Vicki's Dream - and encouraging your girlfriends

Humble, sweet and super talented, my girlfriend Vicki is about to achieve her dream. For years she has struggled as an artist/designer, never swaying to try anything else but follow her dream. Her husband, John, and kids have been supportive and patient. And now she's taking on NYC and the multi-billion dollar world of licensing.

Tomorrow I will join my friend Vicki in NYC for the Surtex Licensing Show/National Stationery Show. She will be represented by a well-established agent and her designs will be on display. International companies will view her artwork to license on all types of products. (Her baby bedding line, featuring Bazooples, is about to launch too! Check her out at www.vickischreiner.com/)

I'm thrilled to join her to celebrate her success in the Big Apple and to spend time together to discuss and plot the further growth of both of our dreams. She has been a cheerleader for me and a wonderful caring girlfriend.

Sometimes it takes others believing in your dream, even when you can't. I knew Vicki was talented, probably even more than she did during moments of uncertainty. But isn't it nice to know your girlfriends believe in you? Are there girlfriends you should encourage to follow their dreams? What words of encouragement can you offer to remind them that they're special, talented and loved? Reach out to a girlfriend and let her know how amazing she is. Then, when she reaches her dream, or you reach yours, go to NYC and celebrate!

Girlfriends are worth celebrating - like Barb's Birthday

We met in college. Two silly girls who lived across the hall from each other. We celebrated birthdays and Spring Break together, skipped classes to go shopping, shared clothing and secrets, laughed and cried through boyfriends and broken hearts. Now, half a lifetime ago, I am still blessed to have her friendship. This week we had dinner to celebrate another birthday with Barb, my life-long friend. Happy Birthday Barb!

What elements in our friendship has kept us together? It started with logistics and being in a new environment. Eventually though we moved, had different marital/child status, changed jobs and cities, saw a lot of time go by. Time, miles, change, busy lives often distance or stretch friendships. This one lasted and, I have no doubt, will for the rest of our lives.

What lessons have you learned from lifelong friends? How do you show these amazing women how much they mean to you? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Thanks - and thanks Barb, for the wonderful (lifelong) gift of your friendship!! Hugs, Debba

The Dream Lives on!

Wow, to look back at my first blog over a year ago confirmed time does really fly! I haven't been just having fun (as we girls like to do!), I've been preparing to launch www.girlfriendology.com and working on new items for www.cafepress.com/girlfriend-gifts. But I'm back and committed to pursuing my dream of inspiring, appreciating and celebrating girlfriends.

What's the latest? Well, the web site is in the design process. The newsletter is being built with the same design (so hopefully that will start going out in the coming month). And I am designing products for www.cafepress.com/girlfriend-gifts. (Actually I'm going to the National Stationery Show this weekend to see what great girlfriend gifts I can find so Girlfriendology has the best 'stuff! I'll report back what I find in NYC.)

What else has happened in the past year? Well, I've shared my dream with dozens of my girlfriends (I am so blessed with great girlfriends!) and they've shared their ideas with me, which has been awesome! I've also found out some really amazing facts and stories about why female friendships are so important to have, maintain and appreciate. I'll share this in coming blogs.

Do you have great girlfriends? Would you like to? Join me in this journey to create and keep the friendships that make us feel special and to be that special friend to a girlfriend who brightens her life. (And ... no calories, no hefty Visa bill from shopping therapy, no men who don't understand why we need shoes and chocolate! Just women recognizing the wonderful blessing of female friends.) Thanks for the gift of your friendship!

My Dream

Funny ... I've been wanting to do this for a couple years and finally started to take actual steps toward it last week when I met with a girlfriend to discuss a plan. (Thanks Cyndi!) Then, as often happens in life - the timing was eerie as I was inspired by the Martin Luther King video of his "I have a dream" speech and a speaker that challenged me to go after my dreams.

So, with admiration of Dr. King, my dream is to start a community of women who can connect, share, inspire, motivate and laugh together. Girlfriendology.com is coming soon (the trademark is in process!) and I'm moving forward on this without knowing how it all will happen. I just know that is has to happen.

My girlfriends let me cry and make me laugh. You accept me no matter what size I wear or if I have spinach in my teeth! You amazing women are the constant cheerleaders who I know are there no matter what. You bless my life each day with your emails, calls and just knowing that the next time I see you, will be just like it was yesterday and we'll laugh together just as easily.

So, I ask for your emotional support, creative ideas and wonderful sense of humor! And, if you'd like you share your dreams and any recommendations on how Girlfriendology.com can grow, please share!

Thanks again for being my favorite female friends and inspiration for my dream!

www.girlfriendology.com
www.cafepress.com/girlfriendgifts