Virgo is a verb!

wonder | wander | women have never been conformists. We are rebel resisters of coloring within bounds. Choosing to break free of patriarchal misogynistic overlords. Where others opt for "polite" or "polished" we revolt over as restrictive and binding. 

M&I - Mother's Day 2024

Parenting styles around us were not ideal or a good fit - too authoritarian and domineering, yet lacking definition or boundaries - in our opinion. We gave up, broke free, and created our own personal option. 

Danjugan Island: precious aqua marine

During our long-awaited vacation in Punta Bulata, wonder | wander | women also took the chance to visit the nature sanctuary of Danjugan Island. We booked an outrigger trip; due to the heat, only one of us could go, but we made the most of the trip!

The island was a popular diving spot for decades but gradually became overfished and its ecosystem threatened. When it came out that one of its trees was home to a rare nesting pair of white-bellied sea eagles, a group of divers banded together to buy the island and turn it into a wildlife preserve. They founded the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation, which manages and stewards Danjugan till today.

Lammas | Lughnasadh | Loaf Mass Day

The 2024 dates for Lammas | Lughnasadh | Loaf Mass Day are August 1 to 12. Many cultures celebrate Midsummer - this week we also mark 8:8:8 Lion's Gate as well as the peak of the Perseids meteor showers.

We are halfway through the summer in all its glory - with its COVID spreading county fairs, backyard barbeques, political rodeos, and Olympic upsets. 

image c/o National Today

At Lammas we honor the past with a feast of bread to celebrate grain from ancient cultures. Because of its association with Lugh - warrior, king, master craftsman, savior - it is also a traditional time of year for craft and music festivals. 

Folks gather and feast as skilled artisans showcase their workmanship and sell their creations. 

Shakespeare’s hometown: Stratford-upon-Avon

wonder | wander | women have had many visitors over the years in London, but it's always a joyful surprise when a dear friend comes into town. We love this city and it's great to share this joy with friends who love it too. 

Dinner with friends, photo from Chris Costello

As obsessed as I am with it, London isn't the only place people come to see. Recently my friend Vida, who spent the day at Hampstead Heath with me a few years ago, came back for a visit to the UK and Ireland, and wanted to visit the birthplace of Shakespeare: Stratford-upon-Avon.