Vacation from Girlfriends?

For the past three days I've been hanging out in Chicago with my husband. I'm a lucky girl in that we have a great relationship and friendship. However, too much time away from my girlfriends makes me a little stressed. I enjoy the energy I get from my girlfriends and sharing the special bond of our friendship. I actually need my girlfriends to make my life complete.

I'm happy to be home. To see the dog and cat. To get to water my plants and get back to my routine. And I'm very happy to get to spend time with my girlfriends, like our weekly get-together tomorrow night. When I'm with them, I take a different type of vacation. One away from stress and one where I laugh, share and feel very loved. Thanks to my wonderful women buddies. You're great to come home to!

Hello from Jillville! What a great place!!

I wish I could add an audio file to this blog - just for Jill. She has one volume for her laugh - loud. It is the most honest, pull you in and crack you up kind-of laughter. Contagious also describes her energy and passion for her friends. I am so fortunate to be one of them. She is a joy to know and a blessing that impacts who I am and whom I will become.

Jill is an amazingly-talented jewelry designer. (She's a 'superstar' - really! But she hates when I call her that - sorry honey!) Check out her jewelry designs at www.jillmackay.com. So beautiful, creative and classic!

"Jillville" is an amazing place. Just being around her or even when our friendship is long distance - any connection with her is memorable and meaningful. Thank you, my special, kind, loving friend. I am so proud of you and so honored to be your friend!

Creative Chicks = Great Girlfriends

Previously I was a member of a very creative organization of almost all women. I met amazing women who inspired, challenged, taught and celebrated with me. One of them, Lisa, I'm meeting for coffee tomorrow as I drive to meet another one of them, Jill, to help her sell her fabulous jewelry at a huge bead show. Because I met them, and the others, I have a wonderful network of women all across the U.S. and Canada.

Another very talented woman I met was Kirsten. She is a licensed designer who continues to create herself a wonderful career. Recently she teamed up with one of her girlfriends, Rosemary, for a new digital scrapbook company - Digital Scrap Chicks. It is a fun, colorful resource for those who love to design their scrapbook layouts while leaving the paper designs to the experts!

Even though times and organizations have changed, we all are doing different things with our lives and we even live in different countries, connecting with our girlfriends is a wonderful thing. Who haven't you touched base with lately? What girlfriend has been on your mind? Get in touch. Great girlfriends are worth the time and effort! Thanks Kirsten, Jill and Lisa! (And all my other SCD girlfriends!)

What do you do when you don't know what to do?

Having girlfriends is great, right? When it is not so great? When you have a girlfriend that you really care about and she is dealing with bad stuff. As a friend, what do you do?

My friend Allison is a jock. She works out six to seven days/week, eats right, does all the things we're supposed to do. But she's battling cancer again and she isn't supposed to do that.

One of my first reactions to the news was - What do I do? How can I be the best friend possible? What can I say/do to make things better? And, to figure these big questions out, I wanted to be around my girlfriends and ask them. We all learn from each other. That's definitely the beauty of having great girlfriends - we share what we learn from make-up tips, shoe sales to big stuff like how to care for our families and friends, dealing with big challenges and handling life with grace and love.

I'd love your response. What can I do to be there for her? What have you done, or others have done for you, to help and show that you really care? Thanks for caring and helping me show how much I care as well.

Power Lunch

Do you sometimes feel alone and powerless? Confused at which way to turn and how to proceed? We all go through that but we don't have to - at least alone. Reach out to a girlfriend for advice or just to listen. She'll know how important she really is to you - try it!

I met my girlfriend Ruth Sara today. I asked her to lunch so I could (selfishly!) ask for her advice. She's smart and successful, in addition to being so dang cute in her skinny work-out clothes! She built and sold her own business and, being on the front-end of starting Girlfriendology, I shared my entrepreneurial ideas. We talked through all kinds of creative opportunities and options. It was a very powerful lunch!

Having girlfriends means you don't need to take on problems, concerns or even big ideas by yourself. Personally, I feel that friend's strengths transfer over through sharing and caring together.

Have an idea, challenge or problem that makes you feel alone and powerless? Call a girlfriend. Take her to lunch or for coffee. Do a walk/talk. Just like you'd do anything to help her out, remember that she'd be honored to help you. Thanks Ruth Sara!! I really, really appreciate your time, for offering ideas and, mainly, for being my friend.

Decorating your life ... with Girlfriends

You know how just a single pillow can express your personal style and pull together a whole room? Friends do that too - and are also great to lean on!

My friend Tina is a talented, creative pillow/interior designer(www.casadelorenzo.com). We met at through an entrepreneurial 'mastermind' group where we shared our dreams, helped each other and held one another accountable for making progress toward reaching our dreams. Last night we bought salads at a local gourmet grocery then walked to a park where we ate, talked and laughed for hours. She listened, shared great ideas and completely inspired me.

As I've continued my journey to encourage females toward 'inspiration, appreciation and celebration of girlfriends,' I've become more aware of the special women in my life who decorate my life with creative ideas, caring hearts and support that encourages me to "go for it."

Actually, that is my 'personal style' for girlfriends. I am drawn to friends with positive attitudes, passionate lives and who are interested in 'doing life' with me. Just like when you buy a new car and suddenly see that model all over the place, once you identify and appreciate certain traits in girlfriends, you start drawing them to you.

Think about your girlfriends and whose friendships you really enjoy and appreciate. Be the kind of friend to them that they are to you. Be open to new friendships. Explore people who share your dreams and may offer you even a new perspective. And, when you need to, lean on your girlfriends and offer them the same support. Decorate your life with wonderful women!

Feeling Beautiful - Thanks Becky!

My friend Becky is a self-proclaimed 'girlie girl.' She always looks fabulous, her nails are always painted (perfect painted toe nails are required for summer shoes!) and she loves to hang out with her girlfriends. That makes me a very lucky, blessed friend!

Today we met for lunch at a new restaurant. She brought a brown bag with Thai beer in it to share - which definitely made it a special lunch! (The restaurant doesn't have a liquor license and allow you to do so.) Conversation ranged from picking out bras, to pole dancing, to our entrepreneurial dreams - definitely girlfriend talk!

After a quick stop at a girlie gift shop, we went to a nearby spa for facials. What a fun day and wonderful way to pamper ourselves and celebrate our friendship.

Thanks Becky for making the plans and including me! Every time I do something with just my girlfriends I'm reminded how important those conversations and fun moments are, and how lucky I am!

Do you have a girlfriend who you really should call and make plans? Or a friend who just needs some quality girlfriend time with you? Don't delay - call! Make plans. Stay in touch. You'll be glad you did!

Inspire others, inspire yourself

Beth Anne is planning to leave corporate world and start her own business. (Don't worry - I'll definitely updated you when it is up and running - it is for/by women and great!) She struggles, like all of us, with doubt, fear, insecurity and, in general, not being exactly sure how she'll accomplish her goals. But, each day, she plugs away at steps to reaching her dream.

She inspires me to go after my goal of bringing together a community of girlfriends - showing appreciation and celebrating these wonderful friendships. She shares entrepreneurial articles with me and passes along what she is learning through this process - which, to be honest, is a tough, uphill battle at times. But she perseveres and uses her experience to encourage me.

I hope I inspire her too to keep going too. I pass along magazines and links that are applicable to her upcoming business. I remind her when she becomes frustrated that she is on her way. And I love to celebrate with her when just the right person/solutions comes along that she really needed.

Life is good with girlfriends - especially those who inspire you. You have the awesome opportunity to return the favor.

• What do you do to inspire your girlfriends?
• How have your girlfriends assisted and inspired you in reaching your dreams?
• What things could you not have accomplished without the faith of a wonderful girlfriend?

Please share your ideas. I'm sure they'll inspire others. Thanks Beth Anne!

I look forward to celebrating your success with you in the coming months!!!

Girlfriends of all ages ...

Don't you love how a girlfriend's age doesn't matter? And do you even more love, how a girlfriend doesn't see wrinkles or remember birthday years?

The past two nights I've laughed with girlfriends with over a 35 year age span. Older or younger, they're still my girlfriends - and I LOVE that.

Do you reach out to girlfriends who are a different age? race? social/economic level? Do you celebrate the diversity of all the wonderful women in your life? If so, tell me about it. I'd love to hear your stories of what you've learned about yourself by having multi-generational / ethnic girlfriends.

Until then ... enjoy, and CELEBRATE!, your girlfriends!

Remembering Tricia

Think back ... who was your first best friend? Didn't you plan on being BFF? Wasn't that friendship extra special?!

My first girlfriend was Tricia. In kindergarten class together, we bonded over crayons and recess. We stayed friends even after I moved but eventually lost touch.

Years later, fate (as it has a tendency to do!) placed us not only at the same college, but even in the same dorm and on the same floor. We reconnected and shared many hilarious memories (and photos) in college.

Looking back, I did learn everything I need to about girlfriends in kindergarten. Share what you have, listen, care, laugh, love. Girlfriends are worth a gazillion crayons and can draw a smile when there were tears before.

Thanks Tricia for the gift of your friendship and for teaching me about girlfriends! And, thanks to every girlfriend since who has continued to care about, inspire, amuse and love me. Your friendships are priceless. Thanks SO MUCH.

Love your 'Shoes'!

How many pairs of shoes do you have in your closet? Too many to mention? How about how many girlfriends do you have in your corner? Hopefully you're equally blessed there too!

Most of us have different shoes for certain outfits, a change in season and whatever mood suits us at the time. Some shoes are functional, some are stylish and some are just because we love them! (And there is nothing wrong in my book with that! In fact, that is my shoe in the photo. I love them - especially because they were really cheap!)

Girlfriends are like shoes too. Some are based on work or workout buddies, others are moms, old friends, new friends, long distance, neighbors, etc. Each, like our shoes, girlfriends help us 'accessorize' our lives with beauty, functionality, express our personality and, especially, support!

I saw a friend of mine in NYC. I never described her as one of my girlfriends because Jane was my coach in previous years and I've primarily seen her as a mentor and advisor. But now I realize she really is a girlfriend, and one that I value deeply. We discussed life updates at our breakfast yesterday. She reminded me of some things about my life that I had really enjoyed, was actually good at and she totally inspired me. I love that she sees things in me that are blind to me, good things that challenge me to reach for my dreams.

Do you need some inspiration? Want to overcome doubt and insecurity to achieve what you're so wanting to do? Choose wisely but try out your dreams with a special, supportive girlfriend. She may be the extra 'spring in your step' you need to reach your potential. Find a friend who can help you kick butt on your dreams! (And THANKS Jane!)

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