Conversations with Girlfriends

The mystic influence of friends and friends of friends always humbles me. My friend Joan invited her friends, along with me and some of mine, for a Sunday afternoon visit or a Tuesday evening dinner. Conversations swirl about women, our hopes and dreams, how we support and encourage each other (or not), the future of our city and country, how we can be truer forms of ourselves.

At lunch yesterday, again with Joan and a friend of hers - Vanessa, conversations started first about conversations. Those on the previous Sunday and Tuesday, and, about a wise woman in town who believes that we can change things just by starting conversations. If we get women together and focus our energies and words on positive change and growth, there is no measure of what we can change as we take those conversations into each of our homes, businesses, circle of friends and acquaintances, etc. Conversations among friends, and friends of friends, are very powerful things.

The energy generated by verbal sharing and listening, the momentum started by a single thought shared, the creative influence of hearing another perspective from a respected and passionate person - those things can, and do, change the world.

I'm humbled and honored to be a part of this. There are great things brewing, ideas and friendships forming. We, as women, first have to take a responsibility for where we are and where we're going. After that, we need to have conversations. To hear from women who are just as passionate about improvement and change.

Can you start something where you are? Do you have passionate, positive, purposeful friends? Get them together. Introduce friends to friends of friends. Ask questions. Listen. Start change ... just with a conversation.

(Thanks Joan and friends! You inspire me!)

TIP TUESDAY #19 - Spring Wardrobe advice for Girlfriends

It has been raining (and not snowing!) for days so that must mean that Spring is in the air here in the Midwest. With Spring comes a need to shed the sweaters, put away the mittens and remember where you stored your Spring wardrobe!

Our recent podcast guest and fella blogger, MARGOT POTTER is off in Paris right now - lucky girl! Before she left, she blogged about finding sassy rain boots but couldn't find any stylish raincoats. (Which makes me more than a little embarrassed of my boring, black trench/raincoat which has seen better days!)

So, this week's TIP TUESDAY question is:

What are your tips for a stylish spring? What's new in fashion that warrants a purchase?

For me, on my January trip to Paris (yes, I am a lucky girl too!), I already purchased the decorative "Wellies" plastic boots at Target. (Love the $9.99 sale price!) So at least I'll feel a bit unique and fashionable when walking the pup during these Spring showers.

Now it's YOUR turn! What is YOUR fashion tip for the Spring? What new pieces of clothing or accessories would update your wardrobe? Please share. We fashion-challenged girlfriends need to know! Thanks Girlfriends!

Learn how to 'follow your bliss' from our girlfriend the CAPITOLA GIRL

Funny how each of our girlfriends play a different role in our lives. Some are here to teach us lessons - like knitting, politics or community service. Some girlfriends are here to tend to us - they take care of us when we're ill, hold us up when we're weak, etc. And, some girlfriends take on the role of companion, comedian, confidant or collaborator. All together, we have a community of women who support us in reaching our true potential and being the best person (and friend) we can be.

I'm especially drawn to girlfriends who inspire me. At this stage of my life and career, I have dreams I want to follow and look for 'cheerleader'-girlfriends who see my dreams as clearly (or more so) as I do and will keep me moving in that direction with passion and purpose. I'm so thankful for Tina, Becky, Paula, Judy, Joan, Jill, Lisa, Katie and so many others who are there to encourage and support me.

I had the privilege of meeting an inspiring woman through the Girlfriendology Monthly Contest*. She is a jewelry designer, blogger and inspiration cheerleader. Susan, aka: CAPITOLA GIRL is following her bliss and inspiring others to do the same. She recognizes that she is building the life of her dreams and that it is bringing her to the truest expression of herself. That inspires me. She inspires me.

I was thrilled to talk with Susan on our latest podcast. Listen in and you'll know why. Need some inspiration? Look to your girlfriends. Listen to positive, reinforcing, powerful women - like Susan/CAPITOLA GIRL. And be that type of girlfriend to your friends who need a cheerleader. There's a certain feeling of bliss in helping others follow their dreams too. Dream BIG, Girlfriends!

* This month's Girlfriendology Monthly Contest asks for your stories on creative gifts/events you've received from, given to or experienced together. Share your stories and inspire others! (And possibly win prizes and a chance to be interviewed on an upcoming podcast!)

Riding a Roller Coaster - with my Girlfriends by my side

It's been a roller coaster week. I won't get into the details, but someone went out of their way to make my life painful. It hurt to be the target of someone I've treated fairly and with respect. It really hurt. It was a lower-than-low, strange, sad, painful experience.

On the upside, I had three get-togethers with girlfriends (some previous close sister-like friends, some new friends of friends who welcomed me into their world with acceptance and support). Every single time I'm surrounded by supportive women, I'm completely humbled and so very thankful. These women graciously offer their ideas, contacts, positive reinforcement that my dream is reachable - and a willingness to help me stretch out farther towards it. I recognize how blessed I am and thankful for the amazing women in my life.

Then, back comes the lowness of others who mistreat and misquote. Wait a bit and it's back up to the summit with amazing women who inspire and support me. The ride continues.

I know this is life. I'm fine with that. It just humbles me when such extreme emotions can be defined in the short course of a week. I, like the little girl in the photo, would be in trouble without the hand of a loving friend to hold onto and the honor of their company through the high and low points of life.

This week makes me want to be a better friend. To be there for my friends during their roller coasters of sadness, doubt, sickness as well as to celebrate with them the achievement of getting through the low points and recognize their efforts when they are riding high on success, strength and well-deserved happiness.

Having a roller coaster week or know a girlfriend who is? Don't be afraid to reach out to your girlfriends - to support them or ask for their assistance in riding out the challenges that we all have to face from time to time. Be there for them and they will be there for you. Thank goodness for Girlfriends!

TIP TUESDAY #18 - How are you and your Girlfriends celebrating National Mom's Night Off?

Did you know that you get a free pass tomorrow (Thursday, March 20th) for a night out with your girlfriends? Well, thanks to RACHEL HAMMAN, founder of National Mom's Night Out, you're free to go to dinner or just spend time with your girlfriends!

Rachel, a guest on a recent podcast is RACHEL HAMMAN. Rachel also wrote Mom's Night Out - Even inmates get time off for good behavior!

AND, Rachel donated several copies of her book to Girlfriendology for prizes for this month's Girlfriendology Contest*. Just enter the contest and you'll be in a drawing for her fun book with great girlfriend stories!

So, this week's TIP TUESDAY question is:

How will you celebrate National Mom's Night Out?

Personally, I had a girlfriends night last night (Thanks Joan, Allison, Amy, Cheryl, Nancy and Venus), a girlfriends afternoon on Sunday (again - thanks Joan! Debbie, Cindy, Sherman, Pat, Barbara and Peggy) and have a girlfriends night tonight with Paula, Becky, Jill, Judy, Lynn and the lovely Tina. So, I'm making a week of it! So can you, so get started!

* Another AND ... The February Girlfriendology Contest podcast is now live and features our first ever girlfriend contest winner interview. (Thanks so much Georgia for sharing this amazing story about your girlfriend Sally - pictured together here.) This could start a fun new tradition of interviewing our monthly winner!! Have a great girlfriend story and want to share it on our podcast? Enter the contest!

Just a quick Thank You to a Girlfriend

At the very end of the work day today, something happened that really hurt me. I packed up my stuff and headed for home, still playing over the scenario in my mind. Normally, I would have arrived home and blown off a little steam by telling my husband the situation but today I had somewhere to go and somewhere that I needed to be mindfully present. My afterwork plans were very important to me on a personal level that warranted that I be completely engaged.

On the drive home, I called Tina. My friend Tina gets me. She knows my dreams and believes in me (and them). She maintains focus on the important things in life and helps me to strive for them too. Although she'd never believe it, she mentors me when I deal with important issues and cares about even the silly, little things in my life.

All in the course of a five minute call, I had a better outlook on things and an understanding of how petty the event was that happened at work. So many things are so much more important. Things like love, friendship, caring for others. Things like friends who believe in me and who listen and care.

Thanks Tina. On my drive home, you helped me steer clear of the petty issues and aim for the big stuff that matters, like dreams, hope, love.

Do you have a friend that can cheer you up and remind you of the important things in life? Are you that kind of friend to a girlfriend? Be a girlfriend. Call a girlfriend. Show how thankful you are for your girlfriends!

TIP TUESDAY #17 - Your Favorite Girlfriend Blog

Have you met any friends on the Internet? Found any bloggers with whom you can relate and share their thoughts? Located an old college girlfriend or 'googled' an childhood friend?

Personally I love how the Internet can build community - especially among women. This week an online event is going on that does just that. The Ultimate Blog Party is an event hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom and gathers postings from over a 1000 women-only blogs. Check it out and you may make a new friend! (or two!)

So, this week's TIP TUESDAY question is:

What is your favorite girlfriend blog?

This can be someone who know personally or a woman that you've just read on the Internet that you admire, are inspired by or that teach you something that you need to learn.

A few of my favorite girlfriend blogs: KATIE HACKER - a great friend and beader who inspires me creatively and challenges me to make time for beading!, LINDA PETERSON - another girlfriend who is creative and has a wonderful outlook on life that she journals on her blog, JILL MACKAY - a dear friend and advisor who also creates amazing jewelry designs and (recent podcast guest) MARGOT POTTER who has a sassy, creative style through her blog on beading and life in general.

Now it's YOUR turn! Take a look through the list of ULTIMATE BLOG PARTY girlfriend blogs and share your favorites! Thanks Girlfriends!

Additional Prize for March Girlfriendology Contest!

Recent Girlfriendology Podcast guest, RACHEL HAMMAN, believes moms deserve a night off. So much so that she wrote the book on it. And, she founded National Mom's Night Out which is coming up on March 20th!

Well, actually, Rachel wrote the book - with her girlfriends who told real stories about real moms who just need some time off for good behavior. Rachel and the moms wrote: Mom's Night Out - Even inmates get time off for good behavior. And, she sent Girlfriendology two copies for more prizes on our Girlfriendology Contest this month.

Enter the contest with your story of a creative gift you've given to or received from a girlfriend - and you'll be in the drawing to win! (Plus, you have a shot at the Starbucks giftcards and Girlfriendology Journal.)

So, tell us about your creative girlfriend (or yourself) and keep the National Mom's Night Out celebration going all year! Thanks Rachel!!!!

National Mom's Night Out - Get out of the house Girlfriends!

From International Women's Day to National Mom's Night Out - do you get the feeling we need some time to recognize, celebrate and appreciate women and moms?!

Our guest on our NEW podcast is RACHEL HAMMAN. Rachel founded "National Mom's Night Out" - which is coming up on March 20th. In addition, Rachel wrote Mom's Night Out - Even inmates get time off for good behavior! Rachel tells us more ...

About National Mom’s Night Out

Who could use a break? If you are a mom, you probably raised both hands at once. That’s why I’ve founded a new holiday for all of us overworked, underappreciated moms. “National Mom’s Night Out” is the third Thursday in March, and it’s a celebration which encourages moms to leave the little ones and hubby at home for one night. It’s a guilt-free excuse for moms to go have fun with friends and reconnect with who they are besides being a mom. Skeptics (read: “husbands”) might argue, “You already have a holiday… It’s called Mother’s Day.” I would answer them by respectfully pointing out that although we do celebrate being moms on Mother’s Day, we do so as a family. We go out to brunch with our kids or see a movie (probably a cartoon) with our children. This is all well and good, but nowhere on that day do we get to celebrate the other facets of our personality. National Mom’s Night Out lets a mom reclaim a bit of her pre-motherhood identity. It affords us the chance to take off our sweat pants and strap on some sexy heels and go have a good time. (Perhaps trade in our baby bottles for a wine bottle for at least one night.)

Although the third Thursday in March is the “official” date to treat ourselves to a night out without children, I am hoping that moms across the country will carve out time for themselves on a more regular basis. We need to land somewhere near the top of our own “to-do” lists to ensure that our spirits stay recharged. Making time for yourself may seem selfish, but taking care of number one makes it possible for you to take care of the rest of your family more effectively.

So, set the laundry aside and leave money out for your kids to order pizza and come join me for National Mom’s Night Out!

Thanks Rachel for founding National Mom's Night Out and for talking with Girlfriendology on our new Podcast!

*For details visit www.RachelHamman.com

Celebrate International Women's Day!

March 8th: Today is International Women's Day. It is celebrated as an official holiday in Armenia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. In these countries, men give flowers, cards and gifts to women - wives, daughters, coworkers, etc.

In the U.S. it appeared to be celebrated in random events in large cities. (Not nearly enough though! It should be a National Holiday!) Thankfully corporate sponsors have participated and supported this event.

As a woman, with a mission to encourage female friendship, it reminds me to reach out to other women. My belief is that if I have a girlfriend in South Africa, I will care more about South Africa. The same if I have a friend in another area of town, suddenly I listen more intently when the media reports a crime or accident in that neighborhood.

Did you celebrate International Women's Day? If so, how? If not, how can we raise awareness and support for this in the future? However you spent your day or your thoughts on this event, remember to be thankful for being a woman, for the women who came before us to bring freedom and rights and for the women we can help - even just by being their friend.

TIP TUESDAY #16 - Favorite Girlfriend Gifts

Do you have a girlfriend who always gives you your favorite gift each birthday? Or maybe a friend who thinks she gives you the best gift when it doesn't even resemble your sense of style?! Either way, you've no doubt experienced the ups and downs of being a good girlfriend gift giver and recipient.

So, this week's TIP TUESDAY question is:

What is your favorite gift to give a girlfriend? Or the favorite gift you've received from a female friend?

I've bragged about my friend Terri in the past. She knows the shops I love and buys me gifts that always are my favorite. And, she gives gifts with such genuine friendship and generosity that I always feel inept when giving her a gift! Through Terri, and other girlfriends who bless my life, I learn so much about giving, sharing, caring and paying attention to others' likes and dislikes. I always learn so much from my girlfriends.

Your turn! Tell us what gifts you've given or received that have been special. Inspire others with your creativity, your girlfriend's thoughtfulness or just the general closeness of dear friends. Give the gift of sharing with your girlfriends here at Girlfriendology!

New Girlfriendology Podcast with inspiring, creative MARGOT POTTER

Author, designer, creativity guru, blogger, actress, singer, TV personality and BQOTU (Bead Queen of the Universe), MARGOT POTTER, took time out of her wild schedule to share her wonderful energy, wit and wisdom with Girlfriendology in this week's podcast.

Listen in to find out how this busy, creative, inspiring woman believes girlfriends have to mentor each other, be thankful for the women who have gone before us and work together to make us all stronger. Discover the 'power of we' and 'super girlie good power' along with how to live life following your bliss.

Listen in as we talk with author of the highly successful Impatient Beader books, Margot Potter on how to live a life following your bliss and as your authentic self. You'll be glad you did!

March is National Craft Month so we're celebrating creative women! One way we're celebrating March is by daily postings on the GirlfriendologyToo blog (for the creative side of girlfriends). We're also talking with creative, inspiring women about their creativity, friendships and girlfriend advice.
Every week Girlfriendology talks with a girlfriend author or expert. Leave comments below for women we should interview on future podcasts. Thanks Margot! Thanks Girlfriends!

Great Girlfriend Info for all you Work at Home Moms (or wannabes!)

You know how one web site leads to another, which takes you to yet another and before long you're on a totally different subject matter than when you started?! I found myself on a site that was very well done, informative, and while I'm not a 'mom' (do pets count?), I found myself reading and being very impressed with the information and style presented. It was one of those - "I should share this with my girlfriends" kind of moments!

So, I contacted Lisa Mills, the founder of Work At Home Mom Revolution and she was gracious enough to share her story and her passion for helping women find fulfillment and income while meeting the needs of their family by being at home. So, from LISA:

I started my site, Work at Home Mom Revolution, a little over a year ago. I really feel that the Internet has opened up a whole new world of possibility to moms who want to work from home. There are so many opportunities available online to make money, whether it's starting your own business, working as an independent contractor, virtual assisting - you name it.

My main "girlfriend" support for the last few years has been the community at WAHM.com. I've learned so much from the other moms who frequent the discussion board there. Also, that's where I found my first and primary job as a transcriptionist. I believe networking is key to finding the right work at home job. It's also key to avoiding the multitude of work at home scams out there.

My site is set up to provide information not only to those moms looking for work from home, but also those already working there. I try to mix the posting of new job and business opportunities with helpful articles on productivity, personal finance, parenting, saving money. And frequently, there's a little bit of my own personal life in there. I often throw in something just because I find it interesting or funny.

I'm really excited about how far Work at Home Mom Revolution has progressed so far. I've met the traffic goals I set for myself when I started the site. But what's really exciting is that I've met so many nice people and made so many online friends through the site. Working from home can be lonely at times, so this has really been a blessing.

Check out Lisa's site and send it on to your girlfriends who will benefit from this information. Thanks Lisa!

TIP TUESDAY #15 - Winter care advice for Girlfriends

BRRR! It is cold here in the Midwest and Spring can't get here soon enough! Long nights, short days, low temperatures and potential for dangerous driving are great reasons to hibernate at home with a new puppy, some good books (Eat Pray Love and The Girl's Guide to Building a Million Dollar Business) and a DVR with American Idol, Survivor and, of course, Oprah.

With all this indoor time, it seems to be perfect for pampering ourselves - right?! And, believing that we get the best advice from our girlfriends, this week's TIP TUESDAY question is:

How do you pamper yourself in the Winter? Share your favorite skin care products or routines that make you feel good even when it is freezing outside!

Generally I like the start the discussion but there's a reason I ask - I don't have any good advice in this area and need yours! My skin is snake-like, my lips are pealing and my nails are cracking. Not a pretty picture I know, but a true one and one that needs your input! Please share your Winter beauty and skin care tips with your girlfriends!

New Girlfriendology Podcast - Girlfriend's Travel Expert BETH WHITMAN

I love to travel. I mean it. I really LOVE to travel. However, I admittedly am hesitant to travel on my own which stops me from experiencing places that I dream about visiting. And, I think we women often miss out on travel adventures for the same reason - until now!

Meet travel addict BETH WHITMAN. Beth has traveled for over 20 years to countless countries and cultures. She's taught classes on solo travel for women, has written a book - WANDERLUST AND LIPSTICK: The Essential Guide for Women Traveling Solo and has an active website and blog with a world of traveling tips.

Beth talked with Girlfriendology on our weekly podcast about her travel lifestyle, destinations and adventures and her advice for being a woman and traveling solo. Listen in for great travel tips and wonderful worldly wisdom. Thanks Beth for sharing and inspiring! Now let's get packing and go travel!

What is a girlfriend?

Just a normal week, actually, until Friday. On Friday two things happened. But I'll get to that in a minute.

On our little dead-end, tree-lined, built in the 1920's street, we have lots of friends. Anne, Ann and Ann live here. Four babies were brought home last year and Sunny and Dolly are currently pregnant. We have happy hours in the summer and book club throughout the year. Houses are bought and sold. Friendships are made and kept even after moving away. We 'do life' together and feel very blessed for our neighbors.

One of our neighbors, Eula, worked until she was about 82 (five years ago) and brought us cookies, came to our New Year's Day brunch and showed us pictures from when she was a missionary in Africa and went big game hunting to feed a village. Her daughter and son-in-law live on the other side of us so she walked by frequently and always made great conversation. Being such a part of our neighborhood, we were shocked and deeply saddened to find out on Friday that Eula had passed away Friday morning. Our neighborhood will miss this wonderful, kind, loving person.

Also on Friday, my girlfriend Angie, who has been on bed-rest for a couple months, called to tell me that she is being induced this weekend. Baby Madeline will join the world probably today and very hopefully as a small but healthy baby. (Welcome baby Madeline!)

This day of sadness and anticipation stirs the question: 'what is a girlfriend?' I wouldn't say Eula was a typical girlfriend - we never went out to dinner just the two of us or shared shopping tips, etc., but she was definitely a friend to so many of us and her spirit will be missed by knew her. Angie is a girlfriend (and she does have great retail and style advice!) and follow each others lives through jobs and other important life changes.

To me a girlfriend can be many things - from a nice, caring neighbor to a friend I call on a regular basis to laugh with and catch up. Girlfriends are more than just a friend who happens to be female ... a LOT more. Girlfriends have an interest in our lives and cheer us towards our dreams. They laugh, cry, brainstorm, plot, shop, eat with us - whatever our need is for them as a friend. And, girlfriends allow us to be ourselves and they love us for exactly who we are. Each of our girlfriends bless our lives with qualities and lessons that are important and memorable.

Think about YOUR girlfriends. Who is a casual friend who you cherish just knowing, living near or working with? What best friends of yours are always on call to be there for you - in good times and bad? Now think about ... what can you do to bless their day or show them how much they mean to you? AND now ... DO IT! Reach out. Call a friend. Bring her favorite Starbucks drink to a coworker/girlfriend. Send a card or write an email. Show your girlfriends not only how much their friendship means to them but also that you know what it means to be girlfriend. Thanks girlfriends!

TIP TUESDAY #14 - Girlfriend Podcasting Advice?

The recent PodCamp that I attended (a seminar for Podcasters and people in "new media"), found me in the company of a bunch of techies - but I was happy to see more women than in previous technology events. Having a little experience in the technology world (I was on the USB initial marketing team and marketed computer audio equipment), it was overwhelming but also extremely invigorating. Through podcasting (and blogs and audiocasting) there are so many more ways to communicate with others which is an exciting time to be Girlfriendology and building community with women all over the world promoting female friendship!

My girlfriend Dana is a big podcast fan. She listens to podcasts nightly to put her to sleep or in the middle of the night if she wakes up. Another girlfriend, Carrie is one of the Diva Cast - a popular podcast of five, fun, fourty-something female friends who I met up with at PodCamp. (I was very lucky to have her there as well as her fellow Diva Sharon and their techie guru Robin - anything is better with a girlfriend along!)

So, this week's TIP TUESDAY question:

Do you listen to podcasts? If so, how often? Why? Which ones? What podcasts would you recommend for your girlfriends?

Part of our goal at Girlfriendology is to, like a helpful girlfriend, share information with each other that makes our life better. Perhaps our podcast with ELLEN SHUMAN on emotional eating would help you or a friend. SHELLEY BALL-DANNENBERG recently did a podcast with us on dyslexia. BETH WHITMAN is about to do a podcast with us on traveling solo. All these are based on being a good girlfriend to you.

Let us know of any "girlfriend authors or experts" we should interview on our Girlfriendology Podcasts - email ideas@girlfriendology.com. And listen in to a few podcasts and let us know what you think. We're here for our girlfriends and we'd love to hear from you!

Happy Valentine's Day Girlfriends!

Wearing my only red sweater, I went to work today. I bought chocolates to leave at everyone's desk before they arrived and cookies for a treat later in the day. (The checkout cashier at the grocery this morning asked me who I was planning to "suck up to"!) Really, no one. I just love Valentine's Day.

February 14th is the perfect day to celebrate friendships. The hearts and flowers just remind me of caring for people, like we need/love to do when it comes to girlfriends (or why else would you be reading this?!). The cards and emails connect me with friends near and far who, like me, are just glad we're 'doing life' together and are friends in this big old world.

I'm thankful for this day to stop and think about LOVE and my friends who mean so much to me. To Bridget and Cath, who sent cards, you're so sweet! To Carole, Becky, Tina, Kate and Cyndee who emailed Valentine's wishes - it brightened my day. To all the women who inspire me and love me for who I am, I am forever thankful. Thanks for blessing me with your thoughtfulness and friendship!

Like what 'they' say about Christmas should be everyday, I'd put Valentine's Day right up there too. Thanks girlfriends for your love and friendship. Show your friends, tell your friends you love them. Happy Valentine's!

p.s. Listen in to Dr. Karen Gail Lewis in the latest podcast as she shares great advice and insight about Valentine's Day and female friendship!

TIP TUESDAY #13 - Ways to make your Girlfriends' Valentine's Day Special

I had the priviledge of interviewing author, relationship psychologist and women's retreat leader Dr. Karen Gail Lewis for our latest podcast. Dr. Lewis (aka: Karen) offered great insight on the value of female friendships and how this romantic holiday really is all about showing those special to us that we LOVE them.

This Thursday is Valentine's Day. Romance may come and go, but girlfriends stick with you. Don't they deserve a Valentine's card, a thoughtful or fun email, or just a call to tell them how much you love being friends with them? Inspire others by answering this week's TIP TUESDAY question:

How do you show your girlfriends that their friendship means the world to you? How do you make them feel loved and appreciated?

Remember the Valentine's Day cards we shared as kids? Actually, it was probably more about quantity of cards than quality of emotion back then. Show whatever quantity of girlfriends you really appreciate exactly how much you value the quality of their friendship this Valentine's Day. Then, inspire others when you please share with us ... what can you do to show your Girlfriend appreciation and love this Valentine's Day?

p.s. And, check out our Girlfriendology Contest this month which is on the same "LOVE your female friends" theme. Win prizes and share inspiration, just by being a girlfriend! Happy Valentine's Day Girlfriends!

Adventures and Travels in Finding New Female Friends

My girlfriend Dana connected with several women on a diet website. Soon they were talking, emailing and sharing their struggles and successes together. After several months of their online friendship, they decided to 'take it offline' and meet for a weekend in Chicago. Dana arrived first and nervously knitted away time before her new 'friends' arrived. Would she enjoy them in person? Would they get along for the weekend or was this a weird idea to meet for a girlfriend group get-together with women she just knew online?

An older woman in the lobby made conversation with her and Dana explained that she was there waiting on a several friends that she had made over the internet. She admitted she was somewhat hesitant if this get-together was a good idea or not. Sensing her nervousness and unsure of the situation, the woman asked Dana, "They're women, aren't they?"

I met up with an internet 'girlfriend' this weekend. Carrie contacted me a few months ago because we both have podcasts for women. We shared our challenges and experiences and enjoyed getting to know each other. Carrie is one of "The Diva Cast" a popular podcast of five forty-something fun, fabulous friends. I met her and one of the other Divas (the fun and funny Sharon). They are so great and I'm thrilled to know them. (Plus, Robin was also very fun to meet you!) And, I love when successful women are so fun and nice! They generously shared their ideas with me and encouraged me to continue to grow Girlfriendology.

What's the lesson? The moral of the stories? The inspiration? Go for it. Make a new friend. It might be on the internet or over the phone, it could be a new neighbor or a coworker, perhaps it is just a woman you ended up talking with at the grocery store or in a yoga class. We women NEED girlfriends and you never know where you'll find them - but you know you're life will be much better with girlfriends!

p.s. And, Dana and her diet diva girlfriends had a blast in Chicago. (The diets, however, did not have a good weekend!)