~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Boomer
Women's World Newsletter September
2006
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Dear
Dotsie,
NABBW
has members from 40 states - plus Canada, New Zealand, and England!
Humility is rare because to have it you
have to want nothing, yet when you have it you get everything. --- Brahma
Kumaris
There's a saying that the only thing that's constant is change. Boy am
I ever living that saying to the hilt. With a growing association and
Web sites, three kids in college, the empty nest, and caring for an elderly
family member, I'm experiencing change daily. May I also mention I am
the peanut butter and jelly smashed to smithereens in this sandwich generation?
How about you? What's happening in your life? Please tell me I'm not the
only one going through changes. Oh, did I mention perimenopausal changes,
and my recent torn meniscus and ACL? Rock on boomer women!
By the grace of God, I have this very tuned-in group of associates who
write for me. It should be no surprise that every one of the articles
written for this issue left me laughing, crying, or wondering if these
women were living in my home, watching my every move. I could relate to
every single last one of these articles. I hope you don't mind but I am
going to list them and tell you why. Perhaps it will help us connect on
another level. Hang in here. It's quite a list. Be sure to scroll through
the newsletter and read each column for your pleasure. Here are my thoughts:
Preventing Elder Abuse, by Barbara Friesner
Just this morning I was trekking through retirement
communities for a loved one.
Menopause and Joint Pain, by Cathy Taylor
Maybe that's what I can blame it on.
Entrepreneurial Tech Talk, by Jennifer Kalita
I launched two brand spanking new data bases in the
last two weeks.
Preparing Your Home for Fall, by Regina Leeds
Oh how I'm dying to do this. Help Regina!
To Everything a Season, by Prill Boyle
I am perplexed about how to care for my aging family
members. Is bringing them here a short term option?
Twenty Tips for Dreading the Empty Nest, by Natalie Caine
Our last two left the nest this month.
Time for Not Being Selfish, by Patricia Lambert, ESQ
I can't get too caught up with myself. I never want
to be the person described in this article.
Check Your Thoughts, by Nan Russell
Due to my recent overload, my thoughts haven't been
as positive.
Dirty Little Reminders, by Julie Clark Robinson "I'm just
too involved with my family".”
Julie's words made me laugh at myself. She reminded
me that caring for my family is a privilege.
Lost and Found... Myself, by Georgia Richardson
Oh what I'd give to have a friend like Georgia's.
Are You a Consistent and Caring Christian? by Donna Shepherd
The day I read this, I had sat in front of our Special
Ed class in church. Every now and then one of the students would loudly
say "God" or "Jesus".” I guess they think those
are the best answers for anything. Perhaps we need to give people like
Donna's friend and our Special Ed class more credit.
Dying a Fabulous Death - Is That Possible? by Judith Sherven
This was a lovely reminder that a full life can lead
to a fabulous death if you have the right spirit.
Menopause: Alone and Together or Every Woman for Herself (NOT!)
by Karen Baar
I just spoke at a women's retreat this past weekend
about two of our best assets: Girlfriends and God.
The Top Five Reasons Menopausal Women Have Trouble Losing Weight,
by Mary Pearsall
Need I say anything?
Preventing Brain Drain, by Dr. Robin Miller
Since dealing with dementia in a loved one, I am
most grateful for these reminders to keep my brain active.
Midlife for Women: A Play in Three Acts, By Karen Stephen, Ph.D.
Ah yes, I must set boundaries.
Cruise Through Retirement... Literally! By Jan Cullinane
This made me laugh. I've never been on a cruise and
have no intentions of ever stepping foot on one. But if you love cruising,
you must read this article!
Following in the Footsteps of Jane (Austen, that is), by Carol
Sorgen
Walking, shopping, bread? Take me there.
My prayer is that you use the information in this newsletter to feel connected,
encouraged, supported, educated, and empowered at midlife. I know I do.
Boomer Women's World is adding advertising opportunities to our newsletter.
Please contact us if you are interested in seeing your ad in this newsletter.
We have also added a Boomer Review section where we will
continue to review books, products and services for the NABBW members.
I hope you will grab a cold drink, sit back, and enjoy reading this issue
that contains all topics of interest to baby boomer women.
Onward with grace,
Dotsie
dots@nabbw.com
1-877-bboomer
Join NABBW
and receive an extra book for free! Sign up here
today and receive a FREE copy of the BABY
BOOMER'S ALMANAC, by Tim Brolus.
MEMBERSHIP
NEWS FOR SEPTEMBER:
I continue to witness women encouraging women in our Virtual Village
every day at http://www.boomerwomenspeak.com/forums/ubbthreads.php.
Won't you join us? The sixty- plus forums connect, encourage and support
baby boomer women at all stages of life!
REFER
A FRIEND for NABBW
MEMBERSHIP and receive a FREE
copy of the BABY
BOOMER'S ALMANAC, by Tim Brolus.
********
ADDED
BENEFITS We have created a user-friendly version
of member benefits on the Members Only page at www.nabbw.com.
Check it out. Email me at
dots@boomerwomenspeak.com if you've forgotten your password.
********
It's
All About me*
New Magazine Launched to
Entertain and Empower Baby Boomer Women
Orlando, FL –- The voice of the baby boomer generation just got
louder with the national launch of me* (*My Entertainment, *My Empowerment)
Magazine for the woman 40+.
Jeanie Linders, publisher of me* Magazine and writer/producer of the international
theatrical hit Menopause The Musical® launched the first issue September
1, 2006.
“"Like our show, the magazine brings to the forefront issues
that affect nearly 40 million baby boomer women throughout the United
States alone."”
The title of the magazine, me* (*My Entertainment, *My Empowerment), references
the fact that the magazine will include topical articles, interviews and
a source bank that fulfills the mission of the publication –- to
entertain and empower.
Our magazine is designed to give permission to this generation to embrace
the concept of ‘"it"s all about me* - to listen to the
inner voice that is now speaking louder than all of the others and celebrate
this stage of life.”
I'm excited to meet with their team while visiting Florida this month.
For more information, please visit www.memagazine4u.com.
********
ARTICLES ACCEPTED FROM MEMBERS
We currently accept ONE article a month from our members for inclusion
at www.nabbw.com. These
articles will be added to our site, but will not be included in our newsletters.
Newsletter articles will continue to be written by NABBW Associates only.
This is an added benefit that we chose to consider due to the number of
requests we've had from our members. Please read the guidelines below
and be certain to follow them.
• All articles should be submitted as WORD attachments with1 1/2
line spacing and must include a TITLE. Do not put the
article in the body of the email.
• The subject line of the email should contain NABBW Article Submission.
Articles that do not include this will not be accepted.
• Please include your complete name, or pen name, a 2-3 sentence
bio, a web address, if any, and email. Your email address will not be
visible unless you request it to be shown. Please do not send
pictures or banners.
• Word count is limited to 1000 words.
• All articles should be educational.
• All subject matter or topics should be in tune with the boomer
women issues of today. Absolutely NO profanity, racial slurs, degrading,
or politically-based work will be accepted.
• Book excerpts are not acceptable.
• ONE article per month may be submitted.
• Notification of acceptance will be sent within one month if your
article has been chosen.
• We WILL NOT provide editing for your work. Please send your best
and final edit only. Articles that need editing will not be published.
• Writers retain all rights to their work and can submit simultaneously
to other sources.
• Send all articles to:
dots@boomerwomenspeak.com
Please resubmit if you have sent articles in the past.
********
Want to send flowers to a friend, or popcorn to a family or business?
NABBW is now offering member discounts at www.1800flowers.com
and www.thepopcornfactory.com
FEATURED
ASSOCIATE
Jennifer Kalita
www.thekalitagroup.com.
Jennifer is a nationally recognized writer, speaker and consultant in
the entrepreneurship, baby boomer and women in business arenas, which
render her particularly valuable to the boomer women entrepreneurs at
NABBW. Jennifer's web site (www.thekalitagroup.com)
is packed with resources for entrepreneurs, not the least of which is
an up-to-the-minute free e-zine resource called Self- Made Minutes(trademark).
Visit her company's women-specific division at www.strategicwomen.com,
and look for the launch of a 50+-specific division, 50+Fusion, at www.50plusfusion.com
in late October. You'll find Jennifer's weekly PR column, Creating Boomer
Buzz with Jennifer Kalita, at www.second50years.com/public/department58.cfm,
and you can also review the monthly marketing articles she contributes
to that community on its web site.
Jennifer has shared her consulting and coaching services with numerous
boomer women transitioning to self-employment, and has reached countless
others through her interviews with various national media. Look for her
in October's issue of Working Mother magazine, and don't miss her recent
book release, Inspirations to Realizations, Volume III, and new e-book,
Maximizing Opportunities: Leadership Skills for Non-Profit Survival (both
available at www.thekalitagroup.com/books.html).
If you're considering starting an entrepreneurial adventure, or you need
to jump-start an existing business, and you missed her recent NABBW teleseminar
entitled The Entrepreneurial Boomer Woman: How to Start & Stay in
Business, you may listen to it through the Members Only page at www.nabbw.com.
Then take her up on her NABBW members-only offer for a complimentary entrepreneurial
evaluation to help you look at your businesses from all angles, assess
untapped growth opportunities, and clear any other business launch/growth
hurdles.
FEATURED MEMBER
Robin
Westmiller
http://www.ravenwest.net
RAVEN WEST is the pen name of Robin Cohen Westmiller,
writer, author and columnist who decided to become a journalist when she
discovered that showing a "Press Pass" gave her access to areas
and people that others never got to see.
Combining her writing skills and radio industry background she created
the novel Red Wine For Breakfast set in the volatile
world of a Los Angeles radio station. Her second novel First Class
Male is the story of a small town postmaster who secretly edits
the manuscript of a NY City District Attorney and becomes the target of
blackmail, jealousy and revenge.
A “"mid-life crises"” in 2003 led her to enter the
Southern California Institute of Law, a decision, which later turned out
to be fortuitous in her fight to rescue her father from the clutches of
a Florida court appointed guardian. Once again, combining her real life
experience with the power of the written word, she penned her memoir “"Blood
Tastes Lousy With Scotch",” published by
http://starpublish.com/robin_cohen_westmiller.htm
Robin is the President and founder of the National Association to Stop
Guardian Abuse,
http://www.stopguardianabuse.org, a member of the Author's Guild,
Ventura County Bar Association, and National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.
Blood Tastes Lousy With Scotch,
by Robin C. Westmiller, J.D.
Reviewed by Dotsie Bregel
I've known Robin as an internet friend and NABBW member during her
escapades with her elderly parents. She's posted in the forums at www.boomerwomenspeak.com
and shared tidbits about what she was going through with her family. She
is the person I called when NBC Nightly News was looking for a woman who
was smack dab in the middle of the sandwich. It was no surprise to see
her and her family on the national news the following night sharing their
story.
To say I was shocked when I read her book about the nitty gritty of what
her father and mother were exposed to in their nightmare story of guardian
abuse/elder abuse in this country is putting it mildly. Robin jetted back
and forth to visit her parents, spent hours on the phone, countless hours
doing research, and shed too many tears over the abuse and run around
she was getting from people who were supposed to be caring for her parents
–- not to mention the money wasted!
Honestly, had she not included every document in the second half of the
book, I would have thought she was exaggerating. Please, if you are frustrated
with guardian abuse, elder care, or the lack thereof, please do yourself
a favor and read her book. It's also a good idea to read before walking
the road of caring for your aging parent or loved one. I recommend contacting
her through her newly launched association that helps those experiencing
guardian abuse. Ladies, we must get a better grip on this situation. I
applaud Robin for tackling this monster. Visit her at
http://www.stopguardianabuse.org
FEATURED GUEST AUTHOR OF THE MONTH ON BOOMER
WOMEN SPEAK
Pamela
D. Blair, Ph.D.
Author, Psychotherapist,
Spiritual Counselor, Life Coach
www.pamblair.com
Boomer Women Speak forums is proud to have as our guest Author of the
Month, Dr. Pamela D. Blair, Ph.D., as she discusses her life before and
after a life-threatening accident. The resulting book, The Next Fifty
Years. gives the intimate details of her journey back to life, and
will provde to women everywhere that you are not alone, and she will encourage
you with words of wisdom to re-envision your life for your own mid-life
journey. Won't you join us at www.boomerwomenspeak.com.
BOOMER WOMEN SPEAK SEPTEMBER WRITING CONTEST
Enter our September Writing Contest and win great prizes!
Deadline: September 30, 2006
Entry Fee: none, but great prizes including $50.00
cash.
Your best friend in the whole wide world, the one
who has always been there for you, the one who would lay down her credit
card for you, has just approached you with her new boyfriend. You know
he is a jerk because the minute she excuses herself to go powder her nose,
he hits on you. You do what? Tell her? Keep it to yourself?
Put an ad in the paper? Threaten him? Tell us what you would do out of
love for the friendship. For complete contest guidelines
visit us at www.boomerwomenspeak.com
NABBW AUGUST TELESEMINAR
Dr. Karen Stephen
www.doctorflamingo-
online.com
Mental and Emotional Health In Midlife Years
To hear Dr. Stephen's teleseminar about Mental and Emotional Health at
Midlife Years visit the Members Only page at www.nabbw.com.
She was informative and delightful. I would love to be a member of her
midlife women's group if I lived in her town!
NABBW SEPTEMBER TELESEMINAR
Barbara E. Friesner
www.AgeWiseLiving.com
Caring for Our Aging Parents, ALL I’'M
TRYING TO DO IS HELP!
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
7:00pm EST
Do
you lie awake at night worrying about what will happen if your aging parents
continue to drive, live alone, or don't get their legal or financial house
in order?
Are you stressed and frustrated when your efforts to help your parents
turn into emotional explosions or walls of silence?
If you answered yes to any of these, join Barbara Friesner of www.AgeWiseLiving.com
as she reveals the top 3 causes of resistance and conflict between
Baby Boomer women and their parents and shares the secrets that have allowed
hundreds of her Generational Coaching clients to successfully overcome
their critical eldercare issues.
Barbara is considered one of the country's leading Generational
Coach & Expert on Issues Affecting Seniors and Their
Families.
To learn how Generational Coaching can help you resolve your eldercare
issues by Choice, Not Crisis please visit www.AgeWiseLiving.com
and join us for this insightful teleseminar!
BOOMER REVIEWS
We are happy to review member's books, products and services. This
is a service that is FREE of CHARGE to NABBW members. Please
email us if you are interested
in seeing a review of your book, product, or service. NOTE:
Once your book has been submitted, please allow ample time for the book
to be read, and reviewed. Books and products sent for reviews will
not be returned.
********
Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories
Minding Our
Elders
by Carol Bradley Bursack
Review by Dotsie Bregel,
Carol has managed to offer support by sharing stories of those who are
caring for the Greatest Generation. As many baby boomers continue to
watch our parents, their friends, and treasured aunts and uncles decline,
they will find comfort in the words of all the caregiving stories compiled
in Minding Our Elders. This is a nice book to breeze through if you
are in that caretaking role. You are sure to relate to one that has
walked a similar path and can share some insight into exactly what you
are going through. It's refreshing to be reminded that there is life
after caregiving because when doing it day in and day out, we tend to
forget.
********
Calming the Chaos of Aging, Facing Lifestyle Challenges
Calming
the Chaos
By Phyllis Slater
Review by Georgia Richardson,Queen
Jaw Jaw
With
75 million baby boomers reaching middle age and beyond, it's no wonder
more people are searching for resources and guidelines to help them
cope with lifestyle challenges and changes. Phyllis Slater's book, Calming
the Chaos of Aging, Facing Lifestyle Challenges, can certainly fill
a great many of these needs; especially, but not limited to, the baby
boomer with disabilities.
Three years after leaving the corporate world and starting a business
to help seniors downsize their homes, Ms Slater was diagnosed with Retinitis
Pigmentosa. She was left legally blind. Taking proactive steps, she
began to explore new ways to live each day and this journey of self-discovery
led to the publication of Calming the Chaos of Aging, Facing Lifestyle
Challenges.
Fitting her lifestyle around the disease, she moved into a smaller home
which was more organized, and met her health concerns which she already
knew would change over time. She soon realized how valuable her own
experience could be in helping others with their challenging lifestyle
issues.
Calming the Chaos not only informs the reader about the choices available
to them, (citing actual organizations), it also provides guidelines,
resources (online and in print) and tips on things like travel, home
safety, planning a move, or selling your home. It tells you how to organize,
downsize, and economize. There's even a section on motivation.
This is a small book, only 120-pages; but it has a big heart for the
readers. It's full of useful information about products, services, professional
organizations, and support that can allow you to live independently
for years to come.
********
Everything a Baby Boomer Should Know –- before talking
to an attorney
By Mark S. Cornwall
www.babyboomerpublishing
Reviewed by Georgia Richardson, Queen
Jaw Jaw
You've
worked hard your entire life and saved a portion of your earnings; life
is good. Now you'd like to plan how these savings, or your “"estate",”
will be spent. Hiring a financial planner for your desires is one thing,
but what if you suddenly died? Who would reap the benefits of your life's
work? How do you make sure the government isn't the recipient instead
of your spouse, children, or maybe your favorite charity? You may be
thinking This subject is boring and depressing and besides, I've
got plenty of time.
What if you don't? Think how depressing it would be to the family you've
left behind if most of your estate was taken by taxes! This doesn't
have to happen.
Everything a Baby Boomer Should Know, by Mark Cornwall could be the
answer to protecting your family, and to give you peace of mind you
deserve. This book is a thorough guide that clarifies every aspect of
estate planning from A-Z. The groundwork's been done and the result
is a guidebook written in plain, every day English. This means everyone
reading this book has the opportunity to grasp and comprehend, and be
comfortable with the process of estate planning BEFORE they visit a
lawyer. Mr. Cornwall really has taken the fear out of estate planning.
To begin, all nomenclature associated with estate planning is identified
and described so you immediately gain insight into the inner workings
of estate planning. This kind of consideration is throughout the book
as each new subject is introduced helping you to relax and absorb as
you follow the guide.
The fundamentals of estate planning, large or small, are explained thoroughly
along with the different kinds, the distribution methods, security measures
to considered, and flexibilities, as we all know the future is ever
changing. There are details, explanations and numerous “"what
if's",” in every chapter to aid in this very important endeavor.
Towards the end is a helpful section on pitfalls and scams and what
to avoid.
A few examples of the information provided would be the chapters on
Guardians and Trustees; the pros and cons; on “"Blended Families".
which undoubtedly will be a valuable tool for some baby boomers since
60% of Americans are experiencing multiple marriages and with some,
instant families. Or maybe you want to know what happens if you die
without a Will in place. It's in there. What about “"domestic".
partners? It's there. Elder Laws? Covered. There's even a section on
why you need a lawyer including the “"do's" and “"dont's"
of hiring an attorney. All from an attorney.
The best way to take care of your family is to talk to the experts before
you plan the distribution of your estate. Here it is. A guide written
by not only an expert, but a lawyer AND a baby boomer; Mark Cornwall.
Everything a Baby Boomer Should Know answers all our questions and takes
the guess work out of estate planning. Would I recommend reading and
following Mr. Cornwall's advice? I would. And I recommend doing so now,
because later---may never come.
********
Galloping Words
By Meredith Laskow, Poet Laureate, Placentia Library District, CA
www.meredithbead.com
Reviewed by Georgia Richardson, Queen
Jaw Jaw
I'm
scared of poetry. It reveals too much. It can touch my very core just
when I've managed to be alone with my own thoughts, mostly hidden, some
displayed. In Galloping Words, Poet Laureate Meredith Laskow will not
allow the reader to hide behind forgotten emotions or past hurts. Not
even past joys! Her words speak of freedom, then darkness; dreams, then
isolation. I found myself in nearly every page. On page 28 in Treasure,
she writes...
If we are the end product of our memories and experiences,
And if some of these experiences have been so long forgotten,
Does my life change now for rediscovering them?
As I told Ms Laskow after viewing her work, (I refuse to call it a “"review".)
I would say to anyone purchasing this book to stand back...admire it...read
it multiple times, as many as you wish but don't do anything else.
Don't review it, don't mutilate or harm it in any way by placing
useless words around it. Just bask in it. That's what it's there
for. For basking, reading, reflecting. I stand by this declaration as
I place her book back on the shelf until the next time. There could
never be just once.
Such a moving and powerful book at 40 pages, and amazingly, with the
original cover art by the poet herself, at age 13. This book can be
obtained directly from the poet at $5.00, plus shipping and handling
at meredkl-2@yahoo.com
MEMBER COLUMNS
Preventing Elder Abuse
By Barbara E. Friesner
I'm
sure many of you have heard the tragic story of Brooke Astor, the multimillionaire
New York socialite who is alleged to have been mistreated by her son,
who controls her $45 million portfolio. Obviously this case is making
the headlines because of her celebrity and its easy - even comforting
- to believe that this sort of abuse only happens when there are vast
sums of money involved.
Unfortunately, the reality is that elder abuse occurs in families of
all races, backgrounds, nationalities and income groups. Sadder still,
contrary to the popular belief that elder abusers are strangers, paid
caregivers, neighbors or even friends the heartbreaking truth is that
adult children and spouses are the most common abusers.
Continue reading at this link:
http://www.nabbw.com/columns/barbarafriesner.html
Menopause and Joint Pain - Treatment
By Cathy Taylor
Many
women experience menopausal joint pain symptoms. Medical experts are
pondering over the connection between hormonal changes and pain. Some
women experience joint and muscle pain, mouth discomfort, headaches
and some even report heart palpitations. Interestingly, women who suffer
tension headaches, abdominal, or facial pain found their symptoms lessened
after menopause. Scientists today feel there may indeed be a link between
estrogen, hormone levels and this phenomenon.
Continue reading at this link: http://www.nabbw.com/columns/cathytaylor
.html
Entrepreneurial Tech Talk
By Jennifer Kalita
We
women entrepreneurs like our work. We're great networkers and natural
relationship-builders. We welcome the opportunity to pitch our services
to a prospect. We send out one heck of a newsletter. Our customer service
is the best in town. And, we're forever reading articles and attending
seminars to educate ourselves about how to run things more effectively
and efficiently.
But when it comes to conversations about "backing up the system"
and "customer management software" our eyes glaze over and
we begin to wonder if reindeer really do know how to fly.
Continue reading at this link:
http://www.nabbw.com/columns/jenniferkalita.html
Preparing Your Home for Fall
By Regina Leeds
The
arrival of Labor Day Weekend signals the inevitable start of the busiest
season of the year. It's a challenge to handle our life responsibilities
in general. Now the kids go back to school, we are either hosting Thanksgiving
or making travel arrangements to join family and friends and of course
there is the end of the year frenzy involving gifts, travel and parties.
An extra 5 pounds, anyone?
Continue reading at this link: http://www.nabbw.com/columns/reginaleeds
.html
To Everything a Season
By Prill Boyle
Have
you ever been determined to head in one direction, only to have life
nudge you in another? That's what happened to June, a 54-year old dental
receptionist whose deepest desire is to become an ornithologist, a scientist
who studies birds. This September, she was all set to take her first
biology course. Now she's having to put her dream on hold. Again.
Continue reading at this link: http://www.nabbw.com/columns/
prillboyle.html
20 Tips for Parents Dreading the Empty
Nest
By Natalie Caine
The
road you have traveled for eighteen years as parents is turning a corner,
headed for a bridge.
What is the truth about what is on the other side of the bridge? What
changes do you have to address in order to stay healthily connected
in your new role and your adult child's role with you? Does this change
mean filling in free time or deeply discovering parts of yourself you
had to put in the trunk?
Continue reading at this link: http://www.nabbw.com/columns/nataliecain
e.html
Time for Not Being Selfish
By Patricia McHugh Lambert
He
had that look. That look that he was busy, rich and important. I could
tell from the moment I walked into the plane that he thought he should
be flying alone and certainly not in coach. He glared as each passenger
walked down the aisle. We mere mortals were apparently holding him up
from something important.
Continue reading at this link: http://www.nabbw.com/columns/
patlambert.html
Check Your Thoughts
By Nan S. Russell
It
was clear she was having "one of those days." But to be truthful,
I didn't care. I was too nervous about my surgery to pay attention
to Doris, the nurse grousing about how overworked she was that Thursday.
But by the time I was wheeled back to my same-day surgical room, she
was even less hospitable and entrenched in complaining.
Continue reading at this link: http://nabbw.com/columns/
nanrussell.html
“"Dirty Little Reminders"
By Julie Clark Robinson
“"One
hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was,
how big my house was, or what kind of car I drove. But the world may
be a little better, because I was important in the life of a child.”
--Forest Witcraft
I had been feeling something ugly brewing for days - probably weeks
- if I"m to be honest. And by ugly, I don"t mean the brownish/grayish
sunken circles under my eyes, they"re a given at this point. (My
beloved Sephora catalog still waits for me in my reading pile. Inside,
my favorite, miracle worker concealer, awaits my order.)
This particular kind of ugliness starts in the pit of your stomach and
ends up as a worried furrow on your brow, exposing every forehead wrinkle
you've ever had. Finally, as I hurriedly pulled the not-so- clean sheets
over my bed and mentally went over all the things I unrealistically
hoped to accomplish that day, the ugliness spewed out into a sentence
that alarmed me - and finally brought some clarity.
“"I'm just too involved with my family."
Continue reading at this link: http://www.nabbw.com/columns/
julierobinson.html
Lost and Found -- Myself
By Georgia Richardson
My idea of a leisurely Sunday afternoon is my couch, a plate of nachos,
and Oreo's while I watch yet another rerun of Agatha Christie's,
Poirot. Not so for my best friend, Liz. Hers involve anything announcing
to the world we've reached mid-life. Like paying some guy who dresses
in nothing but a sheet and sandals twenty-five bucks to teach us how
to -- get in touch with our inner “"baby boomer" selves,
to find that child within, to -- whatever. For some reason known only
to my inner child, I agreed to go along with her latest obsession of
self-finding. I should have known when I said, “"Okay, okay,
stop whining, I'll do it," that it couldn't or wouldn't be that
easy, or that cheap. If it sounds too good to be true - well, you know
the rest.
Continue reading at this link: http://nabbw.com/columns/
georgiarichardson.html
Are You a Consistent and Caring Christian?
By Donna Shepherd
“"Always
give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that
your labor in the Lord is not in vain." I Corinthians 15:58b
NIV
One of the women who attended our church died unexpectedly. Melinda
was twenty-five years old, but had suffered with terrible seizures from
birth, which affected her mental capacity. Just two days before her
death, she brought me a picture torn out of a coloring book. She had
filled the page with scribbles of bright blue, red, and green crayon.
Continue reading at this link: http://nabbw.com/columns/
donnashepherd.html
"Dying A Fabulous Death . . . Is That
Possible?”
By Judith Sherven, Ph.D. & James Sniechowski, Ph.D.
Think
about the reasons you're glad to be alive.
Those everyday things that you may even take for granted: being able
to walk, talk, see, hear, cook, garden, drive a car, dance at parties,
eat a terrific meal and laugh with friends.
And then think about what it would be like to start losing most of those
abilities.
Jim's mother has lived nearly 91 years, and up until the past year she
has enjoyed almost all of the abilities we just listed (though she never
learned to drive a car and her hearing and vision were starting to diminish).
Up until a year ago Matka (Polish for mother) came to visit us each
year eager to get out, see Jim acting in the local production of "Scrooge"
and meeting our friends over brunch in our dining room.
Up until a year ago Matka produced the annual Christmas party for her
Polish women's group at her church and ran Bingo every Monday night
at the same church.
Continue reading at this link: http://nabbw.com/columns/
judithsherven.html
Menopause: Alone and Together, or Every
Woman for Herself (Not!)
By Karen Baar
As
I wrote in my column last month, we all share one thing: no woman escapes
menopause. This rite of passage is something that binds us together.
Yet, the opposite is also true: menopause is highly individual. No two
women go through it in the same way. Lynette, who I interviewed for
my book, was stunned by her hot flashes. “"I thought, I'm
from the tropics and I probably won't even notice. But when I was 47,
I began waking up with my clothes soaking wet. My body felt like it
was burning up from inside." My friend Sarah, on the other hand,
breezed right through: “"It's been much easier than I thought
it would be," she says.
Continue reading at this link: http://nabbw.com/columns/
karenbaar.html
The Top 5 Reasons Menopausal Women Have
Trouble Losing Weight
By Mary Pearsall
Remember
the good old days when taking off 5 or 10 pounds merely meant eating
less and exercising more? I had the formula down pat - if I wanted to
get into my “"skinny" jeans, I just stopped the double
order of onion rings and rode my bike a few extra miles. Whoosh! Off
it came.
Now that I am in those marvelous menopausal years it just doesn't work
that way any more. I hear the same lament from my clients and I am sure
you have experienced the same if you are a boomer woman. I feel your
pain. So, what is the problem here and what do we do about it?
Continue reading at this link: http://nabbw.com/columns/
marypearsall.html
MIDLIFE FOR WOMEN - A PLAY IN THREE ACTS
By Karen Stephen, Ph.D.
Although
you may escape the MALADIES, you rarely escape the
OVERFILLED PLATE. You find your plate heaped high with
a three-layer GENERATION SANDWICH, plus two helpings
of EMPTY BIRD'S-NEST SOUP, and a side of ROTTEN
EGGS.
An example from my own life amply demonstrates the dreaded GENERATION
SANDWICH. I learned first hand in May of 1999 why we are called
the Sandwich Generation, caught up in that three-layer concoction of
caring for elderly parents while we are still trying to launch our adult
children, and finding ourselves smashed by duty and diligence at the
filling in-between.
Continue reading at this link:
http://nabbw.com/columns/karenstephen.html
Preventing "Brain Drain"
By Robin Miller, M.D., M.H.S.
Now
that the (supposedly) relaxed pace of summer has come to a close, and
everyone is getting geared up for returning to classes, work, and volunteer
activities, we've reached the time of year when our brains are at risk
for system overload. You know what this means - more stress on our already
fragile memories. And since memory of recent events is affected before
memory of long past events, our daily activities can be immediately
impacted by this forgetfulness.
Every time I forget a name or a password, I worry that I could be literally
losing my mind. The fear of dementia is never too far away from most
of our thoughts as we age and start forgetting things. For most, it
has nothing to do with dementia at all. As we get older, our lives become
more complicated, and as I like to put it, our brains are just full!
Stress can certainly cause forgetfulness. Of course, medical illnesses,
such as thyroid disease or depression, and medications can also affect
our memories. If you're concerned about a recent loss of memory, you
should see your health care professional.
Continue reading at this link: http://nabbw.com/columns/
robinmiller.html
Following in the Footsteps of Jane (Austen,
that is)
By Carol Sorgen
“"Bath is the finest place on earth, for you may enjoy its
society and its walks without effort or fatigue," wrote 18th century
Scottish essayist James Boswell of this English town that dates to Roman
times. I daresay should Boswell visit Bath today he would find those
walks somewhat more tiring as he dodged the throngs of tourists and
vehicles alike, but once he took those in stride, he would likely discover
that Bath is still indeed a fine spot for a visit - as I recently found
out for myself.
Continue reading at this link:
http://nabbw.com/columns/carolsorgen.html
Cruise through Retirement - Literally!
By Jan Cullinane
What
if you could sail the seven seas and never leave your house? Imagine
having a home in dozens of countries! If this intrigues you, consider
The World of ResidenSea. The World is a 44,000-ton Norwegian- built,
12-story luxury ship that has a crew of 250, about 200 residents and
guests, and 165 one-to- three room apartments and studios. The cost
of a home on The World ranges from around $850,000 to $6.3 million (not
counting maintenance fees), and the ship has all the amenities of a
gated community - including a Country Club! The World had its maiden
cruise in March 2002, and travels the globe, stopping for a night or
two in ports from A to Z - Athens, Barcelona, the Canary Islands –
you get the idea. (Contact www.aboardtheworld.com
or 305-264- 9090 for more info)
Continue reading at this link: http://nabbw.com/columns/jancullinane.html
MEMBER
NEWS
NABBW members who are mothers of soldiers ask that
you consider helping our troops. To learn more, click here: www.operation-helmet.org/contribute.html
Georgia
Richardson
www.queenjawjaw.com
Need a lift without surgery? Need a laugh? A chuckle or two? Then sign
up for Queen Jaw Jaw's monthly newsletter, ALL THINGS ROYAL
at http://www.queenjawjaw.com
and let the laughs begin. WARNING: Do not drink liquids while reading
this newsletter!
Regina
Leeds
www.reginaleeds.com
Regina Leeds is proud to announce that she has just completed "The
Idiot's Guide to Decluttering." Regina takes the reader through
every room in the home and addresses all common clutter issues: too
many magazines, CD's, DVD's, toys, papers and clothing to name just
a few. It will be available next May, 2007, just in time for spring
cleaning.
Janie
Dempsey Watts
Janie’s "Outrageous Okra" story and recipe was published
in the September issue of "Guideposts." For more information
on her writing, please visit her web page, www.janiewatts.com.
Here’s a link to the article: COMFORTFOOD
Meredith
Laskow
October is National Breast Cancer Month in the USA. Show your solidarity
by wearing this lovely Pink Ribbon Jewelry hand-crafted by an 8-year
breast cancer survivor. Outfit your entire team for Race For The Cure
:)
http://members.tripod.com/meredithbeadivil/id20.html
Non-profits and gift shops -- it's not too late to place a wholesale
order! Minimum order is 24 pieces for wholesale discounts, and turn-around
is about one week from the time I receive payment. My other jewelry
site is www.meredithbead.com.
Write me at
meredkl-2@yahoo.com
Beverly
Mahone
Do you know a woman who’s sassy, classy, spiritually motivated
and 40 plus? If so, nominate her for the “F.A.B. Woman of the
Month.” Send your reasons why she deserves the honor along with
your name and contact information to: bmahone@nc.rr.com
Vicki
Taylor
www.vickimtaylor.com
Vicki M. Taylor's most recent women's fiction novel, Trust in the Wind,
reached a high of number 7 on Fictionwise's bestseller list when it
was first released in July, 2006. Find out why Romantic Times Book Review
magazine says Trust in the Wind is "an enjoyable, easy read"
by visiting Vicki's site at www.vickimtaylor.com.
Karen
Stephen
www.doctorflamingo-online.com
www.degreesofobsession.com
Karen Stephen, Mental Health Advisor for NABBW, finishes her 3-part
series on Midlife for Women this month and will move on to a new 2-part
series on Anxiety, Panic, and Phobia, starting with her October NABBW
column. To receive a monthly newsletter with fun and informative items
on mental health issues for midlife women, go to her website Doctor
Flamingo Online (www.doctorflamingo-online.com)
and register. And don't forget to order your favorite Doctor Flamingo
illustrated saying on a T-Shirt or Mug or even a Thong (!!) while you’re
there.
Pamela
D. Blair
www.pamblair.com
The Next Fifty Years is a guide for women at midlife and beyond, a journal
and a study guide all rolled into one. It offers wise, pertinent advice
for all women who are aging- every topic covered to enable graceful,
joyful, healthy, sexy aging with ample opportunity to record personal
thoughts. Includes a useful format for workshops. Is is an outstanding
all inclusive compendium for all women. "
Betty
Dobson
Betty’s short story Passing Through won Third Place in the Hot
Summer Something contest run by From the Asylum Books and Press. The
story will appear on their website www.fromtheasylum.com.
You gotta love a website whose motto is "Confusing People Since
1994." Passing Through is a quirky little story about a young woman
getting a late night visit from her recently deceased brother.
Magdalena
Ball
www.compulsivereader.com
Forget the ivory tower and mushy sentiments. Magdalena Ball's latest
chapbook Quark Soup takes its cue from the world of quantum physics
and astrobiology. With the subtle mystery of Schrödinger’s
famous cat, the work evokes a range of physical conundrums, including
Einstein's weird action at a distance, the birth of galaxies, the beginnings
of the universe, the nature of Magdalena Ball is an award winning poet,
novelist and book reviewer--the well known editor of The Compulsive
Reader, www.compulsivereader.com
.
Ann
Osterhus
www.NoeticCoach.com
Ann Osterhus, an educational consultant and life coach, would like to
share her new website and monthly newsletter with her fellow boomer
women. The website, focusing on women wanting to prevent heart disease,
is full of resources and information for any woman. You can also sign
up for her newsletter, News from Your Noetic Coach, a fun and informative
monthly letter with tips and stories on living the life fully.
The
Muse Online Writing Conference: Lea Schizas, editor of "The
Muse on Writing," and Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of "The
Frugal Book Promoter: How to Do What Your Publisher Won't, are sponsoring
this first annual virtual writers' conference October 9-13. This conference
lets writers -- published or not -- mingle with some of the publishing
world's personalities. Choose from a huge selection of free online workshops
a pre-register now so you don't miss out on any of the announcements.
Bookmark this site:
THE
MUSE ONLINE WRITERS CONFERENCE
POWERFUL
FREEBIES FOR YOU! - from KC Christensen-Lang
From a powerful one hour Success Coaching session or a one hour PR consultation
to grow your business, to your own teleconference line or “Virtual
Moment of Joy” Ezine, fellow Baby Boomer member, KC Christensen-Lang
offers you great tools to pump you up and move you forward this Fall
- FOR FREE!
Check out her site www.ToolsForPositiveLiving.com
for these freebies and more useful roducts/resources for the smart Baby
Boomer who wants to enhance her life and work smarter not harder.
Thank you to the following for taking a part in sharing information
about NABBW and BWS:
Thanks to Jan Cullinane for mentioning NABBW in her blog at this link:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/blog/id/
A3F6X6J 9KFY7D7
Thanks
to Elder Care Advice and Information for publishing one of my articles
at this link: So
Boomers Are Turning 60; What all the hype about
Thanks
to the North Baltimore County News for mentioning my speaking engagement
about Girlfriends and God at the Monsignor O’Dwyer Retreat House.
Thanks
to Kathy at www.beautyandthebook.com
for sharing our BWS writing contest on her site.
RECENT
READS
While looking at the growing stack of books under my desk, I realized
it’s been some time since I shared what I’ve been reading
lately. I hope you’ll consider researching them at Amazon for
your next read.
Be Positive
Author - Wally Amos
Buy
this Book
Trust
in the Wind
Author - Vicki M. Taylor
Buy
this Book
Minding
Our Elders
Author - Carol Bradley Bursack
Buy
this Book
In the
Letting Go
Author - Jonathon Lazear
Buy
this Book
The Fine
Art of Table Dancing
Author - DC Stanfa
Buy
this Book
Blood
Tastes Lousy With Scotch
Author - Robin C.Westmiller
Buy
this Book
TAKE
TIME TO VISIT OUR SISTER SITE
www.boomerwomenspeak.com
is the # 1 site on search engines for “baby boomer women.”
Join us in our forums where you can share from the heart, give and receive
advice, and make new friends.
Feel
free to forward this to your friends, family and colleagues.
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08/01/2006 August
Boomer Women's World
07/01/2006 July Boomer
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06/01/2006 June Boomer
Women's World
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