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!!!