DREAM ... and encourage your girlfriends to dream too

The wisdom found on bumper stickers! Seen on my dog walk this morning (a wonderful John Lennon quote), it was perfectly timed for my day. I'm working on the Girlfriendology newsletter and lining up 'expert girlfriends' for the website, as well as finding amazing women to interview in the Girlfriendology podcasts. I may be a Dreamer, but I'm so glad I'm not the only one. Dream today. And encourage your girlfriends to dream as well. Together we'll love the journey toward our dreams as friends cheering each other on! Happy Friday Girlfriend!



p.s. NEW Girlfriendology Podcast posted last night. Interview with JILL MACKAY (and me!) www.girlfriendology.com

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Lessons from a Girlfriend - Podcast interview with JILL MACKAY (and me!)

Often you can spot them across the room. Unaware of anyone nearby. They chatter, laugh and sometimes even cry. Their eye contact and body language convey that they are completely comfortable and are being their authentic self. They're not trying to impress anyone or really concerned with what others around them think. They're spending time together, making memories, making plans, solving problems, sharing life. They are girlfriends.

My girlfriend JILL MACKAY (fab jewelry designer, author and creative entrepreneur) decided that it was time YOU found out who I am. She decided that someone should interview me for a Girlfriendology podcast so that blog readers (or "bleaders"!) could find out why I started Girlfriendology and why I think promoting female friendship warrants leaving my job and dedicating my life! (I know she isn't the only one who wonders what is up with me and my dream of building an online women's community based on friendship!)

And, yes, I did get the turn the tables on her too. Hopefully you'll hear something that will inspire you to spend time with your girlfriends, and after hearing Jill and me, something that will amuse you and make you laugh. So here's my Lessons from a Girlfriend:

* FOLLOW YOUR PASSION - To be honest, almost every one of our Girlfriendology podcast guests is an amazing example of following your passion. From authors to podcasters, entrepreneurs to artists, each inspiring woman we've talked with had a new perspective on following their passion. Jill and I definitely follow suit. I'm passionate about making Girlfriendology an online community for women based on inspiration, appreciation and celebration of girlfriends. Jill is committed to creating amazing (and I do mean AMAZING!) jewelry designs. She fabulously talented!

* LAUGH AND CRY TOGETHER - Last year walking back from a tradeshow together, we laughed so hard that we could barely keep from peeing! (Sorry, but it was totally true!) Within the short course of a day, we were crying together over very emotional times in our lives. Both of these are wonderful things. If I have to cry, I can't think of anyone better than a dear girlfriend to be there with me (and possibly join me). And, laughing is just the best with a girlfriend - no fake laughter, just complete joy and giggles. Happy or sad, just serve mine up with a girlfriend by my side!

* BE HONEST, BE REAL, BE YOU - I asked Jill to critique something for me recently. I wanted, and most of all NEEDED, the truth. I knew I could get that from her. I also knew she would deliver the message in a kind, caring manner so my feelings wouldn't be hurt and my insecurities could handle it - but most of all, I needed her to be REAL. We all need friends like that - those we can count on to tell us if there is spinach in our teeth or gunk on our nose, to make sure we never go out in public with our size tag proudly displayed behind us or with navy tights and a black skirt on. (I needed Jill in my office the day I did that!) Be the friend that you want, need, admire. Be real. Be you. Be a girlfriend.

And, if you're going to the BEAD & BUTTON show in Milwaukee soon, stop by booth #1010. We'll post some audio messages and get some input from women at the show on their girlfriends and fun times together. Jill will be there and I'll join her on Saturday and Sunday. I guarantee you'll laugh and see some spectacular jewelry that Jill has designed. She is a 'superstar' to me. I don't care what she says! (-; Thanks Jill! You ARE my superstar friend!

So, if you see those women across the room who are ignoring everyone and just enjoying each other's company and conversation, don't be jealous. Smile for them. Then grab a girlfriend and have your own discussion. Girlfriends - life's better together!

Girlfriends helping Girlfriends (and kids) - BEFORE JUNE 1!

I just had the opportunity to interview award-winning, best-selling author BRENDA NOVAK for an upcoming Girlfriendology podcast (to hear our interview, check back next Thursday evening). Brenda's newest book, "Trust Me," is a wonderful romantic thriller about a group of women who work together to resolve injustice and solve crimes. Brenda not only has a passion for writing, she also has a deep desire to make a difference.

QUICK! Until midnight on May 31 (just one or two more days!), you can participate in Brenda's online auction for Juvenile Diabetes. All proceeds go toward research for Juvenile Diabetes and the prizes warrant your attention! Visit the online auction for opportunities to bid on one of a kind experiences (trips, meals with celebrities - like lunch with Debbie Macomber, featured in a recent Girlfriendology podcast) and wonderful items (like trips, jewelry, purses) to amazing opportunities like book critiques by famous editors/authors - literally, there are hundreds of fabulous prizes!

DON'T DELAY! Act now for these fabulous prizes that go to a great cause!

And, while you're in the 'spending for a great cause' mood, visit Beaded Hope. Jennifer Davis of Beaded Hope did a video interview with us recently and gave a 15% discount for any purchase from BeadedHope.com until June 1! Just enter "GOGIRL" in the promotional code and you'll receive 15% off - and you'll employ women in South Africa as well as help with food and medical supplies - and you get some great beaded jewelry/accessories. (Talk about a win-win-win situation!)

You know how it is. You find out a girlfriend has a passion for a great cause and you just have to be there for her to help her out. Here is our opportunity to help out wonderful organizations and to do so in honor of these inspiring women (Brenda and Jennifer, in this case) who believe in making a difference in the world! Thanks Girlfriends!

TIP TUESDAY #25 - Gardening Girlfriends - we need advice!

Summer arrived right on time. Memorial Day snuck in a little early this year but Spring got the memo and left just in time for white shoes and colorful gardens (but not together!).

With the new season comes the obvious need for gardens filled with vibrant flowers and appropriately placed greenery. To someone like me, this is all overwhelming. I unfortunately can only identify a couple plants - hostas, iris (who are beautiful but have taken over my mini garden between the neighbor's driveway and mind) and ivy. That leaves a couple hundred million plants that I could have purchased last summer and this year pull it from the ground thinking it is a week. Aargh! I need help! (And, having seen a few other gardens with a fine batch of 'stuff' growing in it, I don't think I'm alone.)

So, this week's TIP TUESDAY question is for all you gardening girlfriends:

What gardening tips do you have? How can we have a nice yard and garden without too much time and frustration?

Last year I bought a few perennials and the women in front of me complimented my flowers. I admitted that they would probably last a season and that I would pull them the following year, thinking they were a weed. They told me their trick was to put a rock by each perennial. It would stay there over the winter and be a great reminder of the plant that should be there.

So, PLEASE what are your tips? Do you pull weeds then treat the ground before adding mulch? DO you have any secrets for a window box that blooms all summer? Help beautify our neighborhoods by sharing your gardening secrets with your girlfriends. (And, we know we can trust our girlfriends!)

Lessons from a Girlfriend - Podcast with DEBBIE MACOMBER, women's fiction author

DEBBIE MACOMBER is a mega-author. She has over 100 million books in print. Her new book, Twenty Wishes, is a wonderful, inspiring story of women who each make a list of their wishes and then together find the way to their dreams.

As welcoming and friendly as her books, Debbie spoke with Girlfriendology on our latest podcast. There is so much to learn from someone this gifted at understanding women, friendships, passionate hobbies and life. So, here are just a few of the lessons I learned in interviewing Debbie:

* LIVE YOUR LIFE WITH PASSION - Debbie is passionate about her knitting, writing, children and grandchildren (not necessarily in that order!). She loves to travel and spend time with her family and friends. She gets up at 4am each morning to start her day preparing and reading, then writing. (You have to be passionate about something to get up at that time each morning!) You can tell by talking with her that she loves life and loves sharing the lives of her characters with her millions of fans.

* LOVE YOUR FANS - Debbie is currently on tour to 20 cities (for the 20 wishes!). Her fans come out in swarms, in any weather and with a desire just to see her, talk with her, share their knitting or tell her about their girlfriends. She even shared how the initial idea for this book came from one of her fans. She obviously loves these women and finds such joy in getting to know them, hearing about their lives and sharing her hobbies and writings with them.

* MAKE TIME FOR YOUR GIRLFRIENDS - As she shared in the interview, Debbie has a group of girlfriends that she meets with weekly for breakfast. They help each other through life, share their joys and frustrations, and, after talking with Debbie, they must laugh a lot! Even with her busy schedule, she keeps them as a priority in her life. She's a good girlfriend!

* TAKE TIME FOR YOUR HOBBIES - It doesn't have to be knitting, but just find an activity that you love and allow yourself time to spend doing it. And, when you can, combine your hobbies! Debbie obviously loves to write and knit. So it was natural for her to combine them with a companion book to Twenty Wishes with knitting patterns from the book's characters. She even has designed a line of products for knitters (but versatile enough to be used for lots of other hobbies and 'stuff!).

So, what are your wishes? Dreams? Goals? Do you have them written down or perhaps represented on a vision board? Do your girlfriends know what your dreams are and do they cheer you on in reaching them?

Read Twenty Wishes then write out your own wishes. Share them with your friends. They'll help you achieve them! Visit Set Your Wish Free for information on a special contest to reward someone with $10,000 to set their wish free!

Thanks Debbie for making time for Girlfriendology in the midst of your national book tour! It was an honor to speak with you and to be able to share Twenty Wishes with your fans through the podcast and through our Girlfriendology Contest prizes. Thanks for your inspiration and for introducing us to so many girlfriends in your novels.

P.S. And send in your story for our monthly Girlfriendology Contest! You could win a copy of Debbie's fabulous new novel, Twenty Wishes - just send in a girlfriend story and you could get back a great girlfriend novel!

Girlfriendology video interview with PAULA YOO, author of "Good Enough"

At first I thought, a 'young adult' novel. I don't need to read that. Then I opened it up and became enthralled with Patti Yoon, the high schooler, daughter of immigrants and overachiever who longs to fit in and strives to stand out.

The first novel by PAULA YOO, "Good Enough" is a charmer. From her first big crush to the funny antics of her church group, she becomes a fun character to watch over as she survives high school and the pressure to attend an ivy league school.

Paula's pretty much a charmer too. She has a great smile and plays amazing violin. She is friendly and easy going. You can tell in the video interview, that she enjoyed writing about Patti and that you'll equally enjoy reading "Good Enough." Watch the Girlfriendology interview with Paula:



THANKS Paula - for your time, for playing the violin over and over again in the Joseph-Beth store (Thanks to them too!). Thanks to Greg & Greg of www.callgregcreative.com. And, THANKS to you for reading Girlfriendology!

Lessons from a Girlfriend - Podcast with CAROL DUVALL, the 'queen of crafts'!

Just her voice and laughter makes me miss her. And, from reading several of the message boards on HGTV, DIY and several blogs, a lot of you miss her too.

If you're at all crafty or have kids who enjoy making things, you've heard her voice and laughter. And, you've no doubt been inspired by this amazing woman. CAROL DUVALL has been on television for 57 years (and her re-runs will hopefully continue for many years!). In our recent podcast interview Carol shared how she got started and how her career proceeded to find her as THE craft show on television, "The Carol Duvall Show."

I had the honor of being on her show a dozen times (and taping with her on the Shop At Home network) so I am especially fond of her voice and laughter - it not only reminds me of her show but also of some of the best memories of my life, taping this show with wonderful, welcoming crew and guests.

With 57 years of experiences, you would expect to learn a few things from this smart, fun, kind and creative woman. Here's a few LESSONS FROM A GIRLFRIEND, from our conversation with Carol Duvall:

* BE NICE - Carol is genuinely a nice person. She always made her guests feel welcomed and comfortable even when we were newbies and might mess up and have to retape. In the podcast, she shared how her father told her to always be nice to everyone you work with - and she did. Listen to her tell how she got her first network gig, on "The Home Show."

* SURROUND YOURSELF WITH GIRLFRIENDS - Kelly, Cherryl, Cam, Linda ... and so many other great women were on Carol's production crew. Each of them worked hard and were dedicated to their girlfriend, Carol. I love how Carol enjoyed these women as much as they loved working with her. She still gets together with her friends from the show like Donna Kato, Mary O'Neil and Karen Thomas. She also wrote her latest book, Paper Crafting with Carol Duvall, with her former producer and dear friend, Cherryl Greene. She gets the need for and blessing of girlfriends!

* HAVE FUN ALONG THE WAY - As Carol shares in the podcast, she would tape multiple shows in one day. This involved a lot of preparation and planning by her staff. At the end of often very long days, there often was time for fun. And who better to have fun with than girlfriends?! Carol and her crew and guests would sometimes go to dinner after a full day of taping. I was with her and several from the crew one night in Nashville when we were taping at Shop At Home. You know the beautiful women who host shopping network shows? They were with us (including Kim from Oprah's recent "Big Give" show!) - all of them could be covergirl models. But it wasn't the beautiful blonds that drew the attention of one man at the bar. He sent a drink over to Carol. He didn't know her from TV at all. He just thought she was beautiful and special. And she will forever be.

Carol, thank you so much for taking time to talk with me on the Girlfriendology podcast but most of all, my personal and heart-felt thanks for the treasured memories I have of being on your show and working with you and your great crew. Thanks for the creative inspiration that you've been for millions of us who find so much happiness, stress release and fulfillment from our crafty creations that we learned from you and your show. Thanks for your book, for your perseverance in the wild world of television and, most of all, thank you for your laughter. What a wonderful legacy you've lived - 57 years on television, countless craft segments and projects, and a world of creative inspiration. We're all so blessed to have you as our creative girlfriend!

COMMENTS FROM A FAN:

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Girlfriend SANDRA YANCEY shares inpiration at eWomen Network lunch

Even in a blurry photo, SANDRA YANCEY looks pretty! And she is (just not so fuzzy!) in real life but that beauty mainly comes from the inside. She created the eWomen Network - "This is the #1 resource for connecting and promoting women and their businesses on both a local and global scale." Sandra has grown this organization from a dream to an international, multi-million dollar company. As she says, she believes a smile is the key to so many connections. Check out the eWomen Network for their upcoming conference (the largest gathering of businesswomen in North America!).

Sandra gave a speech on 'the power of girlfriends' and shared inspiring stories of how she "jumped then grew wings." Thanks Sandra! Inspiration. That's what girlfriends give!



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Interview with CAROL DUVALL, our creative girlfriend and 'queen of crafts'!

Hey Girlfriends - I just posted the CAROL DUVALL podcast and wanted to let you know. I'll add more updates and 'Lessons from a Girlfriend' later today. (Including stories of fun times with Carol from taping the show with her!)

If you don't know Carol, you should listen in and get to know her. She's a living legend having been on television for 57 years! (That has to be a record!!) And she has a new book, Paper Crafting with Carol Duvall.

Listen in for this fun visit with a dear creative girlfriend who has inspired so many of us. And thanks Mari and Rebecca for your call-in questions!!!

TIP TUESDAY #24: Hey girlfriends - what's your favorite hobby/passion?

I've heard that if you look back to your childhood, before boys had an impact or peer pressure was in it's teen madness, you'll find the things that you genuinely love to do. Maybe it was acting, drawing, talking, cooking or even dressing up. When we were eight to ten years old, we did whatever we loved - and why not?!

My mother is an artist so it is no surprise that I grew up doing crafts, drawing people in church, making sand art (a long-lost talent!) or other creative exercises. I designed the cover of my Jr. High school year book and won an award for a paper mache dragon that I made with a girlfriend. Is it any wonder that several decades later, I ended up in the craft/hobby industry?!

Last week I interviewed CAROL DUVALL for the Girlfriendology podcast. On TV for 56 years, this 'Queen of Crafts' is an amazing woman. She is a living legacy of TV history as well as the inspiration and teacher to millions of us as we learned new crafts and laughed along with her and her guests. I had the honor of being on her show a dozen times so I really enjoyed just catching up with her and having a conversation about our girlfriends on the show. And, Carol just wrote a book with the help of one of the girlfriends from her show, Cherryl Greene - Paper Crafting with Carol Duvall.

Recently I was asked what my favorite craft/hobby is so I thought I put it to you. This week's TIP TUESDAY question is:

What is your favorite hobby? AND who inspires you?

Carol Duvall inspires me. (And she will you, when you hear her podcast that will be posted on Wednesday evening.) My creative girlfriends Katie Hacker, Jill MacKay, Vicki Schreiner and Linda Peterson inspire me, along with dozen of other wonderful, super-creative women I've met in the craft industry.

How about you? Think back to your childhood and what hobbies you could spend hours doing. Remember the pure joy of playing music, baking, playing with clay - whatever made you happy! What hobby do you love with a passion and who inspired you? Share with us. You might just inspire someone else to find a new hobby/passion in their life!

p.s. And Carol's book as well as several others are in the monthly contest so send in your girlfriend story!

New GIRLFRIENDOLOGY site - Experts Wanted!

Hi Girlfriends! Just wanted to share that thanks to YOU and your support and enthusiasm for 'girlfriendship,' GIRLFRIENDOLOGY IS GROWING! We've already expanded the podcasts to two/week* and we've added videos, as well as bunches of prizes in our May Girlfriendology Contest! We're busy updating the website and plan to launch it this summer.

Now, we're adding more of YOU! We're looking for 'experts' to be the girlfriends we want to talk with when we have a question or just need some advice. You'd be part of our network which would mean that we would publish your stories, advice, articles on your area of expertise as well as interviews on our podcasts, etc.

Specifically, we need the following experts: a Mom (or a couple, depending on age of your children, specialties and other factors), Crafts, Fashion, Food, Travel, Books, Small/Home Business and other general women's topics.

You must be friendly, fun, helpful, a good writer, an expert in your field and willing to provide blog articles and assist with podcasts on a regular basis. In exchange, Girlfriendology will promote you and your site/blog on Girlfriendology.com, podcasts and upcoming events and opportunities.

If you or a friend are qualified and interested, please contact debba @ girlfriendology (dot) com. (I guess that helps the spammers not find me!) Thanks girlfriends!

* And with two podcasts/week, we need more 'girlfriend authors and experts' to interview. Please send us your ideas! And listen in for our recent KATE JACOBS interview and coming conversations with CAROL DUVALL and DEBBIE MACOMBER!

Lessons from a Girlfriend - Podcast with best-selling author KATE JACOBS

I'm not a perfect girlfriend, by far. I don't know it all and I don't pretend to. I just know that I honestly believe life is much better with female friendship (and there are books, like The Tending Instinct, to confirm that with research findings).

So in my daily pursuit of Girlfriendology as a growing online community of women, it is always a wonderful find when a woman (without prompting or payment from me!) shows me a new perspective of passion toward 'girlfriendship.' I recently had that wonderful experience during one of our Girlfriendology Podcast interviews. She didn't write a girlfriend book and I don't believe she officially does public speaking on female friendship, but she could!

After growing up in Canada, KATE JACOBS moved to NYC, leaving her friends and family behind. She soon developed a 'family of friends' in her new city. In our podcast interview she talks about the women whom she met and the friendships they forged. She shares about her childhood friends and how she remains close with so many of them. She 'gets' friendship.

And, she also writes about friendship. Her debut novel, The Friday Night Knitting Club, was a New York Times best-selling book and celebrated friendship among knitters (and non-knitters). Her new book, Comfort Food, is about "the elegant host of a television cooking show, Augusta “Gus” Simpson, who is fending off an ambitious co-host while also dealing with personal issues with her two twenty-something daughters, Aimee and Sabrina. It’s a book about family, about friendships, about our frustrations in life and in work, and about the power of food to bring people together." (quote from Kate's blog)

So, there is much to learn from this young, friendly, warm, kind girlfriend, like these lessons I learned:

* NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE NEED FOR GIRLFRIENDS: Kate inspired me with her dedication to her friends. Even though she was on a national book tour, she had spoken with one of her childhood friends right before our podcast interview. She gets together with her NYC girlfriends. Even as a busy, successful author, she makes her friends a priority. (Kinda takes away the "I'm too busy" excuse, doesn't it? A phone call or email doesn't really take that long, does it?!)

* LEARN FROM OTHER WOMEN: Kate was an editor for several magazines (Redbook, Working Woman). Friendships grew with other women editors. They bonded together and helped each other out. No competition here, they learned from and leaned on each other. And, she continues to get together with them, even when she lives across the country.

* NOTICE WHAT WOMEN LIKE: No, this isn't advice for men, this is for us girls. Kate's books resonate with women because she understands female friendship and how women like to communicate, what we like to read, the hobbies that we love, etc. I'm sure she picked up more than just yarn/stitch advice when knitting with a group of women. Listen to not only what your friends say, but also what they mean and what they need from your friendship. Be the kind of friend that you'd like others to be to you.

Especially when it comes to the importance of 'girlfriendship,' Kate is wise beyond her years. We're fortunate to have her as a girlfriend author. Again, I'm not a perfect girlfriend, but hearing what Kate has to say about the importance of her friends, inspires me. She makes me want to be a better girlfriend!

** You can win a copy of Kate's new book, Comfort Food, in the Girlfriendology Contest. Just send in a girlfriend story and you're in the drawing for this great book. (Which would make a perfect prize - you can read, then pass along to a girlfriend!) Visit Girlfriendology for contest info. Thanks Girlfriends! And a BIG Thank You to Kate!

Girlfriend questions or comments for NYT #1 author DEBBIE MACOMBER?

I'm humbled by the experience to talk with such fabulous, inspiring, busy and creative women on the Girlfriendology Podcast. I'm interviewing CAROL DUVALL in 20 minutes (and thanks to Mari and Rebecca for your PERFECT questions/comments - listen in to hear!). I just interviewed KATE JACOBS (author of "Friday Night Knitting Club" and new book "Comfort Food") - she is great! And, this Friday I'm talking with NYT #1 Best-selling author DEBBIE MACOMBER. (Yes, totally humbled!)

DEBBIE is the author of BACK ON BLOSSOM STREET, SUSANNAH’S GARDEN, A GOOD YARN, THE SHOP ON BLOSSOM STREET, BETWEEN FRIENDS and the Cedar Cove series. She is one of today’s leading voices in women’s fiction. A regular on every major bestseller list with more than 100 million copies of her books in print, the award-winning author celebrated a new career milestone in September 2007, when the latest in her Cedar Cove series, 74 SEASIDE AVENUE, scored #1 on the NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, Publishers Weekly and Bookscan bestseller lists. Her popularity is worldwide with her books translated into 23 languages! She is current on a national book tour for her new book TWENTY WISHES. (Which you can WIN in our June Girlfriendology Contest!)

WOW! I KNOW Debbie has millions of fans so I'd love to share your comments/questions with her when we talk on the Girlfriendology podcast interview on Friday. Please call 206-202-9005 with your question or comment for Debbie (before 8am EST on Friday, May 16). And come back in the coming week to hear our interview with this amazing, inspiring woman! Thanks Girlfriends!

TIP TUESDAY #23: What safety/health tip do you have for your girlfriends?

This weekend I listened to a podcast by my girlfriends over at TheDivaCast (podcast of five fabulous, fun, forty-something girlfriends) and they shared a great TIP:

Take your car keys to bed with you! If anything happens, just click on the panic button and your car alarm will go off. So, if you hear someone break-in or something happened like a fire or medical emergency, you can alert your neighbors that you need help. (They'd at least call the police if it didn't stop immediately!) Isn't that a great tip? It is also applicable for our parents who may be on their own but may fall (and, you know, couldn't get up!).

Just another example of how much we learn from our girlfriends! So, this week's TIP TUESDAY question is:

What's your favorite safety and/or health TIP?

Maybe it is something as simple as chewable vitamins and calcium/fiber supplements that don't upset your stomach (like I shared with my girlfriend Deana recently - they really do work!). Help make a girlfriend's quality of life better just by sharing a simple little tip! Thanks girlfriends!

(And remember that we have lots of PRIZES to give away in the Girlfriendology Monthly Contest! Send in a girlfriend story and you very well may win one of our great prizes!)

Girlfriend Interview with PAULA YOO, author of "Good Enough"

Maybe it is my denial of my real age, but I fell in love with the new teen novel, GOOD ENOUGH, by Paula Yoo. Her main character, Patti, is an overachiever who longs to fit in and strives to stand out. Funny, touching, sweet and silly, we can all relate to Patti and her life (even if high school was a few decades ago!).

I had the honor of interviewing Paula last night at Joseph-Beth Booksellers on her national book tour. The video will be up in the coming week (a little grace time for my editors!), so come back and view the energy, music and humor of this fun author! Thanks Paula! (And check out GOOD ENOUGH!)

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Lessons from a Girlfriend - Podcast interview with NOVEL DESTINATIONS authors, Shannon McKenna Schmidt and Joni Rendon

In any group of girlfriends, you're sure to find bibliophiles and travel lovers. Just by our inquisitive nature, we women long to read books that transport us to another place and time. And, given the opportunity, most of us would drop everything to travel - especially with our girlfriends!

Our podcast guests understand this desire to explore - whether it's between book covers or on a foreign adventure. JONI RENDON and SHANNON MCKENNA SCHMIDT met briefly before Joni moved from Shannon's neighborhood in New Jersey to London, England. Their transatlantic friendship grew as did their common passion for books and travel. Together they wrote NOVEL DESTINATIONS: Literary Landmarks From Jane Austen's Bath to Ernest Hemingway's Key West - a guide to over 500 literary locales (with wonderful stories on each!).

Joni and Shannon are extraordinary writers and girlfriends. Here's the lessons I learned: (listen in to see what lessons you learn from them!)


* BE A GOOD GIRLFRIEND: You know how you can 'read' girlfriends when you meet them together? Some dominate the conversation or share jokes, many have similar energy levels and common hobbies. Shannon and Joni were great to talk with! They allow the other to finish her thoughts and sentences, and you can tell that they respect each other's opinions and insights. And, to take on such a monumental task (over 500 literary landmarks!) and still want to collaborate on future projects makes them a wonderful example of 'girlfriendship.' (You can follow their continued travels on their blog too!)

* FRIENDSHIP KNOWS NO DISTANCE: Joni moved to London. Shannon stayed in NJ. Did being across the pond put an end to the friendship? Did five hours of time change deter them from working together? NO! Friends are worth the effort, right? Plus, with the internet, Skype, international news, etc. we can still share our experiences with our girlfriends no matter where we/they are!

* TAKE THE ADVENTURE: Life is short. Adventures happen when you venture out of your home, neighborhood, state or country. Read NOVEL DESTINATIONS and you'll no doubt find literary locations that enchant you. Grab a girlfriend and go on an adventure!

* ALLOW YOURSELF TO DREAM: Even if you can't go to all the destinations you'd love to visit, you can still experience the adventure through Joni and Shannon's wonderful guide. Time, money or logistics may be an issue but don't let it stop you. Explore local museums, artist homes, historic locations. Share it with a girlfriend, either in person or through phone calls and emails. An adventure is still 'an adventure' no matter how far you travel!

We're so lucky to have copies of NOVEL DESTINATIONS to give out in this month's Girlfriendology Contest. Just send us a girlfriend story and you'll be in the drawing for this month's prizes.

Thanks Shannon and Joni for talking with us and for bringing us along to 500+ wonderful, memorable literary locations!

Are you or a girlfriend a CAROL DUVALL fan?

Carol Duvall is the official "Queen of Crafts." Her show, the aptly named "Carol Duvall Show" aired on HGTV and DIY for years - and has continued in re-runs for even more years. (We just can't get enough of Carol!) I had the thrill of taping with Carol a dozen or so times - she's a wonderful and inspiring girlfriend!

On Wednesday I once again am thrilled to work with Carol! She graciously has agreed to talk with Girlfriendology on our (new semi-weekly!) podcast. AND I NEED YOUR HELP!

Do you (or a girlfriend or daughter) have a question for Carol? Please call 206-202-9005 (by Tuesday 8pm EST 5/13) and leave a comment or question for Carol. I'll play it for Carol when we tape the podcast on Wednesday.

One of the greatest benefits of girlfriends is what we learn from each other. What would you like to learn from Carol? Thanks Girlfriends! (Remember - call 206-202-9005 for questions for Carol or comments/girlfriend stories for future podcasts! Thanks!!)

P.S. And Carol's new book, Paper Crafting with Carol Duvall, will be one of our prizes next month in the Girlfriendology monthly contest. (We have too many books to give away this month so send us a girlfriend story in May and June and possibly win two prizes!)

Live Your Adventure with video guest and girlfriend CARLA NEGGERS

Suspense, a little bit of romance and a strong female character reside within the pages of CARLA NEGGERS new novel, THE ANGEL. We had the honor of interviewing Carla on the release date of her new novel. And it was an honor. Carla is a NYT best-selling author and she believes in adventures - for her book characters and for her fans. (And she was very nice to work with - Thanks Carla!)

Check out Carla's website for her "Live Your Adventure" contest where you can win a prize to pursue your adventure! And read THE ANGEL.



Just a teaser ... Suspenseful and evocative, The Angel is a riveting novel of dangerous myths, haunting secrets and the shattering truth concealed within them. It is Carla Neggers at her best!

And win a copy of "THE ANGEL" on Girlfriendology by just sharing a girlfriend story! Visit Girlfriendology for our May contest rules. And visit Carla's site for her "Live Your Adventure" contest. Okay girlfriends - go live your adventure! (Right after you watch this video!)

Inspirational Girlfriend - JENNIFER DAVIS, Director of Beaded Hope

"You don't have to be Bono or Oprah to make a big change in the world." Jennifer Davis

Jennifer Davis is a mom, wife, beader and girlfriend. She also (INHO!) is an "Oprah" or "Bono."

A few years ago she decided she need to do more, she wanted to make the world a better place for her children and others. She started BEADED HOPE as a non-profit organization to employ women in AIDS-rampaged South Africa to create beautiful beaded jewelry, accessories, ornaments and home decor. Through trips and calls to South Africa and in working together she developed friendships with the women who had no other opportunities to earn money to feed their families. And, she has built the business of Beaded Hope to return the profits to support medical supplies in South African.

I had the privilege of interviewing Jennifer recently and discussing Beaded Hope with her at Red Tree Gallery (in Cincinnati). Watch the video to see the beautiful person who is making a difference in this world as well as the beautiful beaded items created by Beaded Hope 'girlfriends' in South Africa.

And, as a bonus for Girlfriendology, Jennifer is offering at 15% discount on Beaded Hope items until June 1. Just enter the promotional code: "GOGIRL" Thanks Jennifer! (Oprah would be proud of you!)



Thanks also to Red Tree Coffee Shop and Art Gallery, as well as the Gregs of CallGregCreative!

Win a Girlfriend Birthday Gift in May Girlfriendology Contest!

This month is a BIG month here at Girlfriendology! We have more PRIZES than ever before to give out! Enter our May Girlfriendology Contest and just by telling a girlfriend story (about a Birthday - could be an event or gift you received/gave) you can win one of these great books:

REAL YOU INCORPORATED: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs by Kaira Sturdivant Rouda. Kaira spoke with us on a recent podcast about how YOU are the secret to a successful career and life.

THE ANGEL by Carla Neggers - a romantic suspense novel. We had the opportunity to interview Carla for our latest Girlfriendology video!

NOVEL DESTINATIONS: Literary Landmarks From Jane Austen's Bath to Ernest Hemingway's Key West by Joni Rendon and Shannon McKenna Schmidt who were our first two girlfriends AND guests from the U.S. and 'across the pond' to join us for a podcast interview this past week.

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AND ... watch next month for free copies of:

COMFORT FOOD by Kate Jacobs (author of The Friday Night Knitting Club) - what a nice, sweet, caring girlfriend Kate is! She talked with us for an upcoming podcast about how much her girlfriends mean to her and how her girlfriends have supported and inspired her. (Plus "Comfort Food" bags!)

PAPER CRAFTING WITH CAROL DUVALL - We'll interview Carol for our podcast and hear the wit and wisdom from 'the queen of crafting!'

So, leave a comment with a girlfriend story (preferably this month on a 'birthday' theme), email us at ideas@girlfriendology.com or leave us a message at 206-202-9005 (make sure to leave your email address in your message). Thanks Girlfriends! We'd love to send you one of these PRIZES!