a little red hen

Knit A Condom Amulet, the Blogzine

Today the sister blog, chicklet to A Little Red Hen, debuts.  Its life began as a zine, small paper giveaway announcing what was coming online in Knit A Condom Amulet. (Reaons for invented word "blogzine" on the new site.)

There are seven (7) free patterns for Condom Amulets by five (5) knitters you may know--Lisa Daehlin, Michelle Edwards, Amanda Gale, Kay Gardiner and me.

Why? We need new ways to start conversations about Safe Sex.   I wear a Condom Amulet to fiber festivals, meetings, and parties.  "That's pretty!" a woman comments as she peers to look closer.   "It's an amulet...a condom amulet," my reply, and another chance to explain.  Yes, I began knitting them when I learned about the crisis in HIV for women over 50.  The 50-plus women are always surprised, ask questions.

Becoming HIV-positive was Jane Fowler's wake-up call.  Hearing her in 2005 sparked my idea for the Condom Amulet Project.  Jane, whose diagnosis led to an active life as poster-woman on the issue, points out in an LA Times article this week reports that when she first knew something was wrong, her doctor

... dismissed her questions about getting tested for HIV as unnecessary for someone her age... early symptoms were [only]routine ailments of aging.

Once we accept that sexual experiences occur at all ages, the need for universal Safe Sex awareness is obvious.  Someone you know would appreciate a handknit or crocheted Condom Amulet.  Designs-- 6 in yarn, one in wire--

The ManThong Condom Amulet

Ballband Key Chain Condom Amulet

Bra and Breast Pouch Condom Amulets

100% Corn Silk from Iowa Condom Amulet

Knit Wire Bracelet (pictured above) Condom Amulet

The Princetonian Condom Amulet, from the college series

The new blogzine invites your Condom Amulet creations.  Write about it at your own site-- details HERE.  Without knowing about the new site, Samantha at the blog, Kith and Kin,  started making them, even has a category for "condom amulets." 

December One is WORLD AIDS DAY.   The global AIDS numbers are lower than had been thought, and yet, in the words of a New York Times editorial, "...stabilizing at an unacceptably high level."  The U.S. needs to do far more, to shift away providing major funding to abstinence-only programs.   WomensEnews on positions of presidental candidates is revealing.

What's happening with sex education in your community?  At subway stations this week, front page of the free paper, am New York, asked "How Young Is Too Young?" Inside, an article on a campaign by local students to convince the NYC City Council to make sex ed mandatory in all public middle and high schools.

Many thanks to my knitting friends for their patience, to Annette Segars who loaned her glamorous hand to model the Knit Wire Bracelet, to Suzi @RGENerationX, and always to ACT UP, longtime model for consciousness-raising through direct action.

Newsflash 12/7/07  Commentary by Dr. Pat at WVFC (see blogroll) on Reuters' recent article, "Older White Women Join Kenya's Sex Tourists."

LYSISTRATA film appears briefly in NYC

"Where did you get that shirt?" Joan Wile asked.  We sat next to one another along with a bunch of other Grandmothers Against the War for a screening about the unprecedented, worldwide, anti-war theatrical happening in 2003, Operation Lysistrata, (film clips at this link).  It was Joan who had emailed me about it.

Joan is the instigator of the GAW, the group that has held a peace vigil, rain/shine/holidays, every Wednesday from 4:30 to 5:30 in front of Rockefeller Center. She is one of the 18 grandmas arrested here a couple of years ago for their peaceful protest at the Times Square Recruiting station.  Out of that initial action, the Granny Peace Brigade grew,  now includes a counter-recruitment effort which is described--with videos--at their website.

The film shows the time before the Iraq War began, the  energetic anti-war ferment.    Malachy McCourt, who sang to all us marchers in February 2003 as we rallied against the impending war, sat behind Joan and me.   "...Tens of millions of people took to the streets all over the world....organizers say half a million in New York City [more here at Amy Goodman's "Democracy Now" site]. 

"Joan, we were so hopeful then," I sighed.    The film reminds us that many young people responded to the immodest notion of performing Lysistrata in cafes, parks, living rooms all over the world.  Michael Patrick Kelly, the filmmaker and his co-producer, Suzanne Hayes Kelly, answered questions about their documentary.  The screening was part of their effort to secure the small amount needed to produce a CD for distribution through their website.  [Contact Aquapio Films to learn more.]

It was cold as hell that March 3 in New York City.  Did one happen in your own locale (list here)? Imagine:  high school students--home-schooled 15 year old in the film used plastic dinosaurs for his unusual performance-- people all ages all over the U.S. diverse colors, gender prefs.  Touch-and-go to find a group in North Dakota but two cities signed on.   We owe a lot to Kathryn Blume and Sharron Bower, who conceived The Lysistrata Project.  That night the play was presented to a sold-out audience at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.  Appearing were Kathleen Chalfant, Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, F. Murray Abraham, many more New York-based actors. You can see them in the film--along with wannabes worldwide like you and me.   

Joan and I, tee-shirt-wearing grandmas, continue to be hopeful, ask questions of authority.  She did not know details of The Thought Crime Bill.  Have to tell her about my latest idea after hearing the latest on The Bill.  It's skipped into the Senate; new number is S.1959.  Targets the internet in particular.  Five years ago we reveled in our freedom to protest--though the film reminds that not everyone supported the huge demonstrations nor the performance of Lysistrata itself.  Restrictions on the internet would deprive us of the unprecedented connecting possible through the ether:  59 countries and 1,029 readings. 

Turkey This Year with Roxie

Previous Thanksgivings were often   in Portland, Oregon, with our daughter's family.  In this 2002 picture Nick, our son, has come from New Orleans where he lived at the time.  Zach is six months old, held by Scott, his father.  We were in the Portland kitchen, now dry unlike the previous year when the ceiling sprung a leak as we put the turkey in the oven.

Roxie, now 10 months, our local grandchild, is about to have her first taste of the bird.  Ron made the turkey in our kitchen in Manhattan.  My contribution, loaf of cornbread  baked in a long narrow pan.  A recipe that puts together cornmeal, wheat germ, sesame  seeds.  The picture is of the mini-loaf that we left at home.

Took our food and wine into the car for the drive to Queens.  Leanne, Roxie's mom, surprised us with a home-baked pie.  Very delicious with ingredients from their neighborhood health food store--organic crust and pumpkin  filling.  Tastier than ones we've had before. 

To save on dishwashing in their tiny kitchen, I brought along themed paper plates and napkins.  Enough in the package to use in Portland when we visit the two grandchildren and family out there for the month of January-- and duplicate the meal. 

We learned that it works better to take our food to them so that Roxie can roam around her usual environment.  Resisted at first, then we were pleased with how well it worked.  She did enjoy the turkey and cornbread-- new foods for her.

Snapped the threesome as we were about to leave--Roxie ready for another nap. Almost forgot...Nick made green beans and cranberry sauce, his part of the Thanksgiving co-op dinner.

Volatile Message on YOUR tee?

Alix Olson, Editor of WOMEN WARRIORS, Women Leaders in the Spoken Word Revolution, (photo on right), addressed a packed room in NYC earlier this month to introduce the book and many of its contributors.   I sat in the second row.  Eve Ensler of The Vagina Monologues, was in first row, could not read dense text on back of her black tee-shirt.  Front message, Arrest Cheney First, clearer--even in my fuzzy photo.

I wrote here recently about the beginning of that jam-packed week; it has not let up.  Fueling it in the days following was Bad News, the kind you're glad to know about and disturbed by at the same time, from TGB.  This is the blog that will not let up on us Elderbloggers (and our friends) to get sleepy major media's attention on what TGB calls "The Thought Crime Bill."  Now it's my turn to nudge.  Read all about it, right here, H.R. 1955.

Readers,  travel back with me to the 1950s.  Where were you -- high school, drafted for the "Korean War," fooling around in college? Offered my first post-college job as a second grade teacher, I reluctantly signed a loyalty oath.  Not a good memory.

Herb Block, the political cartoonist, recalls the era's political landscape with many images from that unsettled time.  Does the phrase, "I have here in my hand..." sound as contemporary to you as to me?  H.R. 1955, "Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism and Prevention Act of 2007,"  seems written to make us fearful. Several years ago, the Librarian of Congress described the mood in the U.S. after WW II.  And how this led to the famous Herblock cartoons:

"People worried that communists might try to subvert schools, labor unions, and other institutions. Government agencies and private groups began to look for evidence...  In this climate of fear and suspicion, the House Committee on Un-American Activities...became active. Joseph McCarthy [Wisconsin senator] seeking political gain, began a well-publicized campaign using smear tactics, bullying and innuendo to identify and purge communists and "fellow travelers" in government. Block recognized the danger to civil liberties...coined the phrase "McCarthyism" in his cartoon for March 29, 1950...."

Certain resonance.  Who is/will be the Joe McCarthy of our time?  Will Eve Ensler have to hide her tee-shirt? Alix Olson re-consider introducing herself as a "radical feminist professionally"? 

Back to Women Warriors, the new book.  These declaiming women were unknown to me but not to the rest of the audience.  In the far left of this photo is Genevieve Van Cleve of Austin, Texas, in her at-rest mode.  Reading "Altar Call (I Want Jesus Back),"  her sparks and energy enveloped the space. Though it's wonderful to read, I'm fortunate to have heard her own delivery. 

A political activist, wife and mother, Genevieve writes, "Spoken word has made it possible to find, hone, and celebrate my voice, while listening to those of countless others."  Many of us Elderbloggers would describe our pursuit in a similar way.

Knitting By the Book

Determined to finish this cotton vest in time to wear it while the weather was warm, I did that.  Aided of course by convolutions of the climate, was wearing it on a Roxie visit to our place in early October.

Everyone admires it.  I owe it all to Betty at Knitty City.  She was wearing the "Yin Yang Bolero," a pattern from a yarn producer in Maine, Knit One, Crochet Two.  With her usual in-the-moment-style, she asked, "Wanna try it on?"  Sure.  Though we have very different shapes, it fit just right.  It's rare to have the chance to know so much about something I'm considering knitting.

Through the end of the summer, I dragged it around everywhere--Portland (dropped it getting out of that VW van my daughter has), upstate New York.  Finally, finished and wore it with no longer produced rayon lightweight, cap-sleeve tops.  Perfect.  Yesterday it was getting cooler again and I tried it with this long-sleeve blouse.  Garter stitch, straightforward instructions.

Stopped by Knitty City--Betty's girls admired.  Wearing it in a different color palette was a woman who'd started hers before I did.  Another was knitting the same style but with variegated silk ribbon yarn.  Tempting.  "I like that," from new customer; she bought the pattern, selected different Ty-Dy colors.   Links tell all--yarn requirements, colors available.

With small amount of leftover yarn, decided to make a pattern downloaded three years ago (!), ChemoDo-Rag (AKA Scarf) by Rae Creedle.  Babushka would be better noun according to knitting women--and my African-American neighbor.  Wonderful for "bad hair" days--and desire for a 1930s look!

"Time Out New York" Amazes with Incivility

Last week in a major victory, NYC NOW (National Organization for Women) shamed New York Magazine into dropping ads that promote sex trafficking in NYC.  Read about the organization's Trafficking Campaign.  The magazine made its decision just as NOW was about to picket their offices.   

Gloria Steinem has been an active supporter of a statewide law.  Here she talks about it at the New York State Anti-Trafficking Coalition.  In June 2007,  the state passed a strong law the group had worked toward for three years.

But there's always a tacky space for today's media to fill. Time Out New York proved it this week in writing about craft classes--

...needle arts...once the domain of arthritic grannies [italics mine] just keep getting hotter.

We've been hearing "not your grandmother's knitting" for a long time as yarn manufacturers panted after young knitters.  Was that too mild for a twenty-something hoping for a promotion?  Time Out has not signed on to drop ads for sex trafficking.  Perhaps some of us needle-wielding grannies should picket.

Update, November 14...Time Out signs "Trafficking Free NYC" pledge.  Why is this important?  From the NOW NYC website:

Traffickers are still brazenly operating in our neighborhoods. They advertise in our newspapers and set up websites for men to rate brothels. Traffickers are cocky, not afraid of the police, not afraid of the judicial system. .. NOW-NYC has sent the "Trafficking Free NYC!" good business pledge to local publications.

And the Week Had Only Just Begun...

Monday  Remembered too late in the day that I'd forgotten to go by Chirping Chicken on Amsterdam Avenue to see if Dimitris Papas, the genial manager, was serious about finding me one of their company's tees.  Was I the only Upper West Side customer who wanted to wear a chicken shirt?

Tuesday  Often my morning blogreading opens with Ronni Bennett at Time Goes By.  The link is to that day's post;-- she is a daily (except Sunday) blogger.  After you read the headline, Thought Crime Bill Passes House,  close your eyes, before reading further.  What year does that evoke?  1952?  1984, the novel?  Meet H.R. 1955 (that's the year I graduated from college those "good, old days" of the Mc Carthy era of the 1950s).  This link, googling is a wonderful thing, leads to the late Hazel Wolf, feminist activist, who was came close to deportation for the crime of her politics.

Unsettled to learn from TGB that only six members of the House had voted against the bill on October 23, that no major media, no political blogs had mentioned it, I tried to put it aside for the morning.  Gathered self and umbrella together for my weekly tutoring session with immigrant women who work in nursing homes and are preparing to take the New York State GED.  On my way to the office of their union, SEIU1199 where various continuing education classes are offered, I pass this tilted clock on West 41st Street.  Foolishly, I expect each week that it will be fixed.

More hopefulness as I work with my three students. We finish the unit on "Celebrating Tet, the New Year," relate it to their own traditions.  "What is AIDS?"  is next.  First a short paragraph to read, followed by questions whose answers they write--reading comprehension is the goal.  Two of the women are from the West Indies, in their fifties.  Another, perhaps a few years younger is from Ghana.  She turns to me, "Until I read this, I did not know that you cannot get AIDS from kissing."  "Oh, no!" another woman admonishes.

Teachable moment of another kind.  I reach into my canvas bag, pull out the little plastic lunch bag with New York City condoms.  Yes, they remember seeing these when people gave them out at subway stations in the winter.  Also in the lunch bag is this Condom Amulet; I put it around my neck.  "My goodness!"  they say and laugh.  Two of them accept my offer of two condoms.  "Do you have any of the ribbed ones?"  Question leads to one educating the other on types of condoms.  Time for class to end.

Wednesday  Xtreme English, alerted yesterday, has now blogged on Thought Crime Bill, added a link to another blogger.   Titling her post, "Harman Commission:  the Homegrown Terrorist Bill," The Crone Speaks adds quotes and links from In These Times.  A call to my Congressman's Washington office (Charles Rangel) , I cannot find out WHY he voted for it--with the very large majority.  In my usual hopeful way, I'd thought maybe he was out of the country.

Playwriting class Wednesday evening.  Very tired, then perked up by late arrival of Cat Fisher, set designer among her many talents.  Visiting back home in Wichita, Kansas, she and a friend put this beautiful, stars and stripes quilt together.  What two words would you use to describe it, Judd, our instructor asked.

Lost America .  Maybe it was the handsewn, winding path--hopeful. Many of us continue to be.  We need to be watchful that the big, corporate media does not shape our thinking.

Brassieres--Remember?

Something was in the air this weekend.  First I had a new view of my friend Audrey.  Each of her three children gave an energetic and hilarious "tribute" to their mother.  Not quite a roast, but...

Did I mention that the food was excellent?  Susan, the actress/playwright daughter declaiming here, has a French mother-in-law, Jeanine.  We sat together and I was amazed that she knew what a blog was!  I told her the first birthday-wish comment on yesterday's blog came from Claude at Blogging in Paris.  Jeanine was an excellent dinner companion, has lived and worked in New York since the late 1950s.  We are the same age.  Brassiere conversation began as she described her job, a business that imports bras from France.  Pretty ones-- with names unknown to me.

In recounting childhood experiences with their mother, Susan's brothers Mark and Jim revealed Audrey's strong opinions about appropriate bra-wear.  I did not know this about her:  she will comment quite directly about strangers who, in her view, have a need for better support. When she called this morning to thank us for joining her party, I remarked that her children's performances had been hilarious.  "It's true, you know," she replied, and added more detail to her particularity about the matter.  I'm inclined to be a little more aware of my "lift" when we meet in the future.

The next day, checking in on one of my favorite bloggers, Rachel, medical librarian at Women's Health News, I encountered bra-concern again.  All of us have it, right?  She has found a new product, the Dawn Camisole for those like me who are amply-endowed.  I am pleased that younger bloggers will talk about this.  Elderbloggers, what about it?  Though designed to meet special needs of post-mastectomy women, Rachel writes that the camisole can be worn by others for good  support and is comfortable without a bra underneath.  It's pricey at $54.00 yet I'm considering....

With all the family lore around this matter, you'd think that Susan Bernfield could write a thoughtful play about her mother's generation and the messages we've internalized from advertising--Maidenform, Formfit.  She could begin with Found in Mon's Basement, a blog with all kinds of vintage ads directed at women's insecurities--think "Modess because..."and house-cleaning products. Brassiere consciousness might be a follow-up to her play, "Stretch: a fantasia" about Nixon's secretary, Rose Mary Woods, typical handmaiden secretary of the mid 20th century.   

Audrey's Birthday, 70 and Rising

When I look at this photo, the person looking back at me is  my unexpected friendship-find, Audrey.  Does anyone write about the challenge of retiring to a new place like New York City-- after sixty?

I mean the reality, not the fluff about "stimulating environment, so much free cultural life...yada yada."  That we both have done it is one small part of our bond to one another.  The rest is hard to put into the words that would give you a picture of a woman who turns seventy this month.  Decided to give herself a birthday party because she's delighted to be here.  There have been some big scares along the way.

Is there more to say?  Of course.  Instead here's a summary about this photo.  Ron and I had just had breakfast at Audrey's.  Because we were returning a borrowed portable crib.  We talk about how it has worked for our respective grandchildren.  Very few grandmothers I meet have this sort of exchange with me.

Main conversation is her meeting Elizabeth Edwards, wife of the candidate, and how she considered going to Iowa to work on the campaign.  Then another woman we know told her she was considering a similar trip to support another contender.  "Listen, she told this woman, you stay home and I stay home because otherwise we'd cancel each other out."  My expectation is she will be working very earnestly locally.

As she always does.  Different as we are--and there are many ways--in our life styles and histories, we share the fire to be players in the movements toward social justice in America.  Sound grand?  Not if you, like us, were the child of the depression and the message that came through your familes was about your personal obligation for tikkun olam, to heal the world.

Audrey is the only peer for whom I've knit.  "A warm one, like that," she said pointing to one made for myself.  That's as close as she comes to yarn.  Except to exclaim as she showed us the mask above.  Getting ready for a Halloween party, she'd decided to take this one off the wall.  But needed something to tie it.  "You have something?"  Certainly--from the sweater I'm working on!  Ron noted later it was like watching two girls in grade school getting ready for an assembly. 

Yup, that's how it is.  Photo to left is from a pre-theatre N.O.W. reception for the musical "Walmartatopia." She could hardly sit through it.  "Yes," I agreed, "bad theatre for a good cause."  Often our roles are reversed; sometimes we argue--usually about organizational tactics in TTN where we met.  Tonight we celebrate. 

Happy 70th,  Audrey!