A place to inspire, motivate and encourage by providing posts on self improvement, health, family, women (and men), life, prayer, poems, quotes of wisdom and share ideas about life.

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Showing posts with label women. Show all posts
Showing posts with label women. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Let's Stop Domestic Violence Together

Help Stop Violence Against Women...

Purchase the Empowerment Necklace for $5.00 and Avon will donate 100% of the proceeds to the Empowerment Fund to End Violence Against Women....You will also receive a free matching bracelet.


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"I am proud to introduce the AVON Empowerment Necklace. Thanks to you, 2008 sales of the Empowerment Bracelet raised over $1 million for the UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women and generated more than $2.5 million in additional funds for local programs in the US and globally to help victims and their families. Purchase the necklace now and let's help stop the violence - together. Thanks for your support." -- Reese Witherspoon, AVON's Global Ambassador

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

The 'Old' Version of My Favorite Things

How many remember watching the movie The Sound of Music? A timeless classic starring Julie Andrews. A very popular song from that movie was "My Favorite Things".
I'm sure you can hum that tune right now.

To commemorate her birthday, actress/vocalist, Julie Andrews made a special
appearance at Manhattan 's Radio City Music Hall for the benefit of the AARP.

One of the musical numbers she performed was 'My Favorite Things' from the Sound Of Music.

She changed the lyrics...If you sing it, its especially funny!

Botox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Cadillacs and cataracts, hearing aids and glasses,
Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favorite things.

When the pipes leak, When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
And then I don't feel so bad.

Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunion s,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Back pain, confused brains and no need for sinnin',
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin',
And we won't mention our short shrunken frames,
When we remember our favorite things.

When the joints ache, When the hips break,
When the eyes grow dim,
Then I remember the great life I've had,
And then I don't feel so bad.

I just love a great sense of humor.

Monday, February 16, 2009

The Benefits of Emu Oil

I just posted information regarding Emu Oil on my Mind, Body & Soul blog and thought I'd pass it along here.

This oil has many, many benefits and is a natural product that can be used for a variety of conditions. From anti-aging to medicinal. This oil is considered to be a 'natural wonder'

I just made my purchase of pure emu oil and intend to use it as a facial moisturizer. At my age, I could use alittle extra help to rejuvenate my skin.

Read my post What is Emu Oil?

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Breakthrough at OrganicSkinCare.com

I believe the term 'organic' is becoming more popular now a days. I find that organic products are not as costly as they once were. Whether it is the food we eat which is produced organically or ingredients in the products we buy that are organic.

Healthier and safer, not only for our bodies, but for our environment. I myself have noticed when buying body and skin care products, I opt for the organic ingredients contained within. I realize the synthetic ingredients do more harm than good.

Emerge Organic Skin Care is now available. The labs at Emerge have developed a breakthrough technology which protects our skin stem cells. This process tackles the chronological aging process that we all face....literally on our face. Who wants to look older than you feel? Certainly not me.

This technology enhances the production of human skin stem cells and protects our cells from stress. We all realize what stress can do to our bodies. On our face, it causes wrinkles, changes in skin tone etc...

Emerge Labs Skin Care promotes self-renewal of our skin. Studies have shown that the cells from a rare Swiss apple protects our skin stem cells. Using a patent-pending organic ingredient, called PhytoCellTec Malus Domsestica and plant cell culture technology, this is considered to be a breakthrough in anti-aging. This application maintains the function of our skin stem cells.

Take a look for yourself and develop your own opinion. If you want organic skin care products that are effective and good for your skin, you can find them at OrganicSkinCare.com.

Friday, November 7, 2008

To All The Women Who Make Our Life Meaningful

Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Jobs come and go.
Love waxes and wanes.
Men don't do what they're supposed to do.
Hearts break.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.
Careers end.
BUT.........


Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you.

A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach.

When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end.

Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you...Or come in and carry you out.

Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters,daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers, Grandmothers, Auntie's, nieces, cousins, and extended family, all bless our life!

The world wouldn't be the same without women and neither would I.

When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other.

Every day, we need each other still.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

What is a 'Cougar'?

Have I been living under a rock? I have been hearing the term 'cougar' a lot lately and at first, had no idea what it even meant. Except of course if one was referring to the animal. haha

I hear this term being used on TV, in blog posts and it's all over the Internet.

The term "cougar" is relatively new I think and is sparking a lot of debate recently as to the exact meaning. It is generally applied to an older woman who dresses seductively in hopes of attracting the attention of a younger man.

I don't think this term is flattering to women, but if the term was being used to describe women as being vital, strong, independent, intelligent, successful... then that's another story.

Anyway, I think if a woman is dressing seductively, it's not only for the attention of younger men. I think it's to attract the attention of the opposite sex regardless of their age. And, maybe it makes her feel good to know she looks good.

Um, Cougar...pouncing on younger men? Does that mean my 84 year old Aunt, married my Uncle over 50 years ago, who is 7 years younger considered a cougar? My Grandmother who after being widowed at age 43, married a man younger than she, a cougar? I just have to chuckle at the thought.

I seem to attract younger men. It certainly is not because I dress seductively. I think it's because I just look younger than I am. Me? a cougar? in those terms associated with the older women / younger man? HA...now I am vital, strong, independent, intelligent, successful...

You can't predict who you fall in love with. If the quality of the relationship is great, you get along well, have friendship, respect, committment and so on, does it really matter the ages of the couple? I know there's a double standard of the older man/younger woman...those men get the thumbs up, but really...Aren't we passed the time of judging couples, passed the negative remarks when seeing older women with a younger men and vice versa?

What are your thoughts about this? I'm just curious...

Sunday, October 19, 2008

WHY WOMEN SHOULD VOTE

To be honest, I didn't realize the history behind women and voting. This surely opened my eyes. Were any of you aware of what women went through to give us the freedom to vote?
My cousin sent me this in an email to remind me. I did need this reminder and maybe some of you do too.

****


This is the story of our Grandmothers and Great-grandmothers; they lived only 90 years ago.

Remember, it was not until 1920 that women were granted the right to go to the polls and vote.

The women were innocent and defenseless, but they were jailed nonetheless for picketing the White House, carrying signs asking
for the vote.

And by the end of the night, they were barely alive. Forty prison guards wielding clubs and their warden's blessing
went on a rampage against the 33 women wrongly convicted of 'obstructing sidewalk traffic.'

They beat Lucy Burns, chained her hands to the cell bars above her head and left her hanging for the night, bleeding and gasping
for air.

They hurled Dora Lewis into a dark cell, smashed her head against an iron bed and knocked her out cold. Her cell mate,
Alice Cosu, thought Lewis was dead and suffered a heart attack. Additional affidavits describe the guards grabbing, dragging,
beating, choking, slamming, pinching, twisting and kicking the women.

Thus unfolded the 'Night of Terror' on Nov. 15, 1917, when the warden at the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia ordered his
guards to teach a lesson to the suffragists imprisoned there because they dared to picket Woodrow Wilson's White House for the right
to vote. For weeks, the women's only water came from an open pail. Their food--all of it colorless slop--was infested with worms.

When one of the leaders, Alice Paul, embarked on a hunger strike, they tied her to a chair, forced a tube down her throat and poured liquid into her until she vomited. She was tortured like this for weeks until word was smuggled out to the press.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/suffrage/nwp/prisoners.pdf

So, refresh my memory. Some women won't vote this year because---why, exactly? We have carpool duties? We have to get to work?
Our vote doesn't matter? It's raining?

Last week, I went to a sparsely attended screening of HBO's new movie 'Iron Jawed Angels.' It is a graphic depiction of the battle
these women waged so that I could pull the curtain at the polling booth and have my say. I am ashamed to say I needed the reminder.

All these years later, voter registration is still my passion. But the actual act of voting had become less personal for me, more rote.
Frankly, voting often felt more like an obligation than a privilege. Sometimes it was inconvenient.

My friend Wendy, who is my age and studied women's history, saw the HBO movie, too. When she stopped by my desk to talk
about it, she looked angry. She was--with herself. 'One thought kept coming back to me as I watched that movie,' she said.
'What would those women think of the way I use, or don't use, my right to vote? All of us take it for granted now, not just
younger women, but those of us who did seek to learn.' The right to vote, she said, had become valuable to her 'all over again.'

HBO released the movie on video and DVD . I wish all history, social studies and government teachers would include the movie in
their curriculum and anywhere else women gather. I realize this isn't our usual idea of socializing, but we are not voting in the numbers that we should be, and I think a little shock therapy is in order.

It is jarring to watch Woodrow Wilson and his cronies try to persuade a psychiatrist to declare Alice Paul insane so that she could be permanently institutionalized. And it is inspiring to watch the doctor refuse. Alice Paul was strong, he said, and brave. That didn't make her crazy.

The doctor admonished the men: 'Courage in women is often mistaken for insanity.'

We need to get out and vote and use this right that was fought so
hard for by these very courageous women. Whether you vote democratic, republican or independent party - remember to vote.

History is being made.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

A Humorous Quote for Wednesday

Quote for the day:

Whatever you give a woman, she's going to multiply. If you give her sperm, she'll give you a baby.

If you give her a house, she'll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal.

If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her.

So - if you give her any crap, you will receive a ton of sh*t.

Love and appreciate all the women in your life

Saturday, September 27, 2008

If You Didn't Like Your Friends Partner, Would You End Your Friendship?

Poll results are:

60% said 'Not Sure'
40% said 'NO'

Most of the polls I have hosted here have surprised me in one way or another. I guess surprise isn't the best word to describe my reaction to this poll. I think my feeling is more one of disappointment. I surely thought more of you would NOT even consider ending a friendship because you didn't like your friends partner.

Friendship is something I do not take for granted. I value a true bond of friendship, for a true friend does not come along very often. Many people come and go in our lives. It's said that most people can count on one hand the number of true friends they have in their life. I am speaking of true friends here, not acquaintances.

To me, lifetime friends are built on unconditional love and continued friendship. I believe that some people have lost sight of the meaning of true friendship. As the poll indicated, 60% were not sure if they would end the friendship if they didn't like their friends partner. I wouldn't even consider that and the thought would never enter my mind.

I was in that situation many years ago, but chose to accept my friends decision. After all, she was the one living with this person. She fell in love with him. It wasn't my choice, but hers. Just because I didn't like my friends partner, it didn't change the person she was nor did it change our friendship. In respecting my friend and our friendship, I was cordial and respectful to him. Wouldn't I want the same in return if the situation was reversed? True friendship involves freedom of choice...

I believe true friendship is based on loyalty, forgiveness, honesty, and dedication. Friends often share likes and dislikes, interests, pursuits, and passion. Friends share a sense of caring and concern. Friends make no judgments and accept differences and want each other to grow and develop.

Yes, I do believe friends and people come into our lives for a reason, a season or lifetime, but lifetime friends should be cherished, not easily cast aside, especially in this world that can be phony and temporary.

******

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are.

They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it; it is real; but only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

******

"Portrait of a Friend"

I can't give solutions to all of life's problems, doubts,
or fears. But I can listen to you, and together we will
search for answers.

I can't change your past with all it's heartache and pain,
nor the future with its untold stories.
But I can be there now when you need me to care.

I can't keep your feet from stumbling.
I can only offer my hand that you may grasp it and not fall.

Your joys, triumphs, successes, and happiness are not mine;
Yet I can share in your laughter.

Your decisions in life are not mine to make, nor to judge;
I can only support you, encourage you,
and help you when you ask.

I can't prevent you from falling away from friendship,
from your values, from me.
I can only pray for you, talk to you and wait for you.

I can't give you boundaries which I have determined for you,
But I can give you the room to change, room to grow,
room to be yourself.

I can't keep your heart from breaking and hurting,
But I can cry with you and help you pick up the pieces
and put them back in place.

I can't tell you who you are.
I can only love you and be your friend.
--Unknown

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

New Breakthrough Using Women's Stem Cells

I was first introduced to the word 'stem cell' by known actor Anthony Herrera. I met him while working with Willie Nelson. Anthony and I chatted long about his illness and he being the first to ever have a stem cell transplant (his brother was the donor) many years ago, explained the whole procedure to me. This really opened my eyes to the use of stem cells and how valuable they really are. Without this transplant, Anthony may not have had the chance at life.

The subject of stem cells is one some are not comfortable with and it is a controversial subject. I happen to believe in the positive approach science is taking for the use of stem cells. Stem cells have helped so many facing serious illnesses.

Having said that, there has been a new breakthrough for women. As seen on CNNMoney , a company by the name of C'elle has been dedicated to research and technology regarding women and the use of stem cells. Women can now take control of their own lives. No one wants to even think about future illnesses. Whether it is their own or that of a loved one,but the reality is, illness can strike at any time. To be prepared and to help with a cure for serious illnesses, women can now look to their own bodies for the help needed. Future therapies of some serious diseases may be found in women's stem cells by way of menstrual blood.

C’elle has come up with a way for women to use a non-invasive collection process in the privacy of their own home. The menstrual cells are processed and cryo-preserved (stored at a very low temperature) for potential cellular therapies that may be used in the future.

See below a press release from C'elle. This is something every women should look into and may be important one day in the future.
***


Taking Control: Future Therapies for a Host of Serious Diseases May Be Found in Women's Menstrual Blood

July 07, 2008: 01:28 PM EST


OLDSMAR, Fla., July 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- With today’s hectic lifestyle, where most women are juggling careers, family, relationships, and a host of activities, the idea of possibly facing a serious illness in the future is not something that readily comes to mind -- especially when a woman is in the prime of her life. But what most women don’t know, is that the key to treating a number of possibly life-threatening diseases that she, a parent, a sibling or even her children may face in later years, such as osteoporosis, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, may be found within her own body -- in vital stem cells, which can now be harvested from her own menstrual blood.

Now, thanks to the revolutionary research and technology of C’elle, a service dedicated to providing women with a safe and easy method of collecting and preserving stem cells found in her menstrual fluid each month, even the busiest woman can take control of her future, right in the privacy of her own home. With C’elle’s non-invasive collection process, menstrual cells are processed and cryo-preserved (stored at a very low temperature) for potential cellular therapies that may be used in the future. These self-renewing cells one day may even be used for sports medicine or cosmeceutical treatments, such as anti-aging therapies.

"C’elle enables and empowers a woman to take control of her future health, and possibly of those genetically closest to her, in a fast, painless and stress free way," said Michelle Kay, Marketing and Sales Manager for C’elle. "We live in exciting times, as science and technology are discovering how extremely valuable menstrual blood stem cells really are, and the enormous treatment potential they represent for future therapies. C’elle’s ongoing research is supporting these promising findings."

For more information about C’elle, please call 1-877-892-3553 or visit www.celle.com.



Thursday, May 29, 2008

For All The Beautiful Women

...and that means you and me.

DID YOU KNOW?

There are 3 billion women who don't look like super models ?

And only eight who do.


Did you know Marilyn Monroe wore a size 14?

If Barbie was a real woman, she'd have to walk on all FOURS due to her proportions!


The average woman weighs 144 pounds, and wears between a size 12-14.

One out of every 4 college-aged women has an eating disorder.

The Models in the magazines are AIRBRUSHED!!! - NOT Perfect!!

A psychological study in 1995 found that 3 minutes spent looking at a Fashion Magazine caused 70% of women to feel depressed , guilty and SHAMEFUL!

Models 20 years ago weighed 8% Less than the average Woman.
Today they weigh 23% less...


~*~ Beauty of a Woman ~*~
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears,
The figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair.
The beauty of a woman must be seen from her eyes,
Because that is the doorway to her heart,
The place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,
But true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives,
The passion that she shows.
The beauty of a woman
With time, only grows...



Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over it became a butterfly

Monday, May 12, 2008

For The Girls in My Circle

I have found while I have been sick, my friends have really been here for me. I never thought they wouldn't be, but honestly, the support...the caring...the way they haven't forgotten me as I am home and not able to see them, has been more than I ever expected. It is a wonderful feeling to be cared about and they are and have really helped me get through this episode.

They even got together and presented me with the most perfect gift. It was overwhelming and brought tears to my eyes.

I have been out of work going on two months, so my friends came up with a way to help. Their generosity, thoughtfullness and caring ways will buy groceries or other items needed for the rest of the month. Just overwhelming and I am so Thankful...

So For The Girls In My Circle (including my Internet Friends)...this is for you...

When I was little, I used to believe in the concept of one best friend,
And then I started to become a woman.

And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up,
God would show you the best in many friends.

One friend is needed when you're going through things with your man.
Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your mom.

Another will sit beside you in the bleachers as you delight in your children and their activities.
Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be.

One friend will say, "Let's cry together,"
Another , "Let's fight together,"
Another , "Let's walk away together."

One friend will meet your spiritual need,
Another your shoe fetish,
Another your love for movies,
Another will be with you in your season of confusion,
Another will be your clarifier,
Another the wind beneath your wings.

But whatever their assignment in your life,
On whatever the occasion,
On whatever the day,
Or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back,
Or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself ..
Those are your best friends.

It may all be wrapped up in one woman,
But for many, it's wrapped up in several..
One from 7th grade,
One from high school,
Several from the college years,
a couple from old jobs,
On some days your mother,
On some days your neighbor,
On others, your sisters,
Maybe some days your Internet Friends
And on some days, your daughters.


So whether you've been my friend for 20 minutes or 20 years,
God has placed you in my life to make a difference...AND YOU HAVE !

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Happy Mother's Day!

This is a truly beautiful piece. I received this in an email with no mention of who actually wrote it.

For those lucky to still be blessed with your Mom,
this is beautiful. For those of us who aren't, this is
even more beautiful. For those who are moms, you'll love this.
Happy Mother's Day

MOTHER

The young mother set her foot on the path of life. 'Is
this the long way?' she asked. And the guide said: 'Yes, and the way is hard
And you will be old before you reach the end of it.. But
the end will be b e tter than the beginning.'

But the young mother was happy, and she would not
believe that anything could be better than these years. So she
played with her children, and gathered flowers for
them along the way, and bathed them in the clear streams; and
the sun shone on them, and the young Mother cried,
'Nothing will ever be lovelier than this.'

Then the night came, and the storm, and the path was
dark, and the chil dren shook with fear and cold, and the mother
drew them close and covered them with her mantle, and the children said,
'Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come.'

And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and
the children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary.
But at all times she said to the children,' A little patience and we are there.'
So the children climbed, and when they reached the top
they said, 'Mother, we would not have done it without you.'

And the mother, when she lay down at night looked up
at the stars and said, 'This is a better day than the last, for my
children have learned fortitude in the face of hardness. Yesterday I gave them courage.
Today, I've given them strength.'

And the next day came strange clouds which darkened
the earth, clouds of war and hate and evil, and the children groped
and stumbled, and the mother said: 'Look up. Lift your eyes to the light.
' And the children looked and saw above the clouds
an everlasting glory, and it guided them beyond the
darkne ss. And that night the Mother said,
'This is the best day of all, for
I have shown my children God.'

And the days went on, and the weeks and the months and
the years, and the mother grew old and she was little and bent.
But her children were tall and strong, and walked with
courage. And when the way was rough, they lifted her,
for she was as light as a feather; and at last they came to a hill,
and beyond they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide. And mother said, 'I have reached the end of my journey. And now I know the end
is better than the beginning, for my children can
walk alone, and their children after them.'

And the children said, 'You will always walk with us,
Mother, even when you have gone through the gates.'
And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates
closed after her. And they said: 'We cannot see her
but she is with us still. A Mother like ours is more than a memory. S he
is a living presence.......'

Your Mother is always with you.... She's the whisper
of the leaves as you walk down the street; she's the smell of bleach
in your freshly laundered socks; she's the cool hand
on your brow when you're not well. Your Mother lives
inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every tear drop.
She's the place you came from, your first home; and
she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love
and your first heartbreak, and nothing on earth can
separate you.

Not time, not space... not even death!

Sunday, March 16, 2008

For "CHICKS" Only


I just stumbled on the best site and I wanted to share it with you. It's such a fantastic idea and I am sure you women will agree.

How many of you have taken a Chick vacation? One where you can just be yourself, without the men in your lives? A trip for total female bonding: to share your thoughts, your experiences, ideas and life's problems. A trip where you receive the nourishing support one needs from a girlfriend. Maybe even a trip to catch up with friends who you haven't seen in awhile.

Let's face it...men have been taking male bonding trips...those fishing trips, hunting trips and even the baseball tournament outings. Now it's OUR turn to not feel guilty to get away and experience a trip with the girls. I know I feel a calming affect when I am with the girls for a night or even when I have gotten away to have some fun. It's a lasting affect and one I believe we all need.

Don't have a girlfriend who is able to get away with you? At Chickable...life's a chick trip...you can locate other women who share your interests and passions for a group getaway. This trip could be for a night, a weekend or an extended vacation. Meet new friends and connect with other women. Experience the 'feel good' benefits of getting away with your friends. Alone time so to speak from your significant other, husband, children, the stress of everyday life.

Taking a chick trip is a chance to take time for ourselves that we often don't do. To love ourselves...to rejuvenate.

Chickable is also promoting a chance to win a free chick trip. Visit Chickable.com to sign up for free.

Your thoughts? Have you ever taken a chick trip? What did you like best about getting away with the girls?

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Celebrating International Women's Day

Great words and thoughts
By Peggy Porter
From Brief to Thong
www.frombrieftothong.com

March 8th is International Women's Day. For many women this day will go unnoticed, however, my hope is that for all of you reading this, March 8th will become more than just another ordinary day.

Let's commit to making International Women's Day a day that...celebrates the sameness yet uniqueness in every one of us, celebrates the ordinary, yet extraordinary woman contributing daily to her family, workplace and community
celebrates the strong, resilient, yet sensitive nature each one of us possess.
Make this day one of recognition.

Let's recognize our individual accomplishments no matter how small we think they may be. Let's recognize the amazing success of the women in our own community, whether they are career women, business owners, mothers or volunteers. Each one deserves to be honored for the individual way they touch our society.

In celebration of this occasion, take the time to nurture yourself. Health and vitality is a woman's greatest asset. We are our best when we feel our best so practice an act of self care today. Surrender any guilt and do something you love. If you need a reason, do it just because.

Let this day be a day of inspiration and possibilities.

What are you inspired to do? What goals and dreams do you have? In today's society, we are blessed with unlimited opportunities so there are no limits to what we can accomplish. The only limits are self imposed so ask yourself...what would I do if I knew I couldn't fail? Let your desires inspire you to take action. If fear sneaks in, remind yourself of the many amazing dreams that women before us have fulfilled.

Make this not only a day of personal inspiration, but ask yourself- who can I be a role model for - your child, a friend, a co-worker? We all can BE a mentor and we all NEED a mentor-someone who can aspire in us our very best. So, let us be mentors in our communities, in our workplaces and most of all, in our relationships. Let's bring out the best in each other.

As we take part in our own celebration of International Women's Day, may we also make this a day of hope, reflection and prayer. May we remember the many countries whose women do not have the same opportunities or place in society that we are so blessed to have.

Let's make this a celebration where we build each other up, where we support, not judge , where we praise, not criticize and most of all, where we appreciate.

Appreciate the women in your life, the opportunities that lie before you, the people who love and support you, the community that offers such beauty and freedom but most of all, appreciate YOU. You are the reason this day was created. Cheers to you!

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Feeling So Honored

Below is an email I received from Sibyl, founder of Sibyl Magazine. What an honor to be asked to contribute to this women's e-magazine! I responded by asking how to submit a post/article and the guidelines for doing so. See her response after her initial email.

I am bringing this to your attention because I want to extend her invitation to you also, as she suggests. I know that some of you have superior blogs that contain many posts that can also be included in this magazine to help women.

Please let me know if you have contributed and what post/article you submitted. Remember: you must submit by March 5th.


SIBYL Magazine"
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2008 20:35:27 -0500

Dear Woman Of the Universe and / or Agent Of Change:
Firstly, we salute you for all the wonderful work you do to uplift and encourage
positive change and transformation in the world.

Our online publication, SIBYL eMagazine focuses on personal and spiritual transformation.
Our readership touches base with a large pool of women (inter) nationally -- over 50,000 bi-monthly in readership, extended mainly to a mature audience, women 30+.

After browsing through your website, we felt compelled to inquire if you or someone withinyour circle of influence has an authentic, informative or soul-inspiring message to share with our readers -- a contributing article of interest.

OUR GOAL - is to touch, heal and change the lives of women, one page at a time.
Through the eyes and lives of another woman, we can all be changed is our slogan for 2008.

Of course, all incoming articles / written-works are reviewed and selected by our editorial staff.
And we prefer all recipients to have a viable website, as we enjoy directing our readers to their site,
after reading her story, article or column for continued enlightenment and learning.

Feel free to send this simple message out to as many women as you know. Send it both far and wide,
for there may be someone, who knows someone else ... who has a soul-story to share with the world.

Download a FREE issue of SIBYL eMagazine, in order to get a feel for the style and
essence of our online periodical. Thank you for your time and interest.
Go to: www.SibylMagazine.com

Love, light and joy always,
Sibyl Lee-English, Founder and Editor-In-Chief
SIBYL Magazine:For the Spirit And Soul Of Woman

Response received:


Sibyl Lee-English"
From:"Sibyl Lee-English"
Subject: Re: Response
Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:23:45 -0500
To:andrea@acassociatesusa.com


Andrea:

Thanks for your inquiry for submission and review in SIBYL eMagazine.
After browsing through all 3 of your blogs, we see that you have a host
of powerful life-lesson articles to pull from.

Our suggestion is that you share one subject that your Spirit
speaks to your heart to share with women in the world right now.

Simple Guidelines:
Please edit as much as possible and keep your word count within 500 -
800 words

Send in to us as soon as possible, no later than March 5th; the
earlier the better.

We look forward to receiving your words of love and enlightenment.

And please do share our link with your circle of influence,
so that they, like you will receive SBIYL eMagazine FREE (on a
bimonthly basis).

www.Sibylmagazine.com

Love, Light and Joy,

SIBYL eMagazine - PUBLIC RELATIONS STAFF

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Before I Was a Mom

Before I was a Mom~
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom~
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom~
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a
baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom~
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put him down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom~
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom~
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache,
the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.


I believe this holds true for...Before I Was a Dad also...Isn't it just amazing how a bond is formed immediately with your newborn? How you feel this tremendous amount of love as soon as you look into your babies eyes...it's just an awesome feeling

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

One For The Girls...

Today I received this in an email and it was so funny, I had to share. Whether it truly is real or not, I'm sure it will bring a smile or even make you laugh outloud.

The email states:
This is an actual letter from an Austin woman sent to American company
Proctor and Gamble regarding their feminine products. She really gets rolling
after the first paragraph. It's PC Magazine's 2007 editors' choice for best
webmail-award-winning letter.

Dear Mr. Thatcher,

I have been a loyal user of your 'Always' maxi pads for over 20 years and
I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the LeakGuard Core or Dri-Weave
absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing,
and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight,
white shorts. But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings.
Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it
is that maxi pads be aerodynamic. I can't tell you how safe and secure I
feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my pants.

Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? Ever suffered from
the 'curse'? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my time of the month is starting
right now. As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging
through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll
be transformed into what my husband likes to call 'an inbred hillbilly with
knife skills.' Isn't the human body amazing?

As Brand Manager in the Feminine-Hygiene Division, you've no doubt seen
quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customers monthly
visits from 'Aunt Flo'. Therefore, you must know about the bloating,
puffiness, and cramping we endure, and about our intense mood swings, crying jags,
and out-of-control behavior. You surely realize it's a tough time for most women.
In fact, only last week, my friend Jennifer fought the violent urge to shove her
boyfriend's testicles into a George Foreman Grill just because he told her he
thought Grey's Anatomy was written by a bunch of drunken chimps, Crazy!

The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with
homicidal maniacs in Capri pants... Which brings me to the reason for my letter.
Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my
body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi-pad, and there, printed
on the adhesive backing, were these words: 'Have a Happy Period.'

Are you f**king kidding me? What I mean is, does any part of your tiny middle-manager
brain really think happiness - actual smiling, laughing happiness is possible during
a menstrual period? Did anything mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable?
Well, did it, James? FYI, unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak girl, there
will never be anything 'happy' about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on
Motrin and Kahlua and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the
local Walgreen's armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of
glory.

For the love of God, pull your head out, man! If you just have to slap a
moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something
that's actually pertinent, like 'Put down the Hammer' or 'Vehicular Manslaughter is Wrong',
or are you just picking on us?

Sir, please inform your Accounting Department that, effective immediately, there
will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad
business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flex-Wings, I will not
for one minute miss your brand of condescending bullsh*t. And that's a promise I will keep. Always.

Best,
Wendi Aarons
Austin , TX

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Women's Intuition

Do you believe in women's intuition ? I know I have experienced these gut feelings for as long as I can remember. I have also experienced dreams which later came true, knew when the phone is about to ring, talk about someone or think about someone and later they appear at some point during that same day, experienced spiritual angel visits...among other happenings.

At the same time Women's intuition is believed and admired, it is also laughed at and discredited. Some say this intuition is not soley a women's, but even men have and can develop intuition. Take Edgar Cayce...one of the most famed intuitives. He believed in insights, guidance and wisdom. Spoke about our spiritual awareness, karmic patterns, heath connections, and intuition. He encouraged everyone to believe in and develop their connection to their own source of intuition.

Do you trust your intuition enough to make decisions? Most times I have listened and proved to be correct in my decision. Other times I am only confused. Probably because I don't want to listen or accept what my inner voice is telling me. I have been experiencing that a little bit lately. Nagging gut feelings that won't go away, but I am sure I will work out this situation.

I think our inner voice can guide us to make the right choices. Whether it's related to career, relationships, friends, money etc...Most of the time we rely on 'common sense', but I believe our inner voice does and should play a part in decision making.

What do you do when you hear your inner voice whispering to you? Do you dismiss your gut feeling or act upon it?

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Show Love Everyday

February seems to be the month of 'love'. There is so much hype over Valentines Day. All the card creators and candy manufactures making a bundle. But,...

Why do we need one day to feel we are loved or show our love? I think we should be showing love to all the people in our lives on a day to day basis.

If you happen to be in a relationship, there are so many ways to be romantic. Writing a love letter, a poem, creating a romantic dinner, setting aside one night as 'date night'. If you find you can't be creative and need some help, you can take a peek at Romanceforeveryone.com for additional romantic ideas and lessons on how to be romantic. From love letters to creating a romantic scene using rose petals. For the men, there are tips on romancing your woman and how to write a love note. Believe me, she will love receiving a love letter.

When I met my guy (just so happens it was on February 24), we met a few days later for our first date. As it came time to say goodnight, we each walked out, hand and hand and said our goodbyes. I found myself missing him already as I was driving home. Time just went by too quickly and it was a great date!
I couldn't just say I miss you. He'd think I was crazy, but I decided on writing a text to say how much I enjoyed the date and how much I looked forward to seeing him again. As I hit the send button, I received a text from him. He was saying almost the exact same thing! I still have his text and read it from time to time as a reminder of our first date. It brings a warm smile to my face. We still use texting to this day, just to let the other know we're thinking of each other or set the stage for a romantic night. I find it makes me smile and I carry it throughout the day.

Sometimes it's the little things that mean the most. Romance is for everyone and can easily be brought into a relationship with just a little effort to make that certain someone feel special. It doesn't matter if you're newly dating, in a serious relationship or married. I think it's important to keep up with the little touches to make someone feel they matter and are cared about.

How do you show that special someone in your life they are loved? Share some romantic ideas.

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