The Godmothers Club

Enjoy the Journey of Aging Gracefully

There resides in each of us a guide for aging gracefully.

Let the Holy Spirit direct your mind, your talents, your creativity and your love.

Tap into this source to live well and fully at any age.

Aging gracefully is my new mantra. Here's why:

Who Asked You?

It's so easy to jump in and give our grown children the benefit of our wisdom, isn't it?

You know I mean. They confide something about their finances, a health problem, travel plans or issues with their own children and we jump in with advice, solutions and opinions. After all, we raised them and loved them through all stages and problems in their lives. They still need our opinions because we know best. Right?

Well, I'd like to offer a different alternative to giving advice and wisdom:

How Green is the Grass in Your Backyard?

My sister has a great expression that I just love. When things aren't going as she planned, or the way she would have chosen she says, "But that's okay, my grass is green."

What a positive twist on the old cliche, 'the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence'! My sister's attitude puts her on the right side of the fence. No matter what's happening in her life, she's content.

How can we make sure we live knee deep in green grass like Sandra? Here's one idea...

When Promises are Treats

 

How good are you at keeping promises to yourself?

I'm the worst.

You'd think that by now when we get invited for an early round of golf on a Sunday morning, I'd have an automatic response, "Gee thanks for asking but I promised myself we'd make the early service at church."

Do I say that? You betcha I don't.

I ignore my inner promise and let my husband decide, "Charlie, what do you want to do, church or golf?" 

Why is it so easy to break promises to myself...ones that I wouldn't dream of breaking for others?

Getting Egg on Your Face is a Good Thing

I just get so excited when I have a good idea! Whether it's an idea for a dinner party, a blog article or buying a gift for someone my creative juices start bubbling and it's all I can think about.

Sometimes my ideas or dreams work out and sometimes they don't. And when they don't...like the time I made a fancy dessert for some good friends that tasted like whipped soap instead of mousse...I have to wash the 'oops' egg off my face.

Here are a few important things that "getting egg on my face" has taught me:

The Backyard Fence Social Media Built

When my Grandma was a young woman she traded gossip with the tradesmen, socialized with the neighbors and chatted with her friends; all on a daily basis. Anyone who was important in her life knew exactly what was happening in her family.

And as hard as it may be to believe, she managed seven children, a home, her husband's business and rental income properties without the benefit of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

So how did Grandma network without social media?

Etsy Women Are So Creative

I'm slow to find out about the simple things that keep life easy and organized in this hi-tech, fast paced, need-to-know-it-now world. Don't get me wrong, I just love the latest tech toys that Apple designs and would really enjoy having an IPad. It's the products that you learn about word of mouth that I'm touting here. The people who create things from their imagination and talent but don't have an advertising budget to announce their wares to the world.

Here's my story. I bought this really neat purple bag but it was unlined. Not good. I knew the buttery leather would eventually stretch if I kept putting my (must carry with me at all times) stuff in it. A friend suggested buying a purse organizer, which I had never heard of. So off I went in search of one and found lots of commercial sites selling them, but then I ran across the Etsy sight and landed on Mary's page of handmade, purse organizers. What a find!

 
I measured my purple bag, checked out the accurate dimensions on a few offered choices and ordered one. Her product is well thought out and her craftsmanship perfect. Not only is the organizer is pretty, practical and sturdy, it fits in most of my bags. So convenient. And now my bag dilemma was solved.

The organizer arrived within a few days, wrapped in tissue with a handwritten note from Mary thanking me for buying from Etsy and specifically from her store! It was a delightful experience and a great find. Check out Mary's site-store when you get a chance.

 

 

Mother & Daughter

My 87 year old Mother tripped and fell yesterday. It happened so fast that I didn't see her go down but I watched helplessly as her face smacked the ground. Time stood still for a split second as I saw her crumpled body on the sidewalk. The whole scene was so hard to watch. She suffered a fractured wrist in two places and abrasions on her face. She's wearing a sling and she's sore. But that's the worst of it, thank God. She's going to be just fine after a couple of weeks of healing.

A Note to All You Darling Women Who Can't Get Pregnant

It's so hard to bear the excitement you feel on those hopeful days when your period doesn't come, or the desolate day when you find out your friend is pregnant with her second child, and you've had disappointing news from the fertility clinic. And there's such an empty feeling when you get to the point where you just can't cry or talk about it anymore.

Girlfriends Are Godmothers

One of the best things about having a girlfriend is hearing her say, "I know just what you mean" whether you're telling her something serious, silly or just plain whiny.

A Love Letter to Samantha’s Real Mom

My daughter, Samantha — who spent five days visiting us over the Memorial Day weekend with her boyfriend, Steven (such a nice young man) — celebrated her 28th birthday on the 28th of May. I recently learned that’s called a golden birthday. I told my husband, Charlie, that this just might be a great reason to give Sam another piece of her mother’s jewelry. And so he chose something meaningful to commemorate this special day for her. 

How Cathy Wright Will Win The Election

Her children are grown, healthy and productive, her husband has a satisfying career and is probably eyeing his retirement, she has two grandchildren, a large circle of friends, a lovely home and a private pilot's license. In essence a full life. So why is she running for public office?

That was the question that kept running through my mind yesterday afternoon when we attended the Campaign Kick-Off Party for Cathy Wright, my friend and neighbor—who's running as the Republican Candidate for the NC House District 54. She doesn't have to do this...she could kick back and relax...she doesn't need to add stomping, speeches and stress to her life. While Cathy and I are fairly new friends, I know enough about the kind of woman she is to know that she absolutely does have to do this. (Check out her bio, platform and campaign issues at Wright for the House.)

Cathy is running against a Goliath. A native Democrat serving his fifteenth term in the NC House of Representatives. I wonder how will she do battle against someone with impenetrable connections and a sizable war chest? Someone who probably doesn't see her as a threat because she's new to the local political arena? How will she get her voice and message heard to win an election?

Probably the way thousands of women who face obstacles and fearful circumstances in their everyday lives handle it. Head on. Knowing the action that needs to be taken — against the Goliaths of their world — to fight a disease, protect a child, stand up for an inequity. For my friend, it's to campaign against an incumbent whose record and platform she believes isn't in the best interest of North Carolinians struggling in a suffocating economy.

The Cathys of this world don't conquer their foes with weapons they find cumbersome and unfamiliar. They do the right thing with the unique skills and gifts and talents they've been given. They are victorious because they use a slingshot filled with their values, commitment, integrity, determination and dedication. They don't take no for an answer whether they are battling in an election, a hospital room, a classroom, or a courtroom. They aim their slingshot and hurl their 'stones' at their Goliath's weakest spot. And they win their battles.

Good luck, Cathy Wright, you're an inspiration to me.

Who do you know fighting a battle right now? Share her story and inspire us.

More Magazine Publishes "Normal Is Whatever You Are"

A couple of months ago I published a story about Mary Catherine and diversity on The Godmothers Club. Well, More magazine picked it up for publication on their web site! You can read about it here.

Are You Doing What You Really Wanted To Do?

Now, that's a good question to chew on, isn't it?

My niece wants to be an esthetician but right now she has a job in marketing. I have a friend who works as a publisher but wants to be a nurse. A man I golfed with wants to study music but he's an accountant for now. No matter what age we are, many of us seem to be working at something while we plan and wait for 'what we really want to do' to happen.

What's your thing, dream or passion? I'll share mine with you.

Scrumptious Spare Ribs

The onion tart recipe I posted was a hit with readers. So, while I love to cook and try out new recipes, I will occasionally post one to share with you all. This fabulous rib recipe comes from my sister-in-law, Linda. We thank her every time I make it. Enjoy!

Relief From Breast Cancer Pain

Relief From Breast Cancer Pain

For all you dear hearts suffering from the painful side effects of breast cancer drugs, I saw a video that spoke of promising results from acupuncture treatments. The drugs are so necessary to stop the re-occurrence of the disease but often cause debilitating joint pain. Acupuncture has been shown to help relieve fatigue, hot flashes, nausea, vomiting and pain. Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to release natural painkillers and immune system cells, which travel to the weakened areas of the body and relieve symptoms, according to researchers. 

Click here to visit CBS TV that broadcast the segment on April 11, 2010 and type Breast Cancer Relief in the Search Field. Find more information and links to worthwhile sites on here The Godmothers Club.

Pass this info along to all the women you know who might benefit from it.

How 9/11 Affected a Young Journalist

 How 9/11 Affected a Young Journalist

When 9/11 happened I was just out of grad school, working at the Associated Press in Boston, and within arms reach of my dream career of becoming a photojournalist. That morning I was working the photo desk with a staff photographer, my editor on vacation. We, like the rest of the media, were less than seconds behind the alert that a plane might have been hijacked and then the news that a plane had crashed into one of the World Trade Center Towers. In real time we watched in horror on the television screen as the second plane disappeared into the second tower. We later learned that the two plans that collided with the World Trade Center were from Boston. I broke that news to the New York Office. I was on the front lines of the news as it happened, staking out the airport, evacuations, hunting down photographs of missing people and the world’s reaction, right outside my door. My career had been catapulted, yet I struggled with the deeper meaning this tragic event presented to me. Why did this happen? Will I ever feel safe again? Who would do something like this?

As for so many, that single act of terrorism shattered something deep inside me.

The Philosophy of Charles Schultz

The Philosophy of Charles Schultz

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz , the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read the e-mail straight through, and you'll get the point.

 

A Great Place For Chemo Hat Patterns

A Great Place For Chemo Hat Patterns

I just ran across a great site that has loads of different chemo hats for men, women and children. There's even a link to adornments and embellishments for the hats to make them look dressed up and fun. 

 

If you're handy with knitting or crochet needles, you'll enjoy these head-hugger patterns that come with great photos. Get Creative with Your Yarn and Enjoy!

 
 
 
 

Hats for Chemo Patients!

Hats for Chemo Patients!

Knitters and Crocheters...This post is for you! Here are two simple, easy-to-make and wonderful patterns you can whip up and make for all the darling women enduring cancer treatments.

Knit or crocheted in super-soft Chinchilla, this cap and scarf set will soothe and warm chemotherapy patients in high style. The patterns are below. Donate them to any hospital in your neighborhood that provides chemotherapy treatments.

How Did Your Mother Donate?

How Did Your Mother Donate?

I was having lunch with my friend, Colleen, a couple of weeks ago when the conversation turned to how our mothers "donated" to help others when we were young. We both grew up with Dads who were the sole providers because the Moms stayed home to raise the family. Money was tight. Many times we were on the side of receiving donations, which came in the form of hand-me down clothes.

Normal Is Whatever You Are

 

 

Normal Is Whatever You Are

Picture this. Mary Catherine stands in a doorway and greets everyone with a smile, a handshake and a kind word.  "Good to see you." "You look pretty." "I'm glad you came." A few simple words given to everyone as she looks them eye. And every person who encounters her, smiles. Every single person. She makes them all feel welcomed and special without trying. She's genuine. Her actions come naturally. Oh, I forgot to mention.

Voting for Our Dreams

Connecting Women Who Honor Women.

 Providing A Place To Pay It Forward.

Voting for Our Dreams

This week I entered my first-ever contest! Skimming through MORE magazine over the weekend, I came across an advertisement to win a Girlfriend Getaway to NYC from MORE's My Reinvention Story Context. They want to know how you turned your passion into a business or a nonprofit. Or how you pursued a dream, nurtured an artistic talent or mastered a new hobby. They want to know how you have reinvented yourself or created your own second act.

Intriguing. What perfect timing for me since I just launched The Godmothers Club three months ago. I'm head-over-heels having fun with my new passion, following my dream while I reinvent myself in Act II of my life. Whew! I'm a shoo-in.

 

A Band Aid For Healing

Connecting Women Who Honor Women.

 Providing A Place To Pay It Forward.

 

A Band Aid for Healing

It makes me twisted mean to think about how I had to forgive my ex-husband to get on with my life when he was the one 'who  done me wrong'. Heck, at the time there was no way I wanted to make it easy for him. That man deserved the side affects of my wrath. Mmm, mmm. My mind toyed with lots of nasty things I could do and say to squeeze the joy out of his life. Sigh. Truthfully, there was some real satisfaction in thinking revengeful thoughts — even though I acted on none.

I've been thinking a lot about this lately because of the news stories about Tiger Woods and Mark Sanford, the Governor of South Carolina who cheated on his wife with his Argentinian soul mate. Actually, I've been thinking about their wives more than them. I just heard on a TV morning show today that Jenny Sanford  made the "leap of faith" to marry her husband even after he refused to promise to be faithful to her in their wedding vows. And we can only imagine the emotional pain Elin Woods is in.

10 Ways to help others

Connecting Women Who Make A Difference.
 Providing A Place To Pay It Forward.

10 Ways to Get Involved 

Most of us voluneer with an organization mainly because of a connection, a passion or a heart for the cause. Habitat for Humanity has my heart. While I can't swing a hammer and I don't like to paint, I thoroughly enjoy working in their 'Home' Store selling household items. I just scribbled down a few ways for you to get involved, but of course there are so many more. Let's face it, we're all short on time and money (especially $$$ since the economy tanked), but you may be surprised to know that most organizations do not require a lengthy time commitment. Two to four hours a month is probably the norm. Let's take a look at ten groups of people that can use your help.