Patricia Sands

Author

2011 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist

Int’l Women’s Day – the beat goes on

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If it’s Friday, it must be France

Bonjour! Before we talk France I want to let you know I’m at the energizing hive of activity, Girlfriendology.com, today. We’re continuing the blogtalk about … what else (?!?) … women, connections and inspiring girls. If you’re taking a break around 1:30 EST, Debba and I would love to have you join us on her blogtalk radio. Just click on this link to take you there.

And now back to France to see what was going on there this week.

Did you know the word “mademoiselle” (the French equivalent of “miss”) will now be removed from all government forms? (The New York Times had reported the word was now “banned”, which is not quite accurate.) Two powerful French feminist groups have mounted a strong advocacy campaign for some time for this move and someone has finally listened.

The issue is that “mademoiselle” clearly denotes the marital status of a woman, as opposed to “madame”, but men are always referred to as “monsieur” whether single or married. Women are either mademoiselles or madames for official and business purposes depending on their marital situation.

This distinction no longer exists in a number of Western countries. Germany banned the word Fraulein from official use in 1972. For many decades English-speaking countries have offered women the option of the neutral Ms, although Miss does still appear in many instances. No such alternative was offered in France, quite possibly because many young French people widely shun marriage these days and simply don’t consider it an issue.

A little history – mademoiselle comes from demoiselle, which used to be a title of nobility in pre-revolutionary France. The  link to marital status occurred during the Napoleonic era.

In another good step, France has given final approval to legislation requiring corporations to reserve at least 40% of the board positions for women. Read more here.

For all of the celebrating and recognition of the great strides towards equality achieved by women through the past 101 years since the first IWD, there is still a long way to go. This article from the Guardian gives an overview of struggles around the world, including La Belle France, faced by women today.

Copyright Petar Pismestrovic HDK

Here’s a thought for today that fits right in. Can you translate? If not, tune in next Friday. Bon weekend, tout le monde!

Did you do anything special to mark International Women’s Day this week? I had coffee with a friend yesterday who was going to a potluck dinner in support of a women’s charity in Guatemala. Each guest was requested to bring a story, photo or poem about a woman in their community they wished to celebrate. Love it! Women do “get it”.

Girlfriendology – celebrating International Women’s Day!

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Continuing with my celebration of some extraordinarily ordinary women in honour of International Women’s Day on Thursday, March 8th, let me introduce you to a girlfriend extraordinaire – Debba Haupert!  As well as her impressive professional career, her bio describes her as a “wife, sister, daughter, neighbor, pet lover/owner, marathon walker, crafter, traveler, and girlfriend”. When she’s not flying around the country, Debba can be found in Cincinnati, Ohio.

You know I’m all about the meaningful friendships women share, like the girlfriends in my novel, The Bridge Club. As I like to say, whether you are 15, 35 or 85, girlfriends are girlfriends. When it’s real, some things never change!

I’ve never had a conversation or e-mail exchange with Debba that is not full of energy and optimism. Her mission is clear and one that offers something to each and every one of us. If you don’t already know Debba and her fabulous Girlfriendology website, it’s way past time you did … and then tell all of your girlfriends! Spread the sunshine!

Not only does this online community offer inspiration and motivation, an attitude of gratitude is what it’s all about.  I don’t think there’s a subject on which it doesn’t drop some fabuloso information and links: food, wine, shopping, travel, BOOKS, parenting, careers, relationships, decorating, fitness, health, family, finances, advice, education, awesome guest blogs … I could go on. If you want it. It’s there!

Now let me tell you this about her …

Where would we women be without our girlfriends? That’s a question that DEBBA HAUPERT doesn’t want to know! Since 2006, Debba has pursued her dream of bringing inspiration, appreciation and celebration of female friendship to women through her online community for women – GIRLFRIENDOLOGY.com.

Interviews with inspiring women, blogs filled with girlfriend advice and inspiration, girlfriend gifts and more can be found on this all positive, supportive, encouraging site. Through this online community as well as growing women’s communities on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest, Debba inspires thousands of women every day to make time for the one relationship that makes women healthier, happier, less stressed, live longer and feel more beautiful. Debba believes that life really is better together with your girlfriends!

I asked Debba a few questions to give you, my dear readers, a look at the bigger picture of this über-fabulous woman and how she works to bring positive karma into all of our lives.

How did the idea develop for Girlfriendology and what was the impetus that got it started?

In 2005, two of my girlfriends were dealing with cancer. I had an overwhelming need to be with my female friends – not just the ones fighting cancer but all of them. I did some research to understand why I felt such a strong NEED to be with my girlfriends and I found the book, ‘The Tending Instinct’ (by Shelley E. Taylor). It shares research that confirms the benefits of female friendship: that girlfriends make women healthier, happier, less stressed and live longer. Girlfriendology was born from wanting to inspire women to be better friends and more supportive of other women.

What has been the most difficult aspect of building such a powerful voice for women?

That’s hard to say! It’s been six years of hard work and hard lessons. But its also been six years of amazing girlfriend stories, or women sharing their wisdom, of women being there for each other. That makes it all worthwhile and always gives us more to write about on Girlfriendology.

I will add that, due to social media and that women are so strong in social media, that managing the growing Facebook, Twitter and now Pinterest communities and communications is very time consuming. It’s great – I’m not complaining! We have wonderful supportive women in social media and they inspire us on a daily basis! But a large part of our efforts is keeping up with updates in social media (as well as monitoring our communities to remove guys!).
 
Girlfriendology obviously appeals to women of all ages and cultures around the globe. It’s been such fun to see it grow and be embraced so enthusiastically! What are some future plans for Girlfriendology community?

We have plans for making Girlfriendology even more helpful for women and for reaching our goals. We want to bring the power of females together to help each other in dreaming BIG. We have BIG dreams for Girlfriendology and the women in our community.

Our long-term goal still remains since we started Girlfriendology – to make the world a better place, one friendship at a time. And we’ll continue to work toward that every day!

“to make the world a better place, one friendship at a time” – I love that, Debba, and I believe that’s exactly what you are accomplishing. Thanks so much for being the girlfriend you are, the woman you are, and for all you bring to everyone who visits Girlfriendology!

Debba and I are going to continue this conversation on her blogtalk radio program at 1:30, this Friday, March 9th. Come and join us … we would love to chat with you too!

I know how busy we all get in this crazy world but don’t forget to remind your girlfriends they rock! Yup – no matter what age, girlfriends rock!

And always remember … I know, I know, here I go again … to have a good friend, you have to BE a good friend!

 

March 8 is International Women’s Day

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Let’s hear it for the ladies! International Women’s Day (8th of March) is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. For more information go to http://www.internationalwomensday.com.

Events are planned around the globe with the U.K. leading the way, followed by the U.S.A., Canada, Belize (!), and Australia and many others listed on the website.

We’re going to get a headstart here this week by turning the spotlight on a few extraordinarily ordinary women who had an idea, took on a challenge, and made good things happen. I just know you all know many other women who have done the same and I encourage you to show them some blog love this week … or any week for that matter! SHOUT IT OUT, LADIES!

The CANADIAN BREAST CANCER SUPPORT FUND is a new charitable organization. Its vision is to ease the burden of breast cancer patients who are facing financial difficulties. In fact, it’s so new you may not have heard of it yet … but you will! Their innovative approach is definitely going to attract a lot of attention, beginning with their motto: Green is the new pink.

Toronto native Donna Sheehan was the manager of a peer support program at Willow, a national charity that provides support and information about breast cancer. As she became more aware of the financial pressures that create hardship for many breast cancer patients and their families, she decided to focus on doing something to help alleviate those monetary challenges.

It’s one thing to cope with accepting a breast cancer diagnosis and the required treatment, but often we neglect to think of how the basic needs of an individual or family will be affected.

The cost of food, shelter, restorative therapies and treatments, childcare and even something as seemingly unimportant as parking can add up quickly, not to mention the strain of being off work for 8 to 10 months. Government benefits only provide support for 15 weeks and not everyone has access to private insurance coverage for short-term disability.

Although the funding arm for cancer research is well established, the funding arm for support is seriously lacking.  Donna, along with a very informed advisory committee as well as a board of directors, is doing her part to give this important issue a voice and a solution. Approved for status as a charitable organization, the past year has been spent establishing the framework necessary to allow CBCSF to swing into action very soon.

The “green” in their motto, Green is the new pink™, represents their intention to raise awareness about the links between breast cancer and the environment.

In one month’s time, Donna will be launching a new website called Holly and Ivy.The social enterprise will offer natural and organic skincare, cosmetics and personal care products all entirely free of toxic chemicals.

Keeping  toxic chemicals and carcinogens out of the environment by purchasing low-impact, earth-friendly products is another way we can all contribute to lessening their effect on our health.

Fifty percent of the profits from Holly and Ivy will be donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Support Fund. The hope is that this contribution will cover the administrative costs and in time 100% of your donation will go directly to providing short-term financial support to needy breast cancer patients.  This is the dream.

 Look for the Holly and Ivy on-line store to go live March 31st or you can reach it by going to the “Think pink Live Green” page on the Support Fund web site.

Be sure to take time to read their excellent website. It provides a wealth of vital information and suggestions for your support and there’s a Facebook page for you to  *like* too!

In the spirit of paying it forward consider giving up your grande Caramel Frappacino or Expresso Macchiato or your regular coffee (double, double) on Fridays and instead make a $5.00 donation to Canadian Breast Cancer Support Fund. Five Dollar Fridays Rock!

 

So three cheers to Donna for being a woman with a vision and making good things happen. Well done!

I’m adding here a link to a powerful movie, “Pink Ribbons, Inc” , featured at the Toronto International Film Festival last year and recently released and still available at some selected theatres.  It addresses the highly controversial subject of “cause marketing” and informs us about “pinkwashing” and the involvement of corporations in fundraising and the impact this has had on charities.

Tell me about a woman you know who is making a difference. We can do our bit by spreading the word. Celebrate International Women’s Day on Thursday … and every day after that! Why not?

Carnaval De Nice – only 2 days left…

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If it’s Friday, it must be France …

Mon Dieu! We have to hurry to catch the final weekend of the 2012 Carnaval de Nice. This is the 128th celebration of this world-famous festival that rivals those of Rio De Janeiro and Venice.

Parades, floats, flowers, bands, magicians, fireworks, presentations, and food … all this and more! Parades take place day and night for 15 days with a variety of themes and more than 1000 musicians and dancers. The enormous papier-maché configurations are spectacular. Gigantic balloon figures dominate the daytime spaces and breathtaking fireworks over the Mediterranean turn every evening into a pyrotechnical fantasy world.

Photo by debs-eye

 Click here to see a video and other information and here for more detailed explanations about the floats. You’ll be entertained – I promise!

The theme this year is the King Of Sport and the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London are highlighted. Yes … I know some of you might find this hard to believe … but the French featured many floats about Britain and didn’t say anything nasty! Carnival is a time of love and harmony … flower fights, wine and food tasting, concerts from jazz to rock to classical and wild, crazy partying a long list of activities to suit everyone’s wishes. No question there is something for everyone!

Copr. EPA – Mail online Mar.2/12

Go to this link for more photos of hilarious and amazing floats. You’re going to want to book a ticket for next year!

I’ll leave you with this one last link to the Promenade Des Anglais Blog which gives tremendous information about the Côte D’Azur. That’s where this photo of a Flower Parade float is from. This particular post talks specifically about the Carnaval but, if you have the time, take a look at other videos that showcase the stunning city of Nice and it’s uniquely magnificent setting between the Maritime Alps and the Mediterranean.

I took this photo on the 20-minute drive to Nice from Antibes, one crisp clear May morning. To the east of Antibes the beaches are pebble (galets) . To the west they are sand. Take your pick. The rather noticeable buildings are the Baie Des Anges condos and marina which make up the only high-rise development on the Riviera. No others have been allowed, thank goodness.

I have to stop talking about Nice now as I feel a serious malaise setting in … I want to be there! Waaaaah …. sigh!

If you are finding winter long and dreary … go skiing! … seriously, I know winter sports don’t excite everyone … so take a look at some of these great options! If you can’t actually go to them, you can read about them and check out the photos. That can be fun too! Did any of you go to Mardi Gras in New Orleans this year? How about Ottawa’s Winterfest or Carnaval de Québec? Now’s the time to make some plans for next year!