by Donna Ahlstrand, Newsletter Convener
We are home from the Annual Gathering in Canada. 43 women from Canada and the United States spent an inspirational August weekend together “Weaving Wisdom, Renewing Spirit.” We are ready now to continue to spread the GTW circle energy in our local areas, and particularly across Canada. Within a week of returning home, three Canadian women stepped forward to become new Regional Coordinators. We happily welcome Heather Plett, Michelle Landry, and Evelyn Richter! At the Conveners annual meeting, we also enthusiastically “promoted” Diane Jung from Regional Coordinator Canada to Convener Canada! Now we just need to figure out what exactly that means. For a heartwarming review of our time together, click on this link for a three-minute slide show: http://youtu.be/UT6NoKd1ziE
One highlight at the event was the unveiling of the Sisters Quilt created by GTW women from all over the world. Mary Cunningham, our Regional Coordinator Convener from Arizona, brought the finished piece which was presented in ceremony and hung on the wall in the Gathering Place throughout the weekend. See each individual panel up close in the Inspiration section of the newsletter. Notes from some of the attendees: On our first morning together, we were gifted by a First Nations woman, Dorothy Taylor, who introduced the “Water Ceremony” and shared with us the significance of the sacred water—and then taught us all a beautiful “Water Song” which, translated, says “Water, we love you, we thank you, we respect you.” Following this, each woman in circle introduced themselves, poured water they had brought to the gathering in a ceremonial bowl, and put a special item on the altar in the center of the room. It was so good to look around the circle and see the diversity in ages—there were the young maidens, the mature women and also the elders. And it was significant in what each brought to the circle, and how it was honoured. – Diane Jung, Canada
My memories of our 2012 GTW gathering are filled with women laughing in the circle, chatting during our meals together, and calling out to each other in the halls of the dorm we stayed in. I am also remembering the women with tears welling in their eyes as they shared their stories in circle. Another strong memory is from one evening when we sat around a bonfire outside in the warm air and sang as Diane played her tambourine and Ann-Marie sang and played her exotic instrument from Africa. Over the three days, each time we ate together we got to know each other better, and when we left after our last lunch, I was so happy to see the Canadian women gathered together in the dining hall. They were forming a strong Gather the Women of Canada before they all went back home. I am so grateful to the women who worked so hard to make everything work, and to provide a beautiful space for us to be together. – Barbara Belknap, Alaska Sunday morning in our final Circle together, we were asked to describe what we would be taking away from this Gathering. When it was my turn with the talking stick, I looked at the faces of the women sitting with me, each wearing her shawl signifying her own wisdom and the collective wisdom of all women, and I know that I have never felt such a strong bond of connection with each woman who sat, waiting, looking back at me, listening with attention. It was grace and it was very moving.
We have added a new feature to our newsletter. Here’s our first “Getting to Know You” interview with Donna Ahlstrand, North Bay (Sonoma County, California) Regional Coordinator. Who are you in the world? I am an organizer, a leader, someone who is interested in and enthusiastic about new-found hobbies and activities. I am passionate about whatever is high on my list at the moment, and I have a diverse and interesting collection of friends. I was lucky to be able to do most of my college work in my mid-40s in a period where I did not have to work. At Sonoma State University, I majored in English with a Creative Writing concentration and a minor in Women’s Studies. School after some life experience was wonderful, enlightening, and enriching! After two long-term stints in business and nonprofit management, I recently served a year on the Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury. I enjoy my work in women’s circles and as the North Bay Regional Coordinator for Gather the Women and was recently asked to be Newsletter Convener as well, and am proud to produce my first newsletter! Since childhood, I have been an artist. I danced, played guitar, sang with the Petaluma Community Chorus, even dabbled in acting. My creative work includes crocheted blankets and scarves, painted ceramics, dreamcatchers, Christmas decorations, and jewelry. My current passion is gourd art: vessels and bowls, fairy houses, talking sticks, rattles and unusual gourd creations including a hot air balloon, wind chimes, gourd divas, and vases. My website is www.uppitydesigns.com. What lights your fire? Compassionate people, humor, astrology, stone energy, nature, Lake Tahoe, trees, babies, watching children grow and learn. I enjoy books written by Barbara Kingsolver, Michael Cunningham, and Dana Stabenow. The movies I own and have watched the most times are Harold and Maude, Contact, and The Breakfast Club. I also love Chorus Line, Jesus Christ Superstar, Betty White (who reminds me of my mother) and Carol Burnett. What drew you to Gather the Women? I was drawn by the energy and wisdom in women’s circles, the experience of sharing and listening at a deep level. When I walked into my first Gather the Women meeting, I knew this was made for me. 
Sent in by Nancy Naumann, GTW Nevada County, CA
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