2020! What a year to be a woman! In the United States we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment that granted the vote to women and unleashed huge social change in America and societies around the world. As I have listened to much of the hype surrounding this notable anniversary, I have…
https://youtu.be/NcqDGhRfpKk
It is early spring where I live, still winter technically, but with enough of the enticing glimmer of warm golden sun to beckon us out of our homes wearing a little less than the heavy sweaters and jackets we have become accustomed to over the last few months, chilly in the early air but unwilling…
Global Sisterhood By Lisa Bjornberg Queen Elizabeth II is credited with saying, “I know of no single formula for success. But over the years I have observed that some attributes of leadership are universal and are often about finding ways of encouraging people to combine their efforts, their talents, their insights, their enthusiasm, and their…
Cottage Industry. That’s a term used to describe a business conducted from home. We’d like to put a Big-Ocean twist on the term: the diligent work done in various Big Ocean cottages around the world and in cyberspace. A Big Ocean Cottage is a local group of like-minded women who meet regularly to discuss and…
Last night I finished reading a memoir that left me reeling. I lay in bed for several hours afterward pondering my place in the world. I evaluated the way I spend my time, my abilities (or my perception of my abilities), my dreams, my circumstances, and I prayed solemn prayers for direction. My mind felt…
https://youtu.be/HNE3PRA5dxg Big Ocean Founder Carolina Allen discusses the tenet, “We work in partnership with our global sisters to create generative solutions.”
Lead Photo: “Face of Autumn,” a photo created by David Keddy as a remembrance of the very spot and season where he and Norma met by Lake Banook in Canada, is an abundant gift of sharing and friendship. Admit it. You’ve had a few stressful moments contemplating what gifts you’ll give this year…
“Family is everything,” Carol Sagebin declared in a recent e-mail exchange and video chat. That phrase was a recurring theme as we discussed her life and passion for Big Ocean. Family brought her to Big Ocean. Her sister-in-law is Carolina Sagebin Allen, Big Ocean’s founder. (It can be confusing since both women are named Carolina…
A delegation of Big Ocean women attended the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations in March. We gathered information, made new contacts, and interviewed women from around the world who are impacting their communities in positive ways. We are excited to share with members and cottage leaders over the coming months.…