Leaf: Last night a whole bunch of beautiful women friends and sisters came over and held a Blessingway for me to 'bless the way' into birth and motherhood. My sister Anke painted my belly with watercolours. Today I am conducting all my normal business of life with my colourful belly out for the world to see. (Yarramundi, Australia)

Rae: I guess you don't need a big house to have a canoe. Really, what more do you need? A few bicycles, a canoe, a little bit of space and you're set. (Toronto, Canada)