passion.” Nonetheless, both of these mes-
sages are usually voiced with the subtle societal
expectation that young women will someday
become wives and mothers. Importantly, young
women who become mothers are expected to
maintain their youth by dressing according
to fashion trends and remembering the
obsessive mantra, “Must work out!” This para-
digm for the modern woman has existed for
several generations, evolving to fit each new
generation of women. My current generation
is at the brink of either being pushed off the
edge into the deep recesses of womanhood or
straight into the role of the Superwoman. How-
ever, there are many reasons why many young
women, myself included, are desperately cling-
ing onto that brink, uncertain of how we can
fulfill these roles.
On the one hand, many of today’s women
honestly desire professional careers, yet, an
equal number of them feel a sense of duty and
an obligation to pursue professional careers sim-
ply because they have been allowed the educa-
tion and opportunity to do so. On the other
hand, many women fulfill themselves by assum-
ing the role of wife and mother, while others feel
trapped in these traditional roles. For the mod-
ern woman, there seems to be a constant conflict
between the personal and private spheres of life
that often places them in a limited set of choices
they do not wish to make – that of sacrificing
one for the other.
Do we make our life choices as women
because we feel the need to experience what
society defines as a fulfilling and successful life?
Or are those choices motivated by what we
truly desire? While many young women know
both what they want out of life and the reasons
behind their choices, a considerable number of
us are adrift in a sea of uncertainty. It seems that,
whatever choice is made, whether it leans toward
a professional career, or toward having a family,
or both, criticism of the woman abounds.
The pressure to fulfill the different parts of
the Superwoman dynamic exists and signifies a
very real dilemma that women face today. Should
women continue to pursue powerful positions in
businesses and also play the soccer mom? And
how realistic is it for a woman to advance her
professional career and simultaneously take care
of a house and family?
Clearly, society needs to redefine what consti-
tutes success for women. Both men and women
are constantly reinforcing society’s expectations
for women to do and be everything. This relent-
less stress only adds to the pressure for young
women to assume the Superwoman role.
Women who do manage to fulfill the role
of the Superwoman are phenomenal, but other
women are just as praiseworthy, and their life
choices should be equally respected and appreci-
ated. Women should live their lives by their own
standards and expectations and decide for them-
selves what a successful and fulfilling life means
to them.
Frances Yee is a student at Cal Poly.
Quiet and unassuming, Carol Dawn, greets each
day as a new challenge. I first met her about
three months ago when I began to put together
a marketing team for the Women’s Press. I called
and asked if she had ever done advertising sales
before and she replied, “No, but I enjoy talking
to people and would like to give it a try.”
I soon discovered that this soft spoken, gen-
tle lady was a very capable, effective, and dynam-
ic salesperson. Her secret? She really cares about
her clients and they know it! She exudes a sooth-
ing, calm presence and people feel it. But how
did she arrive at her current state of emotional
balance and professional success? Her story is no
less than amazing.
At the tender age of 16, she eloped with the an excellent reputation in the community).
“love of her life.” Although she was pregnant, On June 30, 1998, while driving her 11-year
she was determined to graduate with her class. old son Mickey to school, a tragic car accident
Because of health complications caused by the took his life and put Carol Dawn in the hospi-
pregnancy, she was confined to a hospital bed tal with serious injuries. She recovered after a
and worked with, Miss Cooley, the Dean of long period of physical therapy. She speaks lov-
Women at SLO High School, to study and keep ingly of Mickey and has made peace with his un-
up with the rest of the students at the school. A timely death. She is grateful for the time they
month after her son Don was born, she realized had together. He was her “sunshine child.”
her dream and graduated with her class. She At present, she fills her days with helping
thanks Miss Cooley for this. others through her holistic therapy and is not
She assumed the role of mother, wife, and afraid of what tomorrow may bring. She lives
student while attending Cuesta College to get life one day at a time and fills every moment
her nursing degree. She also worked part time to with things that are meaningful. She contin-
support her new family. The marriage failed and ues to grow by trying new things and is always
Carol Dawn became a single parent and on her eager to learn.
own. She married for the second time and had I have learned a valuable lesson from Carol
another child, Mickey. Dawn. She does not try to be Superwoman.
A health care practitioner by profession, She is just a Super Woman to everyone who
Carol Dawn left nursing to start her own holistic knows her. 
health practice 22 years ago (and has established
January 2007 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press
Voices Around the Table:
Eve, 55
I try not to use the tired cliché, “I’m too
busy” when I’m asked to consider adding another
item to my “To Do List”. All women are busy.
It’s what we do. So, for me to tell someone I
can’t help them because I’m busy feels like I just
told them their work is not as important, or
they’re not as busy. Telling someone no when
my help is needed is my greatest challenge.
I don’t deal well with the pressures of being
a Superwoman. Mostly it’s about sleep. I don’t
sleep well because I wake almost nightly to sort,
arrange and re-arrange “my list” sometimes for
hours. I don’t take care of myself. Taking care
of me cuts into the time I need to get everything
else done. Being aware this is not good doesn’t
help me to eat regularly or get up to exercise.
On the rare occasion I do, the guilt gets me each
and every time. It’s hard to be part of the change
in the world. Acknowledging I want to be-- is
to me what defines a Superwoman. We whittle
away at each task, knowing it’s important, each
and every day. We accept the challenge to be the
change, dig in and do the work.
Jacqueline, 50’s
Now that my children are grown and out
of the house, I no longer feel the pressure to be
‘SUPERB.’ There was a time (as a single mom
of two kids) when I commuted back and forth
to work a full two hours a day. Not only that,
but I also cooked, cleaned, transported carloads
of little gymnasts, and managed to occasionally
(because of guilt), volunteer at schools. I was not
just Super, I was exhausted! Ah … those were
the days!
Today, I am not a Superwoman nor do I care
to carry that weighty label any longer. Freedom
is bliss!
Jill, 49
Well... I am just not able to address the
Superwoman issue. It’s pretty easy to be a super-
woman when you don’t have kids, a husband, or
even a real job.  My cats think I’m pretty super
but I think it’s only because I remember to
put food in their bowl.  And for me, that is an
accomplishment.  this illness knows the intensity of worry, decision
Sarah, 22
I don’t worry anymore about what other peo-
ple think.  I’m just super at the things that mat-
ter like spending time with my family and doing
my job well rather than fretting over things that
won’t mean anything to me in 5 years.
Dorothy, 45
I am 45 years old and do not have children,
so I usually reserve the Superwoman syndrome
for full-time working mothers with husbands.
But I realize that as a single creative artist (writer,
songwriter) - I do strive for the SuperArtist role:
think Sheryl Crow!
Stress that comes from comparing myself
to other women makes me feel small and con-
tracted. Grounding myself in my almost-every
morning practice of journaling helps take the
pressure off. My writing practice helps me know
that I took time to nurture myself and that
makes me feel good about myself.
When I’m feeling really stressed from work-
ing full time, school part time, and co-editor of
my college literary magazine, I remind myself
that I followed my intuition to get to this place.
I’m free to make changes as necessary, but I
either trust myself or I don’t.
Also, it helps to remember that life is not a
comparison!
Shana, 60
Ah, but there are no more pressures to be
Superwoman... it’s great to be 60! I am who I
am and, as Popeye said, “it’s all that I am!”
Alyson, 60
Well, I hardly see myself as superwoman. I
thought that was reserved for wife/mommy/vol-
unteer/whatever women who have overflowing
plates in their lives. My life these days is rela-
Women’sStories 
How do you deal with the pressures to be Superwoman?
tively subdued comparatively, though I have to have time to deal with a bunch of screamy Vidya, 50’s
keep working at it.  babies. I’m sure my pronouncement had more I am not a superwoman — I am a woman
Granted, I used to be this creature; however, to do with my annoyance at my baby sister’s warrior. I have learned bravery in the face of
a series of life-crises and a lot of deep reflection recent arrival than with any budding feminism chilbirth and motherhood. Each child I carried
on what is really, truly important in life changed on my part, but my statement turned out to be and bore while in a US Army uniform, and each
all of that and put me on the path I follow now:  predictive.   one I fearlessly birthed without medicines. One
Be true to who I am; Keep it SIMPLE; Trust I married only briefly, never reproduced, child I gave to infertile parents after I was raped;
‘Upstairs’; Think of Others, but remember my and I am indeed writing for a living. My sister, one child I raised until he was twenty, a brave,
SELF as well; SLOW DOWN (what’s the rush? on the other hand, married and mothered three loving, flying spirit the world will be forever
we’re all ending up in the same manner anyhow fantastic sons, as well as going to law school. I’m touched by; and one child was a warrior before
- and I’m in no particular hurry to get there); grateful to her, and much in awe, but I’ve never he was born, and today packs his rucksack and
Really, really, REALLY just “do life” each day envied her hectic, supermom existence.   medic kit, leaving with the 325th Infantry, 82nd
and “be here right now.”    Airborne Division, to serve the best he knows
No one knows how long they have, how Paula, 50’s how in Iraq.
much they will be able to accomplish, and what For me the word Superwoman never enters I am not a superwoman - I am a woman of
life will dish up tomorrow. I find that  the most my mind... I believe we women go day by knowing, mysticism, and healing. I know there
important learnings I’ve had are the growth of day, follow the path that we setup for yourselves is another way: of self responsibility, harmonious
compassion for others and a willingness to let and go for it... be it mom, spouse or business living, intuitive communication with people,
go of judgmental thinking about others when it women, whatever the roles are we choose to par-
crops up. ticipate in. Continued in VOICES, p. 10
Wanda, 52
Under my casual business clothes of non
designer shirts and stretch jeans, I wear the
Super S costume. It has not been easy having this
multi-hatted role of a 52-year-old woman, end
of the boomer generation, physician, mother of
two, wife, and daughter of aging parents.
I am a child of an Ozzie and Harriet house-
hold. My mother stayed at home, made our
school lunches, and answered the door when we
got home from school. My father was an engi-
neer for the US Department of Defense out-
side of Washington DC, worked 9-5. My life has
been an endless sacrifice for family, for career,
even for myself. I worked part time 12 years to
be at home as much as I could with the kids and
still maintain my sharpness at my job. I worked
full time only starting eight years ago.
Besides overseeing the household budget
(my husband is self employed as an internist)
and earning the major portion of the household
income, I assumed the lion’s share of the respon-
sibility for managing my son’s insulin depen-
dent diabetes when he was nine years old. When
diabetes entered our home, it was impossible to
leave work at home! Anyone who understands
making on an hourly to daily basis. Thank good-
ness for a husband who likes to cook, has din-
ner prepared daily when I get home from work
around 6-6:30 on an average day. We often have
disturbed nights of sleep several times a week
with on-call duty, not to mention the countless
nights of interruption when I got up to check Thought for Food
my son’s blood sugars. Sadly, we never get back
those lost hours of sleep.
As the kids have transitioned out of the Plunging into 2007, fresh with inspiration to change and im-
home to college, it hits me that I have given
prove our life! Congratulations! But, often inspiration becomes
discouragement as we are unable to maintain our new habits.
so much of myself that I have to rediscover my
interests and re-invent myself. Do I really know What happened? Perhaps the excitement of what we desire is
who I am, who I was? Who is that woman under overwhelmed by what we can actually do. What if there was Sandy Muran,
the Super S persona? just one easy thing you could do that would impact your whole Clinical Nutritionist
life? I think there is. Simply increasing the amount of water,
Anne, 59 fresh, filtered water, (no substitutes, please) on a daily basis can impact your health
I opted out of the Superwoman competition and beauty now and throughout your life.
early. According to my mother, I announced
Here’s how drinking half your body weight in ounces every day can change how
at age nine that I didn’t plan to get married, you look and feel.
because I was going to be a writer and wouldn’t
Begin your day with a cup of warm water with the juice of 1⁄2 a lemon. This is a
simple way to stimulate your organs of detoxification. During the night your body
has been busy in repair and maintenance. Breaking the mini-fast with warm water
and lemon juice begins to clear the debris.
Before you leave home, set out the number of bottles of water you will need to
meet your intake goal. Carry them with you and drink water when you are thirsty,
need a break from work, and are hungry before meal time. Giving your body the
fluid nature intended allows it to perform the myriad of metabolic activities re-
quired for health.
Results? Your skin will regain its youthful glow now that you are hydrated and
eliminating wastes. Your body will not retain fluids that are too concentrated to
be eliminated; regaining a healthful fluid balance while losing excess fluid weight.
Eliminating waste and toxins decreases your risk for the inflammation that precedes
disease states, slows aging, decreases your appetite and increases your energy due to
a reduced burden. Now, don’t you feel happier with all you are accomplishing?
Plunge into the New Year, be gentle with yourself and your resolutions. Simply
drink more of nature’s elixir of health -- pure, fresh, clean water.
Wellspring H e a l t h S e r v i c e s
1405 Garden Street • San Luis Obispo • 805-548-0987
10 WomenatWork
How Do YOU Choose to Be Happy?
By Denise Nickeson
Recently, one of my clients, struggling with the
issue of commitment, believed her “commit-
ment” to staying in a relationship conflicted
with her “commitment” to being happy. I told
her rather than trying to be happy all the time,
our goal should be to experience joy in our lives
as often as possible. Our “pursuit of happiness”
should really be about a pursuit of finding out
what brings us joy in life.
Our discussion brought to mind an arti-
cle by Denise Bissonnette. She is a well known
speaker and writer in the field of career devel-
opment, counseling, and job development. In
a recent newsletter, she offered this experiment,
which I challenge you to try.
1. Grab a pen and paper and finish this sen-
tence ten times: I would be happier if… (To
get the most out of this article, take a few min-
utes to do this before reading on.)
2. Now, compare your list with the two
lists below. How many of the items on your
list resemble these responses:
I would be happier if…
…I made more money.
…I had more time for myself, my family,
and my friends.
…I lived in a better (prettier, warmer, less
expensive) place.
…I was in a more truthful (honest, roman-
tic, committed) relationship or marriage.
…I was healthier (thinner, younger, older,
prettier, sexier, smarter, etc).
…I had a job with less stress (better boss,
different co-workers, more pay, more indepen-
dence, greater flexibility).
…I lived in a house that was more spacious
(had a bigger yard, was in a nicer neighborhood,
with better roommates).
…my life was less stressful (more exciting,
more adventurous, more fun).
…I had a new car (a better computer, a sail-
boat, a timeshare in a beautiful place, more vaca-
tion time, a new house, less debt, a better sex
life).
…I were retired (independently wealthy, a
stay-at-home parent, self-employed).
Now, how many of the items on your list
resemble these responses: I would be happier
if…
…I lived more simply.
…I spent less money.
…I followed my heart.
…I had less need for new toys, clothes, jew-
elry, shoes, hair products, etc.
…I set clearer boundaries with those
around me.
…I made better use of my time.
…I stopped comparing myself and my cir-
cumstances with others.
…I was more accepting of my body and my
outward appearance.
…I communicated better with my
partner/spouse.
…I brought more fun into my life.
…I engaged in creative endeavors.
…I stuck with my diet and exercise plan.
…I was less self-absorbed and found a way
to help someone less fortunate.
As Denise says, the first list may bring us
happiness, but for how long? The immediate
pleasure derived from acquiring material things
is short-lived and we will eventually come back
to ask, “So what else is there? Now what do
I want?”
So make your list again with joy instead of
happiness in mind.
Reprinted by permission, Denise Bissonnette,
Diversity World - www.diversityworld.com
Women’s Press | January 2007 | editors@womenspress-slo.org
Mind Your Business:
How to Manage Business Growth
By Andrea Zeller
What happens when your small business
vision comes alive and customer activity acceler-
ates? How does the super businesswoman man-
age it all and keep her vision on track? There are
several things you’ll want to consider to be prop-
erly prepared for the growth of your small busi-
ness.
1. Stay focused!
The best way to maintain focus is to have a
clear WRITTEN business plan. You’ll want to
write this before you get enmeshed and over-
whelmed in day to day activities of your busi-
ness. A good business plan maps out and
coordinates all aspects of your business. Know
your future goals and plans. Writing a business
plan is the single most important thing you will
do! It provides you a road map and helps to keep
you on the right track.
2. Match resources with needs.
Look for and hire the right people. Know
your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and
threats. Hire people who fill the gaps – who
have strengths where you are weak. And, be sure
to have enough working capital on hand. The
number one reason for business failure is not
having enough cash to pay bills. Think carefully
about all the needs your business will have and
plan ahead to have resources available to take
care of these needs. You may want to ask for help
in creating a cash flow projection.
3. Coordinate your team.
The best way to coordinate your team is to
have clarity of roles, responsibilities, policies and
procedures. You can provide this clarity with a
good solid Policies and Procedures Manual. The
manual shares the business history, vision, mis-
sion and displays the overall of structure of your
organization. Then, each position needs a clear
VOICES
Continued from p. 9
animals, plants, and elements, understanding,
and healing. After an experience of a life-threat-
ening concussion, I began nursing studies and
eventually served mostly elders in their homes,
teaching and empowering them towards self
care. I grow a beautiful vegetable garden and live
in a home I have made a sanctuary, and I invite
people to come and share in the fruits.
I am not a superwoman - I am one who
bleeds. My blood is powerful and healing, and
when I bleed, purification takes place, and my
prayers are stronger.
I am not a superwoman - I am both male
and female. I have lived and experienced the
ways of men, not to imitate them, but to stand
amongst them in my own power and truth. I do
not embrace the ways of the world, and the two-
gender box the world creates. I have a right and
left, a masculine and feminine side of my body.
I am not a superwoman: I am a dreamer and
peacemaker. I am not here to kill or fight, but
to harmonize the opposing forces in this world.
In my dream state, I play the flute: the tones are
heard by all spirits in and beyond this world,
bringing all to remember their innate beingness.
Elizabeth, Age 41
How do I deal with the pressures to be
Superwoman? I pour a cup of tea and take a hot
bubble bath.
job description detailing the roles and responsi-
bilities of that particular position.
Then you’ll want to list out your business
policies. Policies serve multiple needs: they pro-
vide clarity of how your business will operate as
well as providing protection for the business.
Adhering to clear policies can protect you from
all kinds of vulnerabilities like people pushing
you to do things differently all the time thus
creating confusion, and, in serious instances,
putting the business at risk legally. Employee
policies are an easy example – you must treat
all employees the same or you are vulnerable to
discrimination suits. Here’s some easy to under-
stand definitions:
Definition of Policy
A policy is a formal statement of the position
of your business on key aspects of its operation. 
It is a governing principle that mandates or con-
strains actions.
Definition of a Procedure
A procedure is an explanation of the
sequence of events/actions required to be under-
taken to implement the particular policy.  Pro-
cedures provide detailed information that enable
staff to appropriately apply policy.
Writing policies and procedures can be over-
whelming. Get help from your support network!
4. Tap into your support network
Every good business woman has a solid sup-
port network
Mission Community Services Corp. and
Women’s Business Partners is a great place for
support! Take an hour to visit us, or e-mail me
at andrea@MCSCorp.org. In fact, if you are
writing your business plan, a policy and proce-
dures document, or a marketing plan, e-mail me
for a template to guide you. It’ll make your job
easier.
Andrea Zeller, Executive Director of Mission
Community Services, coordinates Women’s Business
Partners (WBP) to ensure all community resources
are leveraged and optimized to support entrepre-
neurial women. WBP serves everyone interested
in establishing self-sufficiency through small busi-
ness ownership while primarily focusing assistance
towards socially and economically disadvantaged
women. (805) 595-1357.
When I was married, I let myself feel that
burden. My home had to be orderly, my kids
were dressed in the latest styles, I had parties and
manicures and lunches--but I have since learned
that the pressure to be Superwoman isn’t an out-
side force; it comes from within. Now I see that
no matter what the situation, there is strength in
celebrating my lack of perfection.
I single-handedly showed my children a spe-
cial holiday season--complete with traditions,
gratitude, and comfort. That makes me Super-
woman. I paid my mortgage this month. That
makes me Superwoman. I survived the week
that my kids went on vacation with their dad.
That definitely makes me Superwoman. Some-
times, simply finishing the dishes before I go to
bed makes me Superwoman.
I am Superwoman, and so is every other
woman I know. We dedicate our lives to better-
ing the world. Even if we choose not to have a
family, there is a special energy in us that drives
us to care for people. I know so many women
who put all of their might into making other
people’s lives better. Not because they have to,
not because it makes them look perfect, but
because it makes them feel perfect.
It makes them Superwoman.
January 2007 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press
Align Business Purpose with Life Passions The Power of Purpose
By Adele Sommers
Do you have a tremendous fondness, desire,
or enthusiasm for what you do for a living? If
so, congratulations! You’re most likely pursuing
your passions in life.
On the other hand, do you know what hap-
pens when you choose a business direction that’s
not aligned with your life passions? You end up
settling for an opportunistic approach toward
your livelihood instead of selecting an endeavor
that fuels you and helps you make a special con-
tribution to the world.
You may have found yourself hopping from
idea to idea, from career to career, or from busi-
ness venture to business venture, accomplish-
ing less than you’re capable of achieving. If this
sounds familiar, you’re probably picking things
that are convenient, but that you’re not passion-
ate about doing.
Below are three reasons why using a strate-
gic alignment approach is crucial in helping us
to develop and pursue goals that are worthy of
our time and energy.
Alignment Reason #1 – Marketing mes-
sage: When we’re unaware of how our life
passions align with our business purpose, it’s dif-
ficult to design branding and marketing materials
that communicate with laser-like precision what
we represent. And even if we are clear about our
passions but haven’t fully integrated them with
other predominant themes in our lives, we can
still send confusing messages to prospective cus-
tomers, clients, partners, and employees.
Alignment Reason #2 – Maintaining
momentum: When we skip the step of investi-
gating our higher purpose, especially when con-
sidering a mid-life business transition, the results
can come back to haunt us. It’s easy to become
burned out in any startup scenario. If the ven-
ture is not one we’re passionate about, we’ll have
Women Entrepreneurs Expo 2006
Women need to celebrate and come together to
support, network and empower each other. Last
November, over 30 participants set up at the
Monday Club, which provided a place where
strong business connections began and will
grow.
As women we are always looking for highly
effective ways to attract new customers, enhance
our professionalism, spend more quality time
with our families, seek out new and exciting
opportunities and interact with women who can
provide a support network to help us be suc-
cessful. All without having to spend big money.
By being part of an expo, you come face-to-face
with exhibitors offering opportunities, products,
and services to help you create leads and reach
that next level of success.

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a difficult time gathering steam and developing
momentum.
Alignment Reason #3 – Competitive
advantage: Pursuing what we love imbues our
work with magnetic sparkle that attracts not only
customers and clients but also potential business
partners, adding to our competitive strength.
Furthermore, if we can elevate our business
passions to the level of a compelling cause, we
will be in a better position to entice prospective
employees through our business philosophy. A
vision-based attraction is particularly important
during the startup phase when other forms of
compensation tend to be especially low. It thus
helps us further cement our competitive advan-
tage by enabling us to recruit a stellar team.
In conclusion, from sending crystal-clear and
compelling marketing messages, to maintaining
our business momentum, to developing a dis-
tinct competitive advantage around an appeal-
ing cause, nothing speaks as powerfully as doing
what we love.
Adele Sommers, Ph.D. is a business performance
consultant who helps entrepreneurs align their life
passions with their business purpose. She also guides
organizations through “tactical tune-ups” and “stra-
tegic makeovers” in individual or group sessions.
Contact her today for a free initial consultation at
Adele@LearnShareProsper.com, or 805-462-2199.
Attend our next Expo:
April 18, 11am - 2pm
SLO Women’s Network
www.womenslo.org
805-546-3724
WomenatWork 11
By Dianne Legro
“The purpose of life is
a life of purpose.”
— Robert Byrne
A purpose is different from goals and intentions.
Our lives need both. As a speech coach, identify-
ing purpose clearly is the number one factor that
creates success for my clients. All other messages
pour from this core truth. For many, this pro-
cess of discovery is a profound deepening and
life event.
Purpose poses two questions for us: “What
is my purpose?” and the larger question, “What
is life’s purpose?” These questions dovetail peren-
nially. One leads the other in a dance that, with
practice, ultimately creates meaning.
How do you clarify your purpose? Where are
the clues? You can break this big purpose state-
The first clue is to look at what irritates you! ment into subsets: What I want to correct, and
One of my mentors gave me the suggestion What I want to create.
some time ago that our destiny is linked to our My core message process for your marketing
irritation. I found it to be true that when I have and speaking also draws from these and other
a hot spot around an issue it is usually because I questions: What does your life experience make
see something that I care about and would like you an expert at? What is your mission, goal, or
to fix. Many times I have recognized my purpose calling in life? What problem will it help people
in the middle of my irritation. solve? What need will it help people satisfy?
Ponder these questions: What irritates you? When you get crystal clear on the core mean-
What thoughts won’t leave you alone? What are ing to your business or service, others also repeat
the patterns and “family” of issues connected it happily on your behalf.
with your irritation? What message does this Final tip: Want to know how you are
bring you? on the right track with your message?
What dimension of the world are you here When you LOVE to tell people what you do
to fix? What solution are you bringing to the and find yourself telling others about yourself
world? What do you want to correct through anytime anywhere.
your work? What do you want to create through That’s when you know you have finally got it
your work?  right. Is this you yet? It can be.
My colleague Ian Percy in his wonderful
book The Profitable Power of Purpose gives us a Dianne Legro is a voice specialist and speech
short formula that works. Because (your irrita- coach for professionals. Her expert coaching makes
tion) I am committed to (The grand correction) your process a fun, meaningful exploration into
or (the creation you bring to this irritation to your best self. Dianne offers keynote speeches, group
make the world a better place). Ian also includes workshops, and sees clients one-on-one. Contact her
the idea that “The bigger the problem, the richer
you will be.”
today for a free 15-minute consultation. 805-534-
9535 Dianne@diannelegro.com
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12 NOWNews
Coordinator’s Corner
By Angie King
“May we live in interesting times” is an old Chi-
nese curse. We are certainly living in interesting
times, but I hope it is not a curse. Indeed, the
fall election results gave many of us hope that
our country can indeed regain its constitutional
balance. Let’s all be supportive of the new Con-
gress and wish them luck.
Women made great gains in the last election;
140 women candidates for Congress, 12 women
candidates in the Senate. Of 36 governor’s races,
10 had women candidates – and 5 were already
in office, running for re-election. If we don’t
start building a base of experienced women poli-
ticians, of both parties, and of all political per-
suasions, we will never be able to field viable
women candidates for President. Right now, let’s
see, there’s Hillary, and… that’s just it. We can-
not pin all our hopes on one woman.
Reproductive health care is still a prior-
ity issue (see reproductive rights article in this
issue). That issue is, in my opinion (and setting
aside the fiasco in Iraq), the biggest reason for
our gains this last election. Women have had
enough!
More good news. There is a new president
of national Planned Parenthood who has lots
of political experience herself. Ann Richards’
daughter, Cecile Richards, has been named head
of the national organization and has great plans
to move it – and the health care movement –
into an advocacy mode. Ms. Richards has run
election campaigns; she helped Jane Fonda fight
the teen pregnancy epidemic in Georgia through
the Turner Foundation; and she counts among
her friends a whole host of highly placed politi-
cians in DC. She says: “We have the potential
to swing the vote in 2008 and 2010, and that’s
a lot of power. We’re taking on the opponents
of choice in the states and districts where they
live. Planned Parenthood is going to become
more political so that health care can become
less politicized.”
Here in San Luis Obispo, the local chapter
of NOW is again sponsoring a movie and dis-
cussion to celebrate the Roe v Wade Supreme
Court decision. Join us on Sunday January 21 at
the Palm Theatre. See the accompanying article
for details.
2007 will be a year full of promise and
renewed hope. Join NOW and stay involved.
Reproductive Rights Update
In January 1973, the US Supreme Court estab-
lished a woman’s constitutional right to con-
trol her own reproductive health, including the
right to terminate a pregnancy. Ever since, the
right wing has been trying to take that right
away from us. In the 1980’s, challenges to state
laws brought restrictions on who can perform
abortions, and where; what information must
be provided to the woman beforehand; set con-
ditions under which minors may or may not
obtain health services; etc. All of that presumed
the legitimacy of Roe and attempted to chop
away at the wide range of rights the Constitu-
tion afforded.
Abortion opponents do read the polls, and
they understand that the majority of people in
the United States support legalized abortion and
do not want Roe v. Wade repealed. So, the radi-
cal right works around the edges of the law in
an attempt to deny access to more and more
women. These strategies have ranged from sub-
tle, under-the-radar efforts to bold, even violent
measures.
Two tactics
One tactic has been to focus on young
women and poor women, creating as many bar-
riers as the law will allow. Another approach is
to target specific abortion methods. Sensational
descriptions of a rarely-used procedure helped
conservatives pass the so-called “Partial-Birth
Abortion Ban,” which Bush signed in 2003. In
reality, the ban was cleverly written in a way that
would deter physicians from performing a dif-
ferent procedure, the one used in most abortions
This Page Presented by the National Organization for Women
The purpose of NOW is to bring women into full participation in the mainstream of American society NOW !
Celebrate Your Right to Choose
33rd Anniversary of Roe v.Wade
“The Handmaid’s Tale,” Palm Theatre, January 21, 2007, 10am
The Dems may have taken back control of Con-
gress, but they may not be able to undo all
the damage to women’s rights inflicted by the
previous Congress. Laws restricting access to
women’s health care and by extension, abortions,
are still on the books. Your right to choose is not
yet safe.
This next term of the US Supreme Court
includes cases challenging Roe v. Wade and the
court is still ultra conservative. Will abortions
remain legal?
The San Luis Obispo chapter of the National
Organization for Women invites you to join
us at the Palm Theatre on Sunday, January 21,
2007, to celebrate the fact that there has been a
generation of women born with control of their
February 15th is
Susan B. Anthony’s birthday
As most feminists already know, Susan B.
Anthony, born in 1820, was at the forefront of
the first wave of feminism in the mid-19th cen-
tury. She and Elizabeth Cady Stanton met at
a world anti-slavery congress in London and
became life long friends. They organized the first
women’s rights convention in Stanton’s home-
town, Seneca Falls, New York, in 1848. Until
her death, Anthony traveled the country urg-
ing women to stand up for their rights, includ-
ing as a first and essential step, winning the right
to vote.
In 1872, Anthony attempted to vote in the
fall elections in New York. She was, not unex-
pectedly, arrested and brought to trial for the
federal crime of voting without the right to vote.
She was convicted and fined $100.
Always the eloquent speaker, when asked if
she had anything to say in her behalf before her
sentencing, she replied:
after 13 weeks, and it failed to include an excep-
tion to protect the woman’s health. The Supreme
Court is currently considering two challenges to
that ban.
Fetal personhood
Now the right wing is working on another
tack – to establish the fetus as a “person” and
therefore, subject to its own constitutional
rights. So why is establishing “fetal personhood”
important to our opponents? Take a look at this
language from Roe v. Wade:
“If this suggestion of personhood is established,
the appellant’s [Roe’s] case, of course, collapses, for
the fetus’ right to life would then be guaranteed spe-
cifically by the [Fourteenth] Amendment”
In other words, if they can convince the
Supreme Court that “times have changed” since
Roe was decided and that a fetus should now be
recognized as a “person” under the Constitution,
then abortion would immediately become an act
of murder in every state across the country. It is
this prospect that fuels today’s fetal missionar-
ies, such as Senator Sam Brownback (R-Kan.),
U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-N.J.), and a
few old white men who work in a nearby white
house.
Here’s the progress they’ve made in just the
past few years:
1) The Bush administration added new regu-
lations to the State Children’s Health Insurance
Program (S-CHIP) in 2002 that classified a fer-
tilized egg as an “unborn child” eligible for health
insurance. They said the change was needed
to cover prenatal care — but it was really just
“cover” for another fetal personhood initiative.
The same year, Bush told the Advisory Commis-
Women’s Press | January 2007 | editors@womenspress-slo.org
own bodies, and to contemplate the dread of a
future where women may no longer lose that.
Join us for a viewing of The Handmaid’s
Tale, the movie made from the book written by
Margaret Atwood, and a discussion of the issues
it raises.
Doors open at 9:30 AM; the film will begin
promptly at 10 AM to allow us time for dis-
cussion afterward. Refreshments will be served
before the film.
Tickets are $10 each, and are available in
advance from members of SLO NOW or at the
door of the Palm Theatre on Sunday January 21.
For information, call Angie King at 543-5140
or Leslyn Keith at 782-9300.
Yes, your honor, I have many things to say. My
every right, constitutional, civil, political and judi-
cial, has been tramped upon. Robbed of the funda-
mental privilege of citizenship, I am degraded from
the status of citizen to that of a subject, and not
only myself individually, but all of my sex are, by
your honor’s verdict, doomed to political subjection
under this, so-called, form of government. I have
been tried by laws made by men, under a govern-
ment of men, interpreted by men and for the ben-
efit of men. The only chance women have for justice
in this country is to violate the law, as I have done,
and as I shall continue to do. ‘Resistance to tyranny
is obedience to God.’
It took until 1920 for her words to con-
vince the men of the country of the righteous-
ness of her cause. She did not live to see the 19th
Amendment finally pass, but she is truly one
of our heroes in the fight for women’s equality.
Raise a toast to her on February 15th.
sion on Human Research Protections (under the
Department of Health and Human Services) in
2002 to consider embryos as “human subjects.”
2) In 2004, Bush signed into law the so-
called “Unborn Victims of Violence Act,” which
amended federal criminal laws to create a second,
separate offense for killing or injuring a “child in
utero,” thus transforming even a fertilized egg
or zygote into a child — a person — under that
federal law. Although the stated purpose was to
protect pregnant women from violence, conser-
vatives in Congress quickly killed a substitute
that would have doubled the penalty for any
crime against a pregnant woman. This law covers
only crimes committed on federal land, so it has
limited actual application — but it is another
step in the march toward fetal personhood.
3) Prosecutors across the country are using
child abuse and neglect statutes to criminally
charge women for actions that potentially harm
the fetus, claiming for example that pregnant
women were “delivering” drugs to “minor chil-
dren” through their umbilical cords.
4) In 2005 and 2006, three bills were intro-
duced in Congress that would severely punish
doctors unless they tell women seeking abor-
tions (contrary to medical knowledge) that “your
unborn child” will feel pain in “the process of
being killed in an abortion,” offer her anesthesia
for the fetus, and get a signed statement that she
received the information. The “Unborn Child
Pain Awareness Act” (HR 6099). As usual, the
deceit starts with the title itself, which uses the
word “unborn child” when it should say “fetus.”
This so-called “fetal pain” bill was narrowly
defeated in the closing days of the 109th Con-
NOW Chapter # CA 565
PO Box 1306, SLO, CA 93406
SLONOW @ kcbx.net
http://groups.myspace.com/~slonow
NOW Calendar
January 3:
• Birthday of Lucretia Mott, early suffragist,
b. 1793
January 11:
• Birthday of Alice Paul, founder of National
Women’s Party, b. 1885
January 15:
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 16:
• NOW chapter meeting
January 21:
• Celebrate Roe v Wade, 10 AM,
Palm Theatre
January 22:
• Roe v Wade decision, 1973
January 26:
• Birthday of Julia Morgan, architect, b. 1872
February 3:
• Birthday of Gertrude Stein, b. 1874
February 4:
• Birthday of Betty Friedan, b. 1921
February 7:
• National Girls and Women in Sports Day
February 15:
• Birthday of Susan B. Anthony, b. 1820
February 20:
• NOW chapter meeting
February 21:
• Birthday of Barbara Jordan, first black
congressmember, Texas, b. 1936
February 25:
• Birthday of Virginia Woolf, b. 1882
gress, but is already on the right wing’s agenda
for the 110th. However, with at least 20 new
reproductive rights supporters entering the 110th
Congress, it is unlikely to come up in the next
session.
There is little scientific information on how
women might be affected by the application of
fetal anesthesia, perhaps in addition to their own
anesthesia. What will doctors tell women about
the potential hazards posed to their own health
of additional anesthesia? The language specified
by the bill makes only one mention, in the final
sentence, “there might be some additional risk to
you associated with administering such a drug.”
5) There have also been numerous state
efforts to add to the list. In 2003, Bush’s brother
in the Sunshine State appointed a legal guardian
for the fetus of a 22-year-old severely mentally
disabled woman who became pregnant after
being raped. The woman had already given birth
by the time the appeals court ruled against Jeb
and his anti-woman squad, stating that a fetus
is not a person, and therefore not eligible for a
guardian. This time.
And of course the South Dakota abortion
ban, which was defeated in a voter referendum,
was called the “Women’s Health and Human
Life Protection Act.” The ban law said that “life
begins at the time of conception,” and that “the
guarantee of due process of law under the Con-
stitution of South Dakota applies equally to
born and unborn human beings [...].” Though
South Dakota’s ban was turned back by dedi-
cated feminist activists, there are dozens of
Continued in RIGHTS, p. 13
January 2007 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press CommunityBulletins 13
Women’sCommunityCenter
Family Law Action Committee
Dealing With Divorce
3rd Wednesday of each month – 7 PM
Upcoming: January 17, February 21 and March 21
Talk with other women who have been there, done that in a
supportive, non-judgmental environment. $5 donation
Our mission is:
• TO maintain an accessible center to collect and exchange
information of interest and concern to women
Self-Represented Litigants’ Clinic
4th Tuesday of each month – 5:30 PM
• TO organize and facilitate workshops, clinics, seminars,
Upcoming: January 23, February 27 and March 27
classes and support groups on subjects of interest and need
Get family law advice from local attorneys and/or paralegals.
• TO engage in and facilitate interaction among local, state
Reservations required. $25 donation
and national agencies and organizations working to benefit
women Call 544-9313 for information/

Women’s Press presents A Powerful Process for Reviewing, What’s happening at new ART Works

Intermezzo Re-Envisioning and Re-Creating

the Second Half of Life
Center of 5-Cities
Hosted by Brave New Wares
Development Group
WEEKEND OF APRIL 7 AND 8, 2007
• FOUND Treasure Gallery, open Monday-
Temple Beth David, Los Osos Valley Road, $250 Saturdays 10am - 7pm
• Learn innovative techniques to help you re-envision how you want to live the rest of your life • FOUND Treasure (FT) Workshops with
• Identify the obstacles and limiting beliefs and behaviors that prevent you from moving forward day/evening schedules, 10am - 9pm.
and living a joyous life FOUND Treasure beginning workshops
feature fun and innovative eco-crafting
• Discover powerful tools that will help you to move more creatively into the future
• Experience your personal renaissance by fulfilling undeveloped parts of yourself
techniques developed to create beautiful Women’s Empowerment &
lamps, mirrors, tiles, frames, and more Self-Defense Workshops
from your rummage. Techniques include
Beverly Engel, M.F.T., is the bestselling author of 18 self-help books and is an internationally recognized
mosaic, collage, decoupage, and wild Maximize your chances of avoiding a sexual
expert in women’s issues and relationships. She has been a psychotherapist and workshop leader for 30 years.
craft; also learn to wire your lamps and assault! The Sexual Assault Recovery and Preven-
upholster a footstool or simple chair or tion Center proudly offers this four-hour work-
Heather Mendel is a spiritual director, calligraphic artist, writer and storyteller. She has facilitated spiri- bench.
tuality groups for women for the past 15 years. shop to help empower and protect the women
• SHARED OPEN-Studio space is available
in our community.  This workshop will focus
for aspiring eco-artisans.
on improving your awareness and assertiveness
For a full description of the weekend and a pre-registration form, go to www. • Prospective members of the “All Women’s
skills, and will teach physical techniques that can
Creative Cooperative” will meet each Sat-
beverlyengel.com or www.womenspress-slo.org or call: (805) 528-7544 urday at 1-3 pm A co-op Orientation pre-
help you escape a dangerous situation. Remem-
ber - your best weapon is yourself: your mind,
cedes each week’s free lesson.
Our first Intermezzo Workshop was highly successful. Some participants said your voice, and your body! This free class is open
• Entrepreneurial Class Series for Artisans,
that it actually changed their life! Proceeds benefit the Women’s Press. Saturdays, 9am - 11pm. to women of all athletic abilities, ages 12 and
• SUNSHINE Saturday Sale from 8am - up. Workshops rotate monthly between Paso
1pm — when the sun is shining on the Robles and Shell Beach and are 4 hours long.

CASTLE public government meetings. As the only com-

Continued from Cover
relax; and dances to exercise. Most of all, she
“listens to the stones” – a meditative practice
using crystals and gemstones – to attune, ener-
gize, and uplift her spirit. Each of us, she says,
“needs to find that thing that takes you out of
your rut and opens you to change.”
These healthy habits enable her to meet the
increasingly complex challenges of a business on
the cutting edge of technology and public ser-
vice. Gov. Schwarzenegger recently mandated
the streaming (live Internet video-feed) of all
pany in California that is currently meeting this
expectation, AGP Video is well placed to lead
others in the state. Nancy believes this success
is because they approach everything they do as
artists: “We see each moment as brand new, and
seek to do the best that we can in that moment.”
Nancy Castle’s magic is not supernatural or
fictional. The energy to create and to succeed
comes from living her values, doing what she
loves, and helping others succeed – a potion we
can all concoct to become Superwomen for our
families, businesses, and communities.
parking lot at 1200 East Grand. 15% of
proceeds are pledged to SLO children’s
Upcoming Dates:
Paso Robles: January 8th and March 5th
Shell Beach: February 5th and April 2nd
charities.
Please contact the SARP Center at
For more information call Eve at 815-8700, 545-8888 for more information or to sign
or stop by and visit Brave New Wares at the up for a workshop.
ART Works Center, 1200 East Grand Avenue,
Arroyo Grande, Monday-Saturdays.

RIGHTS
Continued from p. 12
states that either have unconstitutional bans on
their books or persistently propose similar ones,
most of which classify fetuses as persons deserv-
ing legal protection. Every year, state legislatures
across the country consider dozens of measures
that would create a legal status for embryos and
fetuses separate from that of the woman bearing
them.
Taken together with the appointments of
two anti-woman Supreme Court Justices and
several anti-woman chiefs and advisors to key
entities such as the Department of Health and
Human Services and the FDA Advisory Panel
on Women’s Health (see below), these affronts to
women’s rights comprise a substantial undertak-
ing — an organized effort to supply the Supreme
Court with an abundance of references for an
argument that fetal personhood should be legally
recognized. Every state and federal measure that
calls embryos and fetuses “children,” unborn or
otherwise, is a resource in the right-wing’s “Roe-
Be-Gone” reservoir, waiting to be tapped. Sticks
and stones may break our bones, but words can
also hurt us, contrary to the old saw.
“Sack Keroack”
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Ser-
vices Mike Leavitt has nominated Eric Keroack,
a doctor who opposes contraception, to oversee
U.S. birth control funding as Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Population Affairs. In spite of the
many messages received by his office, Secretary
Leavitt hasn’t rescinded Keroack’s appointment
and, despite several requests, refuses to meet
with representatives from NOW. With more
pro-choice supporters in Congress next year,
NOW intends to ask them to demand that Eric
Keroack be removed from overseeing our coun-
try’s family planning programs and funds.
The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Popu-
lation Affairs oversees $238 million “designed
to provide access to contraceptive supplies and
information to all who want and need them with
priority given to low-income persons.”
Dr. Keroack has a long history of oppos-
ing contraceptive use, supporting ineffective
abstinence-only educational programs, and
working against a woman’s right to abortion.
He is the medical director of A Woman’s Con-
cern, an anti-contraception, anti-abortion net-
work of so-called pregnancy counseling centers
based in Boston. Their website states that “A
Woman’s Concern is persuaded that the crass
commercialization and distribution of birth
control is demeaning to women, degrading of
human sexuality and adverse to human health
and happiness.”
14 CommunityBulletins Women’s Press | January 2007 | editors@womenspress-slo.org

Women’s Self-Defense Class

SARP in need of volunteer crisis
counselors
Take Action! The Sexual Assault Recovery and
Prevention Center of SLO County is seeking
compassionate men and women to work as vol-
unteer crisis counselors/advocates. Volunteers
work with teen and adult survivors of sexual
assault and abuse, providing support and advo-
cacy.  The CA State-certified training program
will be held February 13th through March 22nd
on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5:45 to
10:00pm. More information and applications
for the training program may be obtained online
at www.sarpcenter.org  or by contacting the
SARP Center at 545-8888. Applications must be
received by February 7, 2006.
United Martial Arts Association in cooperation
with Central Coast Yoga is proud to announce
an exciting new program for women!
Beginning January 9th, 2007, Sensei Dah-
rla Mailman will be teaching a Women’s Self-
Defense class at Central Coast Yoga in Arroyo
Grande. This class will run in 8-week sessions, 2
classes/week.
Tuesdays & Thursdays - 1 to 2 P.M.
Cost will be $199
Call 473-3102 or e-mail Sensei Dahrla @
kungfugoddess@aol.com
Explore Use of Passive Solar Design
The sixth event in the SLO Green Build Educa-
tional series LEARN BUILD SAVE will be held
at San Luis Obispo’s Temple Beth David. The
event, entitled “The Sun Also Rises,” explores the
use of passive solar design principles to achieve
building comfort, day lighting & ventilation, in
the context of one of San Luis Obispo County’s
premier examples of sustainable design, the new
Temple Beth David. Applying these principles
to existing structures to improve comfort and
efficiency will also be covered.
Our presenters will be architect Polly Coo-
per, from San Luis Sustainability Group, and
professor Robert Pena, from Cal Poly’s Depart-
ment of Architecture.
While geared towards building professionals,
all interested members of the general public are
welcome to this event.
WHEN:  Wednesday January 24th, 6:00 –
8:30 P.M. A brief tour of this new facility will
San Luis Obispo: Slo Astrologers is a group
whose mission is to provide classes and group
discussions for those with an interest in
astrology at all levels. Workshops for 2007 begin
January 2nd and will continue the first and third
Tuesday of each month from 7 - 8:30pm at the-
Coast National Bank Community Room at
500 Marsh Street in San Luis Obispo.
Visit their website:
http://www.sloastrologers.org/
Workshops are free.
If you would like more information
please call 805-546-3420 or
email sloastro@yahoo.com.

North County Women’s Shelter
in Need of Volunteers 
The North County Women’s Shelter is in need
of volunteers to provide assistance to victims of
domestic violence.
Your
January is National Mentoring Month
take place from 6-6:30 p.m.
January has been designated as National Men- WHERE:  Temple Beth David, 10180 LOVR
toring Month. Youth mentoring can make a big (Los Osos Valley Road at Foothill), San Luis
difference in the life of a child. It strengthens
the family, positively influences the behavior of
the child and is rewarding for the adult mentor.
Obispo, CA
COST:  FREE!
MORE INFO:  visit the web @ SLOGreen-
Ad
Could
Nationwide studies conclude that children in Build.org or email: Info@SloGreenBuild.org
mentoring programs do better in school, are less
likely to get into trouble with the law, and have

One of the most critical needs at this time
is for volunteers willing to carry a phone that
will connect them with clients on evenings and
weekends.  These volunteers help women enter
the shelter during non-business hours.  There is
no need to counsel those who are picked up and
taken to the shelter.  Training is provided, and
volunteers are used only on an as needed basis.  caring adult role models. For more information
The North County Women’s Shelter relies
on volunteers to help support the shelter pro-
gram and provide direct services to victims of
domestic violence.  Volunteers are also needed
to provide transportation, court appointments,
brochure distribution, and help fundraising.  nard 748-5987 or Virginia Barrows 786-4725
For details call the North County Women’s
Shelter at 461-1338.
Community Counseling Center
Winter, 2006
Weekly Support Group Schedule
All groups are held at
Community Counseling Center
1129 Marsh St., SLO
All groups are $5/person/session
NO DROP-IN GROUPS
Call 543-7969 to inquire
Be
a higher self-esteem. New class in Course of Miracles
Big Brothers Big Sisters was founded in 1904
and is the largest and most effective youth men- The Course of Miracles is a spiritual philoso-
toring organization in the United States. Big phy, teaching the means to return to peace and
Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County
has been serving the Central Coast since 1995
and has matched more than 850 children with
unconditional love.
Where: St. Timothy’s Church, 962 Piney
Way, Morro Bay
HERE
When: 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month,
on becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, call
781-3226, or log onto www.slobigs.org.
beginning January 13, 2007
Time: 4:00 PM to 5:30PM
How: Each class will include lecture, medita-
544-9313
tion and fellowship
For more information: Contact Cindy May-
Women’s Business Network of SLO
Trade Show & Business Expo
Wednesday, April 18th, 2007
11am-2pm (set-up time at 10am)
Location: Monday Club
1815 Monterey Street, SLO
(Corner of Grand)
www.womenslo.org
805-546-3724

(OLLY.EAR
FORJU
CURRENT GROUP CLOSED
ACCEPTS NEW MEMBERS AGAIN in
STICE 9EARSOF
EARLY MARCH:
E 3OCIAL#HANGE-USIC
Anger Management Therapy Group
FORLOV AC E
PE
Monday Evenings – Call for time
­NOT for people seeking court-mandated
FOR R -ARCH
treatment or who are in a current domestic vio- STO FO
lence situation. RIES 0-

3HOW #LARK#ENTER
SEEKING PARTICIPANTS – Leave name and
number; you will be called when group is ready
to begin: !RROYO'RANDE

5P
Lesbian Support Group
Monday Evenings – Call for time 4ICKETS'ENERAL!DMISSION
Moving Through Divorce: Support Group for 3ENIORS3TUDENTS
Divorce-Related Issues
Tuesday Evenings – Call for time "OXOFlCEWWWCLARKCENTERORG
Sunset Group: Adult Children of Aging Par- FORHEALING 55&ELLOWSHIP

ents
Thursday Evenings – Call for time UN !FUNDRAISERFOR
RF 5NITARIAN5NIVERSALIST&ELLOWSHIP
FO
Couples Group: Creating Loving, Intimate
Relationships
FORCH OF3,/#OUNTY
Saturday Mornings – Call for time
ANGE
&ORMOREINFORMATIONCALL
'INA7HITAKERAT

January 2007 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press Resources 15
ABUSE
Adults Molested as Children Support Group (AMAC) Talk/Listen - Emotional support Parkinson’s Support Groups
545.8888 489.5481 466.7226 (Atascadero/Templeton)
Center for Alternatives to Domestic Violence Transformations Counseling Center 481.7424, 473.1714 (Arroyo Grande)
781.6406 Free monthly workshops 541.7908 544.1342 (SLO)
North County Women’s Shelter & Resource Center, Planned Parenthood
(inc. domestic violence support groups) FINANCE/BUSINESS SLO 549.9446
461.1338 Consumer Credit Counseling Services Stroke Support Group
Rape Survivors Support Group, SLO 800.540.2227 471.8102 (SLO)
545.8888 Mission Community Services Corporation Caregivers of Stroke Survivors
SARP (Sexual Assault Recovery & Prevention) Women’s Business Partners 544.2266 (SLO)
545.8888 595.1356 www.mcscorp.org Women’s Support/Therapy v (general)
Support Group for Sexual Assault Survivors 534.1101
545.8888 GAY & LESBIAN Women’s Healthcare Specialists
Women’s Shelter Program of SLO Gay and Lesbian Alliance of the Central Coast 544.4883
781.6400 www.womensshelterslo.org 541.4252
PFLAG.Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays POLITICAL
ADDICTIONS 438.3889 Code Pink
AA Meeting SOL (Single Older Lesbians) ososousaville@aol.com
541.3211 Mostly socializing! Call 474.9405 Commission on Status of Women
Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) 545.8412; Dawn Williams
498.2176 HOSPICE Democratic Women United
Al-Anon AIDS Bereavement Group (Hospice) 541.4252
534.9204 544.2266 League of Women Voters
Cambria Connection (12 step support) Hospice of SLO County 543.2220
927.1654 544.2266 and 434.1164 NOW (National Organization for Women)
Casa Solana Hospice Partners of the Central Coast slonow@kcbx.net
Women’s Recovery Home 481.8555 782.8608 SLO Green Party
Compulsive eaters Anonymous, H.O.W.Concept http://www.slo.greens.org 544.1580
546.1178 JOBS/CAREERS Younger Women’s Task Force
Drug & Alcohol Services AARP 788.2643 www.ywtf.org
781.4275 Cal Poly Foundation
NA 800.549.7730 Jobline 756.7107 READERS/WRITERS
Overeaters Anonymous Cal Poly University Adult Literacy
541.3164 http://calpolyjobs.org 756.1533 541-4219
SCA, SLAA & SAA (Sex, Love & Romance Addictions) Cuesta College Nightwriters
461.6084 http://www.cuesta.edu Jobline 546.3127 549.9656; contact Shirley Powell
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) The Creekside Career Center Sisters in Crime
929.1789 www.slocareers.org 788.2631 or 788.2690 http://SinC-CCC.blogspot.com
Women for Sobriety Department of Rehabilitation
http://www.womenforsobriety.org 549.3361 SENIORS
215.536.8026 Mission Community Services Corporation Adult Day Care
Women’s Business Partners 544.1414 (SLO); 748.9070 (Arroyo Grande);
CHILDREN & FAMILIES 595.1356 www.mcscorp.org 434.2081 (Templeton); 927.4290 (Cambria)
Childcare Resource Connection Private Industry Council (PIC) Computerooters:
541.2272 or 800.727.2272 www.jobhunt.org 788.2601 Computer help: 528.3892
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Department of Social Services:
“A child’s voice in Court in SLO County” LEGAL In-Home Support to the Elderly/Homemakers
541.6542 ACLU Helpline help with ADLs 781.1790
Children’s Services Network 544.0142 nursing help for the terminally ill 781.5540
781.1847 Core Mediation Services Equal Singles 60+ Meet Monthly
First 5: Children & Families Commission 544.6334 medeee8@aol.com 544.4347 or 481.1793, dg17@juno.com
781.4058; ask for Susan Hughs District Attorney’s Office – Victim Witness Center Foster Grandparents.Senior Companions
Homeschooling in SLO County (HSC) 781.5821 782.9200
462.0726; ask for Barbara Family Law Facilitator Senior Peer Counseling
La Clinica De Tolosa 238.5334 546.3769 free, trained in.home counseling for 60+
La Leche League Lawyers Referral Services/Legal Aid Alternative 547.7025 ext. 15
489.9128 788.2099
Migrant Childcare Program Pro Per Divorce Workshop
544.9313
SPIRITUAL (OR NOT)
544.4355 and 466.3444 Circle of Spiritual Enlightenment
MOMS Club of South SLO county Senior Legal Services
995.1390
473. 2548 543.5140 Awakening Interfaith Spiritual Community
Partnership for Children
541.8666; ask for Beth MEDICAL SUPPORT/SERVICES Sunday service, 10–11 AM; 772.0306
Central Coast Jewish Historical Society
Real F.A.C.T.S. (Forum on Abused Children) ALS Support Group (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) 543.9452
460.9016 227.4785 Meditation Group
Social Services Alzheimer’s Support Mondays, 7:30–8:30 PM; 772.0306
781.1600 534.9234 (LO); 547.3830 (SLO); New Beginnings Church
Support for Kids Coping with Domestic Violence 226.8669 (Templeton) Every Sunday, Coalesce Bookstore, MB
473.6507 Caregivers of Early-Stage Alzheimer’s
EMERGENCY/CRISIS 547.3830, 534.9234 (SLO/Los Osos)
American Cancer Society
WOMEN’S CENTERS/SHELTERS
Homeless Shelter
Hotline Paso Robles 238.9657 781-3993
www.slohotline.org 800.549.8989 Anorexia Nervosa & Bulimia Support Group Housing Authority
Sexual & Rape Prevention (SARP) 541.9113 543.4478
545.8888 or 800.656.HOPE (4673) Arthritis Foundation North County Women’s Resource Center, Shelter
Temporary Restraining Order & Victim Witness 892.5556 461.1338
Program 781.5821 Cancer/ Breast Cancer Support Groups Prado Day Center
543.1481 ext. 3 for information 786.0617
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT Caregivers of Aging Parents Women’s Community Center, SLO
A.D.A.P.T. (Aid in Divorce Adjustment Problems Today) 547.3830 (AG); 927.4290 (Cambria); 544.9313
543.0388 226.8669 (PR); 547.3830 (SLO) Women’s Shelter Program of SLO
Alzheimer/Dementia Resource Center Endometriosis Association 549.8989 (crises), 781.6401 (business)
434.2081 or 534.9234 or 800.443.1236 www.endometriosisassn.org www.womensshelterslo.org
CALL–Concerned Agoraphobics Learning to Live Enhancement, Inc.
543.3764
Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA)


(for breast cancer survivors)
771.8640 www.enhancementinc.com
OTHER WOMEN’S ORGANIZATIONS
Altrusa International, Inc.
542.0577 (SLO) 481.5093 (Grover Beach) EOC Health Services Clinics 481.1039; Cici Wynn, President
927.1654 (Cambria) 466.8600 (North County) no or low cost reproductive health services Hadassah.SLO
Community Counseling Center 544.2478 (SLO); 489.4026 (Arroyo Grande) 543.9452
543.7969 Healthworks of the Central Coast Women’s Network, SLO
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Group no or low cost reproductive health services 546.3727 www.womenslo.org
927.3703 787.0100 (SLO); 773.4500 (Pismo);
Eating Disorders Support Group
546-3774; free, meets weekly in SLO
610.8865 (Atascadero)
Long-term Care Ombudsman Services of SLO County
OTHER GROUPS & GATHERINGS
Central Coast Peace and Environmental Council
Hospice of SLO County (inc. miscarriage/stillbirth 785.0132 544.3399 or 783.2383
support) 544.2266 or 434.1164 Lymphedema Education & Support Group Compassion & Choices (formerly Hemlock Society)
Safe and Sober Support Group 2nd Monday, 4:00-5:00 pm 800.247.7421 or 458.5481
473.6507 782-9300 for info
Senior Peer Counseling Please send additions, corrections or deletions to:
free, trained in-home counseling for 60+ editors@womenspress-slo.org or leave a message
547.7025, ext. 15 at the WCC: 805.544.9313. Last update 01/10/07.
16 BusinessProfiles
Apothecary Skincare Boutique
Melissa, owner of Apothecary Skincare Bou-
tique, was on her way to graduate school in soci-
ology when she became interested in a Holistic
Health Practitioner Program featuring herbology
and then went on to study skincare. When she
began her studies, she worked in an acupuncture
massage clinic and was greatly inspired working
with America Escobar, a talented wellness prac-
titioner.
Melissa, now a Licensed Esthetician, had
experienced severe skin problems as a teen and
then on into adulthood. She believes that if she
hadn’t taken care of her skin with quality skin-
care products the result would have been much
more severe acne scarring. However, she did
develop inflammation and allergic responses
to many synthetic substances in products on
the market for skin care. That is why she is so
pleased to offer the Epicuren line of products
whose natural ingredients are from the Brazil-
ian Rainforest. These plant enzymes were origi-
Expert Care for Lymphedema
and Chronic Swelling
Leslyn Keith, M.S.,OTR/L, has a Master’s
degree in Occupational Therapy. The turn-
ing point in her professional career came while
interning in Aquatic Therapy, during which she
worked intensively with Lymphedema patients.
Leslyn realized she had found her new direction.
She became nationally certified in the Vodder
Method , and, in 2001, decided to open her own
business to specialize in treating this condition.
 Lymphedema is a chronic disorder that
results from the accumulation of protein-rich
fluid in body tissues, often caused by injury, scar-
ring, infection, and cancer treatments involving
lymph node removal and/or radiation therapy.
If untreated, body parts (usually an arm or leg)
become swollen and painful. Early treatment is
best since symptoms worsen over time, limiting
function and maybe even to serious infection.
Complete Decongestive Therapy can reduce
swelling, improve wound healing, and prevent
life-threatening infection.
Women’s Press | January 2007 | editors@womenspress-slo.org
California Wellness Center
Meet Dr. Molly Stevens, D.C. ways to live. We believe the only true cure is pre-
nally developed to help burn victims regenerate
 Dr. Molly Stevens suffered from severe vention,” explained Molly.
healthy skin.
migraines as a child. Desperate, her parents tried Dr. Stevens helps her clients look at their
In her boutique, you feel suddenly relaxed
everything until, at the age of seven, she started lifestyle, habits, and choices as contributing fac-
by calming colors, sounds of water, and beau-
the chiropractic treatments that changed her life. tors to their physical condition. She thinks of the
tiful décor, because she believes that pamper-
She was no longer plagued with pain. body as a house, with its foundation a healthy
ing oneself should serve as a mini-vacation from
While attending Cal Poly, majoring in kine- diet, good water, air, balanced emotion, etc. She
our high-stress modern lifestyle. She person-
siology and pre-physical therapy studies, she met takes the time to listen and assist clients to meet
ally develops individual programs to meet each
Rex Stevens, who was destined to be her part- their goals for optimum function.
client’s needs, using just the right products for
ner. Their career paths paralleled as they went to Open 8:30 AM -6 PM and Saturday by
optimum results. Melissa says, “Self-esteem is so
Parker Chiropractic College in Dallas and also appt., the California Wellness Center strives to
important, especially for women, and when you
did post-graduate work in chiropractic neurol- be a resource center through networking with
look better, you feel better; healthier and hap-
ogy. other professionals and asking the appropriate
pier.”
Molly specializes in women’s health issues questions to clients to direct them to the best
She takes appointments Monday-Saturday.
such as fibromyalgia and depression. She also referrals to meet their needs. They have three
Acupuncture and colon hydrotherapy are also
enjoys working with pregnant women (pre-and professional chiropractors and a certified mas-
offered.
post-natal) and children. She has worked with sage therapist on staff.
Her office is in SLO Integrative Health at
1318 Garden St., in SLO. children with neuro-behavioral problems such
Learn more at @ as, autism, ADHD, etc. “I want all kids to grow- 805-543-8688
up healthy and for the parents to learn healthy
www.ApothecarySkinBoutique.com or www.cwcslo.com
call 805-712-4307.
SLO Integrative Health
Body Cleansing Through Colon Hydrotherapy
Terry Allard worked in her Santa Barbara clinic take the time to educate each  person and walk
as a colon hydrotherapy practitioner for 18 years. them through every step of the detoxification
Jessica Huston was one of her clients. After expe- process.
riencing enormous benefits from these treat- Colon hydrotherapy is a safe, effective
ments, Jessica decided she would like to help method for removing wastes from the large
others as well, using this form of therapy. She intestine without using drugs or stimulants. This
studied with Terry, became certified, and they cleansing empowers all systems to function at
began working together. their optimum, affording cleansing on many lev-
Seeing a need for a northern location, they els. “It could be a very important piece in getting
envisioned a Center integrating other special the body, mind, and spirit back into balance,”
Leslyn’s associate, Michelle Johnson, OTR/
therapies and SLO Integrative Health was cre- said Terry. Colonics assist with such conditions
L, has been an occupational therapist since 1991,
ated in 2006. Other practitioners at the Cen- as constipation, poor digestion, environmental
and is also nationally certified. She personalizes
ter include an acupuncturist (herbologist) toxins, PMS, acne, fatigue, depression, bloating,
your program, taking the time to evaluate and
specializing in women’s issues, Patrick Paine 541- and arthritis. Effects may range from very subtle
address individual needs. “I like to think of our
1980, and a licensed esthetician, Mellisa Hand- to life changing. “Consistency with regular treat-
clients as being pampered,” says Michelle.
ley. 805-712-4317. ments is important to get the best results. This
These expert therapists offer a full program;
 Terry and Jessica both individualize each cli- isn’t a one-time cure-all,” states Jessica.
measuring and supplying compression garments,
ent’s treatment plan so that it works with their For more information or to make an
offering appropriate exercises, education, tips
lifestyle and meets their own health goals. They appointment, call (805) 541-2219.
on skin care and adaptive equipment if neces-
sary. They also offer continuity of care, with fol-
low-up and support groups as well as convenient
out-patient services at locations in Paso Robles,
Atascadero, Nipomo, and Santa Maria . Make New Friends,
A prescription is necessary to initiate Meet New People... Ask us about buying a
treatment. Medicare and other private
insurances (with pre-authorization) are accepted
Volunter With The business profile for $149.
for services. Women’s Press! Call 544-9313.
Main office: 1061 Murray Ave., San Luis Call 544-9313.
Obispo. (805) 782-9300