Women at Work in the WorldWe realize that there are so many wonderful people taking bold steps and making exciting strides towards improving lives on our beautiful planet. Since all of us at K Robins Designs are women, naturally our personal journeys have taken us deep into the 'business' of what it means to be female in our world today. We feel deeply that supporting and encouraging women can be a powerful political action. As women gain economic influence in the world, advancement in matters of social justice and progressive reform follow. In countries where women are more educated and financially independent, we see the greatest progress in healthcare, the environment, and crime reduction. Many of the websites listed below highlight the passionate work being done by these special women (and men). Thankfully, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Peace, Justice & Social ResponsibilityCode Pink - "a women initiated grassroots peace and social justice movement that seeks positive social change through proactive, creative protest and non-violent direct action." (http://www.codepink4peace.org) United For Peace & Justice - (http://www.unitedforpeace.org) V-Day - an organized response against violence towards women inspired by Eve Ensler and 'The Vagina Monologues' (http://www.vday.org) YES Magazine - A journal of positive futures. I have found this journal to be refreshing, encouraging and packed with resources, innovative technology and progressive programs - K (http://www.yesmagazine.org) University of Metaphysical Sciences - Become a true professional in the growing field of metaphysics, and do your part to lead the world into peace and a higher understanding of life. ( http://www.umsonline.org /) Link TV - Your connection to the world. This remarkable independant TV station broadcasts stories from all over the world. News that we can use - spread the word. (http://www.worldlinktv.org/) back to top Artists, Musicians & WritersCarolyn Gage - is a brilliant, passionate lesbian-feminist playwrite, author of more than 40 plays. I felt an immediate connection to Carolyn as soon as I met her at the Michigan show (we actually have the same roots in Richmond) . Find out more about Carolyn and read the wonderful reviews of her courageous work at her website. (http://www.carolyngage.com/) Women Make Movies - Women Make Movies is a multi-cultural, multi-racial, non-profit media arts organization which facilitates the production, promotion, distribution and exhibition of independent films and videotapes by and about women. (http://www.wmm.com/) Ladyslipper Music - Ladyslipper is a non-profit organization whose primary purpose is to heighten public awareness of the achievements of women artists and musicians, and to expand the scope and availability of recordings by women. (http://www.ladyslipper.org/) Christy Snow - "Christy has a very diverse folk style of music that has been described as both playful and spiritual and leads the listener on a path of empowerment, self-love and present moment awareness." (http://www.christysnow.com/) Goddess Mandalas - Ancient visions of the Great Goddess by Sid Reger - original images in print and sculpture reflecting Sid's lifelong interest in archeology and sacred art. (http://www.goddessmandala.com/) Goddessing - When I discovered this magazine I was deeply moved. With devotion and great commitment, Willow LaMonte shows us the worldwide Goddess network. She wonderfully weaves her journal with scholars, artists, poets, and researchers along with global listings of Goddess gatherings and events. It is a dream come true for me -K Access through (http://www.goddessmandala.com/) Moondance - Celebrating Creative Woman - our vision; our wisdom; our strength. This is a wonderful online magazine and resource for all women, not just artists - Sidney (http://www.moondance.org/) Artist of Resistance - A film by Dr. Penelope Price featuring artist Claudia Benardi. These two women continue to do remarkable work using art as activism to bring light to victims of political and cultural oppression. (http://www.artistofresistance.org/) Blue Ridge Floral - K's dear friend Amy Webb has been designing flower arrangements for over 20 years. She provides flower arrangements for the Charlottesville, Staunton and Wintergreen areas of Virginia, and is the florist for Wintergreen Resort. Amy is inspired by the beautiful seasons of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and many of the flowers she uses are grown in her and local market gardens. The true artist in Amy takes great pride in making each event special.(http://www.blueridgefloral.com/) Doodlebug Designs and Beads and Other Fancy Stuff - Janet Hathcock found and pursued her passion after her 'official' retirement from the newspaper business. Jan bought a bead and stone shop in Morganton, NC, where her creativity thrives through her beautiful jewelry designs. Jan sells every kind of bead and stone, and she also teaches and inspires others to express themselves through beading. "Yes, she is my sister-in-law, but I am so high on her work that sharing her through K's website was a natural match." Sidney (http://www.beadsandotherfancystuff.com/) Deborah Justice - 'Justice' is an extraordinary artist whose beautiful works visually describe the wonder, beauty, and magnificance of the vast cosmos in which we exist. Justice paints with a richness that reflects her love of her subject - the earth and sky - and has recently begun to add sculpture to her portfolio. Justice is a dear friend of K's and has inspired K in the creation of several of K's designs. (http://www.nelsoncountylovechild.com/) Pat Humphries and Sandy O - Award-winning activist songwriters, they named their band in honor of Emma Goldman. emma's revolution performs at demonstrations and gatherings around the world! "These two women rocked my boat and (everyone else’s I think) at Michfest this year. Their booth in the market place had a steady/heavy flow of women purchasing their PEACE t-shirts. I promptly gave them two Peace Prayer Pendants." k (www.emmasrevolution.com) back to top Health and WellnessPursue Balance - Based on the premise that everything is available, but little is accessible, Pursue Balance exists to offer key information and education to the general public regarding methods of creating healthier, happier and more fulfilling lives for individuals, their families and their communities through attention to physical, spiritual and environmental balance. We are thrilled because Pursue Balance has chosen K's Balance pendant and design for their logo. Find out more about this wonderful project and its exciting leadership at http://www.pursuebalance.org/ Women's Gynecologic Health - by Kerri D. Schuiling and Frances E. Likis, focuses on the comprehensive coverage of women's gynecologic healthcare. Contact them at womensgynhealth@earthlink.net. Visit 'Newsworthy' to find out more. The Women's Health Center at Sparks houses a 6' bronze sculpture named 'Firekeeper' by K Robins. The Women's Center,located in Fort Smith, Arkansas, set the standard not only for the uniqueness and range of services offered for women's health but for the philosophy and attitude it brought to women's healthcare. (http://www.sparks.org/). Visit 'Newsworthy' to find out more. The HeartBright Foundation -"Enlightening hearts through self-awareness", HeartBright teaches those with heart disease to live strong and hopeful lives. My dear friend, Claire Blocker, who lives with heart disease, started this foundation because of her own personal journey - Sidney (http://www.heartbright.org/). Visit'Newsworthy' to find out more. Image of Health Mobile Lab - is the dream of Marilyn MacClellan, AP,LAc,CCT, who serves the small towns throughout Virginia with her mobile early breast cancer detection infrared imaging lab. I have loved meeting and talking with Marilyn who is such an enthusiastic educator. Find out more about her and set up a time for her to visit your area. (http://www.acu-ir.com/documents/) Kathy Oddenino - has been teaching Spiritual Philosophy since 1984, when she quit her nursing job and committed herself to teaching and writing about Human Consciousness and its relationship to health. Medicine is misrepresenting disease care as health care, she says. I want to see people get well! When we shift our focus of thinking to caring and health rather than disease and killing, we begin to celebrate life. For information about her 7 books, monthly events, and Neural Depolarization (her trademarked technique) which works with the nervous system - ( http://www.kathyoddenino.com/.) 919-545-9937. Pittsboro, NC. Dancing Embers - Awaken your spirit with fire! Jane Podolak, Master Firewalk Instructor, is dedicated to sharing this work of profound healing with others throughout the world. (http://www.dancingembers.com) Spiritual Atlanta - A non-denominational eCommunity where those within the metro Atlanta Inter-faith community and the World can dialogue as well as access the latest information on spiritual activities, articles, columns, message board and more... (http://www.spiritualatlanta.com/) SelfGrowth.Com - A comprehensive guide to sites on personal growth, self-improvement, self-help, and personal power.(http://www.selfgrowth.com/) Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation - - "fighting to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by funding research grants and supporting education, screening and treatment projects in communities around the world." Being actively involved with a Komen 'Race For The Cure' will be one of the most positive, uplifting experiences you will ever have - Sidney(http://www.komen.org/ ) Neel Stallings - Neel is the most enthusiastically dedicated person I know about her passion to rid the world of breast cancer. Neel is the founder of two programs: "Scouting for the Cure" with the Charlotte Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Girls Scouts Hornets' Nest Council, and "Breaking the Pattern...for the Cause" with Stephens College. Neel is also a professional Management Consultant, speaker, and mountainer. Visit her website to find out more about my astounding friend Neel." Sidney (www.neelstallings.com) The Breast Cancer Fund - The Breast Cancer Fund is a tremendously effective and creative national organization that focuses on identifying the causes of breast cancer and preventing the disease. By taking a solid stand that environmental health is vital to public health, they generate strong results in their education and policy initiatives. Their sponsorship of outdoor challenges and their work with artists who experience breast cancer inspires us to partner with The Breast Cancer Fund. (http://www.breastcancerfund.org/) Gail Todter - Integrative Health Services - provides health education through individual counseling, ongoing classes and special programs designed to help clients improve nutrition, stress coping and fitness. This integrative approach offers highly effective solutions to the challenging health issues we face today. "Our approach incorporates health education and experiential methods such as mindfulness, strength training and horsemanship. In the office, gym, and outdoor arena, we promote personal growth and learning through awareness, skill-building and partnership." Gail (www.leadingforth.com) Sara Jane Bell, Celebrant - Honoring the special occasions in life, Sara seeks "to create unique personal experiences by bringing compassion, kindness, acceptance, creativity, humor, openheartedness, tolerance, joy and love to any and all who seek her services." (www.hearttoheartceremonies.com) back to top Link PartnersWalsh Brothers - Walsh Brothers charms, chains, and earrings. Offering a very wide range and international delivery, the jewelry shop is based in Beckenham Kent England. (http://www.walshbrothers.co.uk/) Beyond the Rainbow: Gifts with Spirit - Choose beautiful jewelry not just for appearance, but by using the information about the crystals and design of each piece (http://www.rainbowcrystal.com./) Oneness Jewelry - Oneness Jewelry has been hailed as the new “Peace Symbol for the 21st Century”. It’s unique and beautiful design promotes tolerance & understanding by weaving together the symbols of the world’s 7 major religions.(http://www.onenessjewelry.com./) Vessels of Peace - Women Embodying Peace...Inspired by the Sacred Feminine...Serving Divinity, Humanity, Earth.(http://www.vesselsofpeace.com./) Ka Gold Jewelry - Meaningful gold and silver jewelry from different religions and concepts such as tree of life jewelry, new age jewelry Egyptian, Jewish and Kabbalah jewelry. (http://www.ka-gold-jewelry.com./) Wellstone: Handcrafted Metaphysical Jewelry (http://www.wellstonejewelry.com/) DirectoryJeweler.com : Jeweler and Jewelry web directory. (http://www.directoryjeweler.com/) Patagonia Gifts - Gifts include unique real leaf necklaces, pins and earrings, handmade Celtic silver jewelry, and yerba mate gourds. (http://www.patagoniagifts.com/) |