Kia Ora
Last weekend I was blessed with the most beautiful gathering with some of my female friends here in Northern NSW, Australia.
The history of women’s gatherings dates way back in time, most cultures have their own interpretation and rituals around such practice, growing up amongst the maori culture I have always had a great respect for cultural practice and enjoy learning about different cultures where ever I travel.
As I am about to embark on my next big journey into motherhood it was only apt to have a gathering of my female friends. Lucky for me I got to have two as on our Christmas visit home to New Zealand I had a get together ( baby shower ) with my dear girl friends in Gisborne too! Although I absolutely love my life here in NSW I really miss my girls from NZ, life long friendships are always hard to be away from but thankfully with technology these days we are only a tap away!
I think it is important to celebrate each milestone in our lives, to feel a part of a community, to share stories and wisdom, to feel & give support to fellow females is something I believe we need to balance out our lives!
Not far from where I live is a true gem of natural beauty, rich in aboriginal heritage, Lake Ainsworth in history was a sacred watering hole to Aboriginal women who birthed, they would swim in the lake after giving birth and use the antiseptic powers of the Tea Tree Lakes water to cleanse their bodies. Traditionally the Lake was not frequented by men. This is where I had my wahine ( women ) gathering.
The day prior I collected some Ochre to use as body paint for my baby bump. To be honest I didn’t put much thought into how we were going to use or apply the Ochre but it all flowed into the pictures above!
It was a really beautiful gathering and I feel really blessed to have such loving and supportive friends around me. It is quite daunting and a big change of life to embark into motherhood, especially living away from my native country and family. But it is also very exciting and I know there is plenty of support out there to reach out too should we need! With all the hormonal changes of pregnancy I have been quite emotional. Not being out socializing so much, or doing my normal activities like surfing, also having stopped work as we prepare for the baby, life has definitely changed for a little while. So feeling connected to my female community is awesome.
A big thanks to my dear friend Ally Joy for the delicious cakes & organizing , to Chrystal for the beautiful photo’s and to everyone else that came along! I love you.
Lots of Love and thanks for tuning in!
X Fi
