Oprah's advice on Girlfriends, events, etc.

Across the couch from Oprah yesterday, she shared her thoughts for Girlfriendology and great ideas for girlfriend trips, events, website options, etc. I loved how she 'gets' Girlfriendology and how important it is for girlfriends to spend time together, support and encourage each other and celebrate our friendships.

No, I wasn't dreaming. I was just at a Halloween party and my friend Ellen was dressed as our favorite TV show host. Ellen, who actually has been on Oprah and was recently featured in O magazine (the issue shown above) for her emotional-eating coaching business, does share Oprah's commitment to the value of female friendships. We all know about Oprah and her best friend, Gayle. I know that Oprah and Gayle 'get' girlfriendology too. (I'll just patiently wait for the call from Harpo Productions, but it will come!)

At the party Ellen, Lydia, Colleen and Amy all asked about how things are going for Girlfriendology. I shared how the podcasts and web/blog traffic are growing and some of the exciting things that are coming. Then, out of their wonderful, caring friendships, they all offered ideas and support. I love when women 'get it' and are so supportive. It felt like being wrapped in hugs. Very comforting and warm on a chilly Fall evening.

Thanks Oprah (Ellen), Annie Oakley (Lydia), Maxwell Smart (Amy) and Shopping Charge Card (Colleen) for caring and sharing. I look forward to a lot of great ideas in '08 and having you along side as we adventure toward all of our dreams!

Talking Girlfriends with the Crafty Chica (aka: how to start a girlfriend group. Join in!)

Take seven crafty, creative, fun chicas and what do you get?! The Phoenix Fridas! That is the girlfriend group that "the Crafty Chica" KATHY CANO-MURILLO started with six other creative, Latina friends (who all just happen to admire Frida Kahlo and dig being creative!). They were even awarded the Best Latina Art Collective by the Phoenix New Times earlier this year - they're award-winning, crafty, cool, creative chicas!

Kathy talked with Girlfriendology today about her fun, creative girlfriend group on our weekly podcast. You have to listen! I was smiling during the whole conversation! Her creativity is contagious. Her enthusiasm for her girlfriends is gregarious. Her sweet, kind, encouraging spirit is just what a girlfriend longs to hear. She rocks!

Just to share a bit about Kathy, she really doesn't have time to talk with Girlfriendology - but of course she did! She was in CA working on her upcoming line of craft products (which I'm sure will be fabulous!). She recently wrote her first novel and has several creative/crafty books which inspire people all over the globe. She has designed home goods for Lowe's and has fun, funky jewelry on Target.com.

But she did. And, she is fabulous. Listen. Enjoy. Then get inspired and start your own girlfriend group. And, share your stories with Girlfriendology. Muchas Gracias Kathy! You're a real girlfriend!

Connecting with Girlfriends ... no matter the distance, time, changes

I've been MIA this week due to a quick trip to northern WI. Surrounded by beautiful autumn leaves, a calm but chilly Lake Superior and a lot of wildlife (including a wolf that my girlfriend Cara saw!), friends from OH, MI, MN and CO convened to connect after months up to five years of not seeing each other. It was a glorious gathering!

Isn't it funny how you can not see a girlfriend for literally years and you feel like you just saw her yesterday? I feel that way with my girlfriends on the trip, especially Lindy who is a dog lover and felt our pain through losing our sweet golden, Stella, two months ago. We cried together, laughed together, ate a lot together, just enjoyed being in the same room or on the same hiking trail together.

What is it about true friendship that bonds us to each other? Is it our commonalities? Or do we seek diversity and a different point of view? It isn't necessarily our ages - we had a 40 year range in our baker's dozen of friends on this trip and conversations were never limited to regional, age or other demographics. We don't all come from the same backgrounds - two teachers, several creatives, many entrepreneurs and a host of other characteristics. Our interests vary from sports to cultural events, crafts to reading, hiking to dancing. No one would have eHarmony'd us all to be great friends through years of change!

The Nigerian proverb tells us to "Hold a dear friend with both hands." Over time, distance, changes, differences ... friendships, especially between females, deserve to be cherished and celebrated. What a joy to experience beautiful friendships in such breath-taking surroundings. How sweet to walk beside a friend and learn from them, laugh with them, hold their hand and receive love and understanding from them.

Thanks Amy, Kate, Cara, Chondra, Jo, Aimee and Lindy for your love, support and friendship. May we have many more times in the future laughing, crying, sharing and just being ... together.

Real women, real clothes, real beauty, real girlfriends!

Rosie Molinary discussed (in our recent podcast) how women can build into each other and, through supporting and loving each other (unconditionally), we build our self esteem and self confidence. And, through doing this, we become better people - more caring health professionals, involved teachers, better partners and supporters of our community. We hold that power within us to reach our goals, dream BIG dreams and change the world - even if it is (like the Girlfriendology goal of improving the world:) one friendship at a time.

Sunday I attended the open house of my friend's new business. She is passionately pursuing her dream of designing and providing 'real clothes for real women.' With 25 years of apparel industry experience, she has put everything into making this dream a reality. Actually, a reality PLUS. Beth Anne (my dear friend) has started a business called RealityPlus - designer clothing for plus size women. (Check it out! Beautiful clothes and designed to fit real women and make you feel beautiful! Please tell your girlfriends about it.Isn't this jacket stunning?!)

Today at lunch we celebrated the initial response to her line and her plans to grow. We talked about the goal of her company - not only to make women feel good about themselves but also to support organizations to help others locally, nationally and internationally. She is passionate and caring - about those that she knows and loves and those she'll never even meet.

I told her about Rosie's lessons on beauty from our interview. Funny how these two women who have never met, share the same principles and passions for helping women better their lives through self esteem and confidence, through acceptance and community.

Beth Anne and Rosie inspire me - and I hope they inspire you. As Rosie said, "Support your girlfriends - give compliments, help them see their beauty, celebrate their successes with them." Thanks Rosie and Beth Anne. I think you just inspired other women to follow in your foot steps of following your dreams and making the world a better place!

What is beauty and how do we build into our girlfriends' self esteem? Ask Rosie!

As I mentioned in the podcast today with author Rosie Molinary, I believe one of the greatest things about girlfriends is learning from/with each other. I learned a lot from reading about and then talking with Rosie today.

She is articulate and passionate. She listens to the voices of women and inspires conversations that challenge us and force us to take an active role in mentoring and championing our 'sisters' (aka: girlfriends). She made me rethink how I perceive others, and myself. Powerful stuff. And then there is her book! - Hijas Americanas: Beauty, Body Image and Growing Up Latina.

Listen to the podcast. Comment on your thoughts. Then, apply it to your lives. As we improve our self esteem, as we accept and appreciate our body image, as we help other women do the same, we make the world better. That's a good world! Thanks Rosie for inspiring me and all of us!

Not a dating site ... but open to celebrating female friendships!

Recently a few guys have stopped by Girlfriendology. Everyone is welcome, although it primarily is a place for "inspiration, appreciation and celebration of girlfriends." My guess is that they (a) do appreciate the friendships they have with women (one is trying to get back with his wife, so perhaps he found the site helpful in showing her appreciation and being her best friend?), (b) they long to find strong, caring friendships like women often have or (c) are confused and looking for a girlfriend! (Sorry guys! Not here!)

In Kris Radish's podcast last week she mentioned that, although her booksare centered around women finding their strength and experiencing adventures with their female friends, she too is getting a male following.

Keeping with our guy theme, my husband gets this girlfriend thing. He sees how much my female friends bless, support, inspire me. He understands why I am pursuing Girlfriendology with a passion for inspiring women all over the world to build, value and celebrate their female friends. (I credit his grasp of the wonderful world of female friendship to being raised by a mom and three sisters!) He even joked that maybe he would start "Boyfriendology" - right!

Shelley Taylor's book, The Tending Instinct, discusses how children look to women for tending, men look to women for tending and women look to women for tending. (It is a great book if you're interesting in learning more!) Actually, it is part of our gender DNA to develop friendships with women - no matter if we're female or male.

So, men - thanks for joining us at Girlfriendology. Feel free to visit and comment (or buy gifts for your female friends, listen to podcasts, etc.). Everyone is welcome here at Girlfriendology.

All that said ... women, girls, wives, daughters, sisters, best friends, BFFs, girlfriends - you're the inspiration for Girlfriendology and for that I thank you! Today's a great day to make a friend, meet a friend, call a friend, be a friend. Thanks girlfriends!

P.S. Just a girl-friendly reminder ...It is almost half way through October and the first Girlfriendology Contest is bringing in some great stories on girlfriends. Don't miss out! Share a story about your best friend and possibly win coffee at Starbucks with her on Girlfriendology. Not only do you get time together with her, but we'll spotlight the wonderful gift of her friendship on the blog to recognize her. Join in girlfriend!

Girl Scouts, Rosie Molinary and Self Esteem (we NEED our girlfriends!)

Tuesday night my girlfriend Penny asked me to teach her Girl Scouts. (She LOVED that Kris Radish mentioned Girl Scouts as a way to form female friendships in our recent podcast!) Somewhat under the guise of teaching beading techniques, we really focused on having our own individual style and expressing it through beading, art, music, etc. It was a fun evening and I think all of us 'girls' learned a lot together.

I've been recently introduced to Rosie Molinary. Rosie is an author and teacher. She has recently written a book - Hijas Americanas - Beauty, Body Image and Growing Up Latina. We're honored to interview Rosie for our next podcast.

Did you know that having girlfriends (for young or not-so-young women) is important to your self esteem? We'll discuss this with Rosie in the coming week. What questions do you have for her? What would you like to hear about in our next podcast? Let us know at info@girlfriendology.com.

Just like those great Girl Scouts and their individual style, and Rosie and the lessons we'll learn about female friendships, girlfriends are not only fun but they're also important. Spend time with your girlfriends. Make a new friend. Learn from each other. Hug. Thanks girlfriends!

Do you remember your mother's friends? Did she have great girlfriends?

My recent podcast with Kris Radish included her memories of her own mother and her girlfriends, laughing, smoking, cocktailing together. Even if my mother didn't do that, I now wish she had!

After listening, my girlfriend Colleen (my walking girlfriend with my other friend Allison), wrote me:

By the way, I listened to your podcast with Kris the other day while eating lunch. I really enjoyed it...especially the part when she was talking about her mom and her mom's girlfriends. It reminded me of something that I had not thought of for so long and just made me so happy. My mom died so young and has been gone for 23 years now. Mom and her friends used to sit around our kitchen table laughing so hard and wiping away tears from laughing. I remember as a kid thinking --- What could those old women think is THAT funny? They would laugh and talk for hours. What a hoot.

Thanks Kris for that walk down memory lane that Colleen hadn't taken in years. It really was a blessing to her.

Do you remember your mom and her girlfriends? Did they laugh? Smoke? Sneak cocktails? Bitch about life?!

Be the kind of girlfriend you'd like your daughters to be. Take time for your girlfriends. Show them how important they are to you. Make memories for your daughters that will influence them for life.

Thanks Colleen! Thanks again Kris! Girlfriends deserve thanks, attention and love. Show it!

Girlfriend Groups - do you have one?

I planned not to go to my girlfriend group tonight. My web guy was supposed to meet with me on some updates so I cancelled the group - then he cancelled our meeting. My friend Tina called me right after I got his email, while I was still extremely frustrated with him. (He hasn't been easy to work with! I knew I should have hired a woman!) She was going to our girlfriend group and talked me into going, even if I was late.

What a great thing that was! We laughed, caught up on life, had some wine, shared our lives. All the stress disappeared as the friendships (and laughter) brought me back to the good things in life - girlfriends, good friends, people who love you and whom you love. Life is good. Girlfriends are great.

Do you have a girlfriend group? What is the basis of it - an activity? Something you have in common? A book club or garden group? Croppers or knitters? Spinners or yoga goddesses?! Having a group of women to support you is vital to your happiness, stability, patience with other things in life and your self confidence*.

Thanks Tina for calling and for prompting me to come to our group tonight. (Thanks too to Paula for hosting! Becky for feeding! and Judy for sharing and for listening to and enjoying the Kris Radish podcast!) Let Girlfriendology know about your group. Why is it special to you? What do you recommend in starting a girlfriend group?

If you don't have a girlfriend group, maybe you should start one. Make 'no stress' rules and invite your girlfriends to bring others. I'm sure you'll find them the perfect way to de-stress your day. Share your thoughts on comments or email ideas@girlfriendology.com. And keep meeting. Keep inspiring. Keep appreciating and keep celebrating girlfriends. Life is good. Girlfriends are great. (Thanks Tina - and Paula, Becky and Judy!)

*Join our next podcast for information on how having girlfriends affects your self esteem. Any questions on this subject, please let Girlfriendology know!

Podcast of interview with best-selling author KRIS RADISH

October 5, 2007: Cincinnati, OH Kris Radish, author of best-selling books such as THE ELEGANT GATHERING OF THE WHITE SNOWS, DANCING NAKED AT THE EDGE OF DAWN, ANNIE FREEMAN'S FABULOUS TRAVELING FUNERAL and THE SUNDAY LIST OF DREAMS talked with Girlfriendology on her books, life and, most of all, her thoughts on girlfriends. AND, Kris shared a FIRST with Girlfriendology - an introduction to the women (and men) we'll meet in her upcoming book SEARCHING FOR PARADISE IN PARKER, PA.

Join us as Kris answers questions submitted by Girlfriendology newsletter subscribers. Thanks Kris! Thanks girlfriends!

PODCAST: Girlfriendology interviews Author KRIS RADISH

Celebrating life with Girlfriends - it doesn't get any better!

My girlfriend Jill had a good week. Her website launched www.jillmackay.com with her amazing jewelry elements and findings. She found out that her current jewelry designs are selling out in Joann's, Michaels, Wal-mart, etc. - and they want more! And she's going international!!! (She is prolific at creating beautiful beading elements!) It was a good week!

I called her to find out how things went and together we celebrated her successes. Unfortunately we don't live in the same town or state, but that doesn't matter. We shouted joyfully and laughed loudly - it was a full-blown long distance celebration! I couldn't be more happy for her if it were myself. I love when good things happen to my girlfriends!

On Friday I had the opportunity and honor to interview author Kris Radish. My girlfriend Judy loaned me her house while she was out of town to make the call from. (Quiet and close!) My girlfriend Tina called me right before the call to tell me she was praying for me. And, my girlfriends and several Girlfriendology Newsletter subscribers sent in GREAT questions for Kris. (Great questions! I had too many but that was perfect!)

The interview went well. I loved Kris' energy and passion for her girlfriends. I loved the questions girlfriends provided and her inspiring responses. My girlfriend Joyce even wrote me that the podcast inspired her to hold on to and allow her power to make her stronger.

When I got home from my entrepreneurial girlfriends meeting yesterday (another group of inspiring, passionate women!), I had a message from Jill. She had listened to the podcast and was celebrating how well it went. Her friendship, love and joy for me are more than I deserve and I know that I am forever blessed because I know and love her. I called her back and again, for the second time this week, we celebrated together. (Our neighbors probably even heard the celebration!)

Be happy for your friends and their successes. Share their joy and make the moments memorable. Celebrate together. Celebrate the gift of your friendship. Celebrate loudly - locally or long distance. Celebrate girlfriends. It doesn't get any better than that!

Interviewing KRIS RADISH - Today!

Later today I will have the honor of speaking with Kris Radish, author of great girlfriend books, like her first girlfriend book - The Elegant Gathering of White Snows, to her NEWEST book - The Sunday List of Dreams and to the books in between - check them out!

I'm excited to talk with her and know it will be an energetic, fun and inspiring conversation. I'm recording it for a podcast which will be available to newsletter subscribers first - so SIGN UP!

And, if you have any questions for Kris, send them to info@girlfriendology.com.

Thanks girlfriends!

Reading and preparing for KRIS RADISH - what would YOU ask her?

A bit awkward in the introductions in "Notting Hill," Honey - the 'squiggly eyed' sister of William (Hugh Grant) tells Anna Scott (Julia Robert), "I genuinely believe, and have believed for some time now, that we can be best friends."

I'm not trying to make Kris Radish, my best friend, but I do believe she is a best friend to so many, many fans. Her over half-million books in print tell tales of women finding their strength, learning from their girlfriends and growing along the way. And, anyone that can share that message, well, she's a best friend of mine!

Kris travels all over the globe speaking on women's issues, friendships and politics. She speaks to and for women. Her new book, The Sunday List of Dreams is flying off shelves. Her loyal readers are exploring their dreams through her words. And, she has graciously agreed to be interviewed by Girlfriendology this week.

So, here's the BIG interview question. What would YOU like me to ask Kris Radish? Do you want to know about her girlfriends, her background, what's ahead? Email info@girlfriendology.com and share you questions and comments for our favorite girlfriend author. Like Honey, I may be a bit awkward introducing myself, but I know I'll meet a best friend. Who needs Hugh Grant when you have great girlfriends?!

Girlfriend Gear, Girlfriend Gifts ... from Girlfriendology

Women from Australia, UK, Philippines, Jamica, Israel, Indian, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, etc. have stopped by Girlfriendology recently. And why not? Having, inspiring, appreciating, supporting, celebrating and loving our girlfriends is universal. We all need our girlfriends!

Just in case you also need a gift for your girlfriend or you'd like to wear girlfriend gear, I just updated our Girlfriendology store. Stop by for a little girlfriend shopping ... shirts, mugs, greeting cards, bags, etc. We'd appreciate it!

(Thanks for letting me do a quick plug for Girlfriendology!)

ALSO, Girlfriendology will share our profits with women-oriented non-profits. Email us if you have a recommendation for causes/non-profits. Thanks!

Allison Update - on a glorious summer-fall day

Everyone should be in Cincinnati today. You'd love it here! We finally had some rain this week after months (literally) of no rain. The summer's draught left brown grass, distressed trees and a very poor excuse for a flower garden. Gladly, as the seasons change, those memories fade and all that matters is a perfect cool but sunny day like today.

Allison is enjoying the beauty from her hospital room. She's doing well for all you who have been worrying and praying. Colleen (another walking girlfriend) and I visited her in ICU last night. She looked good, especially for having been through a complete body overhaul. Lee, her husband, said they even got her up to walk last night after we left which is great. She hopes to be moved to a regular room tonight.

So, she's healing. That takes time but it has started and she moves into the next phase of her life. She's not only a 'jock' but also a fighter, so we have plans to keep walking for years and years to come. (And sharing occasional glasses of wine together.)

Enjoy the beauty around you - friends, seasons, trees, home, pets, life. Thanks friends for sharing this amazing day with me.

A Toast to Allison

Today, 13 hours later, I drove away from University Hospital. Not sure what else to to, I stopped at a convenience store and bought some chardonnay. (Wouldn't you?) My girlfriend Allison had surgery today. 12-hour surgery. Scary surgery. Cancer surgery. The kind of day that makes takes you up and pulls you down, that roams from boredom to fear, that makes you question life and just thankful for your girlfriends.

In 2000, we met at a dinner party and she mentioned she was walking a marathon. I was up for that challenge so I called her, signed up for it and we started walking together - for seven years, almost every Saturday except for travel, rain or stupid-cold days. On a normal Saturday we walk five to seven miles to that one Sunday when we did 26.2 miles. I figure we're up to about a thousand miles of walking and a thousand miles of talking. Talking about our lives, husbands, pets, friends, dreams, fears. A thousand miles of sharing mainly laughs and a few tears. Over Labor Day we hung out in NC at her mountain house (aka: the MoHo). Allison, and her husband Lee, are wonderful, forever friends.

Allison, like all girlfriends, is unique, as was her surgery. Actually, it is only performed at four locations in the U.S., seven in the world. Scary stuff, but you don't know my girlfriend Allison. She is (as we lovingly call her!) "a jock" - strong, determined and lives life to the fullest. Knowing the surgery was approaching and working around the chemo, she took advantage of every good day this summer. We'd walk six miles, then she would go to spinning class and golf or kayak later in the day. (See? Jock. We are just envious of her energy and spirit!)

Today was tough. It will be for a while, for the weeks to come. But Allison is a fighter and overall, things went pretty well today. Please keep her in your prayers. Keep all of our sisters who fight this evil cancer in your thoughts.

Learn the important lessons. That life is short and we do need each our girlfriends. Hug them. Share secrets. Walk and talk together. Hug or hold hands. Be. Together.

Love you Allison. Love you girlfriends.

p.s. And, knowing Allison, she'd want me to have some chardonnay. (She once asked her doctor if chardonnay was on the 'clear fluids' list!) I look forward to sharing some with her in the hopefully not-too-distant future.

Girlfriendology Contest - Can you beat this????

The only way I could publish this, was by not using the writer's name! Join our Girlfriendology Contest so you can share hilarious, heart-warming or just happy stories about your favorite gal pals!

From "T" - The 60 Pound Friendship

My girlfriend-in-crime Robin has a SERIOUS rubber stamp collection. While visiting her, she let me go through her garage and pick out whatever stamps I wanted as she needed to get rid of some of her collection to a good home. I had flown in from out of town and my suitcase only weighed 20 pounds on the flight there, so I thought I had some room.

Needless to say, I had too much fun in Robin's garage. My suitcase overfloweth! We laughed so hard at how I could fill up a suitcase with rubber stamps. When I finally had to leave I could barely lift my suitcase up to be weighed in at the airport. Oh no! It was 80 pounds! I about died! What had Robin given me – lead stamps?!

I was lucky enough to be in first class and I only had one bag – so my weight limit was 70 pounds. I had to get rid of 10 pounds of stamps in that bag and quick. I started stuffing them in my purse and my carry-on. I put it back up on the scale – 72 pounds! FAA regulations only allow 70. I had to get rid of two pounds or call Robin and have her come get me. The thought of throwing away a stamp or having to send them home – GASP! So, I put them in my pockets. That still left me about three more. I had one choice and I took it! Yes! In the middle of one of the busiest airports in the world, I stuffed rubber stamps down my shirt being held by my "God given" shelf until I could get through security.

To this day, Robin and I laugh so hard over that fun time together. She wanted her rubber stamps to go to a good home, she gave them to me. My job was to get them home – ALL OF THEM - and I did!

Creative girlfriends can get, well, creative. Do you have a story you'd like to share? Anyone for a 65 or 70 pound female friendship story?! Do you have a bigger, better girlfriend story than "T"? (hidden to protect an obsessed stamper!) Join the Girlfriendology Contest and we'll see!

Wanting to spend time with girlfriends you've never met ... but yet you have.

At our neighborhood women's book club in August, I recommended the book for September. Knowing that September 16th was National Women's Friendship Day, I selected a book that I heard was a great read and all about female friendships. Perfect! My friends agreed and we decided to read "The Elegant Gathering of White Snows," by Kris Radish.

Well, if you've read the blog, you know we lost our sweet dog Stella recently (actually four weeks ago today) so I missed book club since I was lost in a fog of sadness. I couldn't even bring myself to finish the book.

I took it with me to NC for Labor Day and soon fell into it like an long visit with old friends. These women are like girlfriends I've never met, but strangely I know. The story tells of eight women who leave life and just start walking. Along the way they grow, share and change their, and others', lives. It is beautiful! Actually, I have about 20 pages left and I'm stalling to make it last longer!

My passion to promoting female friendships and to growing the message of Girlfriendology prompted me to take action. Why not? I emailed author Kris Radish and asked her if I could interview her for Girlfriendology. It doesn't hurt to ask, right?

I was shocked and thrilled today to hear back from her. YES! She is willing to grant me an interview. I have so many questions on her friendships, background, passions, beliefs. I bet, if you've been fortunate enough to read one of her books, you have questions too.

So, what are YOUR questions for best-selling author Kris Radish? Email me at ideas@girlfriendology.com and I'll try to ask her for you. And, sign up for our newsletter for the full interview!

Thanks in advance Kris! I can't wait to chat with you and pretend that you're one of my own, personal girlfriends! Aren't girlfriends great?!

Lessons on Girlfriends ... from my big Sister

My sister Carol has always been thoughtful. I remember when she was a teenager and had her first job. She'd always buy us little gifts when she got her paycheck. She remembers birthdays and anniversaries, and, very thankfully, she keeps in touch even when we live states apart.

Our Girlfriendology Contest prompted her to think and write about two of her girlfriends. In her words:

"Over the years I have been blessed with many special girlfriends, two in particular. Our family moved frequently as I was growing up and I met many friends along the way. Time, distance or life circumstances did not effect the friendship I formed with Joyce and Libby in the second grade.

These two friends have become more like family in the past 13 years as I have no family members who live close by. Over the years I have been invited to family gatherings, weddings, birthday celebrations, etc. and they always make sure I have a place to go during the holidays. They always ask how my family is doing and make sure my family is invited to any special events when they come to visit.

Joyce and Libby have always remembered my birthday or other special occasions in my life and made sure that I felt special. I think what has meant the most is that I can count on them. Both are very busy, but always find the time to see how I am.

The friendship and love that they display is unconditional. I can go to them anytime with any concerns/complaints that I have and know that they genuinely care. When they say they will do something, they follow through. I feel very blessed to have these two special, lifelong friends."

Wow, thanks Libby and Joyce for being there for my sister when I couldn't. Thanks for making her feel as special as she makes everyone who knows her feel. And thanks Carol for sharing.

Even at my age (which shall go undisclosed!), I'm still learning things from my big sister ... like how to have and keep great girlfriends.

Do you have wonderful women in your life who have been there for you when you needed them? Have your girlfriends shown you how special you are to them? Would you like to tell the world about the fabulous female friendships that bless your life? Please do! Tell us your story for our Girlfriendology Contest. You might win a Starbucks card to take your girlfriend out for coffee. Or maybe you just take the opportunity to think about and appreciate your girlfriends. Your girlfriends deserve the recognition!

Humbled, honored, blessed and loved by my Girlfriends

Last September, I bought a new Honda CRV. As soon as I started driving it, I noticed a few others in the neighborhood. Within a week, I saw silver Hondas all over town. It seemed like EVERYONE was driving a silver Honda CRV. I didn't notice it before, but now that I was looking for them, they were (and are) everywhere!

Now that I'm focusing on girlfriends and the benefits, joys and blessings of female friendship, I see examples of great girlfriends everywhere. My friend Penny who came over this morning to watch the women's World Cup Soccer. She shaved her head in solidarity with a friend going through chemo. She is my cheerleader and sister. My lawyer Tammy who sent me such a thoughtful gift recently. Ellen, my former neighbor, who even with a busy life and young sons, makes time to be with me. I could go on and on and on. (Laurie, Dana, Beth Anne, Lisa, Angie, Tina, Jill, Becky ... just a few of the women who have blessed my life this week.)

What I'm learning on this journey of "inspiration, appreciation and celebration of girlfriends," is that we really do need our girlfriends. I learn important lessons from them on a daily basis. And, I'm humbled by the kindness and thoughtfulness of my girlfriends.

To be honest with you, this focus on girlfriends often makes me feel like I'm not a very good one. (But I strive to be!) I should be more generous with my time and resources. I should always find the perfect gift and be there whenever my girlfriends need me. I wish I could anticipate my friends' needs, know when they need closeness or time alone, be able to read their minds and help them through life's bumps and foggy times.

Just because I started Girlfriendology and I 'preach' the wonderful benefits and blessings of girlfriends, it doesn't mean that I have it all together or that I'm the prime example of a perfect friend. But it does mean that I'm learning, I'm growing, I'm striving to be better and that's exactly what my goal is for Girlfriendology. Together we can make the world better, one friendship at a time. We can show our children and men how to care about and love each other. Our female friendships can span continents, cross racial lines, improve our quality (and quantity) of life and turn strangers into sisters.

I don't see as many silver Hondas as I did when my car was new. I don't really look for them and I'm okay with that. I don't ever want to overlook girlfriends - mine and other women's relationships with their female friends. I want to stay focused, to grow by learning about these loyal, loving people who just make life better. And, I want to always inspire, appreciate and celebrate the true blessings of girlfriends.

Thanks Penny, Tammy, Laurie and all my girlfriends. Thanks to you for reading this and caring about your girlfriends. I'd take any of you over a Honda any day!

Girlfriend Contest - Tell your Favorite Girlfriend Story!

Do you have a great story to share on a special girlfriend? Which girlfriend helped you, hugged you or made you laugh - just when you needed it? Who was there for you when you really needed them?

I know from friendships with amazing girlfriends that we need each other. Now I need something from you! Girlfriend Stories. And to thank and encourage you, we're even giving prizes!

Our first contest:

When has a girlfriend gone out of her way to make you feel special and loved? What's your favorite girlfriend story?

PRIZES: The top five entries will each receive $10 Starbucks cards - so you can take your girlfriend out for coffee on Girlfriendology. The top story will also receive a Girlfriendology journal.

Please share and check back for the great stories and ideas offered by girlfriends around the globe.

Visit Girlfriendology.com for complete rules and information. Deadline is October 31, 2007 midnight EST. Send entries to contest@girlfriendology.com. Make sure you include your contact info. Thanks Girlfriend!

(Since I'm waiting on the web guy to get the rules up, know that submitting a story gives us your permission to print it on our blog/web site/communications, etc. We'll never pass along your full name or your email addresses - ever.)

A thoughtful, perfect present from a thoughtful, perfect Girlfriend

As I've blogged, the past three weeks have been so tough for us. We lost our sweet golden retriever Stella after a very quick illness. My girlfriends have shown their love and support through calls, emails, cards and gifts - and to each one, I am reminded how incredibly blessed I am with the best female friends. (And, I hope you feel the same way about your girlfriends!)

One friend, a fellow dog and cat lover, thoughtfully chose the perfect gift for us. This small angel statue with wire wings is carrying a (again perfectly!) golden puppy. Tears fell as soon as I opened the package and I knew that my friend Tammy had found the perfect gift just for me. And, I also knew that I would never look at that statue without thinking with love of her and our furry 'daughter' whom we so deeply miss.

There is something so special about a girlfriend who makes the time and effort to give perfect gifts. With Tammy, this gift shows how valued our friendship is, especially since she is a busy lawyer and she's never met Stella. This meaningful present will remind me each day of the girlfriend I strive to be - thoughtful and caring.

Thanks Tammy for your beautiful gift. Thanks for caring about me and for sharing in my pain - it does help. And thanks to all my other girlfriends who understood what we were, are and will go through. I strive to be a better girlfriend, because female friendship is so important. Not only to me, but through it I become a better friend and person to my female friends as well as my husband, guy friends, family and all others. Thanks Tammy for the blessing of your friendship. Thanks for being thoughtful and perfect. And, most of all, thank you for the valuable lesson I will remember from your example of a wonderful girlfriend.

p.s. GirlfriendologyToo is a blog for creative girlfriends. It shares lots of ideas and inspiration for girlfriend gifts and greetings you can make. Please visit it and share your ideas. That's how we learn and grow - from sharing between Girlfriends!

Girlfriends - We're a trend and a lifestyle! (No wonder we're so fun!)

Be on the look out! Girlfriend-themed products continue to be the BIG trend as reported by trade publication, Greetings Etc. in the Sept/Oct issue I just received. As they say (very much like the theme to Girlfriendology!), "Women have always known about it - that strong bond and sense of support they share with each other." There just is a special relationship between female friends and women are looking to events, products, cards, trips and all kinds of ways to celebrate this!

That's why you're here, right? Your girlfriends mean the world to you and you don't know what you'd do without them. Why not look for some girlfriend-themed products as a way of expressing your appreciation and showing them how special they are to you? Check out our Girlfriendology mugs, journals and wearables as well as our books, videos and other gifts. Visit GirlfriendologyToo if you'd like ideas on making gifts and greetings for your girlfriends. Or just write an email, make a call or hug a friend. Then come back here and share. Your comments may inspire another woman to show her girlfriend the appreciation she deserves.

Happy National Women's Friendship Day!

Holidays are meant to remind us of things ... of Veteran's who have fought and died for our freedom, for our Nation's Independence, of being thankful for what we have. Today is one of those day. Not Thanksgiving, but a very similar sentiment. Today we pay homage to the wonderful gift of women's friendships.

National Women's Friendship Day was started in 1999 by Kappa Delta Sorority as a way of stopping our busy lives to celebrate our female friendships. (Thanks Kappa Delta!)

My NWFD celebration is later tonight. Current and past members of my girlfriend's group are getting together for dinner. Some will meet for the first time, others will catch up on events since we last were together. All of us will laugh, possibly cry, eat, share and forge friendships that may last for the rest of our lives.

I'm honored to be in this group. Each person has taught me so much and shown me love and understanding, as well as being supportive of my Girlfriendology dreams and my personal life (like missing our sweet dog Stella). So to each of you, I say THANKS.

Thanks JILL for inviting me to the group. For being a friend, for making me smile and for your passion to make life better for your friends and city.

Thanks PAULA M for inviting us into your home. Your generous hospitality is so appreciated and we love feeling at home in your home. (Heck, Melody's planning to move in!)

Thanks BECKY for so often feeding us and for your group leadership. Your passion for your girlfriends (and your pups!) is a wonderful example for all of us.

Thanks MELODY for reminding us why we make time for each other - that girlfriends are worth it. I am impressed with your sincere love for us and always amused by your great sense of humor!

Thanks RUTH SARA for staying with the group even through moves, travel and changes in your life. You're such a blessing to me and the group.

Thanks LYNN for making me feel part of the group right away. Thanks too for your compassion and understanding over Stella. (I'm glad you and Eddy found each other!)

Thanks PAULA G for joining us this year and for your friendship. I'm blessed and impressed with your passion for South Africa and for your family and friends.

Thanks DEBBIE for being so dedicated to your passion (running) and for helping others. I'll always remember your 50 mile run on your 50th b'day - you inspire me!

Thanks JUDY for joining the group. I also appreciate that you've participated in our girlfriends entrepreneurial group. Thanks for your ideas, support and for sharing life with us.

Thanks TINA for your faith and wonderful perspective. I learn so much from you - from relationships to entrepreneurial solutions. You have blessed my life.

Now your turn - go tell your girlfriends why you love and appreciate them! Happy National Women's Friendship Day! Hugs, me

Girlfriends, Sisters, Mothers ... Women who bless our lives

My friend Laurie just sent me the following "chain email." I usually don't read, much less resend, those but this one is about girlfriends and all the wonderful women in our lives who bless, love, accept, inspire and encourage us.

Instead of passing this along in a mass email, I'll share it with you. As you read it, think about the special women in your life and how much they mean to you. Tomorrow is National Women's Friendship Day. Call up your girlfriends, or visit, have dinner together, send an eCard or greeting card, etc. Take time out for the special women who bless your life with their friendship and love. (Thanks Laurie!)

Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.

Children grow up.
Jobs come and go.
Love waxes and wanes.

Men don't do what they're supposed to do.

Hearts break
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.

Careers end.
BUT........
Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how
many miles are between you. A girlfriend is never farther away
than needing her can reach.

When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you
have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life
will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on,
praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on
your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the
valley's end.

Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk
beside you...Or come in and carry you out.

Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters,
daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers,
Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins and extended
family, all bless our life!

The world wouldn't be the same without women, and
neither would I. When we began this adventure called
womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or
sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we
would need each other.

Every day, we need each other still. Pass this on
to all the women who help make your life meaningful.

I just did.

Girlfriends who are Masterminds ... and wonderful at giving advice!

Several years ago, my girlfriends Katie and Lisa and I formed a mastermind group*. Each month we had a conference call where we shared an update on our businesses, requested and offered advice and set goals for the following month. Quarterly we'd try to get together at a trade show or for an overnight planning session for intense focus on our goals and dreams. (That photo is Katie and Lisa at one of our quarterly overnights!)

So often, as entrepreneurs, you don't have a sounding board or staff to celebrate with, ask for ideas, etc. Mastermind groups are a GREAT way to have a 'team' of people you respect helping you accomplish your goals. I highly recommend it. You don't have to live near each other, be in the same industry/business or be experts at everything! You do have to trust each person, look out for opportunities and ideas for each other and make a commitment to take the session and goals seriously. (If your mastermind team is taking time to discuss an idea for you, you probably want to at least explore it so they didn't waste their time - you know?)

After some changes in our lives, we agreed a year or so ago that we'd end the mastermind group. Change happens and none of us took it personally, or found replacement mastermind teams.

Things do change and fortunately for us, we're back at it! We had our third mastermind meeting this week and it was great. We caught up on goals, celebrated successes, shared ideas and planned our upcoming month. It really helps to have a plan and your mastermind team is so helpful in defining it.

Thanks Katie and Lisa for your ideas, advice, care and friendship. I'm so blessed to know you and to be back in touch again! And I know Girlfriendology will benefit from your wise and creative ideas!

* Here's a great article by Jane Pollak on Mastermind groups! She coaches creative women. Check out her web site for more info too!

More ideas for National Women's Friendship Day (Your Girlfriends are worth it - right?!)

Right!!

First - a Weekend Update
I've said it before, and I'll say it again - I'm blessed with great girlfriends! This past weekend I met with my girlfriend's entrepreneurial group where we shared our business updates and dreams. (Thanks Judy & Tina! We missed you Melody, Paula, Joyce and Becky!) Then I spent time with Cath, celebrating her birthday and just catching up. On the way home I stopped at Dana's house for wine and conversation. Chatted with LL Cool J (aka: Lisa), Beth Anne and Jill this week about work 'stuff. Lots of fun girlfriends with whom to share life!

My original plan was to host a brunch for my girlfriends next Sunday in honor of National Women's Friendship Day. Due to losing our sweet dog, which kind of put me in a fog for a couple weeks, I had to go to plan B. After running into several women who are/were in my girlfriend group, I orchestrated a dinner for Sunday night with them. We'll catch up, laugh, possibly cry and just be the kind of friends who love to spend time together.

Here are other ideas for National Women's Friendship Day, just in case you're interested:

* Visit a nursing home and talk with women about their girlfriends growing up. I'm sure they'd love to share and have great stories!
* Bake some cookies and deliver them to your girlfriends. Add a note and the recipe. They'll love it!
* Curl up with a good book on girlfriends.
* Make a Girlfriend Gratitude Journal (or use a normal journal). Make a habit of each day acknowledging the role your girlfriends play in your life.
* Hang out with a bunch of young girls and tell them your stories. Make sure they hear the message that having female friends is one of the great things in life.

Then, let Girlfriendology know what you did to celebrate! Thanks Girlfriends!!!

National Women's Friendship Day - Sunday, September 16th

Make plans now for the National Women's Friendship Day - September 16th (Next Sunday!). Started in 1999 by Kappa Delta Sorority to celebrate the great bond of girlfriends, what are YOU going to do to celebrate?! A few ideas:

- Plan a spa day or brunch with girlfriends
- Send cards to all your girlfriends telling them how special their friendship is to you
- Start a book club with girlfriends so you can get together on a regular basis (Visit the Girlfriendology Gift Shop for book and gift ideas!)
- Free calls on weekends? Spend the day calling your long distance and local gal pals
- Buy a bunch of mums, make some cards and then deliver them to your girlfriends
- Send a Women's Friendship Day eCard from Kappa Delta

What ideas do YOU have?! Send your thoughts and plans to ideas@girlfriendology.com. Celebrate Girlfriends!

For a good laugh (and update on GirlfriendologyToo)

Some girlfriends are shoppers, some are chefs, some girlfriends love to read while others prefer yoga or running, and some girlfriends are 'crafty' and some aren't. For those girlfriends who are crafty, and especially those wonderful creative women who love to make gifts and/or greeting cards for their girlfriends, I started another blog - GirlfriendologyToo. It focuses on 'the creative side of girlfriends.' Check it out for ideas on things you can make for and/or with girlfriends. And feel free to post comments, questions and ideas. I'd love to hear from creative women! (And everyone is creative!)

Actually, that is why I started Girlfriendology - to share inspiration, generate appreciation and encourage celebration of girlfriends. Sharing ideas with each other is one of the wonderful benefits of having female friends. Together we can solve problems, create new ideas and basically make life a lot more fun.


Speaking of creative girlfriends AND making live fun ... for a good laugh, I just found out one of the Carol Duvall Shows that I taped (for HGTV and DIY Network) is online. I really don't care for watching myself on TV but hopefully you'll enjoy! Check out these image transfer projects on Carol Duvall - part 1 & part 2 as well as my book, The New Book of Image Transfer. (Doesn't my hair look funny?! And is "mender" really a word?!)

Back to all the different 'varieties' of girlfriends and their unique qualities/personalities. Isn't the world of girlfriends great?! Show your appreciation by sending a note to your girlfriends and telling them how special each one of them is to you. It is almost National Women's Friendship Day (Sept. 16th). Celebrate it everyday of the year! Thanks girlfriends!!

More Girlfriends - More Thanks! More Blessings!

This has been a tough week. Our great golden, Stella, had to be put to sleep a week ago today and nothing seems the same as when she was such a part of our life. Our sleeping and eating, laughter and tears, coming and going are all different now.

The one stabilizing constant is our friends. Girlfriends, neighbors, coworkers, family ... so many have sent cards, wrote emails, left flowers, mailed gifts, etc. It has been so comforting to know that they care about us and understand the grief of losing a beloved family pet.

Specifically I'd like to thank just a few of our friends for their thoughtfulness:

* Bridget - our former neighbor who recently had family sadness to deal with, still made the effort to write a beautiful note and leave us some chocolate and wine (which, in keeping with her/my/Stella's hair color was a "Redhead Red")

* Liz & Jeff, Nikki & Todd, Shelley & Dave - neighbors who have dogs and understand our sadness, left flowers and cards

* Ellen & Doug - former neighbors and wonderful friends who we called with the news because they loved Stella too. They sent a very thoughtful and yummy gift from their cabin in northern Michigan.

* Anne, Penny, Becky, Dana & Bear - who spent time with us comforting and serving as a much needed distraction and respite

Too many to name them all but each of them special and loved. We still are sad but with friends like these, we know we are blessed beyond measure. Thanks for being a friend. Thanks for caring, thoughtfulness and your kindness.

Pet your animals. Rescue/adopt a stray. Call a friend. Write a note. Give a hug. Count your blessings. Thanks friends!

A time to cry, a time to heal ... a time to be with Girlfriends

Hello from a mountain house in northern NC, near Asheville. Friends Allison & Lee invited us and another couple, Colleen and Steve, to spend this holiday weekend with them. Allison, Colleen and I met years ago when we walked a marathon together and now walk together almost every Saturday morning. They are girlfriends who I love 'doing life' with on our weekly catch up of health issues (read more), life, work, friends, etc.

This week, after losing our beloved Stella, it is medicinal to spend time away from life with girlfriends and their husbands. They are all dog owners/lovers so they understand the grief we're feeling. And, with Allison's two dogs here (one a golden retriever, like Stella), we're getting some much needed fur therapy.

Yes, there are still tears and sad memories but with people nearby who understand, we realize how blessed we are to have friends. And, with all of us dealing with different life challenges, we value creating new, happy memories together.

Thanks to Allison and Lee for their generous hospitality (and for letting me love on their dogs). And thanks to Colleen and Steve for driving us and for their support and understanding as we miss our sweet pup. With friends like these, and fun times shared together, we realize that this is a time to grieve but also to heal, to remember old times and celebrate new memories, to cry and, very much, to laugh.

Pet your furry friends. Take time away from work and life to spend with friends. Get away from 'stuff' and celebrate the wonderful blessing of friends.

Eulogy for a Perfect Dog - Thanks Stella (and thanks girlfriends for caring for me)

"Dave's Girl Stella" AKA: Stella-BoBella, Wigglebutt, Silly Girl

It is with immeasurable sadness that I say good-bye to the best furry friend a girl could have. Our almost 12-year old Golden Retriever, Stella, passed away this week from a way-too-fast battle with cancer. Friday afternoon she was fine, that night she had trouble walking and it just went downhill.

I know the loss of a pet can't compare with losing a child, husband or close 'human' but who couldn't fall deeply in love with a face as sweet as hers? My sadness runs deep and my tears won't end. She was our constant companion, best buddy, cheap entertainment, reason to exercise and favorite comedian. She was a friend I'll never recover from losing.

Thanks first to Stella. She gave us years of love, laughter and joy. You'll be missed on an on-going basis forever.

Thanks too to my girlfriends. So many of my female friends have shown me great acts of sympathy and compassion. Dog-lovers/owners or not, they feel my pain and for that I am so grateful. Thanks to Deana for the gorgeous plant which will always remind me of Stella and also of your kind friendship. To Becky, who came right over to hug me, I love that you have a heart for dogs as well (and that you foster so many!). Thanks to Terri, Beth Anne, LL Cool J, Tina, Ruth Sara, Melody, Barb and so many other fabulous female friends who sent words of love and support. Thanks to Anne and Penny for trying to distract us with conversation and food/beverages. We need that - thanks!

I miss Stella. I really, really do. She was an amazing dog. But I'm also blessed with loving, caring girlfriends who are also amazing and are helping me through this sad time. Thanks to you all. I feel your hugs from all over, and it helps. Thanks, Debba

Furballs, Hugs and Girlfriend Gratitude

Stella, our beloved 12-year old golden retriever, is very sick. It happened quickly and we're unsure of what the coming week will bring. We had to take her to the emergency vet yesterday and we've even slept on the living room floor since she's unable to go up stairs and we want to be near her. It breaks my heart to see her suffer and I'm just torn up by even the thought of losing her.

To some people, this may be silly. Dogs are just animals. Pets are just vehicles for furballs and the signature of a messy house. But to my girlfriends, who love me and therefore love what I love, they feel my pain. Ellen, Amy and Colleen offered their sympathy and positive thoughts last night at dinner. I ran into Barb and Ruth Sara this morning when I was crying. Their hugs and concern were genuine and so appreciated. Ruth Sara called Becky who then called to check in on me and Stella. Jill wants an update tomorrow on what our Vet says. I called another Barb (my college roommate) who consoled me. I emailed other college girlfriends, Laurie, Rhonda and Deana, knowing that they care and heard back that they do. Terri returned my email with her thoughts and concern for me and for Stella. (Stella is pretty loved by all who've met her - which also means everyone on whom she has shed!)*

Friendship is just like that. You love your friends so much, that what is important to them is also important to you. Female friends are the best because they genuinely care about the little and big things in life. Sure, she is 'just a dog,' but my girlfriends know that Stella is really part of our family. That isn't silly to them.

Thanks to my girlfriends for caring about me - and Stella. And, for all those times you've supported your friends through their little and big issues, thank YOU. Girlfriends are no accident. We're all here to help each other through the little, big and furry stuff. Thanks for caring.

* P.S. As I write this, I am overwhelmed with the blessing of so many girlfriends and so much love and care I have received just in the past 24-hours. If you ever feel lonely or just want to feel more blessed, take note of the support your friends offer by writing in a Girlfriend Gratitude journal. I do this each morning and it blesses my entire day thinking back over how wonderful my female friends are to me. Just write down all the great women in your life and how they bless you in a blank pad of paper or journal, or on a calendar. Soon you'll have wonderful reminders of the fabulous female friendships you're blessed with!

Celebrating Great Neighbors (and Girlfriends!) with Ice Cream!!

I've bragged before ... I have great neighbor girlfriends. Our no-stress book club (reading is optional, laughter is mandatory!), summer happy hours and fun female friendships make living on our street very special. Moms walk their kids around the block, families and dogs stroll by and kids learning to throw a football make every summer night entertaining.

Recently I entered Edy's HomeChurned Ice Cream contest for great neighborhoods. I wish I remember what I wrote on the online form, but I know it included some of the wonderful qualities of our neighborhood that I mentioned above. Of course, I'm writing this because we won! Tomorrow night we've invited all 50+ houses on our street along with former neighbors and others in the neighborhood for a big ice cream celebration. It should be a scream!

In true form, the girlfriends on the block have chipped in. Shelley invited the newspaper and they're sending a photographer. (I'll post a photo!) Anne, who isn't even in town, has volunteered her backyard and cornhole game. Stephanie graciously offered her yard since there is more room for kids to play. Another Ann (we have several Ann's on our street) stored the 12 containers of ice cream in her freezer this week. Genna, Judy, Pam and Diane have offered to help scoop. Everyone is chipping in and I know it will be a fun evening.

Why is our street so special? We've made an effort to know our neighbors. With even another Ann, I started the monthly book club. Several mom's take turns watching each others' children. We share flour, help each other when tree limbs go down and hang out on the sidewalk talking while the kids play.

How can you connect with your neighbors? Do you have girlfriends nearby? Go meet your neighbors. I bet you'll have more in common with them than you realize. Spend time together and develop female friendships. Stay in touch and, next year, apply for an Ice Cream contest! Happy end of summer!!

Sisters, neighbors, coworkers, moms, yoga/running friends ... all kinds of Girlfriends

Here's the girlie-girl way of looking at it ... You have pumps, tennis/walking shoes, platforms, boots, sandals, flip flops, Crocks(tm!), etc. in your closet, right? Guys may look at is as just a room full of shoes and think that they are silly and unnecessary. Women see it as the basics of getting dressed and feeling good about your personal style.

In the girlfriend world, there are close friends you've known since school or new neighbors on the street. Women you work with to friends of friends you've met and run into at the grocery store. Coworkers who become friends outside of work and women you see at yoga or book club. Look around and you'll most likely see a variety of girlfriends at different stages of friendship, with unique qualities and a variety of things in common. It's a wonderful world of girlfriends! Kinda like having a selection of shoes - you have lots of options for women with whom to share your life.

Still in Minnesota visiting friends, I had dinner with my girlfriend Amy last night. Amy is dating, I'm married. Amy has a corporate job, I'm entrepreneurial. Amy lives in the cold north(!), I live in the mid-west. She's a world traveler, I dream of being (and have had some very fun international adventures with her!). But get us together and we have so much in common and so much fun.

What type 'shoe' is her friendship??? Last night after dinner I thought about that. Our conversation ranged from her recent dating adventures to my entrepreneurial dreams. From common friends to philosophies on perspectives of life. I very much respect her opinion, welcome her advice and appreciate her friendship.

Our interaction reflected what I feel is so important about girlfriends and why I started Girlfriendology. I think if we girlfriends 'put our heads together' and help each other through life, that we all learn and benefit from each other. After talking with Amy, I felt stronger for having her support and friendship. Not that we focused on any negative issues but life can be stressful. Together I felt we each contributed problem-solving ideas or creative solutions to hopefully benefit each of us in reaching our dreams. And, thinking like shoes, (and I hope she sees this as a compliment!) to me our interaction was kind of like workboots. Very functional and productive, the "git-r done" type interaction that I love and benefit so much from.

Have a problem? Talk to a girlfriend. Want to do something fun? Call up a girlfriend. Need to laugh or share a great story? Go see a girlfriend. Stressed over life? Have dinner with a girlfriend. Together we make a great pair (or lots of pairs, like that shoe analogy!). After all, aren't girlfriends the perfect accessory?! Thanks Amy for being such a great girlfriend and for sharing life (and solutions/ideas!) with me! Big hugs!!!


p.s. If you're into the above shoes, you might be a "Desperate Housewives" fan. They're on Seenon.com.

The girlfriends in your life and the special blessings they bring

Greetings from Minneapolis where I used to live. It has been eight years since I moved, but still my girlfriends go out of their way to maintain the friendships. (And I feel so blessed!)

This morning we had brunch with our friends Terri and Bill who also invited Lisa and Todd to join us for a fabulous meal. Terri didn't look at this event selfishly, as a time for us to just be together. She, always being thoughtful and so kind, invited others to share in the special event of friends being together.

I so much love that about Terri. She is one of the most thoughtful girlfriends I know. She always thinks of the most personalized acts and gifts. She goes out of her way to bring friends together and to make girlfriends feel special. Terri always gives thoughtful gifts, adds something to a menu that is special just for me/us or takes time to create a special event just to make others feel loved and appreciated. She inspires me to be a better friend.

Each girlfriend in my life offers different blessings. Amy and Kate (sisters and very dear friends) had us over for dinner tonight with a dozen of our friends (including great girlfriends Cara, Chandra, Sue, Barb, Kathy and Patty) which made it a memorable and wonderful evening. Cath sent me a hilarious story on herself today which cracked me up. Christy invited me into her home this afternoon in the midst of carpet shampoo'ing (and child 'potty' issues!) to spend time just catching up on life.

As I time looking at my girlfriends and what I learn from them, I recognize that I am nothing without them. To Barb, my creative, spiritual, loving 'sister' to Amy, my forever friend and inspiration, I am blessed with amazing girlfriends.

What can you learn from your girlfriends? In what ways do they bless you? What amazing women do you have in your life that you need to appreciate and celebrate?! Do it! Plan events with your girlfriends. Send notes to say Thank You. Call them just to check in on their lives. Show them that you love and appreciate them. Girlfriends are a blessing and, if you have a great group of girlfriends, you're truly blessed!

How a Girlfriend's Laughter can lead to Tears.

Friday was a tough day for me. All my girlfriends have either left the company I work at or were out of town. Not to complain, but I just wanted to have lunch with a girlfriend. I needed some laughter and great conversation to cut the day in half.

My friend Holly and I always had the best lunches. No matter how your day was or how you felt, her laughter would light up the entire room and pull you into such a blessed place that you consciously were happy just being near her. After we both moved away from Minnesota, we rarely had the opportunity to have lunch together. Now that she's gone, I won't have that cherished, wonderful opportunity every again.

First, I need to tell you a little about my friend Holly. She loved her family and friends with an overflowing passion. She constantly inspired me and made me feel better about myself. Her friendship was treasured by all who knew her. Unfortunately, she succumbed to cancer last Thanksgiving. In my grief, I was just so honored to be able to be in MN to attend her memorial at her favorite art center (where she and I had taken pottery together).

At the memorial, amidst her works of art (like this shirt that she created with batik - that hangs inside my closet door so I see it, and think of her, everyday), her husband and sons shared the story of her life and professed their love and admiration for her. It was the most heart-breaking ceremony I've ever attended. I wasn't up to sharing - but I wanted to. I wanted to tell funny Holly stories and listen to others' tales of her infectious humor and joy.

After the memorial I emailed her husband. I told him about some of the amusing stories and events that I shared with Holly. I also included a story that Holly told me about buying a very expensive, ornate armoire - without telling David, her husband. Knowing that he might be a bit concerned over her purchase, she resorted to something perfectly Holly! She purchased an expensive silk tie for him. When he came home from work, she greeted him in front of the new furniture with nothing on except the tie and just said, "So ... how do you like the armoire?"

I emailed him that I didn't know if it was a true story or not but I loved that story because it was so Holly. He wrote me back with just a quick answer - "It was a very nice tie!"

Friday, several months after she left us all, I just wanted to have lunch with her. To ask her advice, be part of her laughter, have her smile at me one more time. But, in all my sadness (and I can't even imagine what her family feels), I am so humbled to have had her as my girlfriend.

In my tears, I celebrated a blessed girlfriend. Don't delay in spending time with a girlfriend. Call her for lunch. Take her to dinner. Send her a card or give her a call. Then say a word of thanks for the gift of her friendship. Thanks Holly. I love you and am so blessed to have been your friend.

Having great Girlfriends is as stylish as ... Heather Locklear?

On Wednesday evening at our weekly girlfriend group meeting, I announced that I needed a haircut but had no idea what to do. As someone who had long hair (that I cut myself) almost my entire life, I'm not well versed in how to find a good haircut much less how to direct a hair stylist. In fact, I've only paid for my hair to be cut about five or six times - in my life! I'm a novice and I severely needed girlfriend advice. And, knowing that I was planning to go back to the salon school where students cut hair, I wanted to give great direction in order to get a good cut.

Thankfully my girlfriends came to the rescue! Becky thought layers would help my hair curl. Tina even sent me this Heather Locklear celebrity photo as well as great stylist tips -point tips, no razor, etc. Other girlfriends also gave advice. Karen told me the right products to use to bring out the curl. Lisa warned about getting layers cut too short.

I cautiously presented the celebrity hairstyle to my stylist/student April. Would it be too difficult for a student? Could I expect a somewhat complicated cut for $10? And, would they think I was delusional and actually thought I'd look exactly like Heather Locklear when I left there?!

But, I felt like I had my girlfriends with me. I explained to April and her instructor that the hairstyle and advice came from my girlfriends. They understood and came up with a plan. A few hours later, I walked out with a very nice cut. I'm no Heather Locklear (it would take several million dollars of plastic surgery and a small miracle for that!) but I can't wait to go show my girlfriends. In fact, I'm going to see Tina this afternoon at her pillow shop. I'm sure she'll approve.

Sure, in the big scheme of things - haircuts are minor (well, kind-of!). Aren't you glad girlfriends are there for the little and the BIG stuff? Where would we be without girlfriends? Lonely, bored, poorly dressed and with a bad hair cut?

Girlfriends are instant face(and attitude)-lifts, as well as always making it a good hair day! Female friends reduce stress, make us healthier and happier. And, girlfriends are great for giving advice and for helping us through little and big life decisions. Be the girlfriend you want to be! Make your girlfriends feel special, loved and beautiful. You'll come out feeling as stylish as Heather Locklear, without those pesty paparazzi!

Girlfriends make great Neighbors and Neighbors make great Girlfriends!

Little did I know when I found this house eight years ago, that I'd also find a street full of Girlfriends! There's Judy, Anne, Ann (and two former neighbors named Ann!), Karen, Stephanie, Jane, Genevieve, Dolly, Peggy, Sunny, Marilyn, Eula, Pam, Lori, Megan and a whole host of other great neighbors (including great friends and former neighbors Ellen and Dana!). I'm a lucky home-owner on a very nice street.

Today is my neighbor and fortunately my very good friend Anne's birthday. We can see what is on her TV and call to her from the front porch - and usually she is up for coming over, having neighborhood celebrations and hanging out for a glass of wine and conversation. She checks on the dog when we're out of town, waters plants and lets me invite myself over if I'm out of wine and need some girlfriend conversation! I feel so lucky to have a close friend that, well, close!

Do you know your neighbors? Can you borrow a cup of sugar or ask a favor of women in your neighborhood? Start a book club or walking group. Organize a street yard sale or happy hour. Sometimes it even helps to ask them for a favor and make it clear that you'll reciprocate. Women like to help each other out - give them that opportunity and make sure you look for ways to return the favor. Having girlfriends nearby is great! And having great girlfriends across the street makes me a very blessed person! Thanks Anne and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!

p.s. If you live in Cincinnati and you need a good realtor, let me know and I'll connect you with Anne, the birthday girl and top realtor!

How clean does your house need to be for girlfriends?

Hmmm ... what are your thoughts? Do girlfriends feel welcome in your home at any time and in any condition? Do YOU feel comfortable with visiting female friends when you haven't mopped in too long to remember? Can girlfriends just stop by without warning?

My girlfriends are coming over tomorrow night. Yep, I'm blogging and Paula, Becky, Judy, Melody, Ruth Sara and Tina will be here this time tomorrow night. Yes, I could clean but I also know that they love me regardless of cobwebs and pet hair. (Plus I can hide some of the mess in closets and behind shut doors!)

Isn't it wonderful when you have female friends who are family? They can make themselves at home, know where the bathroom is and where to find paper if it runs out!

Invite your girlfriends over and don't worry about how clean things are or aren't. Girlfriends are meant to relieve stress, not cause it. Just enjoy your time together. You'll be so glad you did - and that you didn't need to clean after all!