[Viva] Back in a few days...a few important words to share.

[shelly tognazzini]

Good morning beautiful ViVA women,

Greetings from fairly sunny California! I am visiting my daughter and
granddaughter and spending an early Christmas here in L.A.  So great to see
so many conversations happening with ViVA, makes my heart sing!

So glad to hear the Glitz and Glam event went well! I wish I could have
attended. Val F. we spoke before I left and I look forward to seeing you
both at group this month and perhaps at Friends for Life and other events!
The holidays are especially challenging for those who live alone and as we
all do, we want the closeness of family around us, whether that be blood or
chosen family. Hang in there sister, I look forward to meeting up this
month!

Tami, thank you so much for your posting around acceptance of all and how
crucial it is that we be mindful moving forward that plans are inclusive
and culturally appropriate for all women, particularly during these
oppressive and politically f*cked up times, both in Canada and globally. I
encourage women to read this months articles on www.lifeandlove.ca website
on a "Radical Safe Space" , written by Juno Roche - I thought it was
brilliantly written and a springboard for much further discussion.  Also, I
wanted ViVA women to know I am writing on this blog under WYNNE ST (Wynne
is my middle name and ST my first and last initials). I wanted to write
under a different name than Shelly Tognazzini to allow myself the
opportunity to develop as a writer and separate some of my working history
from my creative development.  I am listed as a contributer and have
written 4 articles to date. The latest one - thanks to the input of some of
my favourite poz women, (Denise and Danielle thanks so much- hope you like
it!) on "What does sexy mean, really?" was an interesting process, hope you
enjoy! My only social media platform is twitter (don't do facebook or
instagram)and following the global community of Women Living with HIV has
been a incredible learning experience. Tami, Denise, Kath, Val N I am
grateful for your follows and feel supported by each of you there.

Finally, I am very excited to be a part of a new program as a volunteer
housed through Friends for Life that will be announcing some very exciting
funding news for women living with HIV for ALL women in B.C. who will be
able to apply for funding for self directed projects, goals and plans in
2019/20...stay tuned for further information - I believe this project will
elevate women's opportunites from all over B.C. to engage and participate
in their own vision and self empowerment. Further details to be announced
soon! Stay tuned for more information. Postings will be made on multiple
platforms and resources - inclusively across the province.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the very real support of some very
special women who over the years and of late have made me a stronger, and
healthier human, Margarite, Gabe, Jane, Pat, Melanie, Val, Kath, Denise,
Shannon, and Wendy - thank you for allowing me the space and giving me the
support when I needed it most to grow.

Hope everyone has a wonderful start to their week. Back by end of the week.

As they say in Kenya, my chosen heartland,
Asante Sana, Nacupenda sana,

Shelly Tognazzini




[image: photo]
*Shelly Tognazzini*
HIV Peer Research, Health and Wellness Coordination

604-440-1579 | shetognazzini at gmail.com
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