Gaia Magazine Issue 1, April 2015

a i a g every woman

Laurel Holloman her art, her passion

plus Lee Craigie scottish mtb champion

words do wound cyber bullying

globetrotter istanbul + Spain ‘OLAgirls’

The last word horse whispers...

issue 1 APRIL 2015

Amelia Earhart “Everyone has oceans to fly If they have the heart to do it.

Is it reckless? Maybe.

But what do dreams know of boundaries?�

As I sit at my desk in LA, far from home, inspired from attending the GLAAD awards, I am reminded that the world has become a much smaller place and attitudes have become increasingly wider. However, it seems that some people’s minds remain closed and stuck.

After a year of planning and several months of asking myself many questions, here I am writing my first editor’s letter for GAIA magazine.

We have had a busy time to bring you our first edition. We celebrate every woman; from positive and inspiring features to having fun together and making new friends.

In this issue I wanted to explore the many differences in women and celebrate our individual uniqueness.

On the cover is none other than Laurel Holloman; we get an insight on what the actress and artist has been up to since the L Word and discover her passion for her art.

Find out what it takes to be a Commonwealth Games cyclist with Lee Craigie, we delve into the murky world of cyber bullying and hear the last word from our columnist Horse McDonald.

It’s been an incredible journey and I feel blessed to have this opportunity.

I hope our magazine inspires you, I encourage you to send feedback and I welcome hearing your thoughts.

AJ Alanna Jane Follow me on twitter @AlannaJane1 tweet us on @GaiaMagEd instagram GaiaWomen In this edition Editor:Alanna Jane Features Writer:Steph Mann Contributors: Mac, Jane Allen, Horse Design: idesign Cover photo Miki Turner Publisher:

gaia

Randan Publishing Ltd, Glasgow Company Number SC201978 Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accidents or any other cause. Gaia Magazine does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without prior permission of the publisher.

This issue

MOTHERS OF INVENTION

Necessity isn't the only mother of invention. Though it wasn't always easy to get patents or the credit they deserved, women are responsible for many items we use today.

WELLBEING

From asthma to insomnia ON THE COVER

The art of reinvention: actress Laurel Holloman shares her passion as an international artist of calibre.

Cover Photo: Miki Turner TRAVEL

Istanbul. Calpe. Edinburgh

FOOD

A snapshot of our favourite eateries this month FEATURE

Asylum: myths and reality ARTS

Books. Film. Music SPORTS

We chat to Scottish Elite Rider Lee Craigie AGENDA

Events Calendar THE LAST WORD

...Horse Whispers

ISSUE 1

APRIL 2015

SPRING INTO ACTION:

ARE YOU FULL OF ANTICIPATION FOR ALL THE WONDERS OF THIS SEASON OF GROWTH?

BAG YOUR FIRST MUNRO

Munros are mountains in Scotland which are over 3000 feet high. Broadcaster Muriel Gray, a keen walker, has written a book about them. The First Fifty: Munro-Bagging Without a Beard, is a very funny attempt to explain why some people walk up mountains. Scotland Welcomes You recommend starting off with Carn Aosda or Ben Lomond before building up to the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

TRY A NEW SPORT

Exercise doesn't have to be boring. Scotland has many opportunities to try something different from kayaking, to curling and golf. Why not try mountain biking, like Glasgow’s Lee Craigie ( see our sports feature) who recently competed in the Commonwealth Games. For the more adventurous, how about crawling underground (caving), plunging in icy lochs (wild swimming) or whizzing through the mud and woodland hills (quad biking)?

GIVE UP SMOKING

With smoking now about as welcome as a Sarah Palin visit to Hilary Clinton’s house, it is no surprise that many women have decided to quit. For inspiration, look no further than the inimitable Susan Calman who has been smoke free for a year.

READ MORE

It’s through reading that we gain new perspective and learn more about ourselves and the world around us. For something a little different try crime writer Val McDermid’s Forensics: The Anatomy of Crime. It uncovers the secrets of forensic medicine laying bare the secrets of this fascinating medicine.

AN ACT OF KINDNESS

Do at least one good deed a day. When Katie Cutler set up a fundraising page for Alan Barnes, she hoped to raise a respectable £500 to help the disabled pensioner feel safer in his home after he was mugged and left with a broken collarbone as he put the bins out. Her act of kindness for a complete stranger has enabled him to buy his own home.

GAIA ONLINE DO YOU like OUR SELECTION? TELL US VIA TWITTER @GAIAMAGEDITOR INSTAGRAM GAIAWOMEN OR WWW.GAIAWOMEN.COM

Mothers of invention

Women do amazing things every day. We build rockets, we design machines, we discover new medicines, and yet, we are more often than not overlooked in favour of our male counterparts. There is a huge list of inventions created by women that have brought vast improvements to our lives as we know them now. Have a look and see how many you have heard of.

In 1893 Margaret Wilcox, a mechanical engineer, invented the first car heater. A small thing that made a huge difference. Even though her invention was flawed in terms of temperature control (or lack thereof), she paved the way for an idea that could be improved upon.

On the subject of heating, a woman invented central heating too. Alice Parker was considered to be one of the most educated women of her time. Alice came up with the concept of being able to use one heating furnace to heat separate rooms in 1919. Her idea never came into fruition due to safety issues, but she was the first person to come up with the concept, laying the groundwork for modern central heating. was an African-American, who invented the first CCTV system, patented in 1966. It consisted of a home security set up that had four peepholes and a camera. Everything could be seen via a monitor and the idea progressed to the system used today.

Marie Van Brittan Brown

In the late 1800’s, Maria Beasley was busy inventing. She was granted fifteen patents between 1878 and 1898, one of these was for the life raft. An incredible invention that has saved many lives.

is the inventor of home solar power. A biophysicist by trade, Telkes created a thermoelectric power generator in 1947, and designed the first solar powered heating system.

Maria Telkes

invented the medical syringe in 1899. She came up with the idea of a syringe with a plunger so an injection could be done in one movement.

Letitia Greer

Little is known about Florence Parpart. In 1914 she won the patent for her design of a refrigerator as we know it today. Her fridge became quite a successful seller and she herself became an entrepreneur.

The dishwasher was invented by Josephine Cochrane, who came up with the idea in 1886 after getting annoyed at her domestic help breaking her china. She sold the idea to hotels and restaurants and the idea eventually became a common household appliance.

Stephanie Kwolek,

a chemist, invented poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide in 1955.

This material has been used in everything from brake pads to helmets. Much better known as Kevlar and most known for being used in bullet-proof vests.

Hedy Lamarr,

best known as an actress between 1930 - 1950. A lesser known fact is that she invented a frequency hopping system that allowed America’s military to control torpedoes during WWII. This technology went on to lay the foundations for Wifi and bluetooth.

LIFESTYLE MOTHER’S DAY

not the only DAY TO SAY THANK YOU…

It’s hard to avoid at this time of year, and is a timely reminder not to take our mums for granted. For some, it is not a happy occasion, for others, it gives us the chance to reflect on our past or present relationships with the woman who brought us in to the world.

The mother-daughter relationship is the most powerful bond , for better or for worse. It sets the stage for all other relationships.

Our editor and her mother speak about their relationship: Joyce: Unfortunately, while Alanna was at school in Cowes, she was bullied mercilessly for a time.

I have always encouraged her to tell me about problems, so when I saw the mental and physical effects of the bullying, I was distraught. I was, and still am, very protective towards her and her sister Jo and, like any mum, I hate to think of her suffering in any way. I don't think there is a closer mother and daughter, but I would say that, wouldn't I? Alanna is a lovely person. She is honest and giving, loving and caring, and everything that I would hope to bring her up to be. Alanna often tells me that how much she loves me. That is enough for me and all I really need to know.

Alanna: Mum has always been a big part of my life. As an adult, I feel lucky to have a good relationship with her. We're best friends and mum and daughter. I’ve now got my own two grown up children Alex and Charlie, she adores them both. Mum is a loving and fun person.

It's brilliant going out with her as anything can happen.

I can’t have been particularly pleasant to live with as a teenager. As I was struggling with my inner demons, mum bore the brunt of it. Mum’s support helped me get through the most challenging days.

When I came out it was mum I turned to. She took it all in her stride and has only ever wanted me to be happy. I wouldn't be the person I am today without the love and support from mum.

WELLBEING ADULT ASTHMA

Think asthma can only start in childhood? Then think again…

A growing number of people are developing asthma in adulthood. Many of the symptoms of adult asthma are similar to those in children: dry cough, chest tightness or difficulty breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and colds and respiratory infections that seem to last longer than average, for example.

But unlike with children, who often experience asthma episodes sporadically, adults tend to have persistent asthma symptoms that require daily medication to control. And because lung function may decrease after middle age, symptoms of adult-onset asthma are sometimes overlooked and dismissed as a general result of decreased lung capacity.

Fifty five year old Eva Tait, from Ayrshire, developed a bad cough that just wouldn’t shift. Her doctor told her that she had a chest infection and was prescribed antibiotics. But they didn’t help.

“After about 10 weeks, I was still wheezy and short of breath,” recalls Eva, a retired teaching assistant.

It was then that her doctor broke the news that she had asthma.

“I naively thought asthma only affected children and this seemed very out of the blue.” Eva is one of a growing number of people who develop it in adulthood.

Yet asthma is notoriously difficult to diagnose, as there isn’t one set test, and its symptoms can overlap with other conditions.

Deborah Waddell, lead clinical advisor for Asthma UK,writes: "Many people think asthma is a childhood condition but it can be diagnosed later on in life, a condition known as adult onset asthma. One in 11 people in the UK has asthma.

For older people, shortness of breath may be the sole symptom, but wheezing, shortness of breath, a tight chest and coughing are also experienced.

A severe attack can be frightening - three people die and almost 200 people are admitted to hospital every day because of asthma.

If you develop asthma as an adult, it's likely to be more severe. You are likely to have less chance of remission and a faster decline in lung function.

Diagnosis is hard as it can be confused with conditions such as bronchitis, emphysema and heart disease. Adult symptoms can be triggered by flu, viral infection, exercise, depression or anxiety, medicine and irritants such as cigarette smoke, cold air, perfume and chemical fumes.

Treatment involves two inhalers - one used when symptoms strike and one which helps to protect the airways and reduce the likelihood of symptoms.”

Jane Anderson says, “As a child I used to get terrible chesty coughs but when I developed severe asthma as an adult it was terrifying.”

Many cases are triggered by viral infections - for Jane, now 72, it was after a bout of pleurisy.

“I remember being incredibly frail and as the condition worsened I thought I was dying.”

All the experts stress it is vital to see your GP if you have any asthma-like symptoms. The good news is that once it has been diagnosed, the treatment can transform lives.

Jane Anderson is living proof of this. “‘Years ago I used to play competitive badminton, but when my asthma was bad, I couldn’t even climb the stairs,’ she says.

“Now I can walk three miles every day and I’m much more confident with it.’”

For more information, visit www.asthma.org.uk

WELLBEING INSOMNIA Jane Allen,

Holistic Therapist

It seems we are a sleep deprived nation.

Do you start most days exhausted after a sleepless or restless night?

In my holistic therapy practice I see all too common themes of stress, work or family pressures and worry that are often at the root of sleep deprivation. With our thoughts racing at one hundred miles an hour, it's normal for our brains to remain on high alert at the end of the day. However, good sleep is one of the cornerstones of life.

It is important for problem solving and lack of sleep can affect everything from blood pressure to our mental health and immunity.

So what is insomnia?

Insomnia - difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early - is a common medical complaint. Chronic insomnia means disrupted sleep that occurs at least three nights per week and lasts at least three months.

Try these techniques and lifestyle changes to help improve your sleep: Sleep in complete darkness

or as close to it as possible. Even the tiniest bit of light in the room can disrupt your internal clock and and the tiniest glow from your clock radio could be interfering with your sleep.

Keep the temperature in your bedroom

no higher than 70 degrees F. Many people keep their homes and particularly their upstairs bedrooms too warm. Studies show that the optimal room temperature for sleep is quite cool, between 60 to 68 degrees F. Keeping your room cooler or hotter can lead to restless sleep. When you sleep, your body's internal temperature drops to its lowest level, generally about four hours after you fall asleep. Scientists believe a cooler bedroom may therefore be most conducive to sleep, since it mimics your body's natural temperature drop.

Your bed is for sleeping in.

If you are used to watching TV or doing work in bed, you may find it harder to relax and drift off to sleep, so avoid doing these activities in bed.

Establish a bedtime routine.

This could include meditation, deep breathing, using aromatherapy or essential oils or indulging in a massage from your partner. The key is to find something that makes you feel relaxed, then repeat it each night to help you release the tensions of the day.

Avoid caffeine.

At least one study has shown that, in some people, caffeine is not metabolized efficiently, leaving you feeling its effects long after consumption. So, an afternoon cup of coffee or tea will keep some people from falling asleep at night.

Avoid alcohol.

Although initially alcohol will make you drowsy, the effect is short lived and you will often wake up several hours later, unable to fall back asleep. Alcohol will also keep you from entering the deeper stages of sleep, where your body does most of its healing.

Exercise regularly.

Exercising for at least 30 minutes per day can improve your sleep. However, don't exercise too close to bedtime or it may keep you awake. Studies show exercising in the morning is the best if you can manage it.

Laurel Holloman

on the cover

LAUREL HOLLOMAN CHATS TO STEPH MANN ABOUT HER ART, HER PASSION…

Laurel Holloman graced our screens in The L Word and was part of one of the most talked about TV shows of its genre. However, since 2010 she has given herself over to her art. Living and working in Los Angeles, she has really hit the art scene with her large scale work.

The work Laurel does is both abstract and expressive. Using a variety of shapes and colour that reveal deep emotion, the paintings take you on a journey. Art is subjective and open to interpretation and Laurel doesn’t hold back on this point, “I welcome people to feel whatever [they want] and think very little to what they feel. I feel no responsibility to that or care if I even like it”. This isn’t an uncaring feeling, as she goes on to explain...

“I try to focus on what I want to say with the piece and try hard not to focus on any likability or even commercialism or trends” she says in a very honest tone. “I’m doing more photo based pieces that are more mundane, or at least the subject matter is, but technically more challenging” she continues, talking about her current work, that may never be exhibited. Which makes you ask the question Why? “I am doing them because they make me happy and they are challenging technically, they are smaller than the large scale abstracts so more relaxing.”

When it comes to her love of art, it all started for Laurel because “my father had a Georgia O'Keefe print in his bedroom and I would stare at it all the time when I was ten years old. It is the piece where it looks like a vagina and also a flower and the sides look like a man and a woman standing butt to butt. Or it could be interpreted as two women or two men. It was so sensual. I loved it.”. It seems this one image was the driving force to the artist we see today.

Laurel attended the University of North Carolina where she majored in Performance and Visual Art. She later studied at the British American Drama Academy in London where she “spent more time looking at art and going to museums”. When asked about her influences, she states “I became obsessed with Camille Claudel and saw the movie five times. I love her work and of course Rodin and Francis Bacon. Now I like Marlene Dumas and I really love Adrian Ghenie's work”.

Camille Claudel

These influences are reflected in Laurel’s paintings, and there is a deeply spiritual element to her work. She explains that spirituality to her "means searching and seeking answers to why we are here”. Everything from “guidance through family and nature” to “visual things, like calming sunsets, paint, the ocean, the forest, smiling children”.

“I think if you have a very deep life and a full one, there are many moments of the day where you can feel a spiritual connection. It could be the smell of the top of your child's head, a bright moon in the sky, the taste of a great meal or great sex with your partner. Intimacy and spirituality are highly connected. I don't mean just sexual intimacy. I mean slowing down to make real connections with what life is showing you.”

In recent years Laurel’s focus has turned much more to living life to the full since leaving acting.

She explains that it “feels very very RICH” and that “I no longer want to wake up and play another character because I really enjoy what is going on in my own life”. By concentrating on her own life and drawing on that, Laurel seems to be able to express this into her work and connect the two.

She admits to hardly watching any TV and from this she says “shutting down some of the noise from the superficial, I found my work grew. My pieces became more inspirational based and less fear based”.

When you look at some of Laurel’s paintings you can’t help but notice her use of colour. The Fifth Element collection is a rainbow explosion. I asked the importance of this and she explained that “when it comes to colours, they are everything for me! They have the power to set the entire mood of a painting. I can spend hours blending and mixing and looking for new combinations. I can do this for days without painting anything”.

And if the colour doesn't hit you first, the scale of some of the pieces certainly will. Paul Klee is an artist loved by Laurel and the two share a love of large scale images. However, for Laurel, it isn't a statement of boldness, but one of “intimacy”.

“Each painting created a world in which a story could be told...like a cave painting. With “The Secret Language of Whales” and “The Necessity of Affection”, there are gestures and symbols which tell a story. "The Necessity of Affection” is symbolic of the codependent nature of man and the other was more about the sea and the language of animals. Also with the symbolic pieces I need the space to create the relationships.”

On the topic of relationships, the installation of “All The World Inside” (2013) was something of a journey for Laurel. “[It] was one of the hardest shows to put together because of its scale.”

“It was really about creating each piece so they felt like a visual world that you could fall into. I wanted each piece to feel like a cosmos. I think “The Velocity of Dreaming” captures a very different cosmos than “Swelling Rage”. It was a hard show and very physical. At some point I felt very delirious painting for it and I think each piece became a world I wanted to get lost in...for example lying in a grassy field or floating away in the sky”.

The future for Laurel is bright, although she admits to “working at a slower more relaxed pace”. Yet her new work is much more challenging. She has moved towards photography based pieces using “blown up micro versions of photos” she has taken.

Fame seems almost irrelevant to her. “I am more interested in me changing and growing as an artist than exposure and sales”.

“This was the first year I didn't push myself at a crazy pace. When I won the Argentina Biennale [an event every two years] I came home and realised my children were anxious with all the travelling. My six year old hates it when I get on a plane. So I turned down a show abroad and focused on my family.”

With family being incredibly important to Laurel, she felt her “personal life really had been neglected and it was time to slow down”. She also wants to work on “growing as an artist and not falling victim to the "desire for significance”. Which brings us back to the fact that she really does do her art out of a love for it and not the publicity it brings.

“In the media age of self promoting this can get very out of balance. Within the desire to grow there has to be risk. You have to be open to failure”. With this in mind, I asked Laurel what her future plans were and she said “For the moment, I have a Biennale in the fall and possibly a summer solo show”.

Laurel is an artist who almost believes she is quite possibly great, but possesses an element of freshness that makes her so appealing. She ends with, “I just want to keep painting! One day I’ll be an old lady painter!” and this image seemed to make Laurel incredibly content.

www.laurelholloman.net

travel

Istanbul Istanbul awakens the senses like few places on earth, with its centuries-old minarets, fragrant bazaars and the many ships and ferries chugging up and down the mighty Bosphorus.

Built on two continents it never fails to impress. The unique blend of East and West, the clash of Christianity and Islam, it provides great contrasts.

Centuries seem to fall away as you look out over the horizon. Slim minarets pierce the air and in the early morning stillness you hear a muezzin wail, that summon the faithful to prayer. Adorned with some of the finest architectural and artistic wonders in the world, and with an extraordinary historic legacy on every street corner, Istanbul remains Turkey’s real social, artistic, and commercial hub, brimming with vitality and activity. It has always been a beacon to poets, explorers, and adventurers.

Turkish carpets are legendary and buying one is an experience rich in nuance and negotiation. Embrace the process, because it's an"invisible souvenir" and also fun.

Sailing on the Bosphorus today affords a perfect opportunity to look at the city as sailors would have seen it centuries ago. Daily boat trips stop at a number of points along its length. At Anadolu Kavagiyou can leave the ferry, eat at one of the fish restaurants by the shore, and wander up to the ruined castle for breathtaking views and a leap of imagination back to the time when Jason was sailing below in search of the Golden Fleece.

It wont be long before you are caught in its midst as you head off to explore, arguably, the world’s largest open-air museum.

Hagia Sophia

HAGIA SOPHIA On one side of Sultanahmet Park, Hagia Sophia dominates the skyline with its red walls and minarets. It was originally built in 360 AD and for more than a thousand years was a Christian church.It’s not hard to understand why this landmark has always been considered one of the most important in Istanbul. Emperors have been crowned here, refugees have taken shelter here, treasures have been hidden here. Technically it is a museum now, but you can feel the life within the walls.

THE BOSPHORUS Perhaps the very essence of Istanbul is the Bosphorus, its heartbeat, which connects Asia to Europe and the Marmara to the Black Sea. GRAND BAZAAR Try your hand at the age old art of haggling at the Grand Bazaar with its 4,000 shops.

Perhaps you'll discover an old Turkish pillow cover in the antiques section called the Bedestan. And you don't have to be a book collector to appreciate the Old Book Bazaar — located outside the Bazaar's western gate. It's a treasure-trove of volumes in many languages.

BLUE MOSQUE On the other side of Sultanahmet Park, the red is juxtaposed with the blue. Although technically called the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, most people just refer to it as the Blue Mosque because of the colour of its interior tiles. The enormous structure was completed in 1616.The big difference is that this is still an active place of worship and the tourists (and they number in the thousands every day) must be respectful. But to see the mosque with its worshippers, to hear the sounds of faith, and to feel the spirituality makes a visit even more special.

TOPKAPI PALACE Home of the Ottoman Sultans, construction of Topkapı Palace began in 1459.It was also the administrative centre from where all the judicial and executive functions were carried out. The Imperial Harem, the private pleasure palace of the Sultans, is the most wellknown aspect of Ottoman royal life. In a i sumptuously decorated labyrinth of 400 rooms, lived the Sultan’s slaves, concubines and wives, guarded over by a cadre of eunuchs.

STREET MUSICIANS An ever present feature, the sounds from an accordion, or a reed will add a dash of colour to your walk. You will suddenly find yourself clapping, dancing and joining in.

TURKISH BATHS Relieve the stress of the day with a hammam ritual –a Turkish bath, a truly unique experience not to be missed. Enjoy a scrub before relaxing and cleansing your body with a foam bath.

CICEK PASAJI (THE FLOWER PASSAGE) One of the most popular places to gather for a celebration, this long tradition has remained unchanged despite the passing centuries. It has managed to preserve its energy through the years and continues to hold a special place in our hearts.

ISLANDS So close to the hustle and bustle of the city, the Marmara Sea’s Princes’ Islands - Buyukada, Heybeliada and Kinaliada, are a serene escape from frenetic city life.

Where to stay: Sumahan Hotel Located on a secluded waterfront, the hotel nestles amongst wooden houses, seafood restaurants and seaside promenades with spectacular views of the Bosphorus Straits.

Turkish Airlines now offer direct flights from Edinburgh.

BAKLAVA The Turks love very sweet, sticky cakes, pastries, and desserts. Perhaps the most famous is Baklava. It seems to have had its ancestral home in Central Asia, where the Turkish tribes first came from, and was then modified and improved upon to please the Sultan’s palate, in the great kitchens of Topkapı Palace, in the very heart of old Istanbul.

Essentially, Baklava is made from layers of filo pastry, filled with chopped nuts and soaked through with syrup. It’s a honeyed heavyweight - a sticky fingered immoderate indulgence. Enjoy!

TRAVEL SPAIN

OLAGIRLS 5TH - 7TH JUNE 2015 COME AND JOIN US AND ACTRESS RUBY ROSE

The Spanish summer is about so much more than beaches: Calpe offers a wide variety of culinary delights, wonderful wines, welcoming locals and last but not least, natural attractions. It is a place where for three days in June women from all over the world can meet and share their interests for music, art, culture, sports and nature.

Gaia Travel in partnership with OlaGirls are taking over the beautiful resort of Calpe for a holiday to remember. Where better to meet like-minded women, whether you are on your own, part of a couple or with a group of friends. And we will be on hand with a friendly hello.

There are whole day programmes and activities to satisfy body and soul in an entertaining, cultural, artistic women-oriented atmosphere.

The day programme includes: Treasure hunt, tapas in Calpe's old town, wine tasting, film screenings, early morning beach yoga, a guided tour "Archaeology and Calpe” and many sports activities.

The night programme will include a welcome party, speed dating, dinners, live performances and music.

OlaGirls Festival is an exclusive event for women who know how to enjoy life. Whether you are looking to relax, party or meet other women, OlaGirls are ready to welcome you.

Join us now for an unforgettable experience.

Hasta Luego!

FOR THE FULL PROGRAMME VISIT WWW.OLAGIRLS.COM QUOTING #GAIA OR #GAIAPASS FOR YOUR DISCOUNT

Le Monde

LE MONDE

A JEWEL IN GEORGE STREET’S CROWN

The Le Monde Hotel in Edinburgh is the epitome of style and luxury. The 18 rooms offer guests the true boutique hotel experience; each room is designed to reflect the style of different major cities, such as Cairo, Los Angeles, New York and Tokyo. The rooms are tastefully decorated and filled with furniture, books, music, movies, artwork and other cultural details that complement the city.

Edinburgh is at the heart of world culture and the Le Monde is the ideal location for exploring the city's attractions including Princes Street Gardens,Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle.

The restaurant offers a great selection of dishes all freshly made from local produce.

Guests can also spend an evening at the famous Shanghai nightclub or in one of the three

rioja

food WE’VE ENJOYED EATING HERE AND THINK YOU MIGHT LIKE IT TOO!

Rioja

1116 Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8TD 0141 334 0761

Founded in 2014, this pop-up tapas restaurant is part of a wave of new openings in the area, which have seen it transform into one of the buzziest places to eat in Glasgow.

Taking its name from the famous Spanish wine, Rioja offers diners a chance to sample a mix of truly authentic classic Spanish dishes and tapas with a modern twist. All the dishes are expertly made by a team of Spanish chefs, using only the best quality ingredients sourced both locally and from Spain.

Rioja has done well to hold its own against increasingly stiff competition, from the wellestablished likes of Crabbshakk down the road, and highly rated newcomers such as Porter & Rye. With its intimate setting, quirky interior and dark, moody lighting, it carries a mediterranean authentic feel. The same goes for the rustic menu, which is split into traditional and modern alternatives, be it Gambas Al Ajillo - King prawns cooked in olive oil, garlic & chilli, or Crujiente De Morcilla, Manzana Y Cebolla - Crispy parcel with black pudding & apple.

Drinks-wise, there is a good selection of wines, cocktails and punch.Try the Hendricks Tea Party punch - Hendricks Gin, Lillet Blanc, lime juice, cranberry reduction, rose water and guava juice topped up with Cava, or an Orkney Chappel cocktail - Monkey Shoulder Whisky, Amontillado Sherry, Grand Marnier, Dry Vermouth and sugar cane syrup.

Further details visit their website: http://riojafinnieston.co.uk

The Pantry

1-2 North West Circus Place, Edinburgh EH3 6ST 0131 629 0206

With a passion for the finest Scottish produce, Charlotte and Chris Thompson at the Pantry know that the abundance of fresh, wholesome ingredients available in Scotland is second-tonone. They aim to make lunching and dining locally easy for busy city dwellers.

It is a relaxed and charming cafĂŠ set within a refined and graceful Georgian terrace. On a weekend, The Pantry is regularly packed out with folks sampling the brunch menu, which include treats such as wild east Lothian mushrooms, pancetta and poached egg on toast and a breakfast burrito. Or pop in for a freshly - brewed coffee and with one of the moreish home-baked cakes.

www.thepantryedinburgh.co.uk

Zucco

603 Meanwood Road, Leeds LS6 4AY 0113 224 9679

Zucco specialises in Italian small plates, making it an ideal place for sharing. The interior is very open, light and airy. Filled with lovely dark wooden tables and chairs, seating at the counter, simple black and white tiling and a wood panelled ceiling. Their menu is short but concise with starter-sized, sharing dishes using the freshest produce they can get that day.

The menu is broken down into boccone (mouthfuls), such as olives or white anchovy crostini, pizzette and pani, cold meats, fish, pasta and vegetables. It is standard practice to order a selection of dishes – the copietta, tagliatelle with mushrooms and white truffle oil and king prawns are all good choices – and share a bit of everything with the whole table. Those with a sweet tooth won’t want to pass up on the poached pear and chocolate - the desserts are to die for.

It's the type of place that works for any occasion: a leisurely lunch, relaxed dinner or late night supper with great wine and equally fantastic cocktails. Topped with good service, it's a popular place for locals.

HOPE NOT HATE: The Plight of the Asylum Seeker

By Alanna Jane

The true story of asylum seekers and refugees in the UK is still far from being told in our suspicious, biased society. And that's just the way politicians and the tabloids like it!

Until recently, I confess that I hadn't given much thought to the plight of asylum seekers. I had listened to, and believed, the facts and figures drip fed to us by the media, and if I'm honest, was of the mindset that they jumped the housing queue and benefits system ahead of us more deserving Brits.

Until I saw wonderful piece of theatre called Some Other Mother by AJ Taudevin. It highlights the fate of two asylum seekers in Glasgow. I was struck by the inhumanity shown to this group of people and the play certainly touched a nerve with me and the audience.

I wanted to find out more.

Firstly, lets define the difference between an asylum seeker and a refugee: Refugee

'A person who owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country. In the UK, a person is officially a refugee when they have their claim for asylum accepted by the government.

Asylum Seeker

'A person who has left their country of origin and formally applied for asylum in another country but whose application has not yet been concluded.' What benefits do asylum seekers receive in the UK? The majority of asylum seekers do not have the right to work in the United Kingdom and so must rely on state support. Housing is provided, but asylum seekers cannot choose where it is, and it is often ‘hard to let’ properties which Council tenants do not want to live in.

Cash support is available, and is currently set at £36.62 per person, per week, which makes it £5.23 a day for food, sanitation and clothing. * I have been astounded at the level of vitriol and anger aimed at these vulnerable individuals and attained a sobering insight into their appalling treatment by the public and officials alike.

They put their lives at risk, often on a long and treacherous journey, leaving family behind, to find safety. This does not make them lazy, dishonest, welfare cheats or criminals. It makes them desperate.

The media holds so much power over the public’s opinion on immigration and the prejudice extends to those working with asylum seekers. Some Other Mother featured the role the UK Border Agency play using morning raids to transport asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected to detention centres across the country.

During my research I met Serge, who, like so many other asylum seekers was treated badly at the hands of the UKBA. He told me, 'They came to our house in the early morning, five o’clock. I was sleeping when they came and detained me.'

Clearly angered, he added, 'The Home Office came to my home like I am a criminal. In front of my bed were four people and they cuffed my hands. They came straight to my bedroom. It’s not fair. I just come to claim asylum in this country to save my life. I am not a criminal. I would like to work. I will be killed if I return to my homeland.'

The public are no better in their reactions.

‘I am made to feel as if I smell and there is zero tolerance for the non-existent smell of an asylum seeker. I escaped from Kenya because I wanted to live, but in Middlesbrough all I can think about is how much I want to die.’ Kamwaura, a Kenyan business woman.

If we considered the situation calmly, we might come to the conclusion that a system is not fit for purpose if it considers sending a young man or woman back to one of the most dangerous countries in the world, a place that uses its citizens as human shields.

But calm discussion isn't what ensues when you drop those two words – asylum seeker – into the mix. The words are a red rag to a certain kind of bull – a political bull whose election manifesto panders to a worried populace.

We know the only thing that will make refugees safer is to provide more options for them in dangerous situations around the world - more protection from human rights abuse in their home country, more safety and recognition in countries of transit, and more access to official migration pathways.

I am also not advocating people smuggling, but it is the smugglers and corrupt officials in the countries they depart from that must be targeted. Border security is important, but it is organised crime and drug smugglers who pose the real risk. We have no problem accepting the youth who migrate here for an education, or foreign trainee doctors who work in our health care system. But a boatload of despairing people who just want safety, democracy, freedom, and a chance at a better life are demonised like rabid dogs.

If you're seeking the group of people most responsible for driving up immigration numbers, don't look at asylum seekers from places like Eritrea or Iran, look at economic migrants. The four countries sending the most people to the UK are India, Poland, USA and Australia. For them, it's an economic and lifestyle choice. For others, it's a choice between life and death.

There is also another side to the asylum tragedy that is largely unheard of. Stories of bravery in the face adversity, of survival in the face of conflict, terrorism, war and persecution, and not least, of the vast contribution refugees continue to make to the social, economic and cultural life of the UK. Sadly, most of what is written has been negative, harshly misrepresented and inflated. But what of the many positive stories about refugees?

There is Asif from Afghanistan who wants to study International Business and work his way up in an airline company. Or Harriet from Iran who is about to start a degree in Biochemistry, having worked incredibly hard to achieve the right grades in her third language? Michel won a place on the Changemakers leadership development programme in London and has since set up a youth group for care leavers at his local council, alongside working for a cinema and for a catering company. Rajani volunteers at a local Family Justice Centre, as well as with a Substance Misuse support service and has been taking a course in counselling, with the aim of supporting people who have gone through some of the same difficult experiences as she has. Amina has achieved the grades to study Pharmacy at university, wants to become an aid worker in the future, and is currently a young carer for her mother.

Britain is not a 'soft touch' – the Home Office rejects between 70% and 90% of initial applications for asylum, despite most asylum seekers being from countries such as Zimbabwe, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia and Iran. The UK is home to less than 2% of the world’s refugees – out of more than 15 million worldwide. (UNHCR Global Trends 2011) What sort of world is it where we allow people to live like animals in detention centres without demanding better, demanding more? We have stripped these people,who have no voice of their own, of their dignity for long enough. They are human beings, not numbers, not foreigners, not statistics.

The first step is clearly to ensure that public opinion is not being shaped by misinformation or exaggeration. The government can make clear statements about the fact that we are not being ‘swamped’ and that the people entering the UK can make a positive contribution.

Just who will speak up on behalf of this abandoned generation? And more importantly – for those brave enough to make their voices heard – are we ready to listen?

Until we are, everything that is 'Great' about Britain, is heading towards derision and hypocrisy.

* (Source: Home Office)

BOOKS Mrs Perkins and Oedipus

By Elizabeth Bartlett

Reviewed by

Alanna Jane

Published on Elizabeth Bartlett’s 80th birthday, this is a remarkable account of powerful poems, evoking feelings of deprivation, disappointments and loneliness. Her work has a natural quality, immediately engaging the reader.

Each poem has its own feeling, using a frugality of words, yet bold in attention to detail. The work is brave and emotional, a compelling journey and a fascinating read.

It is hard to choose a favourite. I particularly liked Staring into the Abyss describing memory and loss. ‘ I read your novels and journals/ which are all I have of you/ and wear your socks and jerseys/ to keep me warm, give back the zimmer/ the commode, the incontinence pads/ and weep, for what you were; and I have lost.’

Bartlett writes about real, ordinary people who have lived through great distress, some of which she has experienced herself. These are painfully accurate visions into people’s lives. She draws on past loves and ill fortune as she faces up to the tragic loss of her husband.

Although tough and sometimes surreal, she is also courageous, amusing and mockingly scornful. In Photography Class she shows yet another side to her writing: ‘ Mrs. A brings her transparencies/ (work that one out) / and Hugo with his nudes.’ And The Tutor? ‘ He aims/ his zoom lens/ at landscapes, claims/ affinity with rocks and stones, never pins down humans/ in their natural habitat./ His topography is erotic,/ but his wife is fat.’

A collection of 49 poems, it is certainly a good narrative. I genuinely enjoyed it, though at times the content is raw. Bartlett is an observant truth-teller, and rightly so.

Mrs Perkins and Oedipus is published by Bloodaxe Books.

Price £7.95 ISBN 1 85224 668 5

FILM review by Mac

the World Premiere of Sea Without Shore the Glasgow Film Festival

This is a film set among remote forest landscapes in 19th century Sweden. Featuring a collage of poetic fragments, the work includes text by 16th century lesbian poet Katherine Philips and 19th century poets Renée Vivien and Algernon Charles Swinburne.

Sea Without Shore explores love and loss between two women at the turn of century and the pain of relationship cut short. A poetic meditation on love and death combining inventive choreography with the power of wild winter landscapes to create something which, though uneven, often enthrals. It's a tale of two women, one of whom dies but continues to be visible to both the audience and her paramour as the film wrestles with the question of what happens when love - and all the embodied fragments that go with it - outlasts the flesh.

Actress and co-director of the film Fernanda Lippi said: "It's set in the 19th century in Sweden and follows the story of two women who fall in love, but one of them mysteriously disappears and it's how the other character deals with that sense of loss and emptiness.”

2015Brazil/UK/Sweden90 min Directed by: André Semenza/Fernanda Lippi Cast: Fernanda Lippi, Livia Rangel, Ankie Hermansson UK release: 5 March 2015

MUSIC Ibeyi

review by Mac

Theres something about them ...

Ibeyi are twin sisters born in Cuba, but growing up in Paris. With their father Miguel ‘Ange’ Diaz , who was a world renowned Cuban percussionist ( Bueno Visita social club, amongst others) and their mother the French-Venezuelan singer, Maya Dagnino, their roots are infused with numerous influences.

I was drawn to them from an ad on the back of a national newspaper listings mag. The pic is so unappealing and simply ordinary ( the pic, not the women) it caught my eye, possibly because it wasn't photo shopped, posed, glamorous or ‘ontrend’, like every other ad. Two women looking out of a picture, ghostlike, inviting you in.

Intrigued, I googled, as you do, and found ‘River’ a video which quite literally makes you catch your breath. Love it. There are no tricks, just two women immersed in water, each held down, but also supported by, two arms ( barely seen) the simplicity forces you to watch and doesn't get in the way of the song.

I continued the search and found an appearance on Jools Holland from over a year ago and then, I remembered, I had seen this at the time. Sometimes I think we just need time for music to seep into our subconscious, certainly, I think I may have stored it somehow, perhaps at the time not ready for it , maybe not a musical language I could take in?

Then I found recent live footage of ‘River’ from Les Inrocks festival, Paris and was blown away

by Ibeyi. It was the simplest of live set ups and a fusion of sound. This was the final link for me to want to see them, buy the album Heres what I know.

Ibeyi - literally means twins in Yoruban - ibeyi is pronounced ee-bey-ee Nigeria has a greater proportion of twins than most other countries and are to be celebrated The twins are French- Cuban - Lisa-Kainde Diaz and Naomi Diaz They sing in English and Yoruba ( a Nigerian and Benin language brought to Cuba from on slave ships) Their mother drove and encouraged their love of Yoruban culture and song as they were growing up Ibeyi are, Lisa- Kiande Diaz - piano and composition and Naomi Diaz -cajon and bata drum (like her father) and production. Nina Simone, Erika Badu, Miriam Makeba, and Angelique Kidjo are the voices they listened to Although twins, as people, they are polar opposites, but when they make music they bring their different musical loves together ( hip hop/urban, jazz, electronica and old soul, new soul and the tiniest seam of pop and a pinch of Bjork) there is a distinct synchronicity They collectively own a wealth of ancestry and bloodlines - their global roots. It would have been impossible for these two not to have been fused by their mix of race, culture, religion, language and people.

This album is dedicated to their father, who died in 2006 and their sister, Yanira, who died much more recently in 2013. Ibeyi is all about family, love and death. The album is deeply personal.

"Ellegua," begins this journey appropriately with a song to the Yoruban orisha spirit - he represents the beginning and end of life. Given their losses leading to this album and songs, the symbolism and leanings toward religion and prayer is seemingly imbedded throughout.

It is stark and unevolved at times, but that also makes it very refreshing. They are immersed in their beliefs and language, it’s in every song. Yanira, a song of love and loss for their sister and exudes haunting Cuban - African rhythm. In ‘Think of you’ they resurrect the essence of their father - they chant , samples and loops intercut - Cuba and France intertwined .

It’s such a different sounding album, not just musically, but sonically as well. We are used to being spoon-fed homogenised material by an industry that ‘creates’ artists instead of nurturing the unique and individuality of existing artists.

Producer Richard Russell has remained true to the essence that is Ibeyi and their basic core elements, upholding their original spark. What he has also successfully done is not interfered. He’s merged and mixed, it is minimalist but at the same time full and we are left with something so unique its hard to pigeonhole - so why would we want to do that, after all that is what is attractive in the first place!

There’s something about them ...

‘Ibeyi’ XL recordings 2015 producer Richard Russell / Ibeyi

LIFESTYLE WORDS DO WOUND - THE CYBERBULLY

by ALANNA JANE

Our whole world has shrunk since the internet became so easily accessible. Unfortunately, there is a dark and dangerous element to the wondrous world of instant communication.

It’s now hard to imagine a time without the internet, when sites like Facebook and Twitter didn’t alert us to our friends’ relationship status or give us a way to connect with people almost effortlessly. It’s even harder to remember when people didn’t use mobile phones, let alone Skype.

But what about attacking our sexuality?

None of us would want to return to a time when you felt utterly alone. No one is arguing that the access gained via the internet to counselling, education and online support services is a bad thing, particularly for geographically isolated or closeted members of our community.

But it’s important to remember that with all of these positives, there are very real negatives that are only starting to emerge if the recent worldwide It Gets Better campaign is anything to go by.

Just imagine what it must be like to come out as a gay teenager. In the last year alone, several gay young people have taken their own lives because of bullying and intimidation – a travesty that happens in the real world, and is far too often backed up in cowardly ways online.

Now we are subject to the (often anonymous) creation of a hate-filled Facebook group or it’s the immediate outing of someone to an entire school via text message two minutes after they have confided in a so called friend or peer.

Sticks and stones will break my bones, so the old saying goes, but names can never hurt me. That may have been true in days gone by, before the trolls crawled out of the internet sewers where they lurk and from which they spew out their filth. It’s no longer possible to control how personal information is used without serious effort, particularly when you’re talking about young people for whom important life lessons – like who is worthy of trust simply haven’t been learned.

The tragic suicide of American teenager, Jamey Rodemeyer, highlights the online bullying storm. He came face-to-face with his tormentors everyday at school and when he returned to the sanctuary of his own home, this constant harassment and denigration continued unmercifully on his Facebook page and blog.

He put up a brave fight but ultimately Jamey felt that the only way out was to take his own life.

Jamey Rodemeyer

To young people coming out, fitting in, being accepted and ultimately just being liked is as important now as it ever was. Unfortunately it is now happening in an environment that is very, very public. Bullies can, and do, hide threats and malicious attacks behind hidden identities therefore allowing the anonymity of the internet to bring out their absolute worst.

If this is happening to you, bear in mind that for every hater there are many more kind and genuine people – the internet can be an amazingly supportive place if you know where to look.

YouTube is full of inspirational stories that counteract the negativity and hate.

Remember that your bully is not interested in any logical argument or that by fighting back you’ll be able to stop them – this is the main difference between cyber-bullying and bullying in real life. Deleting, reporting then blocking the tormentor annoys the bully but is the best way to stop the content reaching you.

Online bullies have no idea about the real you. Therefore the best they can do is lie about you as they have very little in their own lives.Try to talk about the things you’re going through with the people you trust: family, your friends,teacher or a work colleague.

If you are unable to talk to anyone, ironically the one place that is aiding and abetting your bullies is the very place that you may indeed find the help that you are looking for.

Useful information can be found at:http://www.itgetsbetter.org

http://www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk

http://www.stonewall.org

photo Anna Buick

SPORTS An Interview with Lee Craigie

by Steph Mann

Lee Craigie is one of the best female riders the UK has seen in recent years. In 2009 she became the fastest female cross country racer in Scotland, which is no mean feat. Lee’s cycling career has taken her all over the world and she’s achieved titles such as British Champion (2013) and Scottish MTB Champion.

She’s very approachable and has a really keen interest in developing the sport and community.

Lee does various work to encourage others to ride. She is incredibly open about her life and took some time out to chat with Gaia about all things cycling related.

[Steph] Can you tell me a little about yourself and what growing up was like for you?

[Lee] I grew up just outside Glasgow. I was born into a very physical family (grandfather and sister played rugby, and my mum played squash for Scotland). My sister and I were encouraged to play lots of sport as kids, but the physical stuff I loved the most involved exploration and adventure.

I'd disappear for hours at a time on my bike or my dad and I would go on "expeditions" on the nature reserve behind our house.

[S] You were a bit of a latecomer to the cycling stage at 25. What caused you to become interested then?

[L] My performance pathway into the world of elite cycling was not the standard one! While others were gaining experience, confidence in racing, training and watching their diet and lifestyle, I was pushing boundaries in a different way by challenging myself. I was climbing on big technical mountaineering routes and paddling fast flowing rivers. It amounted to the same thing.

I had the realisation that we are all capable of so much more than we think we are and that the only things holding us back is fear of failure. When I eventually entered my first mountain bike race at 25 I was already pretty confident in my physical ability and, perhaps more importantly, my emotional capacity for dealing with stressful and challenging situations.

[S] As a mountain biker, you will have had your fair share of falls. Can you tell me about the worst one?

[L] In 2009, just as I was making my mark on the British XC MTB race scene and I landed a jump badly. The force of the blow knocked my collar bone and three ribs out of my sternum. I spent six weeks with my arm in a sling, the last four of those was spent riding on a static bike. I have never quite gotten back the fearless attitude I once had with regard to jumps and drops and have become a much more cautious rider as a consequence.

A fall like that affects you emotionally. It reminds you of your vulnerability. I had an emotional rehabilitation process to undergo at the same time as my physical one. But I genuinely think that a person can re-emerge from a trauma stronger.

For the one second I might lose on a descent these days, I gain two by drawing on the extra grit I developed while battling my way back to fitness.

[S] Can you tell us about the Cycletherapy program and who it’s aimed at?

[L] Cycletherapy works one to one with hard to reach young people using mountain biking to improve levels of self confidence and physical/mental health. When I feel low, anxious or angry, I don't want to sit down in a room and discuss my feelings. I want to run and jump and dispel them.

Then, when my brain and body have readjusted themselves, I can see things more clearly, I feel calmer and often have a desire to talk things through. That is how the young people involved with Cycletherapy report how a session works for them too.

Working with young people in an outdoor adventurous environment encourages a sense of freedom and self reliance and really captures their imagination, whether they are naturally physical, or not. Challenging a young persons perceptions of what they are capable of almost always leads to an increase in their expectations of themselves. Add in the obvious health benefits and an appreciation of our natural environment and you have a therapeutic intervention of it's own making.

[S] How do you feel women are treated in mountain biking?

[L] Because there is comparatively little money in mountain bike racing, women and men are currently given a pretty equal platform. I know on the road riding scene this is more challenging for women as big sponsors still don't recognise the reach of women’s cycling (although I think this is changing slowly). In general mountain biking does a great job at reaching out to everyone because there are so many variable factors (terrain, equipment, groups) that act as levellers.

There are still more men than women riding mountain bikes and employed by the industry.

Occasionally I come across the odd bloke who fiercely defends his masculine right to dominate the trail without women getting in the way. I have to force myself to remember that someone peacocking like that is probably really scared a woman might be better than him and that if this proves to be the case then the world might end.

On a good day, I can access some compassion for a life so full of anxiety. On a bad day, I like to overtake him and disappear out of sight yelling "toodle ooh!"

photo Liz Smith

[S] Do you prefer mountain or road biking?

[L] I took to mountain biking because of the wild places I found I could access more easily than walking. I then became addicted to improving my skill level so I could undertake more challenging adventures in the hills. It took me 4 years after my first MTB race before I reluctantly climbed on a road bike for training purposes. I was surprised to find I loved it. I found I could get into a meditative state with my pedal strokes and breathing that I couldn't manage on a MTB because off road you are constantly having to concentrate on the terrain.

[S] What words of wisdom do you have for anyone who wants to just ride?

[L] Get your hands on a bike. Any bike. Stay off road in parks, on canals or wide forest roads until you get confident, then start stretching your perceptions of what is possible. Visit a MTB trail centre. You can always push down the hard bits. Or all of it. It'll be there the next time you visit.

Don't worry about the guys in full body armour. They might be crap. Wear whatever you are comfortable in. Don't let your perception of not having the right gear put you off. Less and less people are riding in bike specific gear these days.

If you feel you need a bit of support there are groups out there who are keen to help you and will even loan you a bike to get you started. Contact British/Scottish Cycling to find out about groups operating in your area. If you live near Inverness, pop in and see us at Velocity Cafe and Bicycle Workshop. We run such start up women's specific courses.

Lee is part of a worldwide team of bike packers (off road adventure bike tourers) who are writing for Yonder Journals this year.

The #seekandenjoy project will show Lee on her journey of cycling and camping. Find out more about Cycletherapy on her website. If you want to follow her, check her out on twitter, Instagram, Facebook and leecraigie.com

EVENTS Discussions

Sexualisation and the Media A Glasgow Fun Palace event Thurs 7th May 6.30pm A short screening of interviews with the Glasgow public on this very current topic. Postfilm panel discussion,chaired by author Suzanne Egerton, will look at media and pop culture’s use of sexualised imagery -Miley Cyrus, Robin Thicke etc.-and how it affects children’s behaviour and understanding of sexuality. www.sexandmedia.eventbrite.co.uk

Theatre Rites A powerful and provocative new production exploring the deep-rooted cultural practice of Female Genital Mutilation. Based on current, true stories from girls affected in Scotland and the rest of the UK, mothers who feel under pressure to continue the practice, and the experiences of midwives, lawyers, police officers, teachers and health workers trying to effect change in communities.

Created by Cora Bissett and Yusra Warsama Contact, Manchester 12/05/2015 - 14/05/2015 Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh 26/05/2015 - 30/05/2015 www.nationaltheatrescotland.com

Literature ULLAPOOL BOOK FESTIVAL 8-10/5/2015 The festival is delighted to welcome the two bestselling Scottish authors Val McDermid and Christopher Brookmyre, both of whom have been on its wish list for a number of years. Also reading will be our honorary president, the wonderful Scottish novelist Louise Welsh. www.ullapoolbookfestival.co.uk

Exhibitions PAm Carter

"My main inspiration is in the Scottish land and seascape. I enjoy using colour to define contours, structure and changing light sequences. I search out specific view points. I am equally inspired by the rugged isolation of the Western Isles and the dramatic view points of the Eastern coastline. I work predominantly in oil".

High St. Merchants Gallery 74-76 High Street, Grantown on Spey PH26 3EL Tel: 01479 872246 Private View Friday 1st May 7-9pm Continues until 31st May www.pamcarter.co.uk

THEATRE Ruby Wax Sane New World - Tour 2015

FTH Falkirk, Fri 08 May 2015, 8pm Aberdeen Music Hall, Sat 09 May, 8pm Gardyne Theatre, Dundee, Sun 10 May,7.30pm Northampton Royal Theatre, Fri 15 May,7.45pm www.rubywax.net

horse whispers ...

You could say ‘Straight from the Horse’s mouth’ but that, I can assure you, has been said many times over, so lets not! The idea is to give you a few wee pearls of my wisdom, a glimpse from my day to day, whether ordinary or extraordinary.

Mother’s day

We all grow up with events, traditions, that are almost seeded in us from an early age. From Christmas Day, Valentines Day, Mothers Day to Photo Kris Kesiak Pancake (or Shrove) Tuesday, some more valid or acceptable than others. I am thrust backwards in time to the smell of a hot frying pan and the laughter from various failed attempts at making pancakes with my mum. But the memories flood back, the smells, the sounds, the love - as if imbedded at my very core.

I write this on mother’s day. My mother is no longer here physically, but her spirit lives on in me. Sometimes I have a sense of strange familiarity, in the way I do things, or various mannerisms or expressions, as I catch sight of myself in a mirror. I can hear her laughter, which was always a part of her make up from the early days to her last days. I feel odd that I haven't got her anything on this day. However I always make time to remember her, mark it and relive being with her. I miss her.

The road less travelled...

I was in Stuttgart a few weeks ago recording for the 100% Mensch project. ( more about that next time) I have travelled many times over the years, some good journeys, others seemingly long and tedious. I travelled alone on this trip and found myself impatient with fellow travellers, security and onward connections. If I flew regularly it may be different - getting settled into a good book or work to do. However, what I would not like to lose is that excitement of literally going somewhere, being busy and creative. Also, I was travelling to meet several like minded souls, singers all well known in Germany, and that too was exciting. I think of how lucky I am. On the way back from this adventure, my plane was delayed in Stuttgart, which in turn made me late for the connection in Birmingham. It always strikes me as odd, when you see faces also waiting and then you end up either sitting next to them, like the woman with the screaming child or like the guy, who like me, was now late for the same connecting flight. Myself and this German man were brought to the front of the flight and then found ourselves being hurried dramatically along by the ground staff to try to catch our flight.

Security held both of us back including bomb checks on our bags etc. Absolutely frustrating and infuriating then, as we then passed our plane with its doors firmly closed - no chance of getting on that. Which left me and this man at the desk trying to reschedule. I managed to get transferred to a Glasgow flight - result! This was scheduled in an hour and he managed to wangle us food vouchers! We chatted as we walked to the gates. I was tired and in one of those ‘I should really talk to this person’ and I would usually do so out of a sense of duty, no matter what, but the weary, frustrated person that wanted to slink off on their own triumphed. I said ‘goodbye’, ‘nice to meet him’. He looked a bit crestfallen, but I felt quite pleased that on this occasion I carved a solitary path! Funny, how we do things we don’t really want to at times...

Horse x Horse is playing at the Dundee Rep as part of her Rise Tour 16 May

www.horsemcdonald.com www.facebook.com/horsemcdonald www.twitter.com/horsemusic.com

Audre Lord It is not our differences that divide us, it is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences