Malala Yousafzai - Time magazine

"She has become perhaps the world’s most admired children’s-rights advocate, all the more powerful for being a child herself. Her primary cause — securing Pakistani girls’ access to education — has served to highlight broader concerns: the health and safety of the developing world’s children, women’s rights and the fight against extremism." 
- TIME magazine on Malala Yousafzai, the first runner-up in their "Person of the Year" issue. (via MissRepresentation.org)


This incredible young woman has been mentioned before on this blog, and she has been named the first runner-up in Time magazine's "Person of the Year 2012" issue, behind only U.S. President Barack Obama. Her brave example shines as a beacon for every young woman today, and her experience is a lesson for all people about equal rights and humane behavior. She was targeted to serve as an example of hatred and tyranny but lives on despite those terrorist attempts to destroy all the admirable qualities she embodies.

Miss Yousafzai is an amazing testament to the power of one person to have great influence regardless of the person's age. May she have a full recovery and a safe continuation of her life!

Thanks, my friend! (December 14)

Let's get this party started!
from The New Yorker

A pop of the wine cork brought the meeting to order, as Kay banged on the garage door to assure the resident possum stayed out for the night. Members generously filled their plates and topped off their glasses as they sat down for their monthly gathering.

Kay presented the agenda for the evening, and welcomed everyone into her home as their host. "Here, here! It's time to get started. We have a book to talk about, but first there are jokes to tell and unfamiliar sexual euphemisms to learn." Kay's strong demeanor demanded the attention of the group, and the members didn't dare speak over her witticisms.

 The women inevitably strayed off topic, not only at the misdirection of their hostess, but with the rhythm of their cross-over discussions as it was usually wan to do. Conversation wrapped its way around the usual circuitous route, glossing over work weirdness, crotch picking, stranded boats, wanton cleavage exposure, and haunted nurses in crisp uniforms creeping through the darkness. Somehow redirecting the commentary back to the purpose of this discourse, Kay regained control of the scattered interaction and insisted someone say something about the book. Otherwise the night will have been lost in a diatribe of fun and frivolity.

If nothing else, they had to at least pick a book for next month regardless of whether they'd actually discuss it when the time came. Alexis suggested Shelli be kept from nominating the upcoming read (hers hadn't gone over so well this time). Rhonda insisted that Alexis was only flexing her non-threatening muscle. She didn't work at TLC so who was she trying to convince she had the power of influence here? 

 After all mental notes were stored inside of that big bean called Kay's brain, they'd be recapitulated via email later. Bottles of beer were left to drink -- there was a hidden stash out in the garage the possum hadn't gotten to yet, and it was all hers. She'd have it gone by the time she and her mom made the next Arkansas horse race. Those ponies weren't waiting to bet on themselves.

 Kim giggled so hard she cried through squinted eyelids, and Shelli got so tickled she peed herself. Kim had lasted through a long day of policing the bathrooms at B-wood, and now Shelli had leaked all over Kay's nice clean floor. She would not be held responsible for someone else's leak and made a motion that Shelli try bladder training methods before they meet again. Alexis seconded the motion, and the vote was five for and one opposed.  Sorry, Shelli, mandatory kegels.

Rhonda brought a sense of stability back to their clacht -- she was the meanie of the bunch, scared of snakes or not, who insisted they stick with the agenda. The rules must be followed. Katy just sat back and laughed at them all, having infiltrated the funniest bunch of bookish broads she'd ever met.

Kay relinquished any semblance of group unity and wished the women well on their way. She promised to distribute notes to the feeble-minded few who missed any details or definitions. The last "kwish" of a beer can pop tab resonated with their departure. 'Til next time -- meeting adjourned. 

The glue holding the evening together was Kay. She was the one who leaves everyone in stitches with her self-deprecating yet completely confident humor. As the group's beloved scribe, she keeps the official record of their one night per 30 when everything else recedes to concentrate on biblio-biofeedback among friends. 

A casual observer is left to imagine Kay's same passion for her children and grandchild -- how she must lavish them with her love and generous attention. Her wisdom and temperance serve as a fine example to them and others. Her tenacity and beautiful spirit do much the same for her friends. They know and love her spirit.  

Kay is a wonderful attribute to the Book Sluts, and I've never enjoyed anyone else's sharp commentary on life more than hers. For that and much more, I want to say, "Thanks, my friend!"

Thanks, my friend! (December 8)

10,000 styles ago - <3 this pic

You have to really trust the person who cuts your hair. It's easier when she is a friend of yours, though. No way would she chance screwing it up and have to deal with your whining. I met such a woman through our mutual friend.  I ought to thank her sometime for introducing us, but I never seem to get around to things like that.  


My friend, Susan, used to do my hair.  She is so much more than simply a stylist ... she is a self-made woman, a single mom, a hard worker, and such a sweet person.  

Becoming a new business owner is her latest triumph. Susan is motivated by her beautiful daughters, who I know are also inspired by her. Her example will show them how a person can get through life by having a positive attitude and a loving spirit.  If there was ever a woman who exudes perseverance, it is Sue.  
My trips "back home" are accentuated by visits with her, otherwise I miss her smiling face. I've been impressed with her ability to carry on toward positivism, especially in the last few tough years.  Susan loves life and shows it every day.  We should all follow her lead!  I wish her all the luck she deserves with her salon and in her life.  

Once poor Susan made the mistake of calling me when I was deep in the throes of postpartum craziness.  She "talked me down" and supplied me with the support I needed at that moment.  Every now and then when I'm bummed out, I get a little message on Facebook along the lines of "I miss you, Katy," and it cheers me up.  So it's obvious from who ... it's Sue.  For that and much more, I say, "Thanks, my friend!"

Tell a friend you love her.  She deserves to hear it!

Saw this today and love it!

"A critic can only review the book he has read, not the one which the writer wrote."
MIGNON MCLAUGHLIN

writerunboxed.com

Everyone who writes should read that statement.  Thanks, Goodreads!

Thanks, my friend! (Nov. 21)

There's a page on FB called "It's All About Women," and a post there yesterday made me think of my friend meme.  They asked "Who was your favorite teacher in school? Did you ever tell them they were your favorite?"

I guess I never did.  It's funny, though, because I was discussing this subject twice in the last few weeks. One of my favorite instructors was a woman named Kim Allen, and her Communication classes interested me enough to choose that area as my undergraduate major. It would be cool to be able to tell her that some time. The most wonderful professor of all, Dr. Carol Koehler, was highlighted in this meme before, and before her death I was able to tell her how much she meant to me.  

Some high school friends and I had recently talked about the subject, too.  We mainly discussed teachers we really couldn't stand.  Those not-so-inspirational ones don't count (you know I'm talking to you, Mrs. Eilers ... fire me from the 5th grade bookstore, damn you).

So this week I want to recognize my friend, Stephanie, who chose to be a teacher in the public school system now home-schools her own kiddos.  Being a caring mother and teaching you children are probably two of the hardest jobs in the world, nurturing them as people and intellectual human beings.  

Stephanie and I met through her in-laws, whom I have known most of my life.  Her sister-in-law and I grew up together, and her mother-in-law is one of my mentors and friends.  I live further away from their family than I used to, and I miss them all a lot.

She is a woman of great patience and self-control.  How any mom doesn't lose it when her child writes in green marker all the way down the stairway wall is beyond me!  She laughed about it instead of screaming, which is more than I can say of myself, and there are many other times I imagine (and have seen) her doing the same.  Stephanie has great resolve, and she demonstrates how even people who see things differently can still care for one another.  

Her family holiday letter is coming soon, which I thoroughly enjoy, and I remember back to a great Christmastime we all spent at Disney World!  Stephanie is a woman who loves her family deeply and lives and honest with great grace.  Her girls are growing up with a fine example from their mother.  I miss your smile and infectious happiness, Steph.  Here's to you, my friend!  


Everyone should recognize a friend for her great gifts.  Don't wait to tell someone how much they mean to you when you can do so right now!

Thanks, my friend! November 9

This week I wish to pay tribute to another great female I have the pleasure of having in my life. We all deserve at least a little recognition from time to time. So I'm going to pat the back of my friend, Kathleen, who I get to see this weekend.

me, Kathleen & Stacey

My first thought when this woman comes to mind is that she is "a hoot and a half." We've been goofing together since we were in middle school.  By happenstance she moved to our hometown as a pre-teen but fell right into the small-town groove.  There's no end to the laughs when Kathy's around, and she tries to make those gatherings happen as often as possible. A big group of high-school buddies still get together as often as possible -- we're talking 20+ years ago graduation -- and we still enjoy each other's company.  

Even though the miles have grown between us, we can all think back to the gut-busting fun we've had over the years.  Some may criticize it a lot, but I love Facebook for the simple fact that it helps people reminisce and remain friends (most of the time). That's the case with us. We get to IM across two states and discuss our love of different narrative plots. It's great to talk about many off-the-wall books we both love. We're usually always on the same page - pun intended.

Kathy's big spiel was being tossed from the whitewater raft where too many of us were packed like sardines. I'll always remember thinking how we would have to call her mom to report if Kathleen died on those rocks that day. Thanks to that old dude who popped her back in the boat, she's still with us today. Ever teasing as she is, Kathy scoffed and reported she knew what a frog in a blender felt.

Were it happen now, I'd freak out over the possibility of Kathleen's boys being taken from their wonderful mom. She and I both had kids "later" in life but love them even more than if we were young mothers.  I think those guys have a tough act to follow with their big-hearted mom. They all lost Kathleen's parents in the last few years, but I know she keeps the boys' grandparents alive in their minds and hearts. I hope her heart has found peace.    

Being the mediator she is, Kathleen is always keeping us together. We've used golf clubs as microphones and drank beer in the morning on a float trip. Vegas, Denver, Wesport KC, Homecoming parade, or the Macy Gray concert blast in Lawrence, Kathy is always great fun!  Your blithe spirit enriches us all, and for that I say, "Thanks, my friend!"  

Thank a friend of yours, too, because she may not have had anyone say so for awhile ... or ever. We should all appreciate each other more.  

We Can Do It!

There is no way I could not share this quote today, Election Eve in America.  

from missrepresentation.org on FB

It is from Jennifer Siebel Newsom & the MissRepresentation.org Team

(regarding how to increase the # of women who influence policy decisions)

"It's not just about electing women though, it's about voting for those candidates - regardless of gender - who truly value and respect all of us. It's about supporting those who embrace both masculine and feminine qualities across society.We need people at the top who advocate for equal pay, family leave, and childcare policies. We need politicians who really care about our kids' education, our health, our well-being and the environment. We need brave leadership - leadership that isn't afraid to say in public what they think in private and that isn't afraid to challenge the status quo of partisan politics. Leadership that prioritizes a healthier economy and incorporates care and caregiving into its policies and incentives."