SquawkRadio Comments

What a gorgeous blog, Liz!  I feel empowered to start my day

I heard a wonderful term on OPRAH the other day that got me thinking about how women think.  It was a segment about a woman who had lost her infant son and how she was so terrified of feeling “self-pity”.  But Martha Beck, the life counselor, said that it was “self-compassion” that most women needed to learn to feel for themselves.  That was a real lightbulb moment for me and will probably be used to justify a few massages and pedicures down the road

Great blog topic, Liz.  But couldn’t we leave out the part about it being a last blog?  I like living in my little world of denial.

I completely agree about Laila Ali.  I’d love to be her when I grow up.  Except, I don’t want to get hit in the face.  We can leave that part out.

In the last few years, I have been to hell and back.  And I came out the other side.  I, by some miracle (and I mean I really got a miracle), managed to get through it all and I’m still standing.  Standing taller than I ever have before. 

We all have the strength inside of us but sometimes we have to face something extremely difficult to find it.  Fortunately, as women, we also have the grace, grit, determination and sheer willpower to win any battle.

So here’s a big “YOU GO GIRL!” from me.  I sure am going to miss this place. *sigh*

I am very intelligent, and trustworthy, and dependable, but most of all I believe I am kind.

I am also resourceful!  Husband travels extensively, and I make everything here thrive with a full time job and three fabulous children who are sometimes not so fabulous

I would never trade the time he has spent away, because figuring out how to make everything work by myself has been so empowering (a new-age word for a traditionalist such as myself, but it seems to fit.)

This blog prompted my first tears, btw.  Time for m&m’s, I’m thinking.  And who’s mixing the caipirinhas Thursday night???? 

Liz, I love this post so much!  I really hope you’ll keep blogging somewhere else. 

How am I strong?  I hiked to the top of Pikes Peak last summer.  I can bench press 50 pounds.  I write books for a living.  I raised two boys who are fabulous men. 

Thanks for all your posts. 

Barbara Samuel

Elizabeth,

I love what you are saying.  I wish the younger women could somehow grasp how incredibly freeing it is to look inside yourself and instead of focusing on the sb-par stuff, acknowledging all the good.

Not just the good but the wonderful.  You are right, women have to be smart to survive in this world.  Not just book smart, creatively smart, intuitive and compassionate smart.

Show me a man who can multitask and I’ll show you a Rosie O’Donnel kissing Donald Trump.  It just aint gonna happen!

Women are amazing creatures, designed superiorly by God to nurture the future.

No matter what your bra size, dress size or nose size, you are beautiful if you love someone.

Anyway, sorry for the sermon, but yes, we as women have alot to be proud of!

Liz, we have such wonderful women here—the stories they’ve told make me proud to know them. That’s the real legacy of Squawk Radio, and that’s what I’m going to miss the most.

Now I have to go walk the dog, plant my plants and haul the hoses around to I can water the new trees. Then I have to write 10 pages, compose a press release, answer email and make stir-fry. I really ought to go to the grocery store, but I think I can hold that off until tomorrow ... What was the question?

Thanks for the inspiration this morning Liz!  I needed to start focusing on the good stuff for a change.

While I was growing up my parents always told me (and still do ), “You can do ANYTHING if you set your mind to it.” It is so true for all of us.

I helped fix a major problem at work today.  Hooray me!

Sing it sister!  What an awesome blog.  This is a topic near and dear to me.  As a feminist, I believe in the power and beauty of women, but I am often saddened that we ourselves do not see this and we allow outside influences to reflect who we should be instead of who we are.

I am intelligent, well-spoken, adventurous, loving, and an awesome friend to have, who accept her friends (most them quite offbeat) for who and what they are.  I was brought up by a strong woman who self-actualized herself (even though she was brought up in a time of “your husbands word is THE word").  I am proud of her and she has made me proud of me.

I now live my life as if I were 85.  Meaning, at that time in ones life, many people cease worrying about what others think and say what’s on their minds.  I do that for myself and for those who I love and love me.  That has been my greatest gift to myself.  I don’t beat myself up and I do not talk down to myself.  I recognize my power and I own it.

I’m proud that I stand up for what I believe in and those that I love - totally, unapologetically, humorously, fiercely - just like the squawkers. Proud to have my women friends to lean on and derive comfort from - just like the squawkers. I will miss your musings, humor and advice but I did get to find six fabulous authors thru your site.

Can’t you keep it going and just post less frequently? I’m sure you can find a volunteer web-mistress to help!

Nope? It’s been good popping in and getting a good laugh and inspiration - Best Wishes and keep them books comin’

Nina

Hey, men can multitask, too!  I’ll have you know that I can walk and chew…

just a minute -

Sorry - Jessica Alba just popped up on TV, and I got distracted there for a moment.  What was the question?

Anyways, I’m all for empowered, superior, multitasker women who can bring home the bacon and fry it up in a pan.  But Laila Ali pays a big price for all of her incredibly hard work and effort.  Now that “Dancing with the Stars” has ended, she is going to have to have surgery on both her knees.  Here’s a quote:

“I’m not supposed to be putting any pressure on my knees and that’s what I’ve been doing every day with this dancing… I have two bad shoulders, two bad knees, a bad back and my wrists are a little weak, so it’s not at all therapeutic for me.  But I don’t complain.  You know what I do.  I take body shots.  I’m used to working through the pain.”

So hooray for strong, confident, accomplished women, and let’s admire what they have to go through to be that way.

Mike

PS. Add me to the list of the Sad-yet-grateful.  SquawkRadio was a wonderful site with a unique vibe and mix of accomplished women, and I’ll miss it a lot. Thank you all for two great years!!

Hmmm not sure what I’m most proud of. Not my thighs, these days....

Ok - I’ve got it.

I like me.  Lots, actually.  Thighs and all.
My body is less beautiful than formerly, granted...but I think my soul is a great deal improved with age!

I’m proud that I still laugh at most things as a first reaction, even though I know how bad the outcome could be.... 

I’m proud that I can still feel compassion or offer support for folks around me even when I’m at the end of my tether personally....

I’m proud that I can appreciate how wonderful other people are, with their different gifts and contributions without feeling any pangs of jealousy, or wanting to switch places…

and most of all, I guess I’m proud that I can accept and forgive myself for my manifold imperfections, even though I now know how many I have! 

Maybe it’s an age thing?  Maybe it’s a female thing?  Who knows?

Liz - how do you DO this?  How do you come up with blog topics that are so reflective and so much fun to ruminate on?  It’s such a gift! 
(And btw, I read two of your books this weekend. WHAT FUN. I Loved Them. Thank you!! Time to glom your backlist....and please get busy and write some more.)

I’m a good friend.  I keep in touch, I care how you are doing and I help when I can.

I’m going to miss you ladies.

What a great post!! I think it’s important to remind ourselves (and no necessariliy just women) of the importance of self-worth. I’m a firm believer that the most important thing is to love yourself, because if you don’t, it won’t matter how much other people love you; it will seem meaningless. It’s not always easy to love oneself; there are many times I must remind myself of the good parts of me, but it’s very necessary.

I’ve always been confidant that I’m kind, well-spoken (and a bit outspoken ^^), intelligent and talented. It’s hard to boost yourself with the media insessantly drilling into our heads what they think we should be. But I shall quote J.K. Rowling’s character, Mad-Eye Moody in saying: “Constant Vigilance!”

You’re all lovely! *hugs all around*

P.S. The squawk reader board is up, but still in the process of being built. It in no way rivals SR or Eloisa’s BB; it’s just another place to hang out!

Squawkers United

I am strong and am the family matriarch.  I’ve buried almost all my family.  I’m executor of everyone else’s danged will.  I’ve gone through two failed marriages.  (I’m very happy in my third!)

I’m the family gatekeeper.  I grew up with my grandmothers/elderly aunts/great aunts.  I’m the only grandchild fluent in Spanish, so I listened to all the stories during holidays, or playing Spanish bingo or dominoes. 

I am sweet, kind, helpful and hospitable.  My unofficial middle name is “Isn’t she nice?” My role model growing up was Jeannie from I Dream of Jeannie.  She had all the qualities I thought a woman should have, so I emulated her.

I’m a good dancer!  I should be, I come from good stock.  My aunts and mother all danced at the Tropicana in Cuba for a short time before they got married and emigrated to the US.

I am attractive, though chubby.  My grandmother had a saying, “No soy bella que encanto, pero tampoco fea que espanto”.  Translated means “I’m not beautiful enough to enchant, but not ugly enough to scare people away.  My husband thinks I’m the most beautiful creature to walk this planet and that’s good enough for me.

And I was quite verbose just now, as it took me three tries to pare my comment down to 1200 letters.  Windbag!  AND, I just got my AARP card!  I’m officially an old fart.  LOL

Deborah wrote:  “I don’t beat myself up and I do not talk down to myself.  I recognize my power and I own it.” Oh, Deborah, I am SO posting that over my computer!

And Mike, it’s been wonderful having a dose of testosterone on Squawk occasionally.  We’ll miss you too!

And I think it’s growing increasingly important for me to develop more respect for what I require to be happy and to not be shy about letting others know what I need from them or to apologize for it. 

1) I require a healthy dose of solitude.
2) I require reading time
3) I require a harmonious, reasonably uncluttered environment
4) I require exercise
5) And occasionally, I want to be the one to crack up and fall apart instead of always trying to be the “strong one”

Oh, Liz, I’m CRYING!  You’re not supposed to make me cry!  I’m having a hard time as it is with you guys leaving!  *sniffles into her handkerchief*

To answer your question:

STRONG:  I can remove the lugnuts on a flat tire.  Okay, maybe that’s more leverage, but I can do it, by golly.

SMART:  Well, I graduated from college Magna Cum Laude, but I swear I get dumber every day...but then maybe it’s that I was a mere 22 and thought I knew it all, and now I’m not 22 and realize I really didn’t.  (Maybe that means I am smarter to realize that?)

TALENTED:  I can write.  Really, I can.  Now if I could only FINISH something.

BEAUTIFUL:  Eek.  Well, I look better when not wearing my pjs all weekend, but...hey.  I’m funny...I think that makes me at least cute.

Wow! Can I be Ana Maria when I grow up?

LOL Wirdald, since I wanted to be YOU when you won DD the other day. 

My codeword is getting46.  Been there, done that, got the t-shirt and it shrunk.  I hit the big 50 in October.

I’ve lost 40 pounds since Christmas. Why? Because I’m 36 years old, and I’ve decided that I want to get married and have a baby. In order to do that I need to be healthy. I’m starting to get that if I want change in my life, I have to BE the change. It starts from within.

In the mean time, I’ve just scored my dream job, for my dream company. With a big pay increase. I like to think it’s because I’m a hard worker and because I have integrity. In the future I’ll be using my power for good. That’s important to me.

I’m a terrific friend, sister, aunt and daughter. I’m good at supporting those I love. And I’m good at asking for support when I need it.

I make awesome chicken fajitas.

I have great hair and eyes.

I laugh a lot and I make people laugh.

I have a near encyclopedic knowledge of professional football. While it seems like a useless talent, my guy friends tell me it’s one of the hottest things about me.

What a great blog, Liz!  I am a great multi-tasker by necessity.  Being married to someone in the military, it is essential to wear many different hats--and look good in all of them! I have learned to adjust to moving often, but I’m glad this is the last.

I’m compassionate, a good listener, and love to laugh.  I’m proud to be a woman and have so many wonderful girlfriends!  We women rock!!

Oh, Teresa, I love the Martha Beck phrase “self-compassion"--gotta remember that one.  It’s something we all deserve.

Go do something nice for yourselves today, ladies!

Hugs, Terrio. I went through a few-year period like that about ten years ago. Like you said, you come out on the other side feeling way stronger than you did going in. I’m thinking about you.

Barbara! You read my mind.  I may very well continue to blog on my own...as soon as I get to a point in this book where I have the time. I must say, I’ve always considered you one of the strongest women I know. And that was before hearing about Pikes Peak. 

I gotta echo Xtina on the fabulous community here.  (And stop being so lazy, Xtina. Jeez. Get a life.)

Mike, you da man. 

Thanks for the nice words, MJ(2). My mom would probably tell you it’s because I think too much.  Hah. I’m glad you’re enjoying the books!

Ana Maria, you da bomba. 

Reading all these posts from you wonderful women, I am feeling inspired myself.  Today, not only will I write 12 pages, but I’ll do my 3.5 mile walk, too, AND care for my mom (who’s doing GREAT with her physical therapy and is nearly back on her feet).

Y’all are the best!

MaryKate, you go girl!!  Good for you.  Trust me, your knowledge of football will be draw men like a magnet! My dh is crazy about football and he would worship your knowledge.

Oh god I really needed this. I’ve been completely despairing over school and the future. This post reminds me that even though it’s been a long, hard journey, in two more grueling weeks I will be a freakin’ COLLEGE GRADUATE (yeah!) and no matter what happens next year, I have the resources within myself to improve people’s (and animals’!) lives around the globe. GO ME!!!

This has been such a great forum for empowerment, compassion, and silliness. I’ll miss it so. At least we will still be able to find all these things in your books! Keep ‘em coming!

I like discovering all the talents/strengths that have cropped up later in my life.  They’ve changed the way I think about myself, added to my self-esteem. 

For example:
-I’m crafty, not cunning (that too), but arts and crafty crafty. 
-I can mimic most foreign words without an American accent
-I excel at salad-making (right now I’m loving a cumin vinaigrette salad with carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, cilantro, mango, and green onions … mwah!)
-I persevere.  This was a great shock especially considering how I was in HS.
-I’m not that proud--I’ll say I’m sorry first every time because I abhor the distance anger makes between people and I’m always willing to learn from those who do stuff better than me.
-I’m a good mom, wife, friend and daughter (working on the sister part)
-I’m positive.  I truly believe, in my core, that anyone is capable of doing anything they set their minds to ... that’s why I know I’ll be pubbed. 

and

I HAVE TERRIFIC TASTE IN COMPANY . . . CYBER-COMPANY AND/OR OTHERWISE.

Oh and that salad has garlic. 

Besides Wilbury, garlic is my great love.

I like to think of my self as strong, loving, and giving.  I’m always willing to help and to do my part.  I tend to tell people a little too much of what’s on my mind if I don’t like something but I try to look at that as just being honest.  I’m a 22-year-old single mom who works a full time job and has just started to go back to school.  I may only being taking one class at a time but it’s still a lot of work.  My goal for now is just to be someone my son can admire when he grows up.  His opinion about me about me is the only one I care about.  He’s only two so it makes it easy for now. 

The main thing I will miss about Squawk is the constant inspiration that I receive everyday from everyone here.  I listen to your stories and think if they can do it so can I.  I just want to say thank you to all of you for inspiration when I need it most.

Ok now that I have totally gotten off topic. 

I also see myself as responsible and have killer eyes. 

and lime juice, salt and dash of sugar.

I wrote this once and it froze up so I don’t know if I can say it as strong as I did the first time

But being strong to me is too about taking the joys we have and building on them to fill our days with joy.  My joys are my family and friends, and too my reading.  How many times I remember being able take a book I’m reading and being able to escape in a good way, to the story, and getting away from physical pain.  So I build up on being strong with loving life.  Even when there are those days that pull me down and I can’t get up, right now I know the days come back to when I can and I say I’m strong even with getting through the tough times and then being happy, being joyous again.  So thanks for all being part of my life and looking forward to keeping in touch in many ways.  Cathie

Oh J Perry, your post reminded me of something my dad said about one of our relatives once--"She’s not smart...but she’s cunning.”

I like you, J Perry, have discovered more to love about myself the older I get.  I struggled through a lot of baggage to get to where I am now, but I made it!  I not only made it, but made it and am enjoying my life.  I’m a good wife, mom, daughter, sister, and friend.  I’m compassionate and kind.  I’m a good listener and I have a really great sense of humor.

J Perry, I have to laugh.  A bunch of us were taking a personality test and my DH checked off crafty as one of his positive traits.  And he meant the cunning crafty, not the crafty crafty!  My brother kept trying to get him to move it to a negative trait and he wouldn’t do it!

I agree with you husband, IrishEyes, especially if it’s a trait that’s served him well. 

Is aging grand?  Seriously.  Aside from all the superficial wrinkles, aches and gray hair, it really is a gorgeous ripening of one’s personality.

there IS a difference between cunning and smart.  My boy is smart.  My girl is cunning.  My mother is both.

That last part was for Teresa, btw.

Caffey said… “How many times I remember being able take a book I’m reading and being able to escape in a good way, to the story, and getting away from physical pain.”

Reading does the same thing for me.  I wish I would have found it in High School instead of the other outlet I had found.  We don’t always do the brightest things when were teenagers do we.  lol

Mary Kate, you’d be competition with my husband what with the chicken fajitas thing and football knowledge.

Cathie, that’s an amazing talent ... to fill your day with joy even when in pain.  I aspire to that.

I just have to say I’ve gone back and read all of these while listening to Daughtry’s “Going Home”.  I don’t recommend this.  I’m on my second tissue.

Gah! I’m going to miss this place.  And thanks, Liz.  Just those simple words mean the world.

My veri word is want76.  I WANT 76 MORE DAYS OF SQUAWK!  Couldn’t we gradually pull the band aid here?

Completely out of context here, but WHAT?  I’ve been away for a little while now, but I come back to learn that my favourite Blog is at an end!!  I’m just about to cry…

This coop is the craziest, funniest place to visit.  I’ll miss all you guys.

Back on topic:  At 41, I’ve come to accept myself for the most part.  I’ve decided that my happiness is as important as all those I’ve been trying to please.  Most of the time, catering to everyone made me unhappy, because I really didn’t want to do whatever they wanted me to do.

What am I most proud of about myself?

Well, little things.  I’m an excellent speller.  I can read books without creasing the spines (and not having it be a pain-in-the-rear to do).  My cursive is pretty.  I put on my eyeshadow artfully. 

As for the bigger things: I give good advice.  I’m a good daughter.  I’m loyal.  But the big thing I’m most proud of is I don’t take crap from people.  I don’t let anyone treat me badly or treat my friends badly.  I’m not a shrew about it, or a bully, I just don’t let it happen.  And I think that’s a really important quality or skill or whatever to have.

I hope as I get older I’ll discover a lot more to be proud of. 

PS to Eloisa James- I went to my bookstore yesterday to get DESPERATE DUCHESSES, and they did not have it.  I was very upset and will be checking back for it frequently.

Froggie a.k.a Jaclyne Laurin said…
“I’ve decided that my happiness is as important as all those I’ve been trying to please.  Most of the time, catering to everyone made me unhappy, because I really didn’t want to do whatever they wanted me to do. “

You took the words right out of my mouth! I think turning 40 had something to do with it.  I realized life is too short to be living it by pleasing others before myself.  I want to do what I want for a change, instead of what everyone else thinks I should do.  Some days this makes me feel incredibly selfish but most days I think I say my wants are worth it… I am worth it. 

So I agree J Perry, aging is grand! Love, Laugh and Live!

Empowerment, compassion and silliness. Dearreader, I do believe you have coined the Squawk Radio mantra.  Congrats on being a college grad!  You’ll do great!

J Perry, there’s not an iota of doubt in my mind that you’ll be published.  Not one.  You go, girl.

I love peeking in here while I’m writing and reading all these incredible posts from incredible women. My faith in the human race is restored with every one. 

J Perry wrote: “Is aging grand?  Seriously.  Aside from all the superficial wrinkles, aches and gray hair, it really is a gorgeous ripening of one’s personality.”

Oh I love this J Perry!  From now on, I’m going to tell everyone I’m not aging, I’m ripening!

J Perry - See, I should have brought over fajitas the other day, rather than emergency Godiva.

Also, I think you should go ahead and post the recipe for that salad now!

Lovely post, Liz, although, I’m not sure I can do what Laila does! ..Knock people out!

I think the main thing I can say is I’ve developed discernment.  I can say no to things and not feel guilty. You know, the guilt, don’t you? No is a powerful word, used well.  I have also come to the conclusion that I will not do certain things in life. Not in a defeatest way, but in a releasing of unneccessary baggage and worry.  I, like terrio, will stay in the land of denial and say ta ta! Not farewell!

-Lorie/ms. mary

Oh dear, Mary Kate. I don’t have exact quantities. 

I’ll make it up just for you.

Dressing:
-2-3 limes, squeezed (not juice from bottle! has to be fresh)
-1 1/2 tsp sugar (or more if you like it sweeter)
-2 1/2 TBSP ground cumin
-salt to taste
-olive oil, 1/4-1/2 cup maybe

Salad:
-1 largish cucumber, skinned, seeded, diced
-2-3 tomatoes, diced
-7 cloves garlic, minced (yuh huh! and not that pre-diced shit they sell that’s easier to use ... has to be fresh)
-1 ripe mango, cubed, no skin of course
-about 3-4 large carrots, skinned and shredded
-1-2 green onions, sliced thin
-1/2 a bunch cilantro, chopped smallish

Toss and gobble

I’m telling you, it’s so good, I’d like to rub it all over myself ...

if only the lime juice wouldn’t sting.

I’m not really sure how to answer this question.  I spend a great deal of time analyzing all the ways I’ve failed.  This is a new twist.  lol

If I was on the outside looking in, I think I’d admire my...what?  My what?

I love that I’m not easily influenced.  I have things that I’m willing to do, and things I’m not willing to do.  I stick to it fairly well, even when those around me are doing their own thing.  I like that I can let others do their own thing without disliking them for it.  I think it takes a great deal of strength to love others even when they aren’t exactly what you’d like for them to be.

Yeah, that’s what I like about me.

I’m going to miss spitting my drinks out from laughing so hard. 

J Perry - Not to mention the lingering smell of garlic wafting as you walk by for at least six months.  Unless you rub yourself with steel.  Wasn’t Brad Pitt wearing steel in the movie Troy?  Although, I’m pretty sure they were wearing it in that other movie 300.  That would work too.

So many choices, so little time.

Deb

I’m strong enough to work two jobs, even when I’m exhausted.

I maintain a website and sometimes my blog. 

I’ve been strong enough to be married to the same man almost 28 years with 3 boys that I haven’t murdered regardless of some of their antics. 

I love talking to the authors and doing interviews with them. Going to conferences and signings.  I proudly introduce myself as Romance Manager of our store.  Never thought I’d attain a title like that!

I use to be totally shy and barely spoke, now you can’t shut me up!  Especially when it comes to books! 

I’m certainly not pretty, but hope I have a decent enough personality to help people overlook the physical part. 

Think that’s about it for me.

Liz
I’ve been a single mom since my beautiful daughters – now almost-28 and 24 – were 5 and not-quite-three years old.  When they were 11 and 14, and I was 40-something, I loaded us up in my secondhand Ford Tempo and drove us across the country to Boulder, CO where I began my PhD.  Ten years – and a truly horrific student loan debt – later, I finished.  I am now the “Doctor” I once thought to marry J. 

And still, and STILL I have to remind myself that I am competent, that I survived an abusive marriage, that I raised two absolutely outstanding young women, that I have friends who love me, people I love and laugh with.  And I have to do that because we don’t live in a world primarily populated by Squawkers and Squawkees, (where the welcome sign is always on and there’s room at the table), and because if WE don’t tell ourselves, so few others will.

I’m proud of who I am, I’m proud of my daughters, and I’m also proud that I quit lurking and started contributing before the coop doors closed!!!

All good things to you and your Squawking pals.  You brighten my life!

“Dr.” Chris

Oops! There was supposed to be a after “marry”!

“Dr.” Humbled Chris

Liz, what a terrific message!  This is so important. And Yes!, I do think it is an age thing.  I really like the person I’ve become.  And when I catch myself falling back into old and harmful behaviors, I stop!

Everyone here has taught me so much!  Yes, I will miss you, but I want to thank-you for all the wonderful advice and guidance.

Oh, and I make one hell of a pot of Italian Wedding Soup, very authentic.

Liz - that was just the most beautiful post! Thank you (and thanks to all the Squawkers for their very inspiring posts over the last 2 years)! I’m so going to miss you :(

Hmmm, the ‘anything that can go wrong will go wrong’ phrase seems to be very applicable to my life at present. However, the one thing I have learnt about myself is that I have a lot more inner strength than I ever realised...and that I will get through everything without seeking refuge in a closet (unless I have lots of books).

orannia

PS Thank you very much knitterlynn for the suggestions yesterday. (I just loved The Viscount Who Loved Me!) Oh, and I’ve just read the bit in PFP with the swishing That was a great scene Eloisa!

J Perry said: “ I’m telling you, it’s so good, I’d like to rub it all over myself ...”

Well
That explains the hair that I found in my salad the other day…I don’t know about the rest of you, but if I ever have to eat dinner at the Stone house I am bringing carry out!

J Perry Stone said..."Oh and that salad has garlic. Besides Wilbury, garlic is my great love.”

You had me at cilantro, but yes. Garlic, roasted cloves smeared on good hearty bread with goat cheese.

And ginger. I just did stirfry with ginger, garlic and cilantro. And other stuff, of course. Wonderful.

Teresa Medeiros said..."From now on, I’m going to tell everyone I’m not aging, I’m ripening!”

Humph. More like spoiled.

Wait. Is Teresa reading this?

As I was reading everyone else’s comments, I was thinking, “Ooh, I want to learn how to do that.” and “I wish I could do that!”

Finally I (figuratively) kicked myself in the tush and turned my attitude around. Hey, I can do some cool stuff, too! I work two jobs and do both well. I’m the coolest aunt ever. (Srsly, y’all. Best. Aunt. Ever.) I’m a first-generation college graduate, and I graduated magna cum laude. Plus, I’m continuing to learn all the time—so I’m getting better with age! I make my family and friends laugh a lot, and parents always want to set me up with their sons. (Anyone read the Zits comics a couple of weeks ago where Hector was disturbed by his status as a “nice boy”? Change Hector to a girl, and that’s the story of my life.)

Heck, I would be friends with me!

Dr. Chris said, “STILL I have to remind myself that I am competent, that I survived an abusive marriage, that I raised two absolutely outstanding young women, that I have friends who love me, people I love and laugh with.  And I have to do that because ... if WE don’t tell ourselves, so few others will.”

So true! I heard a saying years ago—if you don’t blow your own horn, someone will use it for a spittoon.

Amen Sister Elizabeth, you said it all. 
Never be afraid to show your Strength.
Go on….step up… raise your hand …answer the question…Tell them what you think. You’re Smarter than you give yourself credit for.
Celebrate your Talents.
Accept that Beauty comes in many shades and forms.
And never, ever apologize for being Proud of the person you are…Today!

Jeez Liz, I am really going to miss your posts.

The thing that I am most proud of is that I am still standing…a little tattered and battered by life perhaps ….but unbroken…with a smile on my face… and a genuine sense of joy and gratitude in my heart.

Thank you, Liz for that heartfelt and inspiring blog.  This is a good day for all of us to celebrate the unique and wonderful women we are.

I’m not strong physically but I’m working on it.  I’ve always been mentally and emotionally strong, the one to take charge in a crisis but over the years I’ve finally learned to ask for support when I need it.  I’ve reached the age where life’s trials have taught me that I can stand independently and do anything I set my mind to and work to achieve. 

I’m a good friend, compassionate, nurturing and kind.  I look for the good in people and have a positive life attitude.  I’ve set my sense of adventure free.  I make killer chocolates and the best chocolate chip cookies you’ll ever taste.  I would never purposely hurt anyone but have learned to speak my mind.  My body has drooped, my hair has grayed and I have never been happier.

Does anyone smell that noxious odor coming from the Pacific coast?  Xtina must be ripening at a faster than usual rate. 

And I’m surprised she didn’t mention my most incredible strength--my J Lo booty!

Okay, at JPS’s goading…

Let’s see...I’m a very strong person...stronger now than I used to think I was. 

I’m talented because I can cook, create interesting perfumes, spin yarn out of sheep’s wool, and write.

I look quite harmless, but beneath the veneer is a wicked sense of humor. 

I’m a loyal friend.

A hard worker (when I’m motivated).

A loving mom and wife.

A tolerant sister(in law).

And I have one very special gift…

I have “hot” hands… My hands can “heal”, bring down blood pressure, pulse rate, cool a fevered brow, ease pain, and even find water in the ground.  Betcha didn’t know that about me, did ya???

Christina said: “Garlic, roasted cloves smeared on good hearty bread with goat cheese.”

That might have made me hornier than your opera scene.

Julie said: I don’t know about the rest of you, but if I ever have to eat dinner at the Stone house I am bringing carry out!

You’ll be so drunk you’ll eat anything I give you, Mrs. 

Deborah--good points, one and all. I just hope the steel doesn’t rust.

Cinthia, I KNOW all that about you!  Yay.

SANTA wanted to post and is afraid that when she does finally get to it--at midnight--no one will read it, so I’m her secretary as she dictates all this to me from her car:

“Because I am a woman, I can wear many hats, and often at the same time. 

I am:
a mommy
a business woman
a writer
a friend
sister, cousin, aunt
a chef
a lover
a counselor
a mentor
a singer
a caretaker
a staunch supporter of my writer friends

and I embrace them all because I am a woman.”

Ack..........my post is lost in cyberspace.

These final posts are killing me.

I am grateful for the opportunity to get to meet so many wonderful women on this blog. I used to scoff at people making Internet friends. I now eat those words. I will miss you terribly.

I am proud of ....
surviving three surgeries in three years and living ten months without a voice. Relying on a referees whistle to communicate.

raising my younger brother and sister after the deaths of my parents. Being a grandma figure to their kids, and keeping my parents alive for the grandchildren that came along after their deaths.

being a loyal friend. My group has been together for 41 years. We’ve seen and survived it ALL.

Cyber hugs to all of you.

So I finally drag myself to the computer after a full day of doing strong, smart, talented, beautiful woman things to see that everyone else is doing them, too.

Y’all are the BEST. 

Hey Santa, i would have read your stuff even if you posted it at 1 in the morning… Of course by then I would have been so tired that I would have had a had time not posting something Really BBbbaaaa…
Oh Santa...Look! That naughty secretary left Love Godess off your list.

The thing I am proudest of at the moment is that I am close enough to the goal line to believe that I really will complete a book. I am writing every day (well, almost), and a great group of friends is holding me accountable and cheering me on. So something that I have dreamed of doing for fifty years is within my reach, and it all started here. My VaNo connection came from the EJ board (before it was the EJ/JQ board), and the EJ board connection started here at Squawk.

My pastor said last Sunday, “If you are still alive, God still has something for you to do.” I already believed that, in large part because of the confidence the past couple of years have given me to be who I am--an academic AND a proud reader and aspiring writer of romance fiction. Thanks, Squawkers and Squawkettes, for renewing my belief in myself and expanding my capacity to dream.

Drunk? I never get drunk… cuz I only Drink ONE drink. And for the record… I don’t need to be drunk to act like a drunk! I am naturaly giddy....and dizzy ‘n i always walk in to stuff...and if you got me drunk I’d probably turn Very Sober. Which is rather frightening if you think about it. So go ahead Ms Stone, hit me with your Best Shot
....of whiskey

OMG!  I thought I was going to miss the Squawkers—and I WILL of course—but today I’m realizing I will miss reading about Santa and Janga and Julie and J Perry and all the wonderful WOMEN!!!  Criminey—double cheated!!!

Oh well, gotta fall back on the trite notion (which is nauseatingly true - aren’t most of them?) that the measure of our sadness is the measure of our affection and good memories…

So proud to have been part of this, if only for a wee bit.

OH GOD, my word is....wait for it....  done25.

Now I have to laugh—this is just too much!! 

Yours with a sloppy, teary silly grin…

What a great post, Liz.  I finally got a chance to sit and read all this.  I am so glad I talked to J Perry today (but then again, I’m glad I talked to her everyday) and that she posted for me.

Sorry I missed your salad days here.  Nothing I read here today surprised me.  You - we -are all remarkable women.

I have to give a shout out to Mike.  Good to hear from you again.  If you’re ever in the Hudson Valley checking out our Renegades AAA team.  Ask for Joe’s and stop by for a chat.

I’ll bring some creamy fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, slivers of basil drizzled with hand warmed olive oil tomorrow night but someone else has to bring the forks.

LOVE LOVE love this blog!  Thank you Liz.  There are some things I would like to change about moi but even though it’s taken a couple of years - I genuinely do like myself.  One of my greatest attributes?  My sis summed it up best, “Why the heck did you become a scientist --- you would’ve been a better therapist!!!” LOL!!!  I guess that would mean I listen well and when pressed, I can offer some insight that seems sensible enough, ha!

OMG, It’s waaay too early in the morning to be reading…

I got to MJ and instead of reading “manifold imperfections” I read “manifold impressions”...and I thought...what kind of sound does a manifold make??? 

Time for some REALLY strong coffee and maybe some Visine drops for the eyes! LOL!

For you, Julianne...today, I’m making parsley pesto.

Italian Parsley, Tuscan first press olive oil, fresh garlic, sea salt and walnuts.

Teresa - You’ve hit the nail on the head for me..... “And I think it’s growing increasingly important for me to develop more respect for what I require to be happy and to not be shy about letting others know what I need from them or to apologize for it. 

1) I require a healthy dose of solitude.
2) I require reading time
3) I require a harmonious, reasonably uncluttered environment
4) I require exercise
5) And occasionally, I want to be the one to crack up and fall apart instead of always trying to be the “strong one”

ESPECIALLY #5 !! How come so many of us are always the strong ones!