Someone asked me recently where my inspiration came from. There have been a handful of people in my personal life that have been great influences in my life and I also draw a lot of my strength from the people who I meet on a daily basis esp through Gateway Women and gatherings such as the We are many NoMos conference that I attended on the weekend organised by Kerry Mcmahon. The conference had great speakers such as Jody Day, Robin Hadley (AWOC) and Lesley Pyne.

Beccy Benedict held a wonderful creative session where we decorated leaves with messages that represented our childless journey. These leaves went on to beautifully decorate a gateway and we were given the opportunity to take a leaf with a message that resonated with us.

I found the women I spoke to, who are all on their own journeys and at different stages with their grief, so inspiring in their own ways. Some are artists and had exhibited their work at the conference. Jo Paul organised the exhibition where art from Karen Logan (who displayed her embroidered handkerchiefs), Sarah Hudson, Helen Segal and Cathy vivian were amazing!!! I even took part myself.

Chiara Berardelli entertained us with her beautiful songs. Thanks for the sample CD.

The opportunity to share our stories as well as some laughs throughout our time together, filled me with so much joy, courage and inspiration to continue on my own journey. So I dedicate this blog to all the wonderfully brave women I meet this weekend. Thank you for embracing me too!!!

And here are some new (well deserved) additions to the NoMo hall of fame…