Woman to Woman

I think that women tend to compartmentalize themselves, categories being: married, single, divorced, widowed, furthering a career, potty training, abiding by a soccer schedule, avoiding drivers ed., becoming grandparents... you get the picture. And we feel safe in our own little worlds, forgetting to reach out or try to relate to women that are in other stages of their lives.

I have truly benefitted from knowing women of all walks of life. And honestly, not just knowing them, but becoming friends with them, learning from them and loving them for all they have to offer me in my journey through womanhood. I've stumbled upon one such woman since I began blogging, and that is Morning Glory. She is genuine and encouraging and purposely reaches out to other women. I really admire that and think we need more of it in this world. She also happens to be in a completely different stage in her life than I am: she's been married for 36 years and has 6 grandchildren by her two daughters.

So, I've asked Morning Glory to help me organize a writing forum that will allow women, regardless of age or status, to see how their lives intersect with each other and how each of us have a very unique perspective (on a variety of both serious and lighthearted issues) that may be beneficial to one another. I was hoping she would lead me through this, but she would only agree to "hold hands and not trip over each other". Lol!

We are calling this project "Woman to Woman" (her idea... don't you love it?). And she found this wonderful quote, which I think serves as a proper toast:

Here's to good women.
May we know them,
May we be them,
May we raise them.

"Woman to Woman" begins next Tuesday, March 13, and will continue to happen on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month. Our first topic will be "In this skin"... in which you will tell us all how aging has affected you personally, your attitude towards it and what you've learned from it. Morning Glory and I will each have a Mr. Linky on our blogs for our readers, but we hope that our participants will branch out and get to know bloggers outside of their usual circles by visiting both of our sites. We will be providing two ultra fun and feminine buttons to choose from as a way to label your post and participation. They've been designed by two other bloggers in our midst, Beth (Morning Glory's daughter, from the former blog Her Majesty's Throne) and Zoe (my good friend from Fresh Preserves).

So, get hyped up for a really wonderful opportunity to share your unique thoughts and perspective with other woman bloggers and meet back here on Monday, March 12 to grab yourself a button. Post your thoughts on Tuesday the 13th, sign Mr. Linky at one or both of our sites, then leave a comment. Oh, and SPREAD THE WORD! We really want to see this opportunity reach bloggers far and wide!

It's the really simple things I have come to appreciate in life: sleep, food, water. Maybe a smokin' pair of red pumps. But most of all I can appreciate a sincere compliment. "Mmmmmmmmmm, you smell good. Did you take a shower today?"

Note to self: bump sleep, add back in hygiene.

;)

I can...

These days, I often find myself short on time and running late. I've been busy; it seems like everyone wants my help with something these days. And I enjoy being the "go to" girl, but I'm not sure I can be her anymore. I've taken my time getting back into my groove since having Sasha, so I'm surpirsed that it's been such a challenge. The truth is, I am finally coming to understand that there are limitations to what I can do. Okay. That sounds a) cocky and b) totally obvious. Of course there is a limit to what I can do. I am human. I've just been slow to realize it.

I have often caught myself thinking of womanhood in terms of "all or nothing". I say womanhood, because I think all of us - with or without children, single or married, career women or not - have this idea that we are either passing or failing. And our definition of "capability" couldn't be more flawed.

We focus so much on what we cannot do, I thought it would be a good idea if we all thought of things we can do. So, ahem. All who would like to participate in this exercise (lurkers please join us:)), add your link below and leave me a comment. Your post should follow this outline:

I can lead the way.
I can make people laugh.
I can make my home a haven from the world.
I can make music.
I can catch a full cup of juice on its way to the floor.
I can catch a child on its way to the floor.
I can inspire others.
I can listen.
I can be the "best mommy in the whole world" without a huge stage production.
I can bake incredible brownies.
I can multi-task.
I can make my husband smile without saying a word.
I can pacify my children.
I can give hope.

Be as serious or funny as you wish!

Two things I learned this weekend (despite the almost constant obsession over the layout on my new blog)

It's been a while since I've felt like I learned something at church. I am usually too busy getting out quiet activities or snacks, shushing little voices, teaching my oldest one to listen and fretting over being a spectacle in the process of it all. I guess it was divine intervention that allowed me to pay enough attention that two simple phrases really stood out to me yesterday.

"That which is of enough value to memorize becomes part of you."

and from Alma 37:37 -

"when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning, let thy heart be full of thanks unto God"

I love the first quote because I am one that thrives on words - be they scripture, lyrics, poetry or just plain wisdom. And they do have a way of working themselves into my mind when I most need them. But sometimes I let days go by without studying anything, without pondering any sort of words, and that often leads to a stupor in trying situations (rather than having positive thoughts or feeling guided). I love that any worthy words can be beneficial to you. Scripture study is an obvious necessity in our lives, but do we make time to study the great God given talents of writers like Shakespeare? It's just like turning on classical music in the car for my children as we head out to school... I know that it opens up the mind and calms the spirit and will have an effect on their day.

Alma 37:37 has been marked in my scriptures for years. I have it mostly memorized and I'd say it is a part of me... it comes to my mind often. But this particular part of it has never made quite the impression that it did on me yesterday. I vainly repeat "let the Lord watch over us in our sleep" every night before bed. And I rarely wake up thankful that He did. In fact, I am a bear in the morning... I'm not really thankful for anything at that time of day. That really sets a tone in our home and can be difficult to change after I'm more fully awake and ready to dig into the day. So I'm making a goal of not just praying for the Lord's protection over my family each night, but with gratitude for that blessing in my life each morning as well.

Creativity Cannot Be Stifled

... is the name of my new blog, a place to show my crafts and art, provide ideas for home decor and entertaining, birthday parties, etc. So, if you're interested in all that (and really, who isn't), come and check it out here!