Timing is everything..

I think it's time I resurrected this Blog, after all, I really like the photo, I really like writing, and perhaps it's important to finally say something else.

So, my first comment for 2012 is.. how very sad I felt yesterday upon hearing the news of Margaret Whitlam's death. What an inspiring and fabulous woman she was - I was, and still am, in awe of her ability to "stand above the crowd" in more ways than one. With feminism and the voices of women being way at the back of my family's cupboard of dusty hidden treasures, somehow I still felt the affects of her strong sense of social justice, her passion for women's rights and the fact that she too liked Germaine Greer and was a SCEGGS girl! (we are famous in our own rebellious ways after all - just ask my friend AB!)

I saw (can't quite say "met") her at Gough's 93 Birthday Bash at the Museum of Contemporary Art on a beautiful, sparkling day at Circular Quay. I took the day off work just to attend - shook hands, congratulated Gough on turning me against my families' politics and felt like a clumsy school girl admiring her heros. Just to be in the same room was a genuine thrill.

I took another morning off work to attend the funeral of Nancy "Bird" Walton; another hero of mine who I did actually meet many years ago. I managed to convince her to speak at a workshop I was running. Thrilling and inspiring! I was similarly moved by her fabulous and seemingly effortless influence and contributions to the social justice of woman and the many lives she touched. (I was also intensely jealous of her flying!)

These woman have touched my life in ways they woudn't ever realise and I suppose I shall have to take another day off work now to attend MW's funeral if it is possible for the public to attend such an event. Gough must be shattered at the loss of his True Love and it may all be very private. My own mother died last year; she didn't have a funeral - another Margaret who finally, belatedly grasped the oppotunity to give to the community and advocate for women, especially those with cancer, so I hope I get this opportunity to say thanks to all of them.