Real Women Are Alaskan!: My Monday Hero

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!

Monday, February 14, 2011

My Monday Hero - Leslie

I first met Leslie several years ago, shortly after moving to Alaska. We connected professionally and had a few mutually-respectful interactions. The fourth year that I was in the state, I suffered from an acute life-threatening illness. It was at that time I was blessed to be the recipient of Leslie's professional services. She was compassionate, caring, and giving of whatever time and talents she was able to provide. And then, about two years after that, we connected again, this time with me providing consultation services for her work. I have been privileged to maintain that contract for several years now, and am thoroughly enjoying it!

Leslie is - at once - the ultimate stand-up, witty, one-liner comedienne and one of the most warm-hearted women I know. Her tenderness and giving nature is a standard to be held in the highest esteem. There are few people in this world who are able to give without any expectation of reward. Leslie is indeed one of those few. Even on the days that present life's ultimately unfair challenges (which all of us know so well), she is a lover of life, of people, of all that is good. To watch, to learn, and to live life as Leslie does. . .an aspiration of my heart!