I celebrated the Big O day in Seattle by having the second, semi-annual clothing exchange. I invited every woman I know, and even some I don't know. We began our gathering with a practice meant to create affinity and community between us. I encouraged the women to "shop" not just for themselves, but for the other women present, to find things they thought would bring out the beauty of another.

It was a lovely experience. We tried on all kinds of wonderful clothing, and many women were surprised to find that things they would never have tried on actually suited them and looked great. The room cheered as beautiful items found new homes. We celebrated when a belt that everyone thought was beautiful, but no one would wear, suddenly became a gorgeous hairband. There was no competition, there was only community. It was gorgeous, and I'll do it again in October.

~Roxanne