By Gemma Cleanslate
The weekend was busy with many activities and events that had to do with Valentine Day and love across the grid. I spent most of my time over at One Billion Rising greeting visitors to this event that tries to bring into focus issues that affect women in so many ways in everyday life . I showed you the family in crisis in Sunday article. This is the family in the future when Covid is done.
This year the theme was Gardens. “The global climate crisis continues to affect communities around the world, but women and girls suffer the most as a result of long term loss of livelihood, forced migration, trafficking and other climate related conflicts. Indigenous populations everywhere have also suffered gravely – displaced and forced to flee and relocate – making them the world’s first climate refugees.” Amazing to see that even Climate puts women again at the most risk along with all the other issues. It reminds us all we don’t always realize how many issues there are affecting women everywhere all the time.
The entire four regions were full of beautiful and diverse gardens to roam and enjoy and reflect on the peace and relaxation that gardens bring in times of stress and perhaps despair.
Many of the artist installations demonstrated their view of gardens and women. Daark
Gothly made her garden a place “ Untangle The Stories.” She explains
this, “The beginning of understanding is Love. Planting Seeds with
plenty of Water brings on a Growth that will be shared. As each person
untangles the stories of the past: Listen, Say, Hear, Value, Watch,
Tell. Growth will begin.” It is beautiful and enchanting to walk
through.
Krystali Rabeni reminds of the reality that still persists in many places around the globe.
At Lampithaler"s installation I stopped to talk with her and do some tai chi.
Over at the Poetry Plaza there were poetry readings . I stopped to hear the Sean... women doing readings. Aoife( Aiofe Lorefield was reading at the time.
The plaza was another lovely garden setting that was a place
for meditating and relaxing .
One place I love to visit there every year is the Hall of Heroes. Here are life stories of some of those who have fought for women’s rights for many years all around the world. The placards highlight their successes. and honor their work.
Morgan is an example of one who worked
not only in real life but brought her work into sl at the Care and Hope
Center.
A reminder for all of us by Angela Thespian-Ireland.
Congratulations to the leads of this project every year
since 2013. Their behind the scenes work is long and difficult . And
thanks to the artists who did the building of the forests and gardens
and stage for performers who participated for 24 hours. If you missed
this event remember to come next year.
Gemma Cleanslate
