Giving Thanks for the wonderful women who have influenced my life

I've been working with Julie long distance. (She wrote the new "JULIE's Joy" line for Girlfriendology.) In getting to know each other, Julie asked, "So, do you have really good girlfriends? Did they inspire you to start Girlfriendology?"

It made me think about it. I have great girlfriends now but what made me start to really appreciate female friendship so much? My family moved around a lot when I was growing up. Perhaps it was that - we moved frequently and each time I missed my girlfriends.

College came and I met Barb, Shelley, Deana, Dana, Kleta, Rhonda, Laurie and so many other wonderful girlfriends. After college, I met girlfriends through work and life - like Cath, Amy*, another Amy (and her sister Kate), Patty, Terri, Barb, Carole, Katie, Lisa and Angie.

I joined an association of primarily women and met livelong friends like Lisa, Katie, Vicki, Julie, Jill, Tammy and Marie. Penny, Now I have neighbors, walking buddies, dinner club girlfriends and friends from entrepreneurial women's groups and church - Becky, Paula, Tina, Judy, Ruth Sara, Melody, Bridget, Joan, Anne, Karen, Ellen, Colleen, Allison, Amy, Lydia, Joyce and Cindi. And so many others! (Thanks Julie for asking me about my girlfriend inspiration!)

Each of us have similar stories and histories with girlfriends - and for that (for me and for you/all women) I am thankful. Each of these women have influenced me in so many many ways - from values I have to clothes I wear, from my creative hobbies to the books I read, to every aspect of my life. To each of you I say thanks. Thanks for the friendships you've given me and the lessons you've taught me. Thanks for the support and laughter, the shoulders and hands up, for believing in me and making me a better person.

'Tis the season to express your appreciation for all the good things in life - and shouldn't girlfriends be on the top of your list?! Call, write, email, just share with your girlfriends how much their friendship mean to you. And thanks to all the women who taught me about the really important things in life - like girlfriends.

*As I write this, I'm in Minnesota. So many years ago (probably 10 or 11!) my friend Amy invited us to spend Thanksgiving with her boyfriend (now husband) and his family. Well, today we were there again (as we have almost every Thanksgiving since!). Thanks Amy (and Charley - and his wonderful family - Peggy, Bill etc.!). Girlfriends who become family - that is what life is about!