The Woman I Am

I came across this poem recently and wanted to share it here.  Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Some say I am a strong woman
Some tell me I am a brave woman
Some think I should be more of a woman
Some will tell you I'm a good woman
While some think I'm not much of a woman
Or at all like any woman they ever knew
And that I could be so much more

But all I am is a woman
All I am is my woman
I am the woman I can be
The one I want to be
Not the one I should be, could be, would be
Not so much more, too much like, or nearly so
~ Absent Wrytes

I Heart Kristen Wigg

I must be honest and admit that before I saw Bridesmaids this past weekend I wasn't super familiar with Kristen Wigg.  I'd seen her on SNL and remember thinking she was hilarious and really noticing her in the Lawrence Welk skit with Betty White and and rest of the power female cast that made that episode rock.  I don't know many people who have the gift of being politically incorrect, deformed, funny and cute all at the same time.  Favorite line here:  "I like can I touch?"



But for as brilliant as Kristen is here I absolutely fell in love with her after beholding her spot on portrayal of maid of dishonor in Bridesmaids.  Not only does she say and do things I can only dream about but she manages to come off funny and endearing in spite of her crazy escalating antics.  I wish I could say I don't relate to her character at all but ....umm -yeah I totally do!  I laughed so loud in the theatre that glares were elicited from a young man sitting a few seats over.  This may be a movie I actually purchase because it just makes me so proud to be a woman and it proves once and for all how funny and smart we gals are (and all while being fully clothed) = amazing!



So thank you Kristen Wigg for being awesome.  Call me up for a drink anytime! 

p.s.  check out Kristen's official  website for more proof that she's the real deal - love it!

Granny Chic

As this week is all about my Grandma I thought it would be fun to search around for images of funky, cool, stylish grandmas.  It seems to me that the definition of what a grandmother is supposed to look like has changed over the years.  Gone are the days of poodle perms and sensible shoes.  Now grandmas are super stylish and modern.  And I say - go for it!  I love seeing older women who know who they are and have learned over the years how best to express themselves through their personal style.  I can only hope that I'll rock my granny years as well as some of these cool chicks. 

Here's looking at you kid!



Beautiful!  It seems to me that the key is accessorizing.  These ladies either have funky glasses, hats, gloves, scarves, red lipstick or all of the above!  Fabulous!!

"You can only perceive real beauty in a person as they grow older"

~Anouk Aimee

Wordless Wednesday: Tribe

Story

"Sometimes another woman's story becomes a mirror that shows me a self I haven't seen before. When I listen to her tell it, her experience quickens and clarifies my own. Her questions rouse mine. Her conflicts illumine my conflicts. Her resolutions call forth my hope. Her strengths summon my strengths. All of this can happen even when our stories and our lives are very different."

Sue Monk Kidd

by Myrna Yoder

As my Grandma spends her last days here on earth, I've been thinking much about story.  Hers of course is forefront in my mind, but it's prompted me to consider again that everyone has a story, history and context.  I love looking at the old photo albums of my ancestors, particularly the women.  The clothes, houses, and everyday objects they lived with are endlessly fascinating to me.  But behind all of that, as I look at the different faces of these women who are my tribe, I wish I could sit down and know their stories.  Surely there is much to learn behind the smiling eyes posed so happily in pictures.  What secrets, loves, hates, hang-ups and passions are represented in these old black and white photos?  One thing I know is true:  I come from a long line of strong women. 

The above artwork is displayed at Mcmenamins Hotel Oregon in Mcminville.  This piece catches my eye every time I see it and has remained in my memory over the years.  I love the posture of these two old gals, their flowered dresses and black shoes.  They seem to have a reserve of confidence and strength coming no doubt from a life filled with story. 

 And so as I read stories about the past I am inspired to continue to share my story.  It is I believe the very essence of life.  Our stories.  And sharing them.

  "I wondered which was harder, in the end.  The act of telling, or who you told it to.  Or maybe if, when you finally got it out, the story was really all that mattered."

~Sarah Dessen

Mompetition

Last night while browsing facebook I came across this video posted by a friend from high school and thought it was worth sharing.



ns.

I'm not sure why we like to compete with each other so much. I know I'm not immune to joining into being competitive but when I find myself falling into that I don't like how it feels.   I recently read a magazine article titled "Frenemies" by Jenny Everett.  In it she shares this sobering statistic "Eighty-eight percent of women reported feeling an undercurrent of negativity among females.  That's really sad, since we can be so good for one another.  Research has proved that female-female relationships actually boost our immunity."  I have experienced many wonderful female relationships in my life that have been inspiring and supportive as well as challenging.  For me, these types of friendships are essential and a priority in my life.  Yes, they take time and as with any meaningful relationship aren't always conflict free but the benefits far exceed the risks. 
As a mother, I hope to be an example to my daughter of how wonderful friends can be and that if we truly know and love ourselves as we are,  we'll be less likely to compare and fall into ugly competition.  Everett sums up her article by saying "In my research, the role of moms kept coming up.  We have to lead by example--no more gossiping in front of our daughters.  We also need to instill more confidence in them.  Without a healthy sense of self, they look to their peers for confirmation of their worth.  We can change that by helping them feel powerful straight out of the gate."  Well said - and just for the record if I came across a mommy like the blond in this video I'd be telling her to f-off too!