Penny Luker is an associate lecturer in childhood studies with the Open University. On a voluntary basis she is the press officer for her local branch of Soroptimist International, a club for women who work for equality of opportunity for health and education and for environmental issues. Penny has recently rediscovered the wonder and enjoyment of poetry. Penny lives in England.

I go back in the house to make the call.
I find out I need not bother at all.
I get back in the bed to sleep if I may.
I got up for nothing…it’s Saturday.

Mary is a 52-year-old wife and mother of two and has four grandchildren. She enjoys writing poems, horror stories, and children’s stories and is soon to be published.

Born and raised in South Africa, this startlingly young (27) woman is fun, occasionally silly, friendly and driven. Currently living in Oxford with the American husband she met online in 1996, Lorissa attended Arizona State University and studied Theatre Directing. However it was after university when Lorissa and her husband moved to Boston that she would find her true calling. In Boston she began freelance web designing and started her own company, and created and launched Expressions. Now, after a short time in London she is living in the beautiful English town of Oxford.

As Lorissa is this month’s cover girl for All Things Girl, I was lucky enough to get to spend sometime with this surprising, interesting and vivacious young woman. We talked about All Things Girl, her love of photography and her recent decision to take a step back from the daily running of All Things Girl.

So what are you doing now?

My days are mostly filled with work, and work, and more work. My company, Dynamic Vantage, has a number of projects. I do all the design work and my hubby does all the programming and development work. We also run Expressions, so there is a lot of support to handle there and just community aspects - featuring members etc. We are also working on a new photoblogging application called Vividry.

When I’m not working in front of the computer, I’m taking photos. I’m slowly building a food photography folio (foodography.co.uk) and plan to actually start a food photo studio this year. My sister-in-law is going to be the food stylist.

I really love photography, so I try and make time for it, but lately there hasn’t been much of that

Sounds like you have a lot of plates spinning.

Yeah. Honestly, I probably have too many but I really love all the different projects.

Why and when did you start All Things Girl?

I started it back in 2001 I believe it was, or it may have been 2000. I was walking around Cambridge (Boston) with my hubby. I was thinking of domain names for my own site and one of the things that came to mind was “All Things Girl”. As soon as I thought of the name though, I realised it’d be much better suited to showcasing artwork from more than just one person. That evening I started looking online for sites that showcased women’s work. There really wasn’t much out there.
I really wanted to create this site where women could show off what they could do. The first version consisted of four prose pieces (one by Felicia Sullivan of Small Spiral Notebook who is now a great friend) and three photos. None of the content was mine, and that was just the way I wanted it.

So what was your vision for All Thing Girl (ATG) when you created it?

The very first idea was just a simple site for art, photos and prose from women to be published online. An simple E-zine really — although the term “E-zine” was still new to me. It was only later, after about a year, that I started pondering bringing articles and reviews that would be useful to women.

And now it has grown so much, what are your plans for the future of All Things Girl?

Well, honestly, I’ve somewhat stepped down from the running of ATG — all those spinning plates — but I’ve long had the dream of seeing ATG go print — even for just 1 issue — and I’d still love to make that a reality. I’d love to see ATG to become a popular resource for women; whether that’s online or print. And women to feel that ATG gives them a real opportunity to voice their opinions, showcase their work, or just enjoy a good read. I know one of our submitters received a writing commission after someone read their piece on ATG. That was cool.

So you’ve stepped back from All Things Girl? When did that happen and will you be back to take the reins again?

A few months back I handed the reins over to Deb Smouse [ATG Editor in Chief], she’s handling all the site management. Although we still chat about themes and how to progress. I’m not sure I will be back to manage the site again in the future. If/when I do step back, it’ll be to create and deliver print versions of ATG.

You are such a driven person. Why is that? What drives you?

I think I owe a lot of that to my mom. She was very driven in her business. She had very high expectations. An “A” wasn’t always good enough if I could have an “A+”. Sometimes that was hard to deal with, but mostly I think she instilled in me (and my brother) a good work ethic and a really strong desire to succeed.

She was a business woman through and through and I don’t think the idea of “working for the man” ever gelled with me. I knew I always wanted to start my own business. Be my own boss. If that meant working 24/7, I’d do it because it was for my own business and doing something I really love.

I think the fact that I truly love design and photography makes it all worthwhile. You can’t help but be driven to do better. I guess I also have very high expectations of myself. Nothing is ever quite good enough — which again, is sometimes hard, but mostly just makes me try harder. I don’t ever think, “That’s crap! You’re done”. But I have thought, “That’s crap! You can do better”.

So with all this work, do you have time for hobbies?

(Laughing) I was actually just pondering that the other day. Photography used to be my hobby before I decided to take it more seriously. It seems I take things too seriously too often. I like to draw, which is a brief hobby since I haven’t done it much lately. I do read a lot, but really, I’ve never considered that a “hobby”. It seems I really don’t have much in the way of hobbies. I do volunteer work for animal organisations, does that count as a hobby, or work?

I’m finding it quite sad that I have no hobbies. Is blogging a hobby?

I think blogging is a hobby if you don’t do it professionally.

Great! Then, blogging. I think I need to find myself a good hobby though.

Tell me about your volunteer work for animal organisations.

Well, back home I used to be more hands-on, since the local RSPCA was near where I lived. I used to go and muck-out stables and feed the horses and help clean up, etc. I love horses and used to showjump so I was thrilled to be able to help in the stables.

Nowadays though, there isn’t anything nearby, and I don’t own a car, so my volunteer work is left to online work. Pets Alive is one site I do work for – updates etc. I used to manage their sponsorship program as well. Earlier this month, Sara Whalen who founded Pets Alive passed away. The sanctuary has been going through some changes since then. It’s a tough time. I do free design work for other small groups here and there - banner designs, brochures, etc.

That’s kind of a hobby don’t you think?

I guess so. I’m racking hobbies up now!

What kinds of things do you think we can look forward to in the future Lorissa?

From the world in general?

From you, sorry. (laughs)

(Laughs) Well, here’s hoping for some online projects that help others in some way — getting their work seen, making something easier for them, promoting their work in some way. I also hope I can create work which causes a reaction for good. I plan on doing a few photo projects back home and I’m hoping these will have an impact, even if someone can look at a shot and think, “Man, I’ve got it good”. That’ll be ok. I guess I want to put work out there that is aesthetically pleasing and somehow adds a little beauty to the world, and I want to put work out there that causes a reaction. That opens someone’s eyes to a reality that they wouldn’t usually see.

For very selfish reason, I hope one day you’ll see some of my food photos in a great foodie mag like Donna Hay or something.
Screenshots are from Lor’s projects around the web. The “My Day in Photos” is a project by David Chin which Lor participated in.

A.L. Harper is an American lost in the history and passion of living in Scotland. She enjoys motorbikes, music and wanking.

A.L. is also the Assistant Music Editor for Blogcritics.org and a freelance writer for hire. Find out more by going to our “About” Page.

Forget About It

Jordan Landau is twenty-five years and does her best to avoid conflict. She has become someone that family and co-workers push around and walk all over. A freak accident causes a head injury and Jordan realizes she has the opportunity to put her old life behind….by pretending to have amnesia.

I laughed as Jordan grew a backbone and stood up for herself. She stood up to the idea stealing boss, the boyfriend who takes her for granted….and turns the tables on the family who doesn’t appreciate her. And, to enhance her wonderful new life she gained by “having amnesia”, is a blooming relationship with the guy who caused her accident.

Suddenly, though, life becomes incredibly complex and she realizes that having a do-over isn’t as fun as she thought it would be….and a surprising twist sends her back into the hands of those who pushed her around.

I loved the humor and fresh ideas in Caprice Crane’s story of how a girl struggles to find herself - with or without - her past. It reminded me that within us all, are just a few things we’d love to forget.

Deb Smouse is the Editor in Chief for All Things Girl. She’s in her late 30’s and reads between 4 to 8 novels a month, depending on how much flight time she has…. Find out more about Deb on our about page

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Odd Mom Out

Marta Zinsser is a single mom and the owner of an Ad Agency near Seattle. She knows she isn’t the cookie cutter Mom and loves that she is different. But her daughter, Eva, wishes her mother, who rides a motorcycle and wears combat boots, would be more like other mothers. Can’t she just wear slacks and a sweater set?

Marta had long ago decided she will be just fine with just her and Eva. In fact, Eva was conceived thanks to a sperm downer. But running into Tall, Dark and Handsome Luke makes her wonder if maybe - just maybe - she could lean towards a more traditional life.

I personally loved Odd Mom Out. I was able to jump into Marta’s skin. She could be me - or my best friend. Eva’s struggle to make friends - and be popular - is very real as well.

I enjoy characters who feel real, face the kind of trials we all face, and figure out how to be…happy. Even if it means we need to change the plan for our lives.

Jane’s writing is fresh. I devoured Odd Mom Out on a trip to Chicago. It’s has a place on my “keep shelf” of Chick Lit books.

Odd Mom Out is available September 27th!

Read the interview with Jane Porter as well as Jane’s thoughts on “Moving On”.

Deb Smouse is the Editor in Chief for All Things Girl. She’s in her late 30’s and reads between 4 to 8 novels a month, depending on how much flight time she has…. Find out more about Deb on our about page

Coming from virtual rock royalty – her father is legendary record producer Ken Caillat who produced for Alice Cooper, the Beach Boys, Herbie Hancock, and most notably Fleetwood Mac (Rumours and Mirage) – and spending so much time around music and professional musicians are probably why such a young artist (22) has such a mature and well developed sound. Despite this maturity Caillat imbues her music with feelings of happiness, innocence and a joyous life lived in the sand, sea, and sun. Her particular brand of acoustic folk-pop is fresh faced, guileless, and winsome. Caillat’s music magically transforms me into a giggly girl falling in love for the first time, making me feel young, beautiful, and utterly beatific.

I think in many ways you must be female to understand and truly enjoy Caillat’s simple melodies and lyrics, written, as they are, from a female perspective. So where some may find her music sickly saccharine, childish, and flaccid, I see engaging pureness, teasing silliness, and the appealing nature of simplicity. To me Coco is a triumph of delicate beauty and captivating honesty, over pretentious political metaphor or cryptically expressed romanticism — which some will mistake for artistic merit. While this album will without doubt, have wide general appeal, that’s not always a bad thing. Sometimes the masses ARE right.

Coco begins with “Oxygen”, acoustic guitar, piano, simple bass and drum is all that makes up the uncluttered music leaving room for the sincere, unpretentious lyrics. And for me Caillat is all about the lyrics — “I found a boy who had a dream/ Making everyone smile/ He was sunshine/ I fell over my feet/ Like bricks underwater” and “Oh baby if I was your lady/ I would make you happy…/ Oh baby I will be your lady/ I am going crazy for you”. All this sung in Caillat’s perfect golden toned voice that never misses a single note, thought or feeling and is always sprightly, honeyed, and blissfully smooth.

“One Fine Wire” is a song about those coming of age thoughts we all have, our struggles to find ourselves and our balance in the complicated adult world, or, even after we are adults and lose our balance or fight to juggle the demands of… everything. With a lively effervescent chorus this is happy-despite-life’s-woes song. “Bubbly”, the song that got Caillat noticed, is a perfect, gladsome, engaging love song that absolutely captures the feeling that women get when happily in love. It’s simple backing music of acoustic and electric guitar, some synth, bass and drum, accomplices the light-hearted lyrics “You’ve got me feelin’ like a child now/ ‘Cause every time I see your bubbly face/ I get the tingles in a silly place”. And the chorus of “They start in my toes/ And I crinkle my nose/ Wherever it goes/ I always know/ That you make me smile/ Please stay for a while now”…

Other tracks that make my heart feel light and merry are “Feelings Show”, “Realise”, “Tailor Made” and “Tied Down”. And my personal favourite track, “Magic”, has a more sensual, lustful feel to it with decidedly big-girl lyrics:

“You’ve got magic inside your finger tips
It’s leaking out all over my skin
Every time that I get close to you
You’re makin’ me weak with the way you
Look through those eyes

And all I see is your face
All I need is your touch
Wake me up with your lips
Come at me from up above
Yeaaaa, oh I need you”

Caillat has managed to capture the essences of being female and in love. Caillat knows — when some do not — that when a woman of any age is under the influence of that first blush of love she is a mischievous little girl, a giggly, flirty teenager, and grown lustful woman all at the same time. With Coco Colbie Caillat expresses all of these feelings with winsome, congenial, and folksy songs. I would like to dedicate this review to the man who reminded me of Caillat’s music and inspired me to write this review, as he also inspires me to giggle girlishly, blush sweetly and lust with my grown-up heart.

If you would like to hear Coco you can visit Colbie Caillat’s MySpace page, or her own website where you can see the video for “Bubbly”.

A.L. Harper is an American lost in the history and passion of living in Scotland. She enjoys motorbikes, music and wanking.

In edition to being the Managing Editor for AllThingsGirl, A.L. is the Assistant Music Editor for Blogcritics.org and a freelance writer for hire. Find out more by going to our “About” Page.

—ANNANDALE, VA — ” Well, where do I begin? Yesterday was so incredibly moving and the thoughts that have been flying around in my head are a challenge to filter and put down in a manner in which all can understand - even me,” Susan said.

TUESDAY, 22 August 2006, was a beautiful, but not quite as clear, day as the morning of TUESDAY, September 11, 2001. That has to be the first thing that registered with me yesterday. The second that occurred is that yesterday was Tuesday.

VA PGR met at the Iwo Jima Memorial and folks started arriving very early. Stage time was 9:15A, but many of us were there as early as 8:15A. The levity of what the day had in store for us was evident on everyone’s face. Arlington County, Virginia police escort arrived at 9:30A, right on time and escorted us to the North Pentagon parking lot. While this was occuring, Frank Baranyi took the time to secure a chaplain for a blessing of the PGR and stone before we departed. The Pentagon Police were awaiting our arrival at the North Parking lot to keep us secure. I shook each officers hand and thanked them for being there…. just wish I had the forethought to have gotten their names so they could be properly addressed in this post. Apologies, fellas. You will always be a part of this mission.

Todd from the Congressman’s office arrived with the stone.Two PGR moved it from his vehicle to mine into the box that Frank and his neighbor built specifically for this part of American history. Thank you Frank and Gary. The chaplain then blessed us, the stone, and the mission at hand and reminded us how important this stone is. While just a piece of limestone at first glance, when you think about it, it is just so much more than that. We all know this. With shaking hands, I laid my personal flag over the stone for the transport. It only seemed right and my fellow PGR agreed.

Departure from the Pentagon with Frank in the lead, onto the busy highways of the Washington DC area and then gracefully onto the roads of our urban neighbors in Maryland and Pennsylvania. Another symbolism of transition, if you will.

We joined up with a few of our fine MD PGR and Steve from MD and Frank of VA took the lead. We went through our day without incident. When we found our way onto the rolling roads of Pennsylvania, I could feel a “hush” over us all, even though you could plainly hear the bikes. We stopped just a couple of miles away from Shanksville to unfurl our flags for arrival into Shanksville. When we turned onto the small road that lead us to Shanksville, I turned on the National Anthem from Leahann Rhimes. By the time we arrived at the parking lot of Shanksville, Ray Charles’ America the Beautiful was playing… don’t know if anyone heard that or not.

The minute I crested the hill before I saw Shanksville, I welled up. You see, I’ve never been to Shanksville. I got my truck situated and all you could hear were the flags blowing the breeze. The PGR, all of us, brought out the flags that we had and the box lay covered in my flag. Steve from MD and I uncovered the stone and there was another resounding hush. The media was there, although I don’t know from what stations or newspapers. They converged on the sight and took so many pictures, of which I am glad. Yesterday and the coming days of this mission can never be forgotten either.

Steve and I got the box out of my truck and gently laid it on the ground and more photos were taken. Then Frank, Steve and I carried it to the memorial stone at Shanksville that say’s “Let’s Roll”. By then I was pretty much a mess, so I don’t remember what the rest of it said. Bob Beck with PGR graced us with a beautiful prayer and blessing. Thank you, Bob - it was perfect.

Frank said some words, and as he described later, what he had intended in his brain, didn’t come out - what was in his heart did. He asked if I had a few words and through tears and a very shaky voice (and behind sunglasses thank goodness!) all I remember saying is this, “There are no words to express the honor that I have had in transporting this stone today.” and then something to the effect of, “The transportation of this stone from our nation’s capital to the middle of our country goes to show that September 11, 2001 will NEVER and I mean EVER be forgotten.”

And it won’t. Ever. Not by this average American girl.

And neither will yesterday. Ever.

The MD PGR and VA PGR then performed what I call the “Changing of the Guard of Stone” with the PA PGR and WV PGR. The 4 captains, 2 on either side, exchanged the box containing the stone. Then the PA PGR and the WV PGR and Joan carried the box to George’s truck and loaded it into the back.

Leg 1 of Pentagon Stone Transfer: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

After the transfer, my fellow PGR, Pete who was an integral part of the search and rescue at the Pentagon on that fateful day, helped me retire my flag that had draped the stone all day. This flag is the one that I purchased on September 12, 2001 — the first American flag I have ever owned in my life. It was flown for every occasion from September 12, 2001 until the morning of August 22, 2006. It was only befitting to retire it at Shanksville, Pennsylvania. It is still in the fold that Pete and I put it in at my home in a wooden case where it will remain.

After this ceremony, many of us heard the presentation from one of the ambassadors of Shanksville. She (and boy, I wish I could remember her name, but those of you who know me, know that I am not good at names!) was so appreciative of us, and us of her and for the other ambassadors that manage the Shanksville site.

We all know that there was so many other things that happened: feelings that were felt, commaraderie that was experienced, and worlds that were said, that like I wrote at the beginning are a challenge to filter and express in a way that is concise and understandable… even to me. All I know is this:

I will never forget September 11, 2001.
I will never forget those serving today to protect our precious freedoms.
I will never forget those who have served for centuries to secure our freedoms in the first place.
I will never forsake those that will serve in the future.

And I will never forget 22 August 2006 with the Patriot Guard Riders.

Always - Our Land is Free Because of Brave. And God Bless them All.

For information on the stone’s final destination, visit www.visitdodgecity.org

Susan Scott Teachey was born in Richmond, Virginia and her ancestry in this country dates back to 1709 from a little-known town of Teachey, North Carolina. Her family has served in every major war ever fought for this country. She is a career graphic designer and has a small studio in the Washington, DC area. She is the author of a book chronicling the days after September 11th at the site of the Pentagon Crash.

Susan is the covergirl for our Sept-Oct issue. Read our interview with her to find out more about her.

I appreciate these times and know they are necessary but quite frankly, they make me a little crazy.

“I appreciate these times and know they are necessary but quite frankly, they make me a little crazy.”

After organizing two art shows within six weeks of each other at the beginning of this year, my husband and I had the bright, spur of the moment idea to buy a house and move even though we were perfectly happy where we were. There were many reasons why this crazy decision actually made sense, but by the time half of our belongings were at the new house and we still had a mountainous to do list in front of us I was seriously questioning our sanity, mine especially. For when we move – as we have more often than should be legally allowed – I become the moving coordinator, packer of boxes, organizer, interior designer and, as is the case with our new house, general contractor. I recycle every box, put away every dish, hang every picture, send out change of address notices, switch our utilities, pay the myriad of workers that traipse in and around our house and do whatever else needs to be done to turn our house into a home. It scares me a little to think of how well I do this job, how quickly I am able to get our house in such good order that visitors think we’ve lived here a year.Our previous moves have always pulled me away from my studio for a time, but never as long as this one. We moved into our new house in early April and it is only in the last few weeks that I have been able to even think about stepping in my studio, let alone create anything of significance. For the first month or so, this made me almost constantly cranky, feeling like my days were being wasted away and that I was losing precious time to Be An Artist. I did everything I could to rationalize the fact that taking care of our home had completely consumed any artistic goals and dreams currently floating around in my mind, but more often than not I still ended up grumpy.

“I decided to let it go. I made a conscious choice to sit still in that quiet space where I was in between creative projects and let it be OK that weeks had passed by without my picking up a paintbrush. I began to see that I actually needed a break, …”

And then a funny thing happened. I decided to let it go. I made a conscious choice to sit still in that quiet space where I was in between creative projects and let it be OK that weeks had passed by without my picking up a paintbrush. I began to see that I actually needed a break, that after creating well over 150 works of art in less than two years my creative energy was pretty well spent. Where I initially felt like I was being robbed of my purpose in life, I began to see that all the time away from my studio was actually quite precious. I was able to take a closer look at what I had done so far on this new artistic journey and think carefully about where I wanted to go next. I released the fear that I was becoming less of an artist because I took this time off, and I began to understand the value in walking away from something I love dearly in order to return to it with renewed energy, fresh eyes and a different perspective.My life as an artist is now in between creative chapters. I have no shows planned and only one project in front of me, which means my canvas is totally blank in every sense of the word. It is only in this in between space that I can enjoy that blankness, and imagine whatever I want to imagine on its surface. Our house projects are slowing down and getting wrapped up, so the time for me to return to my creative life is at hand, and I find myself wanting to hold on just a little bit longer to that quiet space. Rather than feeling anxiety over my lack of creative work, there is a delicious tension that is centered around the anticipation I feel about getting back to work. There is a crackling in the air and ideas are buzzing about ready to come to life, and the only reason they were able to come into existence is because I opened up space to let them flutter freely for a while before I commit them to any hard surface.

I am ready to get back to work. But I think I’ll wait one more day.

Christine Miller is a Los Angeles based artist with nearly 15 years of art, design and illustration experience. She is the creator of the nationally recognized brand Swirly, and her work has been inspiring people of all ages worldwide to make their creative dreams real since 1995. Find her online: swirlygirl.com and at christinemasonmiller.com

“In the coming months we’ll see yet another transformation here at ATG. … Really, this is all about ATG moving up.”

I often find it hard to let go of things, and there are a lot of articles in this current issue about that very topic - letting go. Some months ago I stepped down as the Editor in Chief here at ATG with the intention of focusing on my work and other personal projects. Apparently though, ATG was not done with me yet. I’ve more recently returned as the Creative Director for the mag and part of this return is to revamp ATG. I thought I would have a twinge of hesitation in letting go of the current ATG as we planned our future changes, but instead, I am only filled with excitement for what’s to come. I am a little nervous about the overwhelming amount of work still to be done (this eZine is often a true labour of love), but I know the steps we are taking to move forward is just what we need to refresh ATG and breathe new life into it.

Although I look back at past years of ATG with a smile, and I’m proud of what we have accomplished, I’m eager to turn my attention forwards and move on to the next stage of ATG - one I hope all our readers will enjoy with us.

Between now and our relaunch in November, we’ll give you a sneak peek at the changes you can expect on our blog, so be sure to subscribe to the feed and keep up with what’s going on at ATG. We are itching to let you in on everything!

Lorissa is a South African photographer and designer currently living in Oxford, UK with her husband and their feline-brat. She is the founder of All Things Girl. To find out more about Lor visit our about page.

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Most people cannot continue on like this for long. The gym is, well, pretty boring. It often means an hour or so away from the life you would like to be living. And, unlike the advertisers would like you to believe, the results are not usually as fast or as perfect as you would like them to be. All of this leads to the inevitable, dreaded…Burnout.

“Think of what types of things you used to enjoy as a child. Did you like to slide or swing or jump on a trampoline?”

There is another way to have an active lifestyle without missing out on life. The solution is Playtime (or active play). If you are lucky enough to have a two-year-old handy, you will not need to read any further. However, if you are flying solo on trying to recapture the days of play gone by, then you are going to need to use some imagination.Think of what types of things you used to enjoy as a child. Did you like to slide or swing or jump on a trampoline? I know someone who jumps on one of those big trampolines, listening to her ipod—an hour can pass without her even realizing it because it is so fun. And that brings up an important point: active play is not only active but also fun—this kills two birds with one stone as far as living life goes. If you are going to be active, it should add to your life instead of take time away from it. Does it make any sense to take an hour a day away from your life in order to prolong it?

Other ideas for more conventional active play are swimming in the pool (not laps!), shooting hoops, hitting a tennis ball against a wall, etc. If there is a sport you enjoy, sign up for a recreational team. If there is a cause you support, join in for a charity walk for the cure. Just remember that if you are going to be active, it will be a more consistent endeavor if it is fun or has purpose. Do not waste your life feeling guilty over not exercising—live your life more fully by making playtime a regular part of your day.

Jennifer Pereira is a Registered Dietitian, Licensed Dietitian, and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Her website is: Nutrition Paradox