Look and Listen

Biography

Me: I'm 38, married with four children, living in Brisbane, Australia. I have a more-than-half-written memoir that I need to finish. I'm not an experienced writer but I feel compelled to tell my story. My life: Currently we live on 5 acres, with extended family, attempting to create an ecologically sound lifestyle, though my desire to write has slowed the progress in my garden considerably! My story: I used to think I didn't ever want children. I used to think I was a career minded woman who would travel the world and live an extra-ordinary life. As a teacher, I always loved little people – I just wasn't so sure about the pro-creation part. My husband and soul mate knew better and provided the ultimatum, “a baby or bust,” and there was a sudden stirring in my loins ... but I wasn't going to let it change me! I simply couldn't imagine myself happily wiping noses and bottoms. We laugh about it now. Ironically, parenthood has awakened those primal, elemental forces that lie latent in all of us. I am a different and, dare I say it, “better” person than I was. Never have I felt so deeply, loved so unconditionally, wept so openly. Becoming a mother invited a panorama of new perceptions and perspectives, and a new vision of myself, my relationships, and my place in this world. I have learned a lot and I love my ordinary life. Inside I feel surprisingly extra-ordinary. So here I am, a mother of four, active in birth reform, interested in childhood development, psychology and yoga. I do pottery, write poetry and photograph my children. I believe in my inner power, and a divine purpose. I believe it takes a village to raise a child. I cook, clean and garden then I wipe noses and bottoms with gratitude. Never in my life have I experienced such abundance. I'm bursting to share it!

Inspiration

I was swept up in a political cause in my community that eventually lead to a proposed government reform of the maternal health care system. I was inspired to tell this story in the context of my extended family experiences at that time. I think others may be interested in what unfolded for me.