Woman I admire- Margaret Whitlam

Hi R
Margaret Whitlam, wife of former Prime Minister of Australia in the 1970's  passed away at 92. 

We have spoken re writing about "Women We Admire" and this is my first entry re this genre.   I believe she wouldn't have wanted us to be saddened by her passing; rather to celebrate her life and achievements of which there are many.
Being married to a strong politican can't be easy - yet she appeared to achieve this with grace. Personally, I went through the Whitlam regime - at the time not being very politically minded either way. So when I look back at the reforms and social changes during this era, I somehow know there had to be a good strong woman behind the man.

Though all of the papers and all of the biographies describe her as the former prime minister's wife, it's the wrong description. She was Margaret Whitlam, leader of women and leader in women's rights and achievements.

Joan Kirner

So you can visit my website for some background of what happened in Australia to make things better for women (and my sister) at the time.

"Memoirs of a Babyboomer" then go to 1970's,

where a personal, non-political endorsement of some of the achievements of this era are covered and why I feel gratitude towards the important changes to Women's Rights during this period.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the age and stage.

Goodbye Margaret and thanks x
Clara

To view or add comment, click on 0 comments at bottom of page or send an email - clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au or visit my website at www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

So pleased that the shuttles are flying again



So pleased that the shuttles are flying again

Hi R
Ooohhh  - feeling very nostalgic -  back 30 years to the days of the Niddy Noddy, where I learnt to weave in your studio / weaving store in Waukasha.  We had such wonderful creative times, weaving 'joy and happy memories', before we were 'liberated.'  You were a great teacher, very dedicated to the process of weaving.  As you say in your post  "I had forgotten how much I enjoy the whole process; winding the shuttles, listening to the rhythmical sound of the harnesses and watching the fabric grows row by row, inch by inch."



The Niddy Noddy


















This poem was given to me by my dear friend, Jane. I have carried it my wallet for many years resulting in the card being soft and fluffy around the edges.

The Weaver

My life is but-a weaving
Between my Lord and me.

I cannot choose the colours
He worketh steadily

Oftimes he weaveth sorrow,
And I in foolish pride
Forget he sees the upper,
And I the underside.
Not ‘til the loom is silent
and the shuttles cease to fly,

Shall God unroll the canvas

and explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful

In the Weaver's skillful  hand,

As the threads of gold and silver

In the pattern He has planned.

Anon.

Sadly, life got in the way of my weaving.  Maybe I can enjoy weaving vicariously through our blogs. Just at the time when I will have time, there is nowhere to put the loom, which is in pieces, with the frame under the house.  I need to put it back together and am working on G but it will take a miracle.
Clara
Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au