• Good on you Helen but no use arguing with them. Human beings throughout history have shown an alarming appetite for propaganda. The age old tricks are in play here once again. Destabilize, appeal to fears, character assassination. It all finds easy acceptance by those who feel personally aggrieved and resentful. It is always someone else's fault. Put up a straw dog for them to hate. Roll up ladies and gentlemen to the Punch and Julia show. - Dianne
  • So because she didn't mean it it's not offensive? Like Eddie and the little girl? I detest Gillard but there is no way on earth I'd embarrass her on national tv like that. Just as I wouldn't embarrass Gina Reinhart the way David Hypocrite Marr, Barry Humphries and the rest of the elite gaggle did. The tone of public discourse is disgusting. Reading the twitter feeds of celebrity and media people makes me sick. They hold themselves up as the moral superiors leading the brainwashed sheepies away from the disgusting grip of conservatism but they're just uncouth members of a groupthink cult. - Mel
  • @Robertf "But hang on, isn’t this the party who have stuffed up the implementation of important policies? Home insulation, school halls, carbon pricing, the NBN, humane response to asylum seekers etc. (Not that the other party is likely to be more humane!)" The home insulation scheme, BER, NBN were and are great successes. What are you on about? What nation building schemes have the right ever initiated and achieved? The asylum seekers outcomes were stymied and shaped by the Greens and the Libs, the latter most definitely are not more humane. The former too uncompromising and ending up with worse outcomes for refugees. Recall too that little Johnny stirred up all this hatred and paranoia towards refugees in the public mind that subsequent governments have to deal with. - Helen
  • It's Melissa, Dianne. The feminist voices that I want to hear are ones who aren't spruiking BS in defense of a woman who doesn't need defending, against misogyny that is not misogyny but the same flak that has been dealt out to male politicians since Gillard lowed the tone with her uncouth mouth and dodgy morals. Who is at fault here? Is Abbott attacking her or denigrating her or is he behaving like someone with a bit of class. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxckvNkpUA4&feature=youtube_gdata_player The feminist voices I want to hear are the ones who demand mandatory twenty year sentences for rape and child abuse so that women and babies are not being abused and killed by animals on parol. I want to hear demands that single mothers be lifted from the generational cycle of poverty instead of being slammed harder and harder. I want to hear the voices who care for actual women rather than the survival of their male dominated, dodgy political party. Don't worry about Gillard. She's risen to the top of Underbelly Labor and refuses to budge. She has the hide of an elephant and the instincts and manipulative skills needed to survive in the seediest of organizations. She doesn't need you to worry about her sensibilities. - Mel
  • @Wendy Harmer, "I am one who has always thought the “fat arse” comment was misinterpreted...... What Germaine subsequently said, admitting her original comment was “unwise” on Q&A Was:”You don’t understand how tough it is for little girls who think that having a fat arse is to be dead, is to be finished.” Unwise is spot on, but only one thing I'd call it. I fail to see how making fun of the PM's body shape on national TV helps the "little girls". Coming from a renowned champion of women's rights, it did the opposite. I didn't get any sense at all that there was any other interpretation of Greer's remarks, neither did the audience judging by their laughter. - Helen
  • Yay! What a battlecry! Go forth and spread the word! - DH
  • Being a Tamworth girl from way back I'm proud of my shared roots with Tony Windsor. He has shown himself to be a true statesman when they've been thin on the ground in this parliament. I'm well aware that country folk are inherently conservative, but to see him unseated by that buffoon Barnaby Joyce will perhaps be the worst outcome of all in the 2013 election. - Benison O'Reilly
  • TYLER DURDEN: Thank-you. - Nicoll
  • This article is truly incisive, and confirms my decision that the only way to vote is Labour. I hope we "Abbot -proof" the country come September. Julia for policy, achievement and simple dignity, - Judy
  • Julia Gillard is not President of Australia. Unless we live in the Lalor, we can't vote for her, only for the candidate running in our electorate (in my case Wentworth, little point in turning up to vote even if you're Liberal!). So the proposition should be "Vote 1 Labor". But hang on, isn't this the party who have stuffed up the implementation of important policies? Home insulation, school halls, carbon pricing, the NBN, humane response to asylum seekers etc. (Not that the other party is likely to be more humane!) And isn't this the party of faceless men who dumped the most popular Labor PM since Bob Hawke? And aren't there MEN in the party who are now backstabbing Gillard? So as most of us can't "Vote 1 Gillard" on election day, we will vote for the local member of the PARTY that we feel best represents our interests and that of the country. For me, after the debacle of recent years, that party is not Labor. - Robertf
 
17
Categories:  Books, Entertainment, Stockland Shopwise, Wellbeing

FOUR CHICKS ON STICKS

By The Hoopla
November 25, 2011

This is the story of Debbie, Sheree, Danielle and Jill – four middle-aged Australian working women who met in the ocean and became the Chicks On Sticks.

(From left) Sheree the dancer, Debbie the health advocate, Jill the career woman and Danielle, the marriage celebrant. All photographs Bruce Usher.

Through surfing they healed their hearts, bodies, minds and souls and decided to set down the stories of their unique friendship and personal journeys.

The result is the book Taking the Drop and The Hoopla is proud to bring you this exclusive first look.

So make yourself a cuppa and settle in for an inspiring read…

“Taking the Drop is an inspirational journey of four everyday women of 45-plus who wanted to share another kind of surfers’ world. From varying backgrounds, they met in the ocean and have developed close and affirming friendships since sharing their first wave together.

“They wrote this book not only to provide an entertaining and inspiring insight into surfing, but also to share their very different stories of how a group of Australian working mums came together to forge stronger identities, increase self-esteem and find happiness and solace within the ocean – mother nature’s realm.

“Between the four women they’ve had some major hurdles to overcome: Debbie shares her issues with low self-esteem, early menopause, and finally finding the path to a healthier lifestyle, which led to her losing 20 kilos in a year. Danielle overcame major back surgery after discovering a three centimetre tumour inside her spinal cord, made a full recovery and is now back in the water surfing as if nothing ever happened. Jill deals with two teenage daughters on a daily basis and writes how her aim in life is to find the perfect balance between husband, children, work and leisure. And, finally, Sheree, who battled thyroid cancer 18 years ago – then only 15 months ago had the rug pulled from under her when her marriage of 28 years to David Atkins came to a sudden end.

“It’s obvious that this story is not just about surfing. It’s also about friendship, trying to keep balance in and out of the water, and having a good laugh (and sometimes a good cry) along the way.” - Taking The Drop

 Page 1 of 5 next >>
support us

17 Responses to this article

  1. dramaqueen75 November 25, 2011 Reply
     
     

    Sheree is an inspiration and, I am proud to say, a friend. I am sure this book is going to be magnificent and I can’t wait to get my hands on it and read all of their stories.
    They might “take the drop” but they also rise to the top again – these wonderful, strong women.

     
    • DiMac November 25, 2011 Reply
       
       

      Congrats to the four girls – your stories are an inspiration! Sheree, you rock, girlfriend! Chookas for the launch x

       
    • Molly Stacey November 25, 2011 Reply
       
       

      Here Here! I am also proud to say that I am a friend of Sheree’s and I am in awe of these amazing women – congratulations x

       
  2. Jason November 25, 2011 Reply
     
     

    Well done guys! Book can be purchased from here:
    http://www.vividpublishing.com.au/takingthedrop/

     
  3. candide November 25, 2011 Reply
     
     

    i am lucky enough to have read ‘taking the drop’. it is captivating..4 stories about life – like listening to friends. a very big message for life – that wraps itself around you and gives you a hug. kudos to the 4 c.o.s. xxxx

     
  4. Bron November 25, 2011 Reply
     
     

    Well done guys. What an achievement! Four inspirational women with the courage to tell their stories. Can’t wait for the launch and to read the book from cover to cover!

     
  5. Bradley November 26, 2011 Reply
     
     

    What a great story about the 4wd on the beach. So real, so refreshingly honest. It sounds like a great friendship the girls have so I’m not sure whether to up the ante with my mates to do more or just take up surfing. I have just bought the book and look forward to reading the rest. Thanks for the tip Wendy.

     
  6. Bec November 26, 2011 Reply
     
     

    Huge congratulations and what inspiration!!! Its amazing how much you learn about yourself and what your can achieve through challenges and opportunities in life. Sharing your journey with others is a special gift and inspiration to us all. Congratulations again girls! :-) I look forward to reading the book!

     
  7. Sharon November 27, 2011 Reply
     
     

    Loved your hilarious account of “The Paddle of Shame” Danielle, how funny and how absolutely true. I am a surfer, so I know only too well what this is all about. Very funny.

     
  8. Vivien November 28, 2011 Reply
     
     

    Congratulations to you all. We all have stories but to actually put them into a book is an incredible accomplishment. You are an inspiration to us all. What I have read so far I love. I look forward to reading the entire book.

     
  9. Belinda November 29, 2011 Reply
     
     

    Hey ladies, love your book, secretly jealous of your adventures and ever so envious of the friendships you so obviously share. I will order my book from Santa and read over Christmas.

     
  10. Little Brother November 30, 2011 Reply
     
     

    Go Girls! Love you all for your inspiration, courage and humour. Can’t wait to read the rest.

     
  11. Nicole December 5, 2011 Reply
     
     

    Ok, I have my book and I’m loving it! What really stands out, is the honesty and the truth, very nice to read can’t put the damn thing down!

     
  12. Sue December 8, 2011 Reply
     
     

    Danielle, I have just finished THE book, absolutely fantastic!! I can’t tell how much I enjoyed it. You guys are truly wonderful and have made a great contribution to surfing. Thank you for your hospitality on Sunday. Our very best wishes to you Jillian Debbie and Sheree for a huge success.

     
  13. Sue December 8, 2011 Reply
     
     

    Hi Danielle, Have just finished THE book, absolutely fantastic!! I can’t tell how much I enjoyed it. You guys are truly wonderful and have made a great contribution to surfing. Thank you for your hospitality on Sunday. Our very best wishes to you Jillian Debbie and Sheree for a huge success.

     
  14. jon December 8, 2011 Reply
     
     

    Hey Girls, the launch was fantasic, the food, the booze the company and Wendy she was great and very funny, but most of all you gals looked like movie stars. I got two books for the women in my life, I’m sure they will love it.

     
  15. Gary Burden December 9, 2011 Reply
     
     

    Just so honoured to have you riding my boards, Danielle. This book is something special. Your stories are at once both incredible and everyday – something all surfers can draw inspiration from but also relate to. As you know, I’ve been through my own journey with back trouble and surgery in recent years. Your strength and positivity has been nothing if not inspirational. Thank you. Gary – Astro Surfboards

     

Have Your Say

Get e-mail notifications for new comments

 

You may also like

Left Right

porno porno sex

FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS

Hoopla Poll

How often are you using a body lotion / moisturiser?

Comments

  • Dianne: Good on you Helen but no use arguing with them. Human beings throughout history have shown an alarming appetite for prop...

    Reply|Read all

  • Mel: So because she didn't mean it it's not offensive? Like Eddie and the little girl? I detest Gillard but there is no w...

    Reply|Read all

  • Helen: @Robertf "But hang on, isn’t this the party who have stuffed up the implementation of important policies? Home insulat...

    Reply|Read all

  • Mel: It's Melissa, Dianne. The feminist voices that I want to hear are ones who aren't spruiking BS in defense of a woman who...

    Reply|Read all

Freebies

Copyright © 2012 The Hoopla

All Rights Reserved

Site by Feel.
loading time: 1.86 sec