Real Women Are Alaskan!

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, January 31, 2011

My Monday Hero - Tiffany - Grace of a Goddess

Tiffany. An elegant name for an elegant woman. A magnificent and delightful young lady who has had to face one of the most difficult trials I believe a young wife must be called upon to handle. And she has done so with such grace, such majesty, such refinement.

Last summer Tiffany and her husband Brett were expecting their third child. I could always tell, just by looking at the two of them, how much love and devotion they had for one another. They held each other in the highest esteem. Their love permeated the very air around them. . .and everyone who was within their immediate vicinity. But one very dark day Tiffany was informed by the U.S. Coast Guard that the helicopter her husband had been on was missing in transit from the west coast of the lower 48 to its home base in Sitka, Alaska. From the Anchorage Daily News:

SEATTLE -- Three members of a Coast Guard helicopter crew were killed Wednesday morning in a crash off La Push, Wash., and a fourth crew member, who was pulled from the water soon after the aircraft went down, suffered a broken arm and a broken leg.

Tiffany, with Grace of a Goddess, continues her life in a manner which proves that love knows no bounds. Teaching her children about this life and about Daddy. Tiffany, her two young boys, and Baby Kira ~ moving forward as a family that will remain solid and strong throughout this life and well into the next. An example beyond compare, I applaud you, Tiffany. I applaud your character, your class, your stateliness. I am blessed to know you!

Monday, January 24, 2011

My Monday Hero - Patty - "Embrace the Roller Coaster!"

She should be a model! The beauty on the outside more than equals the beauty on the inside of my dear friend, Patty. Brilliant, witty, poised, and gorgeous, one would never know that she is the mother of three children: a grown son, a teenage daughter, and a soon-to-be-teenage son (she sure doesn't look older than 25, does she?). She is self-possessed, watchful, and unique. One of her most admirable qualities is that she is direct in her interactions. She does not speak ill of others, she does not spread rumors. When Patty gives a compliment, it is the warmest of treasured thoughts. And she lives by that wise Shakespearean adage: Love all. Trust a few. Do wrong to none.

Although at times Patty appears to lead that ever-elusive *charmed* life, I recently realized just how human she is when she said, "I have simply decided to embrace the roller-coaster!" I watch her as she works tirelessly to overcome day-to-day challenges with a happy heart, a sustained soul, and a smile on her face.

Patty, you are this week's Monday Hero - I want to be just like you when I grow up!