In 2007 I was working as a contributing writer for the journal Nurture for Natural Parenting Melbourne. At the same time, I met two special women, Rachel and Anna at my daughter's playgroup. We became fast friends and they often contributed to Nurture too.

In July of that year, Iris, Rachel's daughter died suddenly during her afternoon sleep. She was one month away from her third birthday. Her death changed the course of all of our lives. I have swum in my friend's ocean of grief, only at times. She carries it inside her always and Iris lives on in her heart forever.

When the editorship of the magazine came up later in the year Rachel asked if I would share the role with her; she needed a focus for all the nurturing that still flowed from her and through her for Iris. Anna jumped on board too, as graphic designer and contributor, and the three of us started a profound and creative collaboration that transformed over time into Barefoot magazine.

A quarterly magazine, "Barefoot: Children People Earth" ran for three years. "Tread lightly, parent passionately" always appeared on the front of each issue.

Rites of passage is the theme of this issue and there are plenty of other free issues to discover full of great articles and beautiful artwork.

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