“Girls Making Media”

WOMANKRAFT WONDER WOMEN  by Linn Lane

“As Artists we must transcend not only our sources but our resources as well.”    Linn Lane

THAT QUYNN

That Quynn!  She’s a favorite example of what I mean by the above statement.  Recently she turned two workshops, for which she was paid 180 handsome Tucson Pima Arts Council dollars, into a wonderful 4 minute WomanKraft video that any of us can be proud to show anywhere. All the workshop participants got to learn the video making process and be talent by expressing their thoughts and feelings about WomanKraft.  Though short, a lot of territory was covered because she included additional digital images taken of many of us around the Castle over time.  The participants were extremely articulate, and I want to personally thank Mary Ng, Laura Leighton, Elke Collins and Gail Paz for their impressive, wise, and descriptive words about WomanKraft and the arts.

Then on March 31st that Quynn further enhanced our sources and resources by showing this and several other of her videos.  This event had three inspirational qualities. The videos, most with spirit weaving musical compositions by Danny August, brought us a balance of challenges the Earth faces and the beauty of the land.  The audience seemed to enjoy a strong sense of community while they enjoyed the videos, the snacks, and  the Castle’s homey environment.  Third, of course, the event was held together by the thought provoking ideas and commentary of that Quynn. 

THAT DONETTE

You’ve seen her recently up on the ladder working on the mural on the porch. She’s doing us a special favor here because that Donette’s mural painting business is really taking off.  A mural she painted in Ouida Wallace’s backyard in 2004 was the hit of the
Botanical Garden’s fund raising tour this year.  And that Donette recently got a contract to do a wall at Loew’s Ventana Canyon. 

She’s been mural painting for 12 years.  So if you have a lifeless space that needs her creative attention call her at  792-8412 .  It’s Spring!  Spruce up!

THAT GAYLE 

“Appreciate what you have today because it’s what you’ll be working with tomorrow.”  Gayle Swanbeck

This statement struck me because I’d recently become aware of how suddenly one’s resources can change on a day to day basis.  In this case, I was blessed with an abundance of actors interested in auditioning for my play, “Water’s Edge”.  As this goes to print we may have our cast.  That Gayle will be directing. 

If you think that Gayle is everywhere, you’re pretty much right.  She’s out supervising and touching up flowers for the mural painting crew, more wonderwomen , Jane Macomber, Gail Paz, and Cindy Mortlock.  She’s in selling  paintings and teaching classes.  She’s driving picking up rocks for the lemon tree’s rock wall.  She sitting doing the dang 1099 forms. She’s recording a radio show. Where ever whatever is going on at WomanKraft that Gayle can usually be found centerstage. 

WomanKraft is blessed with the presence of a lovely cat named Luna. 
Linn Lane “interviewed” Luna for the spring 05 newsletter.

INTERVIEW WITH QUEEN LUNA the Cat
By Linn Lane
L.L.  How did you first come to the WomanKraft Castle?
Q.L Up over the back fence as you well know.
L.L.  Was there any particular thing that inspired you to come?
Q.L.  Yes, there was a white smell on the air so I came over for a look see and there you were getting out of your white car
licking a big white dairy queen. You said I looked Egyptian. I said I liked dairy queen.

L. L.  Yes, I gave you a little dish and asked if your name was Bast but then a woman came to the fence saying she was Monica, your name was Luna and you were her cat.
Q.L.  Humans can be so possessive.
L.L.  Whatever happened to Monica?
Q.L.  I wish I knew.
L.L.  That must have been very hard for you.
Q.L.  Oh, I don't know.  I'm not necessarily a one-person cat.
L.L.  And why is that?
Q.L.  Partly I think it's genetic. Then too you see what can happen with these young kittens that become so attached but from a young age I've realized the importance of keeping
several options open.
L.L.  Still you seem to take most of your meals here.
Q.L.  Yes, this place has a lot to offer.  There's a lot of nice sleeping spots, windows for checking the yard and when Quynn's in town she even lets me bed down with her occasionally. I've always been a people cat and there are plenty of laps to sit on and compliments. I even enjoy the receptions though I'm always the shortest one there and more than once have gotten stepped on.
L.L. Why do you like them then?
Q.L.  The shrimp Jane brings me are excellent and then like I said before I enjoy getting a lot of attention and compliments. If I weren't a cat I'd probably have to be an actor.
L.L.  Are there important services that you perform here?
Q.L.  Definitely my role as Queen is very important because every Castle needs one. When some woman tries to play that role in a place like this, though, it leads to nothing but cat fights.  No, much better a cat, much better me.  I also serve an important function in socializing some of the people who come here.  They learn to feel comfortable talking to me and petting me and pretty soon there's no telling whom they might talk to or pet.
L.L.  Who are some of your favorite royal subjects around here?
Q.L.  Well Lydia and Cyndy always think about my needs and bring me treats even when the building is closed. Terri is pretty good and lets me jump up on the nice soft yarn she uses to make boas.  She even made me my own which I wear proudly, as often as possible. Gayle lets me in late when most people aren't here. I already mentioned how fond I am of Quynn and Jane.  For a change I enjoy a visit with Jordana in her salon. Of course, everyone enjoys going in there. You, I must say, have been my biggest disappointment.  Too often all I see of you is when you displace me from some piece of art or put me outside.
L.L.  So I could do better.  What are your suggestions?
Q.L.  Well, I haven't seen too many of those dairy queens lately, your lap could be made more available and who are you to move me anywhere?
L.L. But it's winter.  I'm usually doing work on my lap and you wouldn't want to be trapped inside when we're gone
Q. L. Harrumph
L.L.  If this interview turns out well will you feel better about me?
Q.L.  Maybe
L. L.  Do you have any goals for the future?
Q. L.  Yes, I feel that my next step is to become famous.
L.L.  Why is that?
Q.L.  I want a bigger audience and I believe my story will inspire others.
L.L.  Do you have any idea how you might get that to happen?
Q.L.  Yes, I'm very fortunate Lydia is going to make it happen by writing a book about me and Gayle is going to illustrate it with her beautiful drawings.
L.L.  Wow!  When is that going to happen?
Q.L.  Well, I didn't try to tie them down to any particular date but you know how Lydia is when she says something, it's as good as done. I am so excited!
(Written for the Jan-April 2005 issue)

THE POWER OF TEACHERS  By Linn Lane

"Without technique creativity gets in the way.  Without creativity technique gets in the way."   Gayle Swanbeck

Gayle's awareness of the power of a teacher came through experiences with Mrs. Sears, her art teacher.  Not only did Mrs. Sears share skills, encourage, and inspire her eager student.  She also gave Gayle work so she could afford to go the college.

I interviewed Gayle Swanbeck, Nancy Martin, and Quynn Elizabeth, 3 of WomanKraft's most accomplished teachers, wanting to delve deeper into the nature of this universal social lynch pin, the teacher.

As to what a teacher is Nancy suggested being designated, or sought out made one a teacher.  Gayle said, “desire, something to teach, and students.” Quynn added in addition to understanding a subject a teacher must also be able to share what they know, and that is a unique gift.

Skills of teaching include: ability to deconstruct, to communicate and patience, according to Nancy.  Gayle said she teaches technique in order to give creativity free reign. She hopes she imparts confidence to her adult, often retired, students.  "Often they've been successful in another area of life and the beginner role is hard to accept."  Quynn noted a good teacher also inspires a student to continue learning beyond the teacher's expertise.

Both Gayle and Nancy claimed to always know when they were teaching, while Quynn said, "No, absolutely." There's been too many times when she has apparently impacted someone's life without realizing it.  As a result, she's become careful. "You never know when people are paying attention."

What are the personal rewards of teaching?  Nancy said, "It's a nice quiet adrenalin rush.” Gayle said, it's what rings her bells because she loves creativity.  "Nurturing creativity“, she believes “is the singularly most important thing a person can do in their life."  Quynn called teaching a form of giving that allows her to come full circle.  It leaves her feeling rejuvenated, in a better mood, and more energetic.

All the teachers mentioned learning from their students. Gayle summarized. “You cannot put a bunch of people together without new ideas springing up, because people are so innately creative.” As a teacher she is always going back and forth between the roles of teacher and student.  "Learn, do, and share". Quynn reminds that this is the way all cultures consciously pass on their knowledge.

So, dear Castle Voice readers, WomanKraft exists to support and encourage you in finding and developing your place in the circle.

Drawing Down the Muse!
by Kaitlin Meadows

Opening deep to receive her,
Making welcome her sultry siren spirit,
Setting tables with tea & sweets & pots of paint,
Old & new friends come out to play,
At the fanciful castle called WomanKraft,
Drawing down the muse!
Come ye sisters with willingness & trust,
Hearing new stories, reinventing old songs,
Making art of your life’s pieces,
Leaving inhibitions
And “can’t” behind,
Drawing down the muse!
With laughter and tears,
Drumming and singing,
Exploring and self-discovery,
On an inner pilgrimage in a communal dance,
Drawing down the muse!
In a circle of your spirit sisters,
Learning to honor your own magic,
Mischief, & sweet mystery,
Learning the word creativity is a verb
And how to use it in the sentences of your life,
Drawing down the muse!
A weekend journey to connection, 
An odyssey of creation
Under the imaginary red tent
Where we celebrate our shared divine feminine,Drawing down the muse!
Come sing though your voice be untrained,
Dance though your feet both be left,
Drum though you lose the beat,
Come make a candle, a medicine bag, a collage,
Come conjure a necklace, a mobile, a song.
Come play with us and commune,
Come see yourself shine, feel yourself grow,
Come draw down the muse,
Draw down the muse

Summer Song

Here in the land of singing skies,
I drink the colors of renewal,
I dance with the winds,
and my skin turns the color of Earth.
Here in the land of listening mountains,
I unburden my soul at sunrise
and wash my eyes in clear water.
Here in the land of changing shadows,
I bend with the willows
and become young again.

Written by Catt Spencer
8/8/04

“The Journey” by Patricia Bowne

“There was no prelude. I was instantly in the middle of a fire.. I WAS the fire.

It was as if I was transformed into my elemental nature.

I was a beacon fire on a small island in the middle of a huge lake, surrounded by a lush forest. A fire spirit who loves water... Go figure.

As I danced, like fire does, a voice was talking to me about who and what I am.

People have been trying to contain me or put me out all my life. I've always been interested in unusual things and love to explore, in body, mind and spirit.

I was told that this threatens a lot of people. It challenges the status quo and shines light on things that some want kept in the dark. This is considered dangerous by more people than we'd like to think.

This was a revelation. All the name calling, dirty looks and outright abuse I took and still put up with today makes sense... sort of.

Why do people fear change? Change is good and necessary for growth.

The water in the lake began to slowly swirl around my island.

The voice told me that for all the people I repulsed and frightened, there were some that saw the beacon fire. Some, who were already tending their own fires, acknowledged it and exchanged spiritual fuel. Some took sparks and made their own.

As this was being said, small lights were coming from the forest to the water's edge. It was like a swarm of fireflies. They went into the water and started swirling toward my island. As they came to shore, the small fires merged into me and we became a massive need fire. It was as if we were calling to the stars themselves for help. Why have the humans abandoned their intuition, their inner wisdom? The spirits are calling to whoever will listen and asking for spiritual warriors to battle the madness.

Keep the beacon fires burning! Be true to your nature and your inner joy/wisdom will attract others. Too many people are lost within their own skin and the latest "happy" pill won't help.

I am what I am and it's a good thing.

I was told this a long time ago and I forgot.. I think I'll remember this time.”M

February 3 to March 31  2007   
 WOMEN ARTISTS OF BALI  
Receptions:  February 3 and March 3
In conjunction with the Seniwati Gallery in Ubud, Bali, WomanKraft will present an exhibit of 32 Bali women artists. www.seniwatigallery.com
Seni is Indonesian for ART and Wati means WOMEN.  This show is brought to us by Ni Wayan Suarniti.  Please see interview below by WomanKraft Executive Director, Linn Lane.

THREE ARTISTS OF SENIWATI
Traditionally women's creative endeavors in Bali are to sing, to dance and to make offerings. Men paint and are the Gamelan players. The following stories illustrate the value of Seniwati for nonconformist women artists.

Cak Mas Asti   People thought she was crazy because she learned to paint from Mary's husband. She was the only girl in the class.

Hi Made Sucearmi   At 70 she is the oldest artist represented by the gallery. She grew up not being allowed to paint. She excels in all the arts.

Pury Suriati   Because she was disabled, her parents kept her at home and out of sight. She learned to paint from her uncle. One day a tour leader donated a wheel chair, took her out of her house, around Ubad, and eventually to Seniwati. She now heads a disabled organization of 70 members.

So I ask Wayan if things are getting better for the women of Bali . "Yes," she says, "because of TV, globalization, and now parents want their girls to go to school too"

As for the bottom line value of Seniwati Wayan concludes "because of the gallery women artists don't feel so lonely anymore."

SOME CEREMONIES HELD AT SENIWATI
Tell these to people that think we do weird things around here.

Day of Blessing for All Cars and Machines
Day of Blessing for All Plants
SanSuati Day Honoring the Goddess of Learning

CREATIVE LOSSES
Some years death takes more from us than others.  2005 was a hungry year.Nationally we lost the voice of a peace seeking generation in Eugene McCarthy.

Locally we lost a community arts leader and idealist, Albert Soto.  What I liked best about Albert was that he valued and spoke out for the small, women, and minority arts groups. Though he worked for a governmental agency, Tucson Pima Arts Council, he never stopped being an artist himself and never lost sight of our perspective. When we bought the Castle in 1992 he was the first agency person to visit.  Then he actually said something encouraging about the crumbling mess.

Among our own membership we lost Marcia Cole. Though she greeted gallery visitors with a bright smile and beautiful presence, life was a terrible trial for Marcia and she chose to leave. I miss her great cakes, sense of style and gentle spirit.

Jumping species, several members have also lost animal friends. I was most personally affected by the loss of Jacob and Quynn's canine companion, Babe.  Babe's was not a bark and jump on you nature but a quiet, keep the cows at bay presence. She had the jackal look of Anubis and I was amazed to discover that her roots were in the oldest known breed, the Pharaoh dog of Egypt. 

These are the losses that come to mind and there's not much good to be said of sorrow, except for one thing.  Having the loss means that we also had the opportunity and experience of having known and witnessed the va

7/05 FLOWER FRIENDS   By Linn Lane My friends, you are the blessings, The Goddess has caused you to grow in my garden, And I cannot tell you how grateful I am. Conjuring your names and natures, In desperate dark hours, You give me hope, strength, and courage. Gayle, you are my Sunflower, Long blooming, my lion, my heart, Life's mate and meaning, You are my monster slayer, Banishing fears away. Your smile is the ray of joy, I wait for every day, Here in hospital hell. Nancy is the red Rose, sister to my yellow, Friendship always returning in its season, Thirty-one years of standing with me, Promise keeping and protecting. Robert, you are the Poinsettia man, Growing red and green in impossible times, A rush of quiet empathy, A laugh shared, Critiquing God's so called plan. Quynn, is Daffodil, of course, Symbol of spring's renewal, Yellow color of mind, Being my favorite place to travel.  I cannot wait to be new with you again. And with Jacob, Who is Staff of Wheat, Talker to wind, Source of understanding, As to what we are. Giga, psychic soul reader, Fellow smoke signal seeker, My other oldest friend, You are Tiger Lilly, Whose spots are its beauty, So exotic to others, So unimpressive to yourself, Your compassion, holding my hand here, As it has on the worst occasions, Over the years, Magic stones to protect me now, As your far-seeing has, Over the decades. Kate, loved unreasonably, from the first, Is the white Lilac, that grew so fragrantly, At my Grandmother's home. Kate, new from long past, Singer from the depths, So open with her heart. And Jorge, the Ocotillo, Red stalk of strength, Dancing on desert hill, Man of the people, Master craftsman, I so admire. Karin is the showy red Wild Ginger, Blowing hot life into settled words, Quick to give action and warmth, In plays and in life. Terri, you are a bud of Something Purple, Not yet in bloom, A wild flower full of sound. Little sister, I pray that I will see you blossom. Jordana is Lotus, sacred to Isis, Mother Mary's peace warrior, She who washes our hair and consciousness, With pure light. Jane is the purple Iris, Steady and strong, Blooming in a stream of water, Secluded in her own family struggles, Secluded in Maine  Yet, even there, I lean on her friendship. Kaitlin, you are a new flower to me, A not yet identified Passion Flower, Healer, helper, that so warmly wafted, "Get up on your hind legs and fight." There is no fight in me, But these, your words, And somehow, now, that is enough. For reality, my friends, Has many strands, On which I am swinging back and fourth. Hold the rope for me, While I climb from this restless rocking, Of morphine half sleep, Where the whole room is the cradle, And its swinging too fast. Swinging too fast. But this too shall pass, Shall pass, As I walk my mind, Through your webbed garden of love, For it's a physical thing almost, The caring carried, By your prayers, cards, calls and candles. It is what slows the wheel, holds me, heals me, And I cannot tell you how grateful I am. For those who don't "get " poetry , I'll tell you another way.  I became frightfully ill and ended up at St. Mary's Hospital for eight long days. Previously I always managed to avoid encounters with our medical system. Being there showed me what everyday heroes, nurses and other personnel really are. Still the environment was scary and weird. I became anxious, unable to concentrate or calm my mind.  Only turning my thoughts to friends, family, and the many well-wishers made me feel better. While this poem is about some of the friends I felt closest to, my gratitude extends to all who were so supportive. While some may think cards, candles, gifts, and prayers are only social niceties, I experienced them as a physical lifting up of my spirit and I thank you so much.

lue of their lives.

A WomanKraft family photo:  Member Patricia Bowne and her son Rowan.  Photo by Kiara Cain.

Linn Lane on Fall 07 Newsletter.  Photo by Elena Ray

The Blue Rub The Blue Rub Aesthetics of Consciousness, I hear the wind blow through, Though there is none, In this cozy room. it is from her song, Which is restricted to touch here, but she has already ruined that illusion, Telling me all about it. The nature of her gift has eluded her, Confused her. She alternately brags and apologizes, For its existence. I’m empathetic, Lying there, Wondering which of us is the instrument. “It works on plants.”  She says. “Why not you?” Why not me? There is no reason. L. Lane

MY ARTIST DATE              from summer 07 by Linn Lane  I took my Head, Head, Head, Out for some air, To see some Red, Red, Red, Sunset Red.  Yeah!  I took my Head, Head, Head, Out for some air,  To paint some Green, Green, Green, Into my Scene. Yeah!  I took my Head, Head, Head, And fed it Gold, Gold, Gold, Desert Marigold. Yeah!  I took my Head, Head, Head, Out for some night. Dressed it with Cactus Lace, And Black , Black, Space.  Yeah!

Ahhh, spring. The succulents are a riot of flower-power. Bendire Thrashers and Northern Mockingbirds sing the dawn unto day. In the afternoon, the little space on my back where my shirt rides up sticks to my hot car seat (although at my age that is feeling pretty good). Early evenings in my neighborhood, you can smell cut hay and hot coals, maybe hear some faint strains of authentic Mexican music. The big black cow bellows from acres away north. It is almost easy to forget: Spring is a time of violent change for me. I await each one in dread, especially now what with all the climate change. You’d think I, more than anyone, would have some idea of what is going to happen!

Watch out humans! Like me, you may have to take a look at some old-cold winter ideas and reassess. I empathize. You may soon have to "realign your design". I know. You may be asked to "experience an experience" and then try to find a way to assimilate it that won’t completely wreck your idea of "the world". You may have a violent climate-change happen to you! I've been there, done that! Cataclysmically! Recently!

Here, let me tell you about it:

In this incarnation as M.E., I have a fine human husband. Let us call him “Husband” in this story, as I do often enough in a loving manner here in your world. He is a man who looks at the Sun through the telescopes at an Arizona observatory, so he’s a-way up high amongst the clouds, a fine place to be. The Tohono O’Odham people call him “a man with long eyes”. That is their translation for an astronomer.

With long desert days, he needs to be up very early to catch the sun, and so spends the night in the observatory quarters. (And, I gotta tell ya, the Iris bulbs up there on the mountain have created prolific purple fountains of beauty, if I say so myself.)

One fine spring day, not too long ago, Husband came home from a hard day of looking at the sun and taking data, to his quarters on the mountain, and immediately smelled burning olive oil on the stove. Before he could run to the kitchen to see if he left the stove on, he was confronted by an unknown and disheveled man coming towards him from the bedroom hall! No time to ask questions! It was an Altercation! To say the least! Jimmy Dean Frozen Sausage Biscuits were deep-fried! And eaten!

The man grabbed a package of tortillas and ran away as Husband called the Authorities (and turned off the stove). My first thought upon hearing all this was “Great Goddess! The man walked up a 7000 foot mountain! He deserved much more than a deep-fried frozen biscuit! I will have to stock the freezer better”.

However, the plot thickened. There are not many places to hide up on the mountain. Husband went looking for the missing man, and, in the maintenance yard found “KPC". Now, KPC is a fine tuxedo cat-man who craves human contact. And so, when Husband saw KPC in an isolated area, he knew “what was what“. Truly, KPC was a cat-hero; the biscuit-man was hiding in a tool shed.

The biscuit-man was taken into custody. Scratched up and a little bloody with torn clothes, he was reportedly rude and dismissive. He sneered at food offered, and while lying on the employee lounge couch watching television with the remote in hand, he began to sing, and, it was said, "not very well". At one point, he even mocked Husband. This is not an action I would recommend.

Indeed, the Authorities eventually arrived, frisked him and in his possession were a camera, lenses and electronic equipment belonging to another astronomer (missing said items). The Authority Agent remarked, shaking his head in sorrow, “They say these people are just here to find work". Clearly, there was no sympathy at this point on my beautiful 7000 foot mountain.

The arrested man said he had been separated from a group of people, and they were "out there." They were found soon enough at 4000 feet, as they started a fire to stay warm. Westward winds quickly fed the flames, and at 6 raging acres, the airstrike of pink slurry arrived. Husband called me, watching the amazing sight of the airplane 100 feet above him. He also mentioned they were on "standby for evacuation". Have you ever had anyone say that to you? “We are on "standby for evacuation". Horrors!

Now, you are probably saying, "Jeesh, what a story, wonder what happens next?

Well, the fire was put out. No evacuation was necessary. The biscuit-man was a "coyote": a human smuggler. He had been violently ejected from the group of folks he left on the mountain. Everyone was apprehended and presumably deported. Humans did what humans do, to each other, in this instance, from beginning to end.

End of story, right? Well, no. It’s not the end. It’s barely the beginning!

You can call them whatever you want to, immigrants, illegals, refugees, migrant workers, but from my perspective, I just call you all "humans". And I would like to remind you that in all the diversity of humanity, there is one thing that you all have in common:

You have to share the planet.

Keeping in mind my humble place on the earth in this incarnation, I respectfully suggest that for those of us with that luxury of mass communication, the real issue should be Earth. You know? The planet we live on?

Border issues are only a symptom of this larger problem. If you don’t want “them” here, what will it take before you computerized, televised, media-wise humans create true policy changes that allow people a living in other nearby lands with clean water, sustainable living, free of your governments’ political and financially devastating influence? As a matter of fact, since you are so perky, how about working for clean water, air and food within your own country?

Really, it is a beautiful day out there, and I have other things to do. I see there are about 3 dozen quail out by the birdfeeder. I need to go watch, and listen and breathe. So...I leave the human problems to you humans. But take heed... there are a million "causes" humans could support with time and money. I often chuckle at you: what is more important than the air you breathe, the water you drink, and the food you eat?

Of all of my creatures, it is only you that possess the power of planetary stewardship. And you want to prattle forever on, about imaginary lines; border issues? That is insane!

My favorite definition of human insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. But, you don't have to be insane. Do something different!

You could instead, oh I dunno…compost. Listen. Grow. Assess. Sing. Recycle. Harvest. Laugh. Create. Educate. Inspire. Ask. Inform. Empathize. Heal the planet and heal yourselves.

Honestly, I could use the help!

Love,
Mother Earth
xoxoxo

(Who would have thought that Mother Earth herself would have incarnated as a WomanKraft member!?!)

So now it is the end of 2007.  We are deeper into the war, more veterans are returning home and experiencing aspects of PTSD and beginning to admit it.  Each month my book is getting into the hands of a growing number of vets and their families, and it seems to be helping them.  Just today, I talked to a chaplain in a southern state who told me they are giving copies of “Accepting the Ashes” to their veterans who are trying their best to heal their minds, bodies and families.  I know that “healing” from PTSD is a life-long experience, and I know that writing this book has helped me heal myself, and my understanding of my father.  I am honored to hear how my father’s story is offering some kind of solace to others so horribly touched by war, again. 

To read or listen to “Accepting the Ashes” you can find it at the WomanKraft gallery,
or at www.acceptingtheashes.net ,  where you can also find a link to listen to a 10 minute audio version for free.

World Water Day Video Shoot
March 22 is World Water Day, Calling
Attention to water scarcity on Earth
The Digital Arts Studio has decided to create a short video honoring the River with No Water, The Santa Cruz River.

HUMANS AS FISH, HUMANS AS FROGS, HUMANS AS NATURE!
On Thursday, March 20 Quynn and Jacob will host a video shoot at the Santa Cruz at 22nd between 3pm and Sunset. The video will be uploaded to YouTube on March 22 for all to see Tucson’s beautiful, yet waterless, riverbed.  Imagine-Video as Digital Ritual!

We need volunteers to act as fish, insects, animals and plants. To prepare for said video making, we will be hosting three costume/mask making sessions upstairs in Quynn’s room. 

Sundays- February 17, March 2 and March 16    Noon-3pm

Come to one or all with an idea, and raw materials if you have them. We have fabric, paints and other doodads.
Call Quynn at 954-2004 for more information.

YOU CAN WATCH THE VIDEO WE MADE!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shf5UQZ3mqc

Hannah Blue Heron, and her partner Margaret at Hannah’s recent reading from her new book “Self Portraits in the Nude”

In May, Donette Tyrrell, Jane Macomber, Quynn Elizabeth and Jacob Prehler patched, painted and mural-ed Studio 102. Lovely!

The more times I participate in the Drawing Down the Muse weekend, the more I realize what a critical part of my year it has become.  Life PreMuse for me was one of a solitary artist making my way in this world with little validation and support for my work.

The Muse radically transformed that situation for me.  I began taking classes at the Castle with Gayle and other women and....Wow!  What a difference from being a lone wolf artisan.  Collecting, gathering and creating in solitary form.

There is no other place I know of that has the longevity, commitment, and thoughtful intentions that Womankraft has.  I have seen the value of becoming more involved in its incredible offerings.  Not only by taking classes and developing as a better artist, but by giving my time, money, creativity and positive energy to this beautiful mothership.

As with any organization/organism, it doesn't survive well in a vacuum.

I would love to see more of us moving to become more involved on a monthly basis.  Whether that means helping out at the openings, helping during, pre and post Muse, or seeing what else the Castle, or Gayle and Linn might need throughout the year to continue this endeavor together for another 30 years.  Yes, I said 30 years!!! These are my thoughts.  I'd love to hear yours.....


Love and Light, Donette

“DRAWING  DOWN THE MUSE” 2008 and beyond

<sup>In the weeks after the 13th annual “Drawing Down the Muse” Creative Weekend for Women, I am left to ponder the fun, the meaning, and the work that is “The Muse”.  As women, we are all aware of how wonderful a party can be, especially when it is well attended by like-minded people ready for an enlightening experience.  As women, we are also well aware of how much effort must go into hosting such a party! 

To be transparent, a few of us who put on this annual weekend went into this year’s event thinking that it might be our last. “A lot of work!” we said, “13 years ain’t a bad run!” we thought.  Yet still we publicized, gathered ads, made brochures and programs.  Then we shopped, cooked, cleaned the Castle and stocked toilet paper and paper plates, preparing for over 20 women to arrive on Friday evening. 

Women arrived ready for an adventure, and as happens every year, we had one. We read and wrote poetry, we drummed, danced, and painted ourselves.  We ate, set intentions and made beautiful things.  Oh, and we talked and laughed and sometimes, cried.  In the closing ceremony many women said how powerful the weekend was for them. That happens every year as well.  After everyone went home, those same few of us who wondered if this year’s Muse would be our last, are now open to its evolution.  If it can evolve, it can continue.

In order to have a 14th yearly weekend, some aspects of it preparation need to change.  Donette had a great idea.  Interested women create a “Drawing Down the Muse” committee to take care of next year’s prep work.  (More details about that will be revealed.  Any ideas are welcomed!)  So, here is our plea-  If you have ever received something beneficial from attending the Creative Weekend, please consider “upping” your involvement next year.  There are certain things that have to happen well before the weekend arrives for it to actually occur.   Pre-publicity in local publications, recruitment of new participants, solicitation of local sponsors, menu shopping, preparing and cooking, the brochure and program needs to be designed and created.  Then, right before the event the Castle needs to be cleaned inside and outside.  Of course, we love the weekend and want it to continue for another 13 years, but there are times when we must “Evolve or Die”.  This is one of those times.  If you feel called to jump in and offer your help when the time comes (in January of 2009 and into the spring), please tell Linn, Gayle, Donette or Quynn.  We look forward to seeing how we can evolve together!     To us!  Quynn Elizabeth</sup>

A New Friend of WomanKraft- Kati Astraeir

I was born on the 1st April in 1982 in Poland, and I grew up there.  The first four years of my life were rather blissful, but after the divorce of my parents my life turned into a nightmare, My mother's new husband became a tyrant in my life. He beat me almost everyday, and caused me a lot of suffering and feelings of blame, which made it very difficult for me to communicate to the world, and I started to stutter. Paradoxically it was the only time when I was deeply interested in religion, and at the age of six almost everyday I was praying for him to die or to get a disease.  I was thinking that when I will grow up and when I will be stronger I will make him suffer too.

At the age of six I was also abused by another man who raped me. These experiences led me into my depths, and into my dreams, and at an early age I started consciously to work with them and to work over my
healing, following my intuition. When I was 13 years old I decided to run away from my home and never to go back.  I went to live with my grandparents and occasionally with my father. I could experience more
calm and love but still I was in very trapped in darkness and trauma. I was looking for the ways to transcend it. Later I learned that I didn't want to give pain back to people that had hurt me, but I came to the understanding that I need to forgive them in my heart, and this step was for me very liberating and helped me to transcend darkness. I even get along very well with the tyrant from my past and I looked on everything from a new perspective. I saw that he was for me one of the greatest teachers and that these experiences were the greatest gifts for me.

My family, upon seeing my abilities sent me to the art school, one of the best in our country. It was a very wild and transformative time for me, but was also very difficult too, and I felt that the teachers were blocking me. I was bored by painting over and over again nature that surrounded me, and I was more interested in going inside of me, creating from the source, and expressing and exploring my pure spirit. I needed to heal myself through my art. Then on my path I met my boyfriend and he was of great assistance for me in my healing. With his help I stopped stuttering and learning from experience I started more consciously to work with music and with automatic drawing..in surrender..in perfect trust..going with the flow.  This appeared to me as the greatest tool to transcendence, and thanks to this I was learning a lot about myself. Also, I tuned more into nature and I was doing my first attempts with photography and I developed my relationship and love with trees.

My admiration of the beauty in them turned into something much deeper, and it became my additional tool for healing. Once again learning from experience, I noticed that uniting with the forest, every thing I looked at became my reflection, and that I can read trees, and visions hidden in them to learn about myself. When I was finishing my art school I got pregnant with my boyfriend and we got married. It was very transformative time that awakened many deeper feelings. Everything was going well, however in the 9th month of my pregnancy,

2 weeks before the date of the birth, my son stopped breathing in me, and I had to give birth knowing that he was already dead. His death turned me even deeper into my subconsciousness, and into my darkness. As I had already some experience with healing I could go beyond all this intense pain to understanding and seeing perfect order in everything.

This experience helped me to understand deeper my true purpose in life. After coming to terms with what happened I was able to take huge power from it and to use it in creative way. I developed my own meditations, and rituals, and thanks to them, I was discovering and uniting with my Divine Self. These explorations however created a huge distance between me and my husband and we could not communicate and our relationship started to break down. I felt like dying, and I wanted to leave in order to save my art.  I was believing that my art will give me all I really need.
  

When things got very bad between us I had a series of altered state journeys with great visions, tapping into the Universal Mind. In the same time I met Steven Eye (Director of Solar Culture Art Gallery), he found me through my art, and we started to write to each other. When I saw his art everything became so much more clear..I saw an excellent order and connection with my earlier visions. He invited me to Tucson and I realized that my spirit was always calling me there. I gave up my whole old reality and I jumped into the abyss in perfect trust. Everything was happening with incredible speed, and on Halloween night I was flying from one reality into another, with this strange feeling of home coming.  I came to the most perfect place for me and for my development. I couldn't believe how lucky I am that the Universe sent me to Solar Culture Gallery, a great temple of music and art, and blessed me with such a perfect partner. We got married a year later..

My art indeed is giving me all I need. Since I came to Tucson I have experienced incredible transformations and I feel like a new person. Though healing is never ending and I see that  my journey actually only has just begun.....there is so much more for me to do and to create here on Earth. 

You can see Kati’s art at WomanKraft Gallery, and at www.0000Kati0000@deviantart.com

rECYCLE tRIBE
Did you know that Patricia Bowne, esteemed WomanKraft member, now has a blog?   It is great, and it is called “Recycle Tribe”.  Consider it moral support for the masses.  Here is an excerpt from her first entry.

“I remember when I was going through a very terrible time in my life. I felt the world was closing in on me and I was all alone. Alright, I wasn't but I felt like it. Out of the darkness, I received one of the best pieces of advice that I use almost daily and I'll share it with you.
When you are surrounded by problems, pick out the most critical one first and handle it. Forget all the others that seem to hover over your head like a hungry vulture. Focus on one problem at a time.
It's easier to fight one thing at a time. If you look out and see the converging army, you'll s*!t yourself and not have the courage to knock down even a few. Oh, and don't forget, you're not fighting alone.    Crisis Management 101.    Simple, yes? Of course it is!
Now let's get started...”

You will find ideas for sustainability, community and a good ole rant or two to keep your spirits up!  Find it linked at the WK site (front page). or go to www.recycletribe.blogspot.com . 

2008 Thank you!!!!!! and you!!
So many  wonderful people and businesses to thank, so little space!!!  Here we go... Thanks to Linn and Gayle for the continued vision and work!  Our fabulous Officers and Board of Directors for your support.  Our generous sponsors for the 2008 “Drawing Down the Muse” Weekend.  WOMANKRAFT SCHOOL OF THE ARTS , ANTIGONE’S BOOKS, BENTLEY’S,  BOOKSTOP,  CASBAH TEAHOUSE,  CREATIVE SPIRIT GALLERY,  DESERT BLOOM NURSERY AND LANDSCAPING,  JAY’S OF TUCSON ,  MAGPIE’S PIZZA,  MURALS BY DONETTE,  THE INSTITUTE FOR THE SHAMANIC ARTS,  SARNOFF’S ART SUPPLIES,  SOUTHWEST BEE SUPPLY, AQUA VITA,  FOOD CONSPIRACY CO-OP and  17TH STREET MARKET.   
Anyone and everyone who donated time, money, and needed items, without you we cannot go on!  Our gallery docents, Jane, Elke, Nan, Gudrun and Gayle.   Ellie- thank you so much for the years of assistance getting the word out.  Your efforts will be missed!!!!!!  Donette- for painting and patching the gallery in June.  Gerrie- for cleaning the gallery before so many receptions.  All the reception drummers, and you have a wonderful snake bench to play, thanks to the facilitation of Jessica Shuman.  Jacob- for volunteering to patch and resurface the roofs on the Sanctuary and Studio 102/103.  Quynn- for newsletter and website maintenance.  Kaitlin- for grant writing flair! All who stepped up to offer workshops and circles in the new Healing Cave this summer- Kevin, Donette, Kim, Patricia and Lilla. Jordana and David of The Sanctuary, for being you.   Did we miss you in this list?  

Know you are loved!!!!

MAKING STEREOTYPES WORK FOR YOU 

By Linn Lane

We crossed the river.  We may still die of exposure but we’re on the other side.  I’m still pretty stoked about the election.  Everyday still the tears.  Jeez, I had no idea I’d be so emotional.  It’s not even my cause really. 

True 30 years ago I was in the streets getting my head cracked, scaring my parents.  In the generation before that my Kentucky Granddad resigned his high position in the Masonic Order telling his peers “Anything a man has to cover his face to do is something he shouldn’t oughta be doing anyway.”   Now, don’t complain “but the Masons weren’t like that”  No, they weren’t but in the south they were aligned with the grange (farming) societies ”and  too often the grange embraced the Ku Klux Klan.

It’s like the election toppled some invisible statue.  Sure, there’s still plenty left but this gives us confidence that those saboteurs will also be falling shortly.  We’ve left the Season of Hope and entered the Season of Inspiration.  No, Barocks not the Messiah but his victory over stereotypes inspires us to do what we can to overcome the ones in our own lives that have been dogging us down the worst.  And with the mess we’re in economically, diplomatically, ethically, and environmentally, anyone who can, needs to do something.

It’s going to happen.  In Chicago barber shops report an influx of young black men who want a new style.  They say that for the first time they feel claimed, validated, empowered.  Sound familiar, WomanKraft members?  This is all because some politician  asked Barack to support a bill mandating an end to low hanging trousers.  He said “ No” the bill was just too silly.  Then he looked out at America and went on “ Having said that, Brothers, pull up your pants.”  America, it’s not about the pants, and we all know it.

It’s about stereotypes.  When they asked Barack how he got his middle name, Hussein, he laughed.  “Obviously, I was given this name by someone who didn’t think I was going to grow up to run to be president.”  America just didn’t buy the stereotype that the name Hussein made the man a muslin.  Stereotypes, however, can work for us. Apparently, in some cultures, the fact that Barack has this name means he is some kind of relative and will therefore care about them and their problems.  People around the world are already declaring that America has changed in a way that improves chances for diplomacy and negotiation.                        

The thing about stereotypes, good or bad, is that whether we believe it or not, we internalize their power. Research in Scientific American Mind’s article The Social Psychology of Success Apr./May 08 concluded that “People’s performance on intellectual and athletic tests is shaped by awareness of stereotypes about the groups to which they belong.”  Asians are good at math.  Women are bad at math.  If a person is both Asian and female …well… those two sort of cancel each out. It can go either way because no imprinting occurs.

 Even when we’re not individually gifted in a way that fits the stereotype we have an advantage.  For instance, women tend to be good at language. So even women who can barely string a sentence together think they can.  With confidence and positive stereotype attitude they keep practicing and eventually improve.

“We experience a facility of self and “flow” when what we are and want to be as individuals is fully compatible with what we appear to be as group members”, according to the authors.

On the other hand, when what we are or want to be conflicts with what we appear to be as group members, this dissonance creates stress and conflict that actually interferes with our ability to concentrate and learn.  This perceived inability leads to failure, avoidance and denial.  

We’ll do almost anything to control the biases we harbor and consciously abhor.  We deny they exist. We deny they hold any meaning for us and certainly they don’t apply to us personally. We do our best to prove it.  I’m little but I’m fierce. I’m big but I’m feminine.   (continued on next page)    

Having walked this path a dang long time, while I’m not suggesting we ought to just give up and cozy up to stupid stereotypes,  I wonder if, in the process of trying to eradicate their awfulness, we haven’t crippled the ways in which they may work for us.

For instance, in my own case, let’s take three early imprinters:  little, cute, domestic.

Little stereotype is weak, powerless, and not to be taken seriously. Secretly, though, I’ve always liked little. Little is elf, quick, magical, fun, lucky, light, playful and resourceful.  I was less fond of cute.  In high school, my deeply respected counselor told me instead of college I’d probably be getting married, cute as I was.  This was in response to my asking about scholarships and loans.  I knew right then married was something I’d definitely not be getting.  So I didn’t but now, at this age it occurs to me, even if I wanted too, I couldn’t get married, except to a man, which would make no sense in my world.  Still there’s value in being cute.  People will talk to you, don’t feel threatened, let you in their houses and tend to look on you with favor. As for domestic that’s something I opposed to the depth of my soul. Lovers, who came to my house and looked in my refrigerator, were destined to find basically nothing.  I didn’t want any Sweetie thinking I was someone who was ever going to make them dinner.  Truth is, though, I can’t even remember a time, when I wasn’t good at and didn’t take some pleasure in actually cooking. All the women in my family cooked and canned and roasted and baked and braised and raised gardens and so on. It’s a knowledge base that’s just there and there’s a lot to like about it. For one thing, it’s a definable skill, which makes it different than the vagueness of most of my talents.  Also no cooking project ever gets to intimidate me.  I know I can always find a recipe and if something sounds wrong in the recipe I just change it.  That kind of confidence doesn’t grow on trees.

Lastly, I like eating tasty healthy food, as do my friends and lover, who cooks equally well.  Ok. I admit it. You read it here. I’m domestic.  It’s not just cooking.  I want my house and yard pretty and I fuss over my friends, cats, flowers and vegetables. “It’s”  as Martha Stewart celebrates, “a good thing.”  

I bet Barack knows something about this reclaiming process.  His is the most diverse governing team we’ve ever seen in Washington and word on the street is that he’s a great team player.  Hope so.

UPDATE ON THE MIXED MEDIA PLAYERS

by Linn Lane
Finally, something to report.  On Sunday, February 15th  at  4 P.M. you’re invited to the Castle to hear the first presentation of Guru Genoa, my radio play.  Gayle Swanbeck directed and it stars Edin Sirak, Donette Tyrrell, Lila Luoma, Gayle and a few radio voices. Six of Lilla’s magical original songs are included.  Quynn Elizabeth put it all together with assistance from Elke Collins.  The story is about a famous, lesbian singer/songwriter who left her career and lover to follow a charismatic female Guru.  It’s set in Tucson on a women’s community radio show similar to KXCI’S Women’s Show (Broad Perspectives Radio).

KXCI will broadcast the program on February 15th at  4:30 P.M., so if you can’t come to WomanKraft to listen with us, listen to 91.3 FM to hear the whole play.  Thank you to Randy and Susie B. at KXCI for making this happen!  You can also listen online at www.kxci.org (click ‘listen now’) at the time of broadcast.  You can listen later online for a $ 5.00 donation to WomanKraft.  (Email Quynn at earthtribetv@yahoo.com to find out how.)

Then there’s the Lost Illegal, my full-length theater play we’re planning to produce next if we can ever find a theater to rent and all the resources needed including funding and a cast and crew.  Funding-wise, one thing I’ve done is write a very complex grant to Astraea Foundation for Justice.  It’s national and probably a long shot but one thing I know for certain is that if we don’t get anything, it certainly won’t be because we didn’t have great letters of support thanks to Senator Paula Aboud, writer and urban planner, Mariel  Masque, and Kaitlin Meadows and Monica Mueller from the Women’s Commission.  People have no idea how affirming it is for all us at WomanKraft to have our works appreciated in this show of support. Thanks more than I can ever express. 

This play is about a lesbian couple and their activist granddaughter whose lives become entangled with an illegal border crosser.  In the reading of the first draft I really didn’t go deep enough into this illegal, Inez. Mariel Masque had the courage, confidence and kindness to tell me so.  Now it gives me great honor to quote this from her letter to Astraea.

 “As a Latina Lesbian who deeply understands the oppressive construct of borders from personal experience, I have closely observed Linn in the development of her character, Inez.  I have also shared my thoughts and we’ve discussed the play at great lengths.  I am absolutely impressed with Linn’s ability to grasp a deep social issue and transform it in a way that, without alienating the audience, effectively makes us ponder about our warped and unfounded perceptions of the border.  Linn Lane is the most talented woman I have met when it comes to developing characters that speak easy on very hard topics to enunciate.”

Looking for a great part to play in this crazy world.  We are particularly wanting  to audition women age 18 to 30, men age 18 to 30, men age 40 up and women age 50 up  and Spanish/English speaking women age 30 to 50.  We’re also needing designers, general crew and anyone with an interest in being part of a production.  Gayle Swanbeck is directing.   

Putting Your Heart Where Your Art Is
By Kaitlin Meadows

Six years ago my life nearly burned to the ground.  Fires roared through my quiet mountain village in San Diego County, forcing me to an evacuation center with only my animal companions and the clothes on my back.  Trapped there for many frightening, chaotic days, I came to new understandings about my life and dreams.  I felt trapped in an unhappy marriage, deeply fatigued from a long career of social service and hospice nursing, and was forever putting “duty” and “obligation” ahead of personal joy and creative adventure.

While at the shelter, I decided that whether my home burned down or not, I was done with an inauthentic life.  When the fires were out and the ash had settled, I packed a U-Haul and headed for Tucson where I knew only one person—Albert Lannon--an old friend with whom I shared the avocation of archaeology.

On that very first visit to Tucson, Albert took me to WomanKraft and another sort of fire was ignited in me.  Not only for the wonderful man who was to become my beloved life-mate, but for the magical air of WomanKraft as well.  Since then, I’ve grown into a new woman, found the love of my life, and made a modest home at WildHeart Ranch.   I began, tentatively, to take classes at WomanKraft, to make art and friends and gradually transform myself from a self-less human being to a self-full human being.  It’s, literally, saved my life!

Now it’s time to show my appreciation and share my gratitude.  Workshops taken and given, Muse weekends celebrated with a wonderful new tribe of creative sisters, and now a chance to serve on the Board of Directors, WomanKraft has blessed me! 

Thanks for giving me an opportunity to put my heart where my art is!

GETTING A CLUE ABOUT NON PROFITS       by Linn Lane
Non-profits exist because a group of people are dedicated to some broad social issue that desperately needs attention in the culture.  Too often people from other spheres just don’t get it and they couldn’t tell you one way in which a non-profit differs from business.  It is oh so wonderful when someone does. 

KXCI gets it.  They have initiated a new program where they have chosen 25 non-profits to tell their 2-minute story.  I got to make one for WomanKraft. Shout of thanks out to Amanda and Randy.  While I haven’t heard ours yet I’ve heard others and they are gems.  It’s so great to hear what others are doing and about.  I also like talking amidst the music. It’s a friendly feeling.

Also getting it better than anyone are our funding friends.  We again received a grant from the ARIZONA COMMISSION ON THE ARTS. They have a new visual arts director, Adriana Gallego, who actually visited and has a remarkable understanding of the struggle and value of community artists.

About the GRAND FOUNDATION, what can I say except that we are extremely grateful for their support for low- income senior programs at the School of the Arts.  I’m sure it isn’t easy for them to keep their foundation doing its invaluable work in this economic climate.

Lastly, BASHAS is quite the good neighbor.  Until March 31, 09 if you link your Thank You Card to our organization NUMBER, 27968 they’ll donate a percentage to us. 

“DRAWING DOWN THE MUSE”
Creative Weekend for Women 2009

Each business listed below has been kind enough to support WomanKraft’s Creative Weekend for Women.  We thank them for their contribution, and we encourage WomanKraft members and friends to support our Sponsors.  When you visit, say you saw their at at WomanKraft!

Our Fabulous Sponsors for the 2009 Muse Weekend are:

Antigone Books- 411 N. 4th Ave.  792-3715

Southwest Bee Supply- 844 S. 6th Ave.  882-7522

WomanKraft School of the Arts-  388 S Stone Ave  629-9976 x2

www.MeaningfulThings.net-
Arizona contact for The International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers meeting in Arizona December 2009   

more info- 602-686-3169

Food Conspiracy Co-op-  412 N. 4th Ave   624-4821
www.foodconspiracy.coop

Pima County/Tucson Women’s Commission
The El Presidio Promenade and Garden Tea- May 9
www.pimatucsonwomen.org

BOOKSTOP-  214 N. 4th Ave.   326-6661
Quality Used Books Bought and Sold

Touch of the Muse Mobile Massage
Patricia Bowne LMT   822-6543
patriciabowne@themusesanctuary.com

Mother Source Modalities-  Donette Tyrrell   272-6969
donettetyrrell@gmail.com

Soul Recovery with Elisabeth-  Soul Retrieval, Journeys and Healing
sweetnessofsoul@yahoo.com

Jay’s of Tucson-  Beads, Silver Jewelry, Supplies
4627 E. Speedway  323-1123   www.jays-of-tucson.com

Sarnoff- Art and Writing
2504 N. Campbell   795-1229

17th Street Market-  Your One-Stop Shop for International Foods
830 E. 17th St.  792-2588  
www.treasureshidden.com

The Institute for the Shamanic Arts  
www.shamanworld.com

SEE PHOTOS OF THIS YEAR’S WEEKEND

6 DEGREES OF SEPARATION     

It is said that everyone we want to meet is 6 (or less) contact people away. We're seeking a person or persons who would be interested in supporting an amazing new aspect of WomanKraft, GIRLS MAKING MEDIA, founded and led by our own Quynn Elizabeth, through the WomanKraft Digital Arts Studio. This last year a grant was secured through the Every Voice in Action Foundation (R) and in collaboration with the Pima County/Tucson Women’s Commission . The project taught girls ages eleven to sixteen years old the skills needed to create promotional videos and Public Service Announcements (PSAs) about issues that affect women and girls. We invite you to watch this youth produced PSAs by going to www.womankraft.org (scroll down to the bottom of the first page to see our YouTube channel.  You can click on each of them there.)   For those who don't have internet access, let me say, they are truly impressive, in subject matter ( The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act- the first bill signed into law by President Obama, teen employment issues and rights, body image, and how self-esteem affects teen pregnancy), technical acuity, and artistic merit. Plus it's just thrilling to see these young girls caring about matters that do, and will, make a difference in the quality of everyone's life. This is a project worth supporting!

Quynn is working hard to find grant money for the project‘s second year, but prospects have been greatly reduced in our current economic climate. What we are seeking is a way to remove the burden of meeting rent on the studio space, so she can concentrate on recruiting girls to create programming (there certainly is interest and need!). WomanKraft is sponsoring 50% of the rental fee, leaving $200 per month, $2,400 a year she needs to raise. That's all it would take to keep this program running, plus all the other services the Digital Arts Studio (DAS) provides for WomanKraft, our members, supporters, and students. DAS has been responsible for the production of our two radio plays: "The Wiccan Boardmeeting" and "Guru Genoa", audio effects for our production at the P.C.C. Precinium Theater of "The Water's Edge", our now stellar WomanKraft website, YouTube channel, our artists member's web pages, and so much more.

Do you know of a Foundation, person, or persons who would be interested in funding this? Would you be willing to fund it? Would you be able to contribute all or a portion of one month? Is your business looking for ways to invest your sponsorship dollars in a meaningful way ? (GMM videos can have sponsors)  There are many creative ways that we can secure the space so this budding cottage industry (digital media production) can flower. 

We've been making little miracles happen here at WomanKraft for nearly 35 years, now it's time for another one. Let's give a little so our GIRLS MAKING MEDIA can continue to teach technical and entrepreneurial skills to our Tucson youth. Let's send a clear message of support and help now. Call Quynn at 954-2004 or WomanKraft at 629-9976  ext 2, or mail your fully tax deductible donations to WomanKraft (Attention: GIRLS MAKING MEDIA).  388 S. Stone Ave, Tucson, Az. 85701  Even if we don’t get the whole amount, every bit helps prolong the program, so more girls can learn technological skills.      ..... THANK YOU! In Love and Gratitude, Gayle Swanbeck                         

CARI AND MARILYN                             DECEMBER 2009

By Linn Lane

“ I never worry that I’m becoming addicted “ If I find myself doing the same thing 3 times in a row, I just do something else 3 times in row”

That’s life wisdom from Cari Makoi, long time WomanKraft friend and supporter, who died July 8^th,2009 at age 87.  She always said she’d live be 84.  I guess she got 3 extra years

She was what WomanKraft Board member and personal friend, Giga Soto, describes as “ the classiest woman…and always so generous with her time.”  Giga reminds me that long after Cari was scaring us both driving her 1956 beetle, Cari was out doing the personal shopping for this 100-year-old woman she befriended. Then when Giga had eye problems Cari insisted on coming over to read to her so Giga wouldn’t be bored or depressed.

Indeed Cari’s generosity to  artists, animals, and community was legendary. She made regular contributions to Woman Kraft and helped with special projects. She partially supported a least 2 artists, an up and coming African dancer and a Chinese visual artist. She was active in neighbor spay, neuter, rescue programs. Other wise Spring Dunbar would be thicker with kittens. Giga reminds me that Cari herself once rescued a pig.  This debacle somehow involved Giga by association. 

In the late 80ies early 90ies Cari took me out to lunch quite a lot.  Restaraunt staff often asked if she was my mother or aunt. Though we could never find anything genetic, except being white, in our DNA, we shared common interests in metaphysics, community, cats,  fixing up old houses, literature, dance, and the Libra’s favorite, our precious relationships.

In 1986 I was able to bring my own mother to Tucson for the holidays and the Castle’s Birthday party.  She and Cari enjoyed each other so much I wished again we were really related. Maybe Cari’s independent ways would rub off on my  “ blood is thicker “ mother.

When younger Cari taught ballroom dancing while studying many movement forms.  She particularly liked African. By the time I knew her interest in the arts was more as a generalist  (what some might even call a dilettante) Her dedication to the artists and to the creative life was, however, genuine.

Her support at Woman Kraft included both practical advice and psychic hunches. Once she told us to start painting furniture. She had this dream where business was booming when we sold this wooden home décor along with paintings, drawings, and sculpture.  Though we never went into the furniture painting business,by the time we had artists  exhibiting this type of work, those financially desperate early days were over. Even now painted furniture is one of our best sellers.

Unfortunately Cary also had her demons. In her case they involved lists of enemies who conspired endlessly against her, until it seemed that only Giga and I weren’t involved.  Maintaining this status became too much of an emotional burden and we both gave up, eventually, me sooner than Giga.

When did this happen? Giga and I ask each other but nothing happened.  It just went on. What stands out most about her, though, I ask? 

“Her Grace”Giga replies, “her grace and her generosity.  



MARILYN KALBACH

By Linn Lane
Marilyn was a big bold Aquarian with sloe eyes and a penetrating gaze.  She did not suffer fools without telling them so, let alone gladly. Her cause was social justice in general and feminism in particular.  She went to International women’s conferences and knew women from all over the world.  If possible I’m sure she would have had them all at her house together for one of her fabulous women’s parties.  As it was she invited the locals and whoever else was in town.

Marilyn was fun to play with and had a prankster streak.  One of her favorite GOOFS was to laugh at the European and urban visitors who frequently freaked at the snakes who lived around Marilyn’s outdoors desert home and liked to join the pool parties.

As a founding member of WomanKraft in 1974 she helped establish the paperwork and purpose that has served us all these years. Her watercolors, in contrast to her personality always struck me as peaceful and mild.

Marilyn had a family but by the time I knew her the brilliant scientist husband was dead.  Nor did I see much of her daughter, Diane, growing up.

Grow up she did, however, and by then the Marilyn I knew in those early days was also gone. Again I don’t know when, where, or how she left us. At first she was just always late.  Then she didn’t show up at all. That behavior ended our personal relationship but I still saw her socially occasionally. I don’t know when the social ended.  I heard she was pretty much a hermit when she died.

I do remember our wild dancing at the first WomanKraft party in our first public space in 1986 at 200 E. congress. The question of that night was whether the hardwood floors we’d discovered, then recovered from under a layer of petrified black go at great time and expense would be dry for the big fundraiser.  I don’t think we made enough to even pay one month’s rent but a sea change of undulating women stood out in the round glass windows, lighting the night on fire and thrilling the downtown’s endless homeless. We passed some threshold, pressed the visible button on women’s cultural contributions. Marilyn was a part of that.

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