Winds of change

One of the downfalls of being a new mother is how small one's world becomes for a short time. National and international news and events tend to reach me either days later or not at all, unless I make an effort to turn on the computer or listen to the radio in the car. Sometimes "Old McDonald" just wins out.

So when I got an email today that said the Dalai Lama says we "western" women are going to change the world, I was hooked and wanted more.

And indeed, at the Peace Summit in Vancouver at the end of September, His Holiness the Dalai Lama proclaimed that "The world will be saved by the western woman."

Wow.

As a I read more, I learned about Maria Shriver's Women's Conference that will take place this next week and was astounded to read that 14,000 tickets were sold within the first 20 minutes after registration opened.

Wow, again.

So as my world feels fairly small and I find myself wrapped up in decisions about Swine Flu vaccines, solid foods and toys that make noise, I trust that it is all part of how each one of us can indeed save the world.

Yes, I think she is great. I do.

And she has done it again - this time with GOOP, a lifestyle site for everything from hotels in Barcelona to adrenal fatigue.

And it's just really fun to read.

Don't underestimate the power of space that is all your own.

Whether it's a corner altar, a closet or a whole room - find a nook that is yours for inspiration, rejuvenation, introspection or creation.

Perhaps inspired by Virgina Woolf's A Room of One's Own, designer Chris Madden's book showcases the intimate and private spaces of several women and helps to inspire others to create something for themselves. It is part how-to and part beautiful inspiration and is one of my favorite books to encourage authenticity and individuality.

Eloise at the Plaza, New York taken by me, 1998

There is a picture somewhere of me sitting on that marble and gold leaf table, at age 8, during my first visit to New York. How many 8 year olds who grew up in California know what the Plaza Hotel in New York City is?

"I am Eloise. I am six. I am a city child. I live at the Plaza."

That's how it started. Every time.

On Fridays I usually write about a woman who inspires me, but somehow today I was compelled to talk about a 6 year old who is so firmly rooted in my childhood memories and perhaps even the development of my personality. If you know the story of Eloise and you know, you might be smiling now.

It was before Hollywood made her into a movie princess and before she went off on adventures to Paris and Moscow. It was just Eloise, just at the Plaza. My tattered copy is one of my prized possessions because attached to it is not only the story of this precocious child but the very fond memories of my dad reading every single word to me. And he did it every time. If I close my eyes, I can feel him next to me and almost feel the rhythmic movement of his chest as he read the punctuationless text - in a steady stream, with all the right accents and intonations. I have tried in my adulthood to recreate this but it is impossible.

This post and this little girl and the memories of my dad are even more profound now because I am going to be a mother and I can't imagine how to do this without him.

I just don't really know what else to add.

Everyday, I am inspired by the strength, determination, resiliency, vulnerability and creativity that women in my life show me. So Julia -buy the land and make it home - The Lady Farm is waiting to happen.

I am not alone in wanting more opportunities to gather and learn from other women. I have attended women in business conferences, am part of an outrageously splendid women's circle and think every women should read The Red Tent and dream of a day when we can learn from our elders and be in community with other women.

So I think it is also important to remind ourselves of the pioneers who have gone before us - the women who are breaking the molds, accepting themselves as they are and perhaps making it easier for us to accept the divine and authentic parts of ourselves.


I have a list of women who consistently inspire me...both creatively and personally. That is why every Friday, I pick one woman - famous or not - who knows her self and from afar, helps me to know myself better.

These images are my "inspiring women" mood board - a part of my inspiration wall that I see everyday. They remind me to smile and accept the fact that I love beautiful things.

What and who inspires you?

Spain...On the Road Again

Some of you may know my about my deep affection for Gwyneth Paltrow - so you can imagine how giddy I got when I read about this new series. She, along with Mario Batali and two others explore the culinary side of Spain and it was all shot in high definition video.

For a sneak peak take a look at the site and watch the video snippet. My taste buds are ready.

I just have to find someone with a television now who will let me come over and watch!

It's been a while since the famous mermaid movie but Daryl Hannah is still making a splash. Her outspoken stance on helping the environment and living a consciously aware life is now part of her new campaign to educate America. Called DH Love Life, it's an interactive way to learn about running your car on bio diesel and how to support your local community supported agriculture (CSA).

And it's cool.

from CommonGround Magazine, 2005

Keep following your bliss.

If you haven't found what you love, keep looking.

{beach hat}

At a wedding in Charleston {South Carolina} in May 2006, I found Skirt - a newspaper for and about women. I brought it home and tore this image out for my inspiration board. The work of Penelope Dullaghan is now some of my favorite.

The quote at the bottom reads...

If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change. - Buddha