Happy (belated) Mother's Day

Just wanted to say a quick word of thanks to all of the biological and de facto mothers out there.

Motherhood ain't for sissies, I like to say.

I don't think I ever realized just how complicated and scary the world can be until I had to navigate it with babies in tow. Mothers, being the madonnas in the madonna/whore schism, get little breathing room up on their pedestals. We get very few instructions, other than "keep a perfect home, raise perfect children, perfectly express your perfect love for them and while you're at it, don a nice pair of high heels when you're vacuuming." Even dancing around the possibility that motherhood has a shadow carries a stigma. Look at birthing stories, women of my mother's generation, even many of my own generation, don't like to acknowledge the violence and pain of childbirth. I can think of no more stark example of a light and darkness paradox than giving birth, yet we are discouraged from acknowledging half of that story.

The status quo requires a facade. While I think motherhood is the most rewarding path I could have ever taken, I also admit that it is the most challenging. And I, for one, refuse to play that game. To admit that there's a downside does not detract from the overall good.

I can say that now without fear or shame because WWfaC opened its doors to me when I was the mother of very young children. I'd lost my voice and was filled with uncertainty. In class after class, I tested the waters and didn't drown when I finally spoke up about what was on my mind. The container at WWfaC was safe; the people respectful and non judgmental.

WWfaC, in its own way, is a de facto mother that has nurtured and held hundreds of people. And we, in turn, move out into the world with new skills, a new confidence and share those new perspectives with our own families and friends.

Happy Mother's Day WWfaC.

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Business stuff:

Here are a few announcements from the fabulous Ms. Sally Schneider:

WWFAC ON THE NEWS: Thursday, May 28^th

WWfaC - with Mary as Interviewee - will be a featured spot on Channel 9 WCPO! Please mark your calendars and tune in during one of these broadcasts:

• During the 5:00 AM Morning Show

• Around 12:50 pm in the noon News Show

• Between 5:30 and 6:00 pm. in the Evening News

WEEK LONG WRITING RETREAT: July 12-18

Register now for this summer’s weeklong retreat in Knob’s Haven, Kentucky! (Tuition information is available on the website or in the registration brochure.)

The Women Writing for (a) Change Retreat Program at Knobs Haven Retreat Center provides the opportunity for women both returning and new to WWf(a)C to gather for an uninterrupted period of time in a naturally beautiful, spiritual place. This week-long retreat provides time for writing, reading, reflection, discussion and sharing.

Writing prompts are offered and small groups created to respond to writing-in-progress. Whole group read-arounds, conversations and ceremonies help create a supportive community. Large blocks of time are set aside for writing, swimming, walking, informal conversation and silence.

Knobs Haven is located in the heart of Kentucky’s knob country, fifteen miles from Bardstown and two and one-half hours from Cincinnati.

Therapeutic massage and private tutorials may be available at an extra cost.

CREATIVE WRITING SAMPLER – Saturday, June 13, 2009 -- 1:00-2:30 P.M.

Treat a friend or family member to “a taste” of Women Writing for (a) Change. This sampler is FREE and is open to both women and men. RSVP: Bron at (513) 272-1171, or online here .

YOUNG WOMEN WRITING FOR (A) CHANGE:

FREE Sampler ~~ Come be a part of our community before Summer begins! Open to current and new students!
So you’ve heard about Young Women Writing for (a) Change but you’re not sure it’s for you? Do you miss seeing the friends you made at last summer’s camp? Got a poem that you’re aching to write? Come to this free sampler class and get a taste of the writing circle.

• Saturday, May 16, 1-4pm -- The circle is open to girls and teens in grades 4-12. Please call 272-1171 to reserve a spot for you and your friend.

REGISTRATION FOR YOUNG WOMEN’S SUMMER CLASSES: Registration is now open for Young Women’s Summer Classes. To find out how you can enjoy this vibrant program for girls, teens, and college-age women, please visit our website.