Funny how the world sees "real women. . ."

Evidenced by all the Real Housewives of. . . shows which seem to be overtaking our televisions, it appears that the world believes we should all be wealthy, pampered, enviable, catty, curvaceous, gorgeous, and more. While we may be gorgeous, most of us are not rich or spoiled or even catty. We are ~ simply put ~ real.

The idea for this blog came after watching a few of those real housewives shows and realizing just how skewed the views of everyday life can be through the eyes of these women. Particularly to those of us in the trenches, working day-in-day-out to take care of ourselves, our children, our parents, our spouses/partners. Those of us who are out there earning a living, who may be dealing with catastrophic events or troubled children or medical issues or partner concerns.

This is a call to all women everywhere who live everyday lives and who want to simply do their best as they love all, laugh often, and live fully. Let us unite with our whole heart and soul, with humanity and grace, with vigor and hope. We are women and we are thankful to be so!



Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Real Women Are Like Christmas Snowflakes





Consider the snowflake. . .
Bentley Snowflake1.jpg
                    . . .In all its glory. . .


So much like women. . .
Each their own story.

Bentley Snowflake13.jpg         
Crystalline beauty
Strength to endure. . .
The purpose for which
They exist is pure.

 

Beauty exudes. . .
Love abounds. . .
Circling all. . .
Round and round.






In whatever you celebrate, 
Whether Christmas or other,
May your days be blessed
One after the other!






Wishing all women everywhere the most joyous holiday season and exuberant New Year!

With love to all from RealWomenAreAlaskan



Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Random Thoughts of Real Women & Motherhood

An experience earlier today caused me to pause with introspection and contemplation. Motherhood is universal. Girls are mothers-becoming. Women are mothers-to-be, adoptive mothers, mothers-by-proxy, foster mothers, mothers-in-law, surrogate mothers. Wherever we turn we see mothers. Those of us who may never give birth or adopt a child still play a role - in someone's life - as a mother figure. A woman's capacity to love is endless. Our innate ability to simultaneously nurture and protect, to be strong yet vulnerable, to love without prejudice, and to work the small miracles in life is a tremendous gift. It is sacred. It is precious. It is eternal. The funny part of my own motherhood is that my only child is blessed (~or~ cursed!) to have all of my attention, whether he wants it or not! The introspection and contemplation experienced today came following a most intense discourse with my son. Truths are told in the depths of dialog such as this, and I cannot but applaud the fortitude with which my now-all-grown-up child lives. He is a lover of life, of goodness, of creation, of honor, of simplicity, and of all God's children. He is a man of talent, a man of courage, a man of respect.

 We learn from our mothers, who learned from theirs. What an awesome legacy!



Monday, December 6, 2010

One Incredible Woman

JoAnn Autry
One Incredible Woman

Someday, I will write a book about my dear friend, JoAnn.  Although not an Alaskan woman, she had the strength, compassion, and know-how of any Alaskan. She was -- in every sense -- One Incredible Woman. She left this mortal realm in January 2010 after passing through trials which no one I know would envy -- yet she was beloved and cherished by everyone who knew her.

In 1980 I was a young mother, new to northern Utah, with a five-year-old child and a marriage in disarray. This is when I met JoAnn, a woman who had adopted two boys and much later was able to bear three daughters. She began and continued to be one of my most cherished and dear friends, throughout all the ups and downs of both our lives. This friendship did not waiver when I faced my most difficult and challenging professional battle --  one of only a handful of people who did not doubt my integrity. This, alone, speaks volumes about her integrity.

JoAnn's youngest, Trisha, disappeared from her home in 2000 at the age of 15. Her remains were found a year later, which was one month after JoAnn's husband had passed from his long battle with cancer. Trisha's killer was convicted in 2004 and will spend the rest of his life in prison. Despite losing her daughter and her husband all within this one year, JoAnn kept her faith, her humility, her compassion. She never lost sight of those things of utmost import; rather, these tribulations only served to move her closer to her Heavenly Father. She constantly spoke of the love she had for God, for His children, for her Savior Jesus Christ. She never waivered, never showed doubt. 

This is for JoAnn -- One Incredible Woman -- who has influenced my life beyond any expectation; who offered the hand of friendship in ways most of us can only imagine; who is now reunited with her beloved husband and dear daughter; and whose impact has marked the hearts of so many. We love you and miss you, my incredible friend.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

God's Artistry

High above the mountains of Southcentral Alaska one can see the glorious and enviable birds-eye view of glaciers, snow-capped mountain tops, and height-loving animals. Witness the incredible hand of God in this artistry!

Sheridan Glacier - Cordova, Alaska


Child's Glacier - Cordova, Alaska


 A July midnight peek at Prince William Sound - Cordova, Alaska


Sherman Glacier from the air - Southcentral Alaska


Where the mountain goats live - 
the steep mountainsides of Cordova, Alaska