I believe we are stewards of our world.
I believe we are custodians of ideas and possibility.
I believe we have a responsibility to protect and enhance.
How?
Changing our attitudes.
Changing our daily practices.
Changing our sense of entitlement to one of gratitude and service.
When?
In every field of endeavour,
in every moment of every day lived attentively and mindfully -
art, music, gardening, urban development, creativity,
child care, education, film, storytelling,
business practice, law making and keeping,
walking, talking, serving.

Story is intrinsic to being human.
It is embedded in our actions and our reactions.
Story shapes, and is shaped, by our thoughts and reflections.
It can enable or disable us,
 motivate and transform
individuals, families, communities and nations.
Story creates and reveals our identity.

We all tell our own story in many ways -
through words or paint or clay or glass or textile,
through what we create and what we destroy,
through protest or intervention,
through our actions and affiliations.

I tell my story through dolls -
the joys and desolation of my life,
the triumphs and the failures,
the healing and the transformation,
the human and environmental issues which force me to respond.

Technology is here to stay.
We cannot ignore its presence,
and its value to artists, artisans and craftspeople.
How do we incorporate it into a contemporary craft practice?
I use technology to record my practice -
digital camera, personal computer.
I use it to stimulate ideas and discussion -
websites such as This Colossal and Zone One Arts.
Designers and creators have used technology
to design the fabrics I use;
to print and package the poly-fill I use;
to publish the resource books I refer to.
My beloved public library is computerised.
My family often use You Tube clips as a teaching tool -
to teach them how to tie-dye or make a cloak:-)
Let's take time to reflect on how our lives are enriched by technology;
be attentive to our uses and abuses;
become mindful of how much our lives are dependent on technology;
and work with grateful hearts.

Stand up for tomorrow.
What do I stand up for?
I stand up against bullying, especially in the workplace.
I stand up against domestic violence.
I stand up for the rights of children.
I stand up in support of those living with dementia,
and cancer, and depression.
I stand up for the trees.
I express my feelings and thoughts through doll making.
What do you stand up for?