Gather the Women Global Matrix is filled with incredible kindness, connection, and inspiration. In that spirit, the Leadership Team is thrilled to introduce “Praise Inspires” - a heartfelt space to celebrate the growth, achievements, and contributions of the amazing women in our community.
We invite you to take a moment to uplift a sister who has inspired you by submitting a message through the form linked in our newsletter. If you haven’t subscribed yet, you can join us at Newsletter Subscription | GTW.
Please keep entries to 50 words or fewer, as we’d love to feature them in our newsletter - and space is limited!
Let’s continue shining together by honoring the light we see in one another.
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With Gratitude for Kathie Murtey: A Circle of Stones Farewell
submitted by GTW Circle of Stones Hosts​
Kathie Murtey, our longtime Circle of Stones host, is stepping down from her Thursday morning chair. Kathie has held sacred space for many years and she will be missed. The words posted here are loving tributes to Kathie from her Gather the Women sisters.
~ She who holds space, holds the soul of the circle. ~​​​​
"Dear Kathie,
Wise women elders listen to their hearts for that sweet inner voice that sometimes beckons and says, 'Perhaps it is time to step aside.' And it sounds like you have heard that voice.
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You have served the Circle of Stones on Thursday mornings for YEARS, offering your time, your presence, your wisdom, and most of all, your beautiful heart. Your dedication and commitment to our Sisters have been a true gift, and we will be forever and always grateful for the loving way you have held this circle. You have been one of the steady lights that has helped keep the flame of our Sisterhood burning.
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At 86, you are one of our beloved Sisters in the eighth decade who continues to inspire others simply by being who you are. You have walked a long and beautiful path, and the wisdom you carry is not something you have to teach — it radiates from you.
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You have always been a Bringer of the Light, my dear Kathie. And what a gift you have been to all of us. Your presence, your devotion, your wisdom, and the love you have poured into our circles have mattered more than you may ever fully know." ~ Woman Spirit Rising
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"Kathie,
I honor you and your commitment to hosting COS for all of these years. As I have shared before, the very first women's circle I ever sat in, you were hosting with another sister, Nancy M during an AZ Grandmother's Retreat in 2018. That experience was so meaningful to me that, well, here I am in Gather the Women, participating in circles whenever I can. I still see and feel your loving energy during that very first circle. Thank you for continuing to share your light and love. As Woman Spirit Rising said so beautifully, 'And what a gift you have been to all of us. . .' I love you, Kathie." ~ Cindy L
"Thank you Kathie for your many years of Calling the Women around the Light of our candle. I could always feel the presence of many. Many blessings to you." Love ~ Oshi
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"Kathie,
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Thank you for your dedication to hosting. It was easy to sense the depth of your spirit as you opened each circle. I honor your decision and am grateful for knowing another dynamic woman." ~ Your sister from Iowa, Connie
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"Oh, Kathie, I'm so glad the universe made us see one another at the end of what might have been your last hosting of CoS. Every time I see your happy face, it cheers me up no end. Keep that lovely smile going!" ~ Sue A
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"While I didn't have the privilege of knowing you well, I was fortunate to sit in a few circles you hosted. What I remember most is how welcomed, supported, and cared for I felt in those spaces. You had a beautiful way of creating an atmosphere where we could simply show up as ourselves and feel held.
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Your presence carried a quiet warmth and steadiness that left an impression on me, even through the relatively few circles we shared. I can only imagine the countless women whose lives have been touched by your wisdom, compassion, and dedication over the years.
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Thank you for the time, energy, and heart you have poured into this community. The circles you created provided a place of connection, reflection, and belonging, and that is a gift that reaches far beyond any single gathering.
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As you prepare for the next part of your journey, I hope you know how deeply appreciated you are. The circles you have held may be coming to a close, but the kindness, wisdom, and sense of belonging you created within them will continue to live on in the hearts of those you touched. Thank you for sharing your light so generously and for helping so many feel seen, supported, and cared for." ~ With love and gratitude, Debbie
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"Beloved Kathie,
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Thank you for your years of devoted hosting, for the gentle way you’ve held circle, and for the friendship you’ve offered so generously. Your presence has been a steady light. We shared many circles in the Arizona Council of Grandmothers, and you brought me into GTW ~ what a blessing.
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May the path ahead rise to meet you with clarity, sweetness, and peace. I hold you with love and gratitude."
~ Much love, B
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"Dearest Kathie,
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"You have been one of the greatest lights for me in all my years with Gather the Women. Your joy in living, and in the prospect of dying, is palpable. It always uplifts me whenever I'm in your presence. Your wisdom and unique perspective on Being flood the circles you lead with Light. I am honored to have been able to be with and learn from you over the years. May your journey through your 'preferred death window' be one of love, joy, and peace." ~ From the heart, Judith
"Kathie, dear Sister,
Whenever I joined a Circle that you were in, I was always impressed at your wise and tender remarks — and that loving countenance that you brought to our gatherings. You were truly one of our stand out ambassadors for COS.. and we thank you most heartily for this service to GTW.
I circled the 24th on my calendar and am hoping to attend so I can watch as I and my fellow sisters lay accolades and flowers at your feet! You probably were a goddess in a former life and were sent down from Mt Olympus to model divine feminism for us mere mortals!
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Thank you, dearest Kathie. We will miss you!" Sending joy, love, and light. ~ Cindi Seattle
"Kathie,
I remember coming in to circle with you and being taken on a trip through all of the directions, including below to a burning center, “The size of Texas.” Then around the candle to all of the women who were there with me, with us. The faces of our mothers, daughters, aunties, teachers, shone around the flame of the candle. We sat in huge circle on Thursdays! Thank you for your love of circle, and for holding us all." ~ Janis
With Gratitude for Suzan Nolan: A Circle of Stones Farewell
submitted by GTW Circle of Stones Hosts​
After many seasons of devoted hosting, Suzan Nolan has stepped down from her role as steward of the Wednesday morning Circle of Stones. We offer this tribute in recognition and gratitude for the sacred space she held, the gentle rhythm she nurtured, and the spirit of connection she helped weave into our gatherings.
~ She who holds space, holds the soul of the circle. ~​​​​
"I want to join others in offering heartfelt accolades to our sparkling Suzan Nolan, Quintessential Host of our Circle of Stones calls since its inception back in 2019! It was Suzan who came up with the question now offered in Circle, 'What is bubbling up for you today and wants to be shared in the Circle?' She was one of the first Sisters to say, 'Yes I’ll Host a call each week!' and host she did, first on Saturday mornings for several years and then Wednesday mornings for several more. Late in 2025, Suzan recognized that it was time for her to move to the Rim of Stones hosting, as of December 31st. We will always be grateful for her year-in and year-out commitment to her hosting responsibilities and her dedication to bringing transparency, vulnerability, intimacy and authenticity to every Circle. Thank you, Suzan!!" ~ Mary C
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"I bow to Suzan Nolan with deep gratitude and respect, honoring her steadfast devotion to the mission and spirit of Gather the Women. I acknowledge the warmth and generosity with which she welcomed me into this Circle years ago, a welcome that opened the way for a friendship that has grown far beyond our shared work. Suzan’s presence continues to be a blessing to those who cross her path, and her unwavering advocacy for human rights stands as a beacon of courage, compassion, and purpose." ~ B Campbell​
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​"That Suzan has been unstoppable!!! Facilitator extraordinaire. Thank you, Suzan, for being everywhere all the time. We couldn't have done it without YOU! Hugs {{{ }}}" ~ Kathie
"Suzan Nolan’s love, leadership and lightness-of-being welcomed me into Gather the Women six years ago and continues to bless my life. She has a sweet spirit of presence and authenticity when she hosts Circles, and I look forward to each one I participate in. Thank you, Suzan, for hosting Circle of Stones for all these years and I will continue to appreciate your hosting in other Circles." Love ~ Oshi
"I offer my gratitude to Suzan for her fierce commitment to her Circle of Stones sisters. She has truly modeled how to show up and be present when a sister needs help. Her devotion during those times has been an inspiration. She has a strong sense of justice and stands for what she believes in. Inside and outside of the circle, Suzan has held the rim with strength and tenderness." ~ Janis
"I feel so honored to know Suzan Nolan and want to voice my incredible gratitude and appreciation for her as a Circle of Stones host for several years and as the Matrix Convener for Gather the Women for eight years, as well. Without Suzan, I would not have known about Gather the Women. And without Suzan, I would not have realized the gift of the Circle of Stones daily Circles, which have greatly benefited me. Many women could say these same words. Thank you, Suzan, for the beautiful ways that you have strengthened women to be our best selves through Gather the Women for all these years. Our hearts have been touched by yours, and we are so grateful for you!" ~ Mary Ellen Uptain
"Suzan Nolan was host of the very first Circle of Stones I came to several years ago. I was bowled over by her, the process, the women present -- the whole dang thing. She and Beth stayed on afterward to welcome me and get to know me a little. They are the reason I came back and never stopped coming. I made it a point to come to the circles both of them host.
Something remarkable about Suzan, besides her compassion, wisdom, and honesty, is that when she talks it comes out like poetry. She’s better than anyone I know at putting human, everyday experiences into words that resonate deeply -- getting to the deep core of things we all share. I loved her as a host and I love her as a human being. So glad she’ll still be in circle adding whatever that magic is that she adds. Thank you, Suzan, for your years of hosting and for your general wonderfulness." ~ Diane M
"It is no small thing to say the simple words 'Thank You' for your many hours and years of generously leading our Circle of Stones. Your beautiful energy always comes through and leads us to a deeper and more heartfelt space to share openly with our sisters. Suzan I am so very grateful to you for being my companion sister from the very beginning when we both found GTW all those years ago. Knowing you through circle has been the reward you’ve shared with me and all who come to know you." With much gratitude ~ Mary Kay
"GTW would not be what it is today without Suzan Nolan's presence. Involved from early years, Matrix Convener 8 years, Circle Host from Circle of Stones' beginning, her vision of empowering women through circle is unwavering. Suzan's dedication to showing up every week for years is testimony to that, her courage to speak her truth an inspiration." ~ Judith Hurley Prosser
With Gratitude for B Campbell: A Circle of Stones Farewell
submitted by GTW Circle of Stones Hosts
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After many seasons of devoted hosting, B Campbell has stepped down from her role as steward of the Saturday morning Circle of Stones. We offer this tribute in recognition and gratitude for the sacred space she held, the gentle rhythm she nurtured, and the spirit of connection she helped weave into our gatherings.
~ She who holds space, holds the soul of the circle. ~
"The first Circle of Stones meeting I attended was during Covid, when the world felt like a very unfriendly place. I came in on Zoom, shaky and exhausted. B settled us in and read the directions. The first time I heard her say, “Water is life, life is water,” I felt my shoulders release and marveled at the welcoming place where I found myself. In B’s loving hands." ~ Janis
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​​​​​​​​​"I have appreciated B's demonstration of deep listening and loving care for participants during these years of service as a host of COS circles." ~ Oshi
"Each circle I have attended with B has given me the opportunity to see more of this amazing woman. Her deep reverence of nature and love of people radiates through her words. I honor her decision for change and look forward to the times when I will see her again." ~ Connie
"B Campbell’s love and support of GTW Sisters have been a great inspiration to me. Saturdays, she fulfilled her role as a wisdom keeper by bringing us stories of struggle, hope, and love. Then she honored and prayed for all who expressed pain or suffering. Her hosting was a roadmap on how a woman's organization can effect change and leadership in our precious lives. Thank you, Dear B!" ~ Cindi
"When I began attending the Saturday morning Circle of Stones, I realized immediately how much it meant to me to be able to be held in the incredible support and love that B created for us. Her Calling of the Directions to begin the Circles has always been so beautifully stated, placing us in sacred space to share. And her extraordinary love and care for each of us and the Circle has sustained us each week. It has been an honor to be part of these Circles with B, and she and these memories will always hold a very special place in my heart." ~ Mary Ellen
"B and I go a long way back to the Arizona Council of Grandmothers. My heart leapt when she transitioned to Gather the Women. What a remarkable and caring woman you are B Campbell! Thank you for finding so many ways to share your gifts." ~ Kathie
"I hold B with the deepest respect and much loving tenderness in my heart. I met B at the AZ Council of Grandmothers several years back. At that time, I knew she was someone I instantly was drawn to with her wisdom and transparency. Her respect and love of indigenous culture and love of Mother Earth touched me deeply. She introduced me to Gather the Women and I gingerly attended my first Circle of Stones when she was hosting on Wednesdays. The space she created was safe and sacred. The world is a better place because she is here. Love you, B!" ~ Cindy L
"B, for me, is like the heartbeat of our circle synchronized beyond the veil of every Sister in our circles. I feel blessed, we are blessed...by this alchemy of holding each other in Sacred Space. B, you are loved beyond measure. Namaste' B" ~ fd9 [dawn]
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~ Praise for Mary C. and Suzan N. ~
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"I was visiting a city in the States --- when I came up on circle meeting of certain women-- and I was so impressed when we all stood up and circled around -- then introduced ourselves--- when I returned to Canada-- I introduced this concept to my friends there ---so from that time on, the circle grew bigger & wider across Canada--- Thank you Mary & Suzan -- for your inspiration!"