WOOF: d.d.dawg talks to Dames of Dialogue!

d.d.dawg

interview with the

Dames of Dialogue!

Click here!

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Merry Christmas From WOOF!

If I were ol' Santa, you know what I'd do...
I'd dump silly gifts that are given to you.
And deliver some things just inside your front door.
Things you have lost, but treasured before.

I'd give you back all your maidenly vigor,
And, to go along, a neat tiny figure.
Then restore the old color that once graced your hair
Before rinses and bleaches took residence there.

I'd bring back the shape with which you were gifted
So things now suspended need not be uplifted.
I'd draw in your tummy and smooth down your back
Till you'd be a dream in those tight fitting slacks.

I'd remove all your wrinkles. Leave only one chin
So you wouldn't spend hours rubbing grease on your skin.
You'd never have flashes or queer dizzy spells
And you wouldn't hear noises like ringing of bells.

You'd never have headaches, so no pills you'd take.
And no heating pad needed since your muscles won't ache.
Yes, if I were Santa, you'd never look stupid.
You'd be a cute chick with the romance of a cupid.

I'd give you a lift when those wolves start to whistle
And the joys of your heart would be light as a thistle.
But alas! I'm not Santa, but our wish is sincere...
Merry Christmas to you and a Happy New Year!

(courtesy of Maxine)

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Mastering the Art of Being Julia Child

She did it. It took her nearly half her life, but Julia Child did it. She mastered the art of being herself.

What inspiration she is to WOOFers! We tell ourselves it's never too late, but do we really believe it? Do YOU really believe it?

Two days in a row I watched "Julie & Julia," and Meryl Streep's protrayal made me smile every minute. It reminded me of the truly remarkable woman Child was on so many levels. And how she thrived in spite of deep disappointments in life.

So, this morning I cooked up a little poem in her honor. (No, obviously I've not mastered the art of poetry! But perhaps Julia would allow for my effort!)

Julia Child, Julia Child
How you make us smile.

Even still, even now.
And Meryl did you proud!

In your kitchen on TV
How delicious you could be.

One forgets you started late
Learning to sauté.

Women near, women far
Behold, a cooking star...

With zest for lemon and for life.
Bon appétit, Ms Child!

Movie Link

Book Link

Julia Child

Julie Powell

-- Diana (aka d.d. dawg) www.DianaBlack.net

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Why Don't We Just Dance?

The news these days can be pretty darn depressing. Between the recession and mounting expenses, the price of living is skyrocketing. We have rising crime and unemployment rates, lower educational standards, celebrities who act like idiots, politicians who act like celebrities, corporations who have to be bailed out, and regular citizens who won’t take responsibility for their own actions or livelihood—let alone help anyone else. And that is just some of craziness that seems to surround us.

Here’s my theory: All I can do is try to be the best person I know how to be. I can’t change the world, but I can try to make the people around me happy and comfortable. I can be a responsible, productive human being and try to help others who need a hand. Other than that, what can I do? I don’t need to worry so much about things I can’t control.

I heard the new Josh Turner song the other day and loved the philosophy reflected in the lyrics. In “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” he sings: “Nothing but bad news on. Well, it might be me, but the way I see it the whole world has gone crazy. So baby, why don’t we just dance?”

I have a very happy life, and I know that not all the news is bad--but some days it does feel like the world has gone crazy. So on those days when I feel like the world is spinning out of control around me, I can’t think of anything better than “Why Don’t We Just Dance?” Instead of focusing on the negative like we often do as we age, it is a great idea to take a break every once in a while and celebrate life.

Sometimes you just have to kick off your shoes, grab a partner and have some fun!

Melinda

To Mammo or Not!

To mammo or not? As if we don't have enough unanswered questions at this stage of life!

I realize this is a "Women Only Over Fifty" site, but we also have a lot of women readers who are approaching this golden age. Not to mention that women over fifty may now have the option of getting mammograms every other year, if I read right.

So, what's it to be, WOOFers? How do you feel about the new guidelines? My first thought was, Yaaaaaay! The discomfort and anxiety of having my boobs squished every other year and and foregoing a, possibly, unnecessary x-ray, sounds like a win-win to me! But, since I'm "slightly" over fifty, I wanted to get an opinion from one of my not-yet-fifty friends, Chris.

"Thanks for asking me! It's such an important topic. Well, as you know I'm heading on 44 in a couple of months. For the past 4 years, my doctor has written a prescription for me to get a mammogram, but I've been putting it off. Not out of fear, but because our lifestyle over the past several years has been in and out of the country, so I haven't had a block of time to schedule and hold it (these appointments typically needing a couple of months).

I'm scheduled for my yearly visit in January and will ask her for another prescription, and I have a good feeling she'll give me one. This time, I will go. I have no idea if insurance covers this anymore given the new guidelines, but I feel it's an important part of women's health. I don't really understand the technology, and if the current technologies used are somehow antiquated, but every breast cancer survivor I see on television is upset about the new guidelines, and many doctors are openly calling for women to still get them. This is a good sign. But healthcare has been set back years."

What are your thoughts? We'd love to hear from all WOOFers and Pre-WOOFers.

As for me, my annual mammo is due in January, so I guess I'll call the doctor to see what her recommendations are. No sense in calling the mammography clinic because they have a "dog in the hunt." Think they're going to turn down my money? Ha!

Mary (Milkbone)

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YOUR AGE BY CHOCOLATE CALCULATOR!

We all get emails with stuff that is sooooo important. Yeah, right. Delete. Delete.

But my WOOFer neighbor forwarded this to me...And I'm telling you, this will change your life! (Okay, maybe that's a bit dramatic, but it IS a lot of fun...and works!)

1. Pick number of times you would like to have chocolate each week (more than one less than 10)
2. Multiply that number by 2 (just to be bold!)
   
3. Add 5
   
4. Multiply that number by 50 (Hmm, does this have anything to do with WOOF?)
   
5. If you’ve already had your birthday this year, add 1759. If not, add 1758.
   
6. Subtract the 4-digit year you were born
   
7. You should have a 3-digit number. The first number being the original number of times you would eat chocolate a week. The next two digits are … your age!
   (Apparently this only works during this year, that being 2009)

Told ya it was fun! Now, I don't know about you, but I'm going to the fridge to get a Dove Dark Chocolate!

--Diana (d.d. dawg)

BUY WOOF for a whole chapter on chocolate!

Winner of a Thousand WOOFS!

Congratulations

Vicky Alvear Shecter!

You captured our funny bones

with this caption!

Thanks to all who contributed.

All the comments made us howl!!

-- Diana (d.d. dawg)

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about women and their relationships...
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Picture Worth A Thousand WOOFS!

Captions, please!!

--Diana (aka d.d. dawg)

www.DianaBlack.net

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Got Plans?

Hopefully, like fine wine, we all improve with age. One thing I think I am better about as I get older is the need to plan. As a young woman I felt I had to plan everything, and if my plans did not work out for some reason, I would go into a panic. Now I think I am better at "rolling with the flow."

Take yesterday and today for examples. I had planned to work on my new book and do a little housecleaning. But then a friend called who is having marital problems. We talked for almost an hour on the phone yesterday morning. Then some neighbors dropped by. Next thing I knew, it was time to teach my line dancing class, so I didn't get anything done I had planned to do. And today the phone has been ringing off the wall, the cat got sick, and another friend had car trouble. And it's not even noon! The younger Melinda would be upset. The older Melinda just goes with the line from Gone with the Wind uttered by Scarlet O'Hara at the end of the movie, "Tomorrow is another day." And if I don't get everything done tomorrow, either--no problem!

Melinda, aka, Mad Dog

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We Have Winners!

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Hallopalooza Scavenger Hunt. We WOOFers are proud to be included in the fun.

As promised, we're announcing the winners of a PDF download of "Ghost Light," written by WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty co-author, and 'tween series, Cynthia's Attic, author, Mary Cunningham (aka, Milkbone).

*P K the Bookeemonster

*Char

*M. (M. - We need your e-mail address - send to greatdames@woofersclub.com)

Don't forget to check the Stiletto Gang Blog for the grand prize winners. Hope everyone had a great Halloween, and stop back for more WOOFer fun!

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Hallopalooza Scavenger Hunt!

The Scavenger Hunt is officially over! Winners announced tomorrow!

In honor of Halloween, WOOF is participating in the HALLOPALOOZA SCAVENGER HUNT!

To join in the fun, all you have to do is go to the Stiletto Gang Blog, and begin the hunt! We have clue # 23, but remember, you'll need to start at the beginning on the Stiletto Gang Blog in order to qualify for the grand prize - A $50.00 gift certificate good at any book store!

Now, here's the clue!

WOOF - Clue #23

"Dr. Trent, thank you for seeing me." Milla had arranged to meet the doctor at a small café near the clinic where he had offices. "I didn't think doctors worked on Sundays."

"Normally I don't, but my schedule was turned upside down with the murder investigation."

"How long have you and your wife been married?"

"Three years – almost."

"And what's your relationship with G. Winston Howard?" She'd asked him this question before at the mansion, but she suspected he'd been holding back.

"He's my wife's ex-husband."

Okay, she'd push a little harder. Time was running out. "I asked what your relationship was with him, not your wife's."

He sighed. "You know about the loan he gave me?"

Milla hadn't, but she nodded anyway. She'd suspected the two men had done business together, but she'd been thinking the doctor was an investor in one of G. Winston Howard's failed property development companies.

"I settled a malpractice case; my insurance didn't cover all of it. Winston loaned me the balance – only condition was I couldn't tell Diana where the money came from."

"Your wife really doesn't know?"

"No. She'd approached Winston through Carla about the matter several weeks ago. Carla passed on his negative response several days before the ball."

"Yet he eventually gave you the loan? Why?"

"I'm not sure. Saturday morning he just walked up and offered."

"Saturday morning? This Saturday?"

He nodded and Milla was left to wonder if that was what G. Winston Howard was doing when she first arrived at the crime scene. Had he called the police, called her, then broke out his checkbook? Why? Maybe Carla had lied to Diana just to yank her chain. Maybe G. Winston Howard had always intended to help his ex-wife.

'One more question – describe your costume – what did you wear to the Halloween Ball?"

"Green hospital scrubs." He blushed. "Not very original, I know."

No. not very original, Milla agreed. But the information was helpful. His scrubs were nothing like a black cape and witches' mask.

Next Clue (#24) Location - We're sending you back to the Stiletto Gang Blog

So, let the search begin!

The Scavenger Hunt begins 8 am ET, Friday, October 30.
It will end 5 pm ET, Sunday, November 1.

Winners will be announced at noon ET on Monday, November 2 at the Stiletto Gang blog site.

But, don't think WOOF is sending you out of here empty-handed. Simply post a comment on the WOOF blog to be eligible for our drawing!

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Just Wear Your Hat and Gloves

Recently some women in my “over fifty five” neighborhood were discussing the fact that our society has become too casual. We talked about how we missed the “glove and hat” events of our youth.

So we all decided to have an old fashioned “women only” tea party at our clubhouse.
Everyone was asked to bring her own special teacup. In addition, guests were invited to wear hats and gloves if they wanted to do so.

We had little sandwiches, flavored hot teas, and of course, sweets! There were gloves of all lengths and colors, too. But most of us quickly shed our gloves as we discovered (and remembered!) how cumbersome they can be.

Some women wore hats they had purchased many years ago, while others creatively decorated new garden hats. The favorite older model was a green pillbox hat that featured an alluring black net. One woman wore a jeweled white cowboy hat, while another wore a hat completely covered with roses. She topped off the outfit with a rose scarf and even brought a teacup featuring roses.

We all agreed that it was fun to play dress up again. A good time was had by all and we can’t wait to do it again!

Melinda

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Run With The Wind, Baxter!

Baxter's final picture (posted by his mom, Melissa Joseph on Baxiboo's Blog)

I was touched by the story of Baxter who, at the end of his life, gave so much back to hospice patients at the end of theirs. Baxter died OCT 16, at the age of 19 1/2. He'll always be in our hearts.

Moments with Baxter is a collection of touching, true stories about the poignant connection between Baxter, an 19-year-old therapy dog, and the hospice patients and their families to whom he brings comfort and love.

During the last six years, Baxter has helped hundreds of patients ease out of their lives with dignity and peace. His uncanny intuition and almost human responsiveness demonstrates the unique and inextricable bond between human and dog.



All proceeds from the book, Moments With Baxter, will be donated to charitable causes that support hospice and therapy dog training.

Purchase now on Amazon.

Baxter's Blog

Special thanks to Frankie and Barbara Techel at Joyful Paws, for making WOOF aware of this story.

Run free with the wind in Heaven, dear angel, Baxter!
Mary (Milkbone)

Weigh In A Caption!

Congrats to Chris for her caption, "Now I know how much my feet weigh."

I agree with you. Not sure this cartoon even needs a caption!

Still, I bet you all will come up with some heavy contenders!

Leave your caption as a comment!

(And our thanks to whoever dreamed up this illustration!)

-- Diana

www.DianaBlack.net


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Let The Sun Shine!

Thanks, all you weather experts, for being wrong!

The weather forecast looked and sounded ominous. 80% chance of rain all day Saturday, and Sunday was looking "iffy." I packed books, yellow slicker and rolls and rolls of plastic and paper towels for my trip to Carrollton, GA for the annual MeccaFest weekend art festival.

We (Diana, Bev and Jay) set up around 9:00AM; books, bookmarks, posters - all of which don't fare well when drenched with water. Then we waited. Dark clouds gathered and it started sprinkling - just a few drops - around 10:00AM, opening time for the festival. Looks like the forecast was right. We pulled tables into the middle of our tent and dug for the plastic covers.

But, then, a miracle! It stopped spitting! We were all thankful, but wary. Remember, those meteorologists were dead-sure. It would rain on Saturday and rain all day. So, we waited, and waited. All morning and all afternoon we searched the skies. Closing time 5:00PM, was drawing close and precisely at that time, it started spitting rain again! We didn't care. A successful day of selling and schmoozing with patrons had come and gone...with no rain.

A lesson learned: "Don't borrow trouble," my great-aunt Sally always used to say. Next time some wet-nosed weatherman says a day I'm planning to spend outside signing and selling books is sure to be a total washout, I'll smile thinking of the beautiful, sun-shiny day ahead.

Mary Cunningham (Milkbone)

Get your copy of WOOF Today!

And, watch for Accentuate the Pawsitive - Coming Soon!

Mary Cunningham Books

WOOF & Cheap Cabernet: A Friendship

Life + Lemons = Lemonade. Yeah, that was one option.

But together vivacious Cathie Beck and her free-spirited sidekick Denise Katz put a whole new twist on making the most of life.

For the entirety of their four-year friendship—from Chez Universalle Natural-Beauty Training to the illegal trip to Cuba to the redneck bars and Horace Bros. Prosthetics and Ambulatories—these two laughed, cried and even, at times, had the courage to despise one another, all the while trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored.

Readers who have a taste for lemonade or fruit of the vine will savor every drop of this affecting memoir, Cheap Cabernet: A Friendship. It’s huge. It’s magnificent. It’s priceless.

Read more at www.CathieBeck.com & on October 6th only, with any purchase, the author is offering lots of free bonus gifts! Including a free download from WOOF -- Accentuate the Pawsitive!
--Diana

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Home is Where the Heart Is

Tom and I recently traveled back to my old hometown, Murfreesboro, Tennessee. I wanted to introduce him to my friends. It was particularly important to me for them to see that I was happy again. When I left three years ago, I was a recent widow, and my heart and my life were still pretty shattered at that point.

It was great to see everyone and I did have a few bittersweet moments, like when I saw the home Sid and I had shared for almost twelve years. But overall, it was a great visit.

The words from one of my favorite Rascal Flatts songs, My Wish, came to mind: I hope you never look back but you never forget all the ones who love you and the place you left.”

I felt like I wasn’t looking back—rather I was enjoying visiting and fondly remembering friends who love me and the place I left. But that was the best part—it was a visit. I no longer felt like Murfreesboro was home. It was closure. As we drove away, I was anxious to get back to my home in Texas—where my heart is.

Melinda

It's Caption Day!

I'm sure we've all "been there-done that!"

Give us your best caption.

(Personal experience welcome!)

And, while you're at thinking, BUY WOOF!

Mary - aka, Milkbone
Mary Cunningham Books

Suzanne Braun Levine...Questions WOOFers!

Eileen Williams of Feisty Side of Fifty fame has done a number of interviews with Suzanne Braun Levine. You may remember Levine was the founding editor of Ms. Magazine.

Well, Levine's also written several books on boomer women and related topics. (Levine's website) Her newest endeavor is a book on love, sex, and intimacy as we age. She's even created a questionnaire. Check it out at Feisty Side of Fifty!

To read more about boomer women...

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Diana (aka d.d.dawg) www.dianablack.net

Must Love Dogs - Claire Cook

Hers is a story to make any WOOFer proud!

Bestselling author Claire Cook, Must Love Dogs (See below for a complete list of her books), teaches workshops for aspiring writers and women coming into their own at midlife, and has had previous stints as a fitness teacher and dance and aerobics choreographer. She lives on the South Shore of Massachusetts, often called the Irish Riviera, with her husband, where they are occasionally visited by their borderline adult children and their laundry.

In Claire's own words:

"After decades of procrastination, I wrote my first novel in my Ford Windstar outside my daughter's swim practice at five in the morning. It was published when I was 45, and at 50 I walked the red carpet at the Hollywood premiere of the adaptation of my second novel. Midlife rocks! I love telling my story, because I think so many women (and a few good men!) have buried dreams like mine. My advice: dust them off and go for it!"

Featured Monday on The Today Show!

(Anyone who writes a book titled, "Must Love Dogs" is great in our book!)

Claire's Cooke's Website:

Click for more Books by Claire Cooke.

How have you "dusted off your dreams?" Share your story with WOOF.

Mary Cunningham - Milkbone

Coming Soon from author, Mary Cunningham - Cynthia's Attic: The Magician's Castle (Quake - DEC 2009)

In-laws

One of the disadvantages of an older marriage is the fact that you may not have the opportunity to know your in-laws.
My father died two years before I met Tom, and both of his parents are deceased. Since we will never have the chance to meet these in-laws in person, Tom and I decided we would get to know them through shared memories and old photographs.

I enjoyed telling Tom stories about adventures with Dad, who definitely marched to the beat of a different drummer. We have spent hours pouring over photo albums as I recalled things I experienced with Dad, weaving in tidbits about his personality, his likes and dislikes, values, etc. I think Tom particularly liked the story about when Dad was teaching me to drive—and the brakes decided to go out on our 1952 Cadillac limousine that my father had purchased in 1964 as a “real steal.” But that wasn’t the worst part. We were traveling (actually careening at that point) down the steepest hill in Eugene, Oregon! I can’t repeat the words Dad used when he was ordering me to stop the car before we hit a very busy intersection. To his dying day, Dad told everyone how I had the presence of mind to pull on the emergency brake; in the midst of all those unmentionable words that—needless to say—did not help the situation!

Tom brought me a photograph of his parents taken shortly after they married in 1943 and we framed it. Tom’s father died when he was only four, so sadly, he doesn’t have many memories of him. But hearing all about Tom’s mother, Alice, has been wonderful. Like—the time she made Tom a red vest when he was chosen to serve at his school’s father/daughter banquet. He was so proud that day, and still has the vest. Through his eyes I saw the sweet, gentle soul who sacrificed so much for her son.

Tom would have liked Dad and I know Alice would have been one of my favorite relatives. And somehow I know that Alice and Dad would have approved of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Lyons.

Melinda

WOOFer Caption Day!

Meet Blanche & Sunflower.

****************************

Blanche has been holding at "49" for a year or two or...

Sunflower is happy with that.

You see, Blanche's turning 50 would make her a

WOOFer.

Not something that fits into Sunflower's world.

Now, armed with that information,

please caption the above.

Quick, before Sunflower shreds something!

--Diana
www.dianablack.net

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Retirement? Who ME??

Where did retirement go? My mom and dad worked at the same job for most of their lives. Mom in one office for 30 years and Dad at a newspaper for 40. They both counted the days until retirement. Ah, retirement. Sweet, retirement. Age 65. Social Security, pensions, savings, house paid for. Kids educated and on their own. That was the reward for their 40+ years of work.

One question: What happened?? Today's Baby Boomer is faced with working until at least age 66 and beyond, plus, more and more of us are putting off retirement for various reasons. The best reason is that we are in great health and love our careers so much, we don't want to give them up. The worst reason is that we can't afford to retire! Many of us are somewhere in between. Why not work as long as we're able to bring in some extra money and stay involved in world/community affairs?

In addition, health insurance is on the line. I've heard from many of my friends that they're afraid to leave their jobs because of the fear of losing health insurance. How did we get in the position of being held hostage by health insurance companies? But, don't get me started on that.

So, let's hear your opinions/stories/solutions. Are you working toward retirement, or working toward working? Have you discovered a rewarding 2nd career? Many have. Just ask three saavy authors! (ahem) Spill your stories!

Mary Cunningham (Milkbone)

And, if you're looking for a good laugh, check out WOOF on Amazon!

Mary Cunningham is also the author of the award-winning 'tween series, Cynthia's Attic. She's proud to announce the release of the 4th book in the series, "The Magician's Castle" in DEC 2009 (Quake-Echelon Imprint) Available on Amazon!

Stand

Now that Tom and I are in somewhat of a normal routine, I have had more time to reflect on all the drastic changes that have occurred in my life these past three and a half years.

After losing my husband, I moved to a different state, and decided to start a brand new life. I began taking dance lessons and that is where I met Martha.

That first night we discovered that we were both “over fifty” widows. We both had long marriages, and our husbands suffered heart attacks. But we had much more in common, and I guess that is why Martha and I felt an instant bond.

We began going to a dance club and looking back, I feel like meeting Martha was a real turning point in my life. We helped each other get back into the real world, sharing our mutual feelings, concerns and issues along the way. We were in the same boat, but we also had another thing in common. We were determined we weren’t going to sink. We were both working hard to recover and find the “new normal.”

I remember that Rascal Flatts had a song out at the time entitled Stand. We would listen to that song on the way to the dance at Big Sandy, energized by some of the lyrics that were so meaningful to two struggling widows:

You feel like a candle in a hurricane. Just like a picture with a broken frame. Alone and helpless like you’ve lost your fight. But you’ll be alright…Cause when push comes to shove you taste what you’re made of…on your knees you look up—decide you’ve had enough…you get mad, you get strong, wipe your hands, shake it off…then you stand.

Martha and I both married again. I had lunch with her the other day and we talked about how wonderful things are now, and how our friendship helped us climb out of the darkness and move on with our lives. We learned how to Stand. Just like the words of the song: Every time you get up and get back in the race one more small piece of you starts to fall into place.

So, thanks, Martha. We got back in the race and discovered how to start holding on and keep holding on together. And it was so much easier for me to Stand with you by my side.

Eileen "WOOFER" Williams Gives Advice!

Feisty Side of Fifty

--Diana
www.dianablack.net

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The Winning WOOF Caption!

Thanks for Exercising Your Funny Bone!

Several good captions were left on Facebook.

The creator of this one will perhaps remain

a mystery, but we still loved it!

--Diana
www.dianablack.net

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The Games People Play

Another advantage of marriage over fifty is the fact that you no longer play games. Being older and wiser, you realize that you just don't want to waste your time on those petty male/female games most of us used to play. At least that is what Tom and I have experienced.

Life is much more fun when you just relax and do what feels right and comes naturally, instead of doing what you think others expect, or what you were taught is appropriate behavior. As younger people, we also often try to imitate what we perceive as our "roles," rather than just being ourselves. As we age, I think we come to understand that these are all just useless games that we don't want to play.

Tom and I feel we have more of a "take me as I am" relationship. We are better at accepting each other and have learned how to compromise to make each day as happy as possible for both of us. And that is so much easier than playing games!

Melinda

A Kennel for Your Thoughts.

“I don’t have pet peeves,
I have whole kennels of irritation.”

—Whoopi Goldberg

When I came across Whoopi's quote and shared it with friends, it was unanimous. Perfect for WOOF...

Oh, sure, only because of the "kennel" reference. Yeah, that's it. Who of us over 50 has accumulated lots and lots of things that irritate us.

Yeah, by now we're settled into a state of sublime being. Content with ourselves and everyone else in our lives.

From the grocery store clerk who laughs when she checks our ID so we can buy that $3 bottle of wine to the aunt who reminds us how close in age we suddenly are.

That's when a less self-assured WOOFer might say, "Bite me."

Instead, you and I, why, we simply... bite them!

So, give it up. What are YOUR pet peeves? The comment section is large. We can accomodate a "kennel" of complaints.

--Diana (d.d. dawg)
www.dianablack.net

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AND THE WINNER IS...

Again, a reminder,

This is NOT a picture of DIANA, MARY OR MELINDA!

Or anyone else we know...At least we don't THINK so!

And now ...

The Winning Caption!

(They were all so good, it was really a tough decision.)

Congratulatons, Chris Eldin!

--Diana

www.dianablack.net

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WOOF CAPTION NEEDED: Say "Cheese?!"

Before anyone asks,

This is NOT a picture of DIANA, MARY OR MELINDA!

Or anyone else we know...At least we don't THINK so!

(It's not YOU, is it?)

Anyhoo,

leave your idea for a caption in the comment section.

Oh, there are going to be

some good ones! We can just feel it...

--Diana
www.dianablack.net

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The Red Dress Diary Entry #17: Living On Easy Street

Things are starting to settle down a bit after our June 14th wedding, and I am amazed at how easily I am adjusting to being Mrs. Tom Lyons. I can still recall how difficult the transition was for me in 1968, when that nineteen-year-old college girl became Mrs. Sid Bailey.

Now I am not so emotional and don't sweat the small stuff like I did when I was younger. We are both better at going with the flow, and have more flexibility with our schedules. And maybe this relationship is more relaxed in part--because we are too old and lazy to fight! Or maybe that is called "older and wiser." We also don't have the financial burdens and responsibilities that we had in our first marriages. In addition, expectations are more realistic this time around. All of these factors have enabled us to live on Easy Street!

So there you go--just one more advantage to being over fifty. Love, marriage and life are all easier!

Melinda

Writing From An Empty Nest

Margot Finke is an Aussie transplant who writes mid-grade adventure fiction and rhyming picture books. For many years she has lived in Oregon with her husband and family.

Gardening, travel, and reading fill in the cracks between writing. Her husband is very supportive, though not interested in children's books . Their three children are now grown and doing very well.

Margot didn't begin serious writing until the day their youngest left for college. This late start drives her writing, and pushes her to work at it every day. Margot said, "I really envy those who began young, and managed to slip into writing mode between kid fights, diaper changes, household disasters, and outside jobs."

WOOF: Having put off your dream of writing for so many years, if you had it all to do over, would you begin writing at an earlier age?

Margot: As the Aussies say, "Too right I would, mate!" I would find a way to fit writing in-between kids, husband, cooking, gardening and breathing.

WOOF: What advice do you have for those empty nesters out there who believe it's too late to "follow your dreams?"

Margot: It's never too late. All you need is a bit of talent, a strong will, stick-with-it-ness, and LUCK. Sending the right book, at the right time, to the right publisher, is my idea of luck. Of course being a famous pop star helps. So does knowing someone who knows someone in publishing. Join SCBWI and go to all their conferences - network with other writers, join a critique group, and listen to the wisdom of visiting editors. Read children's books. Join a couple of great online writing lists, and eavesdrop on the vast amount of writing information that flows through them.

WOOF: How has writing for children benefited your life as a WOOFer?

Margot: One thing I have as a WOOFer is TIME to write. And these days, I not only write, I do a lot of professional Manuscript Critiques. Sometimes I am swamped with them, and it's like the old (pre -WOOFER ) days, only now it's not kids and husband gobbling my time, it is critique clients wanting their manuscripts returned. That old refrain, "will I ever find the time to write" still echoes through my head.

WOOF: Besides writing, what is your passion?

Margot: Two new and utterly delightful grandkids, gardening, and reading, reading, reading. Travel too, if we have the time.

WOOF: Passions many WOOFers share, Margot! Would you also mind sharing something funny you've noticed about yourself as a direct result of aging?

Margot: I find myself feeling closer to my mother - she has been gone for many years now, but her wisdom has begun to resonate loud and clear - like a drum beat! One of Mum's gems I have come to appreciate:

"If you get up in the morning dear, and feel really terrific, don't look in the mirror - it will spoil everything!"

Fairdinkum, mate, she was right!"

Margot's latest rhyming book is "Rattlesnake Jam" - Guardian Angel Publishing - Illustrated by award winner Kevin Scott Collier. Available in both soft cover and e-book format.

This fun romp follows Pa catching rattlers, and Gran, as she cooks up her yucky green rattlesnake jam. But Pa's longs for rattler pie. Can he get Gran to bake it for him? ** Reluctant reader friendly! See Trailer Here

She also writes "Musings" - Where children's writers can find great writing help. To read more about this author and her books, go to: Margot Finke Website

As an extra bonus, Margot will give away FREE AUDIOS reading from her "Wild and Wonderful" rhyming series, to 2 people who comment or ask questions, after reading this blog interview! So, make you comment, now!

Margot, you've been a complete delight! Thanks, so much for sharing your love for writing and the passion for persuing your dream.

Mary Cunningham - Milkbone

Mary Cunningham Books

Janet Grace Riehl and WOOFer Power!

Janet Grace Riehl is an all-around creative WOOFer having made the rounds of every discipline in the arts: writing, visual art, music, acting/storytelling, and dance. Since 2006 her work has mainly focused on writing and publishing. Her most recent project is "Sightlines: A Family Love Story in Poetry and Song" that extends the written work in "Sightlines: A Poet's Diary" into the realm of sound.


ELDER POWER LOVES COLLABORATION:

Janet Grace Riehl’s Village Supported Her Dreams Publishing a book! That was the dream I pursued all my life and in my 50s, I made it a reality. A few years later at 60, I expanded the print version into an audio book. It took bliss, yes—that is to say, it took vision and passion. It took effort, yes…old-fashioned sweat, guts, and tears. And perhaps most importantly, it took a village; yes, a team of collaborators. It was the village that made it possible to see “Sightlines: A Poet’s Diary” into print in 2006 and in 2009, produce “Sightlines: A Family Love Story in Poetry and Music” in a 4-CD album -

Sightlines: A Poet's Diary
Sightlines: A Family Love Story in Poetry & Music

For the book I was mainly on my own, but I had a mentor by my side only an email away. When I needed something, amazingly, a friend would appear at my doorstep--if only for 15 minutes--to help me.

For the audio book, my team expanded to include my father; a blogging buddy, who led me to her son-in-law, who became the sound-cum project manager; my legal guy for licensing and copyrights; a poet friend and blogging buddy who read the intro…and now the 20 bloggers helping with this Internet tour. I was the team leader, but what a team! They smoothed the way and kept me from falling into the ruts I hadn’t realized were in the road.
Why is collaboration a natural tool for Elders?

• We are often not as arrogant (or as blissfully ignorant?) as we once were and more open to working with others. It allows us to blend strengths and offset weaknesses so that we don’t have to learn whole new set of skills.

• Knowing that we can count on others relieves some of the pressure and makes our dreams seem achievable.

No matter what your dream is, know that you can achieve it if you don’t hesitate to use your Elder Power to call your collaborative village to your side. It can be as close as your kitchen table or your Internet connection.

Thanks, Janet for giving us your secret of Elder Power, or as we say around here, WOOFer Power!

As a bonus, if readers click here (this will take you to the top post on Riehlife) and comment on the video, they'll be eligible to be chosen in a contest raffle.

In addition, click on this link, http://www.riehlife.com to sign up for a 10-minute audio download of poetry and music from our new audio book, "Sightlines: A Family Love Story in Poetry and Music."

Read more about Janet Grace Riehl July 20 on Bookland Heights

Visit Janet's next Blog Stop - Janet's Jargon


Mary Cunningham - Milkbone
Mary Cunningham Books

Buy WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty Today!

I Present to You Mr. and Mrs. Tom Lyons

What a great little family wedding we had! I proudly wore my red dress and Tom sported a matching red tie. My sister decorated our neighborhood clubhouse with Tyler, Texas grown red and white roses (where we live and the rose capital of the United States). Tom made our beautiful wedding cake and his daughter Amanda decorated it. My twelve-year-old niece Simone was my lovely attendant; Tom's daughter Amber was the "music coordinator;" and my sister-in-law Becky Bailey was the "official" photographer.

Our sweet, simple non-traditional ceremony was followed by a reception that almost 100 people attended. I could not have asked for a more perfect day. I may be well over fifty, but on June 14, 2009, I felt like a young, blushing bride and the luckiest woman in a red dress in the world!

Melinda

Weight Loss...No Waiting!

There's that one question. The one WOOFers LOVE to be asked.

For some of us it's been a while since we've celebrated with a super-sized hot fudge sundae (extra sauce and nuts) upon hearing those glorious words.


But WOOFers Club is happy to announce there are five simple things that you, yes, YOU, a WOOFer on the edge of her bathroom scale, can do to ensure, before the day is out, you'll be asked, "Have you lost weight?"

#1. Stand in front large buildings. You'll look teensy-weensy and your ego will touch the sky!

#2. Visit a national monument.

And take lots of pictures!

#3. Relax in nature near

mammoth objects like

redwood trees and lighthouses.

#4. Participate in a sport that

generally uses a blimp.

#5. Um...Let's see...

Okay, four, FOUR simple things you can do (Even better! We were thinking FIVE was one too many anyway...er...)

Please leave comments as you use these techniques. Let us know the glowing results of your efforts!

Oh, and by the way, "Have you lost weight?"

--Diana

BUY WOOF!