Real Women Are Alaskan!: My Monday Hero - Charismatic, Incredible Kiki!

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, July 18, 2011

My Monday Hero - Charismatic, Incredible Kiki!

It's already been several years since I had the privilege of meeting this always-happy, constantly helpful, totally accepting woman named Kiki. She was a vendor at a local arts & crafts show, selling her totally unique and creative one-of-a-kind jewelry. While this small Alaska town is very artsy, Kiki brought a new flair and twist to the typically-seen fare.

I quickly learned that "Kiki" was not her given name. Rather, this was a screen name that had become so commonplace that keeping it just seemed to fit. I liked that, and I immediately liked her. She is not a woman with whom I go out to lunch or to the movies. She is a friend who I run into now and again at yard sales, in the store, at arts & crafts shows. With Kiki, I can share the goings-on in my life and know she will appreciate whatever it is, as well as feel the empathy and compassion needed at that time.

She is also the person who cares for and about individuals of all types. When I meet her in a random place in town, she regularly introduces me to a new friend of hers ~ many times this new friend is someone she has befriended who needs that special type of care only Kiki can give. She is the quintessential "no respecter of persons" who completely loves and accepts anyone who crosses her path. What a rare but precious gift she has!

She is a self-made woman who bought a live-aboard boat and proceeded to learn how to live aboard it! Who does that?? Incredible! And her jewelry just continues to inspire and beautify the necks, wrists, ears, and fingers of many, many women.

I love you dearly and admire you greatly, Kiki my friend. I appreciate all you do and have done for me over the years. You are a one-of-a-kind hero, and hold the highest honor in my book!