WOOF: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Laugh in the New Year with WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty!

For Fido!

• I will not bark each time I see or hear a dog on TV.
• I will not steal underwear belonging to my mistress and then dance all over the back yard with it.
• I will not chew red crayons or pens, because my master will think that I am haemorrhaging.
• I will not roll my toys behind the fridge.
• I must shake the rainwater out of my coat BEFORE I enter the house.
  
  ___________________________
  For the women!

As in many homes on New Year's Day, Janet and Nigel, a happily married couple, faced the annual conflict of which was more important: the football match on television, or the lunch itself.

Hoping to keep the peace Nigel ate lunch with the rest of the family, and even lingered for some pleasant after-lunch chat before retiring to the lounge to turn on the television.

Some minutes later, Janet looked in to see how he was and graciously even bought a cold beer for Nigel. She smiled, kissed him on the cheek and asked what the score was. Nigel told her it was half time and that the score was still 0-0.

'See?' Janet said happily, 'You didn't miss a thing.'
__________________________
On New Year's Eve, Daniel was in no shape to drive, so he sensibly left his van in the car park and walked home. As he was wobbling along, he was stopped by a policeman. 'What are you doing out here at four o'clock in the morning?' asked the police officer.

'I'm on my way to a lecture,' answered Roger.

'And who on earth, in their right mind, is going to give a lecture at this time on New Year's Eve?' enquired the constable sarcastically.

'My wife,' slurred Daniel grimly.
_________________________
Jemima was taking an afternoon nap on New Year's Eve before the festivities. After she woke up, she confided to Max, her husband, 'I just dreamed that you gave me a diamond ring for a New Year's present. What do you think it all means?'

'Aha, you'll know tonight,' answered Max smiling broadly.

At midnight, as the New Year was chiming, Max approached Jemima and handed her small package. Delighted and excited she opened it quickly. There in her hand rested a book entitled: 'The meaning of dreams'.

WOOF: Media Monday - A Secret Society of Women?

WOOF (Women Only Over Fifty) isn't so much a secret society...unless you count the women who don't tell anyone they "qualify!"... Now this from ThirdAge.com:



The Secret Society of Women was created by journalist Lisa Ling as a forum for women to discuss issues pertinent to them, with the safety and freedom of anonymity.

Ling revealed that she painfully suffered a miscarriage six months ago. After going through the experience, she realized she wanted to create a place of support for women going through tough times. Thus, the Secret Society of Women was created.

With her friend Sophia Kim, the Secret Society allows women to share all of their thoughts anonymously.

“Welcome to our secret society. Of women. By women. For women. A place where we can divulge our deepest secrets about how we look, what we regret, who we fantasize about, what we aspire to do, or whatever else we’ve been keeping inside of us,” the website says to people that enter.

"We started Secret Society of Women after Lisa went through a personal experience where she felt very alone," the founder explain further on the website. "We realize that women hold many secrets and wanted to provide a forum where we can all share."

Ling is an American journalist

Picture: Lisa Ling arrives at the Glamour Magazine 2009 Women of the Year Awards at Carnegie Hall in New York City on November 9, 2009. UPI/John Angelillo .
Source: UP

WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty

WOOF: Furry Friends Friday - Happy Howlidays!

WOOF: Woop-Woop Wednesday - It's A Wonderful Life!

Happy Holidays from WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty!

WOOF: Media Monday - Fit for the Holidays!

Online article...Nothing we haven't read before, but at this candy, cookie and cake season of the year, not a bad thing to remember!

When people start getting older they often feel much less inclined to exercise as much as they used to, let alone begin suddenly when they never have before. It is understandable that as people age they don't want to be running around and lifting weights because they are bound to hurt themselves and they may simply not have the energy for it. However the reality is that you'll age twice as fast if you don't maintain your fitness, the body needs regular exercise no matter what age you may be, the only thing about being older is that the exercises you should do change somewhat.

This article explores some exercises which are more accommodating for those over fifty, particularly women. Nobody wants to just become a couch potato and enter their old age unfit, these exercises are easy and unthreatening so women over fifty can still be fit and feeling good about themselves. What follows are some exercise suggestions designed specifically for women over fifty.

Working out the back is absolutely critical for women over fifty; the back is often the weakest part of our body and is therefore prone to injury
, particularly as we age. Doing some lower back exercises also helps trim down the waistline, glutes, hips, and thighs. Simple back exercises like shrugs, back extensions, dead lifts and bent over rows are all excellent options for women over fifty.

Abdominal exercises are the best way to trim that stomach and gain some stability and core strength. Abdominal exercises are fairly straightforward, the big difference for women over fifty being that they should opt for softer versions of exercises, use an exercise ball to do crunches as opposed to doing them straight on the floor. In addition to crunches there are sit ups, oblique crunches, and bicycle crunches. Abdominal exercises are also great for promoting better digestion and relieving bowel problems-common complaints as we age.

Arm exercises are beneficial in many ways for women over fifty; they increase muscular endurance, mobility, and tone your arms. Triceps exercises in particular will eliminate any of that unwanted flab on the back of the arm. Try some triceps dips, triceps kickbacks, or overhead extensions to workout the triceps.

In regards to the biceps there are a variety of different curls, including the hammer curl, concentrated curl, and preacher curl. Joining a local gym or getting a trainer can help you figure out which exercises work best for you. Hopefully these exercise suggestions will spur you to get out there and get fit in whatever way suits you best.

Article author unlisted...Perhaps collapsed from over-exercise before they could add their name!

So just stretch a bit and reach for your copy of WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty! Don't own it yet? Click on the title and have it delivered right to your mailbox!

WOOF: Furry Friends Friday: Friends

Photo from LOLdogs

We all need friends. How about sharing your best friend? What makes her/him so special? Leave your comment!

Looking for a special gift for your best friend? Buy WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty.

WOOF: Woop-Woop Wednesday - LOL "Prayer"

WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty! Don't own it yet? Click on the title and have it delivered right to your mailbox!

WOOF: Media Monday: A dozen days till Christmas!

It's Media Monday at WOOF... and we're here to help!

Here are great gifts you can purchase online in time for that holiday that keeps getting closer and closer and closer!!

Mary Cunningham Books...for tweens! (All under $15.00 with prices as low as $.99 for downloads!)

Diana Black's Favorite Things...for early readers! (Books under $15 with audio MP3s available for only $1.50!)

Notables Jewelry...for lovers of jewelry and music! (Gifts as low as $15!)

WOOF: Woop-Woop Wednesday...She Santa?

We can't prove a WOOFer wrote this...but truthfully, we wouldn't be surprised!

I hate to be the one to defy sacred myth, but I believe he's a she. Think about it. Christmas is a big, organized, warm, fuzzy, nurturing social deal, and I have a tough time believing a guy could possibly pull it off!

For starters, the vast majority of men don't even think about selecting gifts until Christmas Eve. It's as if they are all frozen in some kind of Ebenezerian Time Warp until 3 p.m. on Dec. 24th, when they - with amazing calm - call other errant men and plan for a last-minute shopping spree.

Once at the mall, they always seem surprised to find only Ronco products, socket wrench sets, and mood rings left on the shelves. (You might think this would send them into a fit of panic and guilt, but my husband tells me it's an enormous relief because it lessens the 11th hour decision-making burden.) On this count alone, I'm convinced Santa is a woman. Surely, if he were a man, everyone in the universe would wake up Christmas morning to find a rotating musical Chia Pet under the tree, still in the bag.

Another problem for a he-Santa would be getting there. First of all, there would be no reindeer because they would all be dead, gutted and strapped on to the rear bumper of the sleigh amid wide-eyed, desperate claims that buck season had been extended. Blitzen's rack would already be on the way to the taxidermist. Even if the male Santa DID have reindeer, he'd still have transportation problems because he would inevitably get lost up there in the snow and clouds and then refuse to stop and ask for directions. Add to this the fact that there would be unavoidable delays in the chimney, where the Bob Vila-like Santa would stop to inspect and repoint bricks in the flue. He would also need to check for carbon monoxide fumes in every gas fireplace, and get under every Christmas tree that is crooked to straighten it to a perfectly upright 90-degree angle.

Other reasons why Santa can't possibly be a man:

• Men can't pack a bag.
• Men would rather be dead than caught wearing red velvet.
• Men would feel their masculinity is threatened...having to be seen with all those elves.
• Men don't answer their mail.
• Men would refuse to allow their physique to be described even in jest as anything remotely resembling a "bowlful of jelly."
• Men aren't interested in stockings unless somebody's wearing them.
• Having to do the Ho Ho Ho thing would seriously inhibit their ability to pick up women.
• Finally, being responsible for Christmas would require a commitment.

I can buy the fact that other mythical holiday characters are men...

• Father Time shows up once a year unshaven and looking ominous. Definite guy.
• Cupid flies around carrying weapons.
• Uncle Sam is a politician who likes to point fingers.

Any one of these individuals could pass the testosterone screening test. But not St. Nick. Not a chance. As long as we have each other, good will, peace on earth, faith, and Nat King Cole's version of "The Christmas Song," it probably makes little difference what gender Santa is.

I just wish she'd quit dressing like a guy!!! (From the site Comic Relief)

Speaking of Christmas...Remember WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty is the perfect gift for that feisty over fifty woman!

WOOF: Media Monday -- Wise WOOFers Speak Out!

If you've read WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty (and if you haven't, what are you waiting for?!), you understand we're a sisterhood of women determined to be all we can be now and forever more! Apparently these women feel much the same...

"I am more myself than I have ever been."
— May Sarton, poet, novelist, 75

"It’s taken 63 years, but now I know who I am."
— Madeline Albright, former Secretary of State, 63

"I like growing old. I say it to myself with surprise."
— Barbara Macdonald, author, activist, 65

"After all, I’m 81 — I’m experiencing an increased indifference
to people’s opinions — I’m not so scared anymore."
— Olga Bloom, musical director of Bargemusic, NYC, 81

"It’s a terrible thing in women’s culture that you’re supposed
to be dead after menopause in our culture. You’re not
beautiful any more, nothing. Since I was 60, I’ve written
more and had better energy than I ever had in my life."
— Meridel Le Sueur, poet, social activist, 86

"This is the best time of my life."
— Raquel Welch, film actress, 60

Quotes found at The Old Women's Project

WOOF: Furry Friends Friday: OMG!

Courtesy of LOLDogs!

Sure there is! Diana's driving and Mary's riding shotgun.

We're off to the Hoosier state for school visits to Corydon Elementary School and Corydon Intermediate School on Friday. On Saturday, they'll be at their favorite library, Harrison County Public Library, Corydon, Indiana, for a booksigning!

See you when we get back.

Meanwhile, do you have your copy of WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty? Hmmmm? No? Then BUY ONE!

WOOF: WOOP-WOOP Wednesday: Observations on Growing Older -

~Your kids are becoming you...and you don't like them ...but your grandchildren are perfect!

~Going out is good. Coming home is better!

~When people say you look "Great"... they add "for your age!"

~When you needed the discount, you paid full price. Now you get discounts on everything...movies, hotels, flights, but you're too tired, or too broke to use them.

~You forget names ... but it's OK because other people forgot they even knew you!!!

~The 5 pounds you wanted to lose is now 15 and you have a better chance of losing your keys than the 15 pounds.

~Your spouse is counting on you to remember things you don't remember.

~The things you used to care to do, you no longer care to do, but you really do care that you don't care to do them anymore. (Huh??)

~Your husband sleeps better on a lounge chair with the TV blaring than he does in bed. It's called his "pre-sleep".

~You used to say, "I hope my kids GET married" Now, "I hope they STAY married!"

~You miss the days when everything worked with just an "ON" and "OFF" switch, when GOOGLE, ipod, email, modem were unheard of, and a mouse was something that made you climb on a table.

~You read 100 pages into a book before you realize you've read it.

~Notice everything they sell in stores is "sleeveless"?!!!

~What used to be freckles are now liver spots.

~You have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet ...2 of which you will never wear.

Thanks to my dear, friend and former NJ neighbor, Nancy Irish for sharing this. Miss you, Nancy!

Have even more fun by ordering WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty - TODAY on Amazon!

WOOF: Media Monday...Timing is Everything!

We thought it was about time WOOF took time to surf the internet about time...

Her Brain, Not His

After a couple weeks of daylight savings time...what did you do with that extra hour?

Don't sizzle...when 60 seconds seems like a very long time.

Now really, isn't it time you read WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty?

WOOF: Furry Friends Friday - Happy Tails

Just discovered a blog called Happy Tails and wanted to share this story about Berringer, abandoned by his family and rescued by the kind, generous Weiss family. Be sure to click on the link below to hear the rest of the story.

Thanksgiving gives us many things to be thankful for: friends, family, hot mulled cider… But the holidays don’t bring cheer for everyone. Many rescues put their adoption applicants on hold during the holidays because of the many mislead people who wish to give pets for holiday gifts (the majority of the time this gift pets end up back at the rescue or in shelters). This causes foster homes to be in especially short supply, which is compounded by the fact that many fosters are unavailable because they are on vacation. Luckily for Berringer, a rescued Lab in need of a foster home, The Weiss family was willing to open their heart and home of a needy dog for the holidays:

To read the rest of the story, click on Happy Tails Blog

Told by Tammy Weiss, from Lost Souls: Found! Inspiring Stories About Labrador Retrievers)

Subscribe to Fido Friendly

Have a special dog rescue story to tell? Then WOOF wants your story! Submit to DOG TAILS! (click for details)

WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty!

WOOF: WOOP-WOOP-Wednesday! It's 50-year-old Jennifer Grey!

And the season-11 champion of Dancing with the Stars is...

WOOFer, Jennifer Grey!

The actress, 50, grabbed the ABC competition's mirrorball trophy on Tuesday's results show, beating out fellow finalists Kyle Massey and Bristol Palin.

Grey and pro partner Derek Hough entered the finale as clear frontrunners, scoring raves from judges and a perfect 60 for their two dances on Monday (including an emotional cha-cha tribute to her iconic Dirty Dancing role and late costar Patrick Swayze.)

And, she almost didn't dance on Tuesday after rupturing a disc! Just proves, we WOOFers are tough cookies!

So, whether you like the show or not; whether you believe the voting is fair, you have to give props to this amazing 50-year-old! Congrats, Jennifer!

Read more on OMG - Yahoo

WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty - TODAY on Amazon!

WOOF: Media Monday - Body Image

WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty addresses body image with humor...and sometimes that's what we need. To laugh at the sags and sways. Other times, it's anything but a laughing matter. Especially when the media seems set on creating and sustaining unrealistic expectations. (A link should not be construded as a WOOF endorsement.)

Beauty and Body Image in the Media:

Media Coverage of Women and Women's Issues:

Portia de Rossi – the most recent woman in the media to speak out about her struggles with body image

WOOF: Furry Friends Friday: Cutest Beagle Puppy, Ever!

Do you sing with your dog? Then WOOF wants your story! Submit to DOG TAILS! (click for details)

WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty!

WOOF: Woop-Woop Wednesday with Eileen Williams!

WOOF: Women Only Over 50!

WOOF: Media Monday with Fabulous Way-Over-Fifty Fonda!

Women Only Over Fifty remember 1982 and feeling the burn along with 45-year-old Jane Fonda and her workout tape! (some of us may still feel that burn!)

Well, now she's 72 and back with a new workout DVD for ladies in the prime of their lives. (yes, that would be us!) Here's just a brief part of the conversation she had recently with Oprah.

“Do you feel as great as you look?” Oprah asked on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

“Yes,” Jane announced. “I think it’s just getting better!

“Over [age] 50, people tend to get happier and less anxious,” she explained. “[Life] gets better and easier.

“One part of wisdom is knowing what you don’t need anymore and letting it go,” she added. “We don’t have to keep going back there. Been there, done that. I survived. I can do it again.”

Jane Fonda Prime Time: Fit & Strong DVD
Women Only Over Fifty

WOOF: Furry Friends Friday: Aging Boomer Drivers

It's inevitable. As we age, our reaction time slows a bit, and we can't see at night like we could in our 30's and 40's. Sadly, we're usually the last to know.

Now, we're not suggesting WOOFers are like the 85-year-old woman who drove to her dentist a few weeks ago on the WRONG SIDE OF I-95, but the NTSB is conducting a study on the effects of aging Baby Boomers hitting the road.

"With the number of people 65 or older expected to double in the next three decades, the elderly are driving more often, are taking longer trips and seem rooted in communities where getting around by car is the only option.

The graying of the roads prompted the National Transportation Safety Board to host a forum this week on aging drivers to analyze the impact of the change...."

So, whether you're noticing subtle changes or worrying about an aging parent, stay sharp and remember, the life you save...

could be your dog's!

When you're not driving, or worrying about it, read WOOF! Women Only Over Fifty

WOOF: Woop-Woop Wednesday - Pulpwood Queens 2011 Girlfriend's Weekend!

The Pulpwood Queen's

11th Anniversary Girlfriend Weekend

January 13 - 16, 2011

And, WOOF is going to be there!

What began with six, really complete strangers, has now grown to nearly 400 chapters of women and yes, a few good men who have become Kathy Patrick's nearest and dearest friends for a lifetime. After appearances on Oprah Winfrey’s OXYGEN NETWORK, ABC’s Good Morning America, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more newspapers, magazines than you can shake a stick at; The Pulpwood Queens are now the largest meeting and discussing book club in the WORLD!

The author lineup for the weekend is amazing ... Pat Conroy, Fannie Flagg, Cathie Beck...

WOOFer authors, Diana Black and Mary Cunningham are also on the list! Here's our panel info:

Jan 15, 2011 - 3:30 p.m. – 4:15 P.M. STORIES FIT FOR A QUEEN
Authors featured:

DIANA BLACK and MARY CUNNINGHAM of WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty

DAVID VALDES GREENWOOD of The Rhinestone Sisterhood: A Journey Through Small Town America, One Tiara At A Time

OLIVIA DeBELLE BYRD of Miss Hildreth Wore Brown: Anecdotes of a Southern Belle

CINDY RATZLAF and KATHY KINNEY of Queen of Your Own Life

SHELLIE RUSHING TOMLINSON of Suck in Your Stomach and Put Some Color On: What Southern Mamas Tell Their Southern Daughters That The Rest of Y’all Should Know Too

Order your copy of WOOF and join us in Jefferson Texas!

Pulpwood Queens Blog

Pulpwood Queens Website

Beauty & the Book website

WOOF: Media Monday: Pregnancy After Fifty???

YIKES!!!!!



More than 100 women over the age of 50 in England and Wales became mothers last year according to the Office of National Statistics.

This represents a 55 percent increase on 2008. 14 of the women were over 55.

All I can say is, glad I don't live in England or Wales!

What's your opinion? How would pregnancy/motherhood suit you after the age of fifty?

To read more, click on the link below:
More women over 50 becoming mothers

If you're an empty-nester, look for great stories in WOOF: Women Only Over 50!

WOOF: Furry Friends Friday - Charlie In Charge (For Now)

But, Did Leslie Huffman bite off more than she can chew?

She adopted Charlie from a North Carolina Rottweiler Rescue. Rottweiller?? Charlie doesn't look like he has much Rottweiler in him, but as Leslie found out, the group also rescues small dogs from kill shelters, which was where Charlie ended up after being taken from a puppy mill.

So, after a unanimous family meeting, filling out six pages of paper work, providing three references, and another phone call to verify the above, the Huffmans met the pomeranian chihuahua mix. He was adorable and mellow and it was love at first sight.

But, the story continues.. Read about Leslie's new search for a Dog Whisperer!

(WOOF promises to post updates on the Charming Charlie saga)


To read more pet adoption stories, buy WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty!

WOOF: Special Wednesday Celebration!

“Only when we are so old, only are we aware of the beauty of life!”

Alice Sommer

The oldest living Holocaust survivor who will celebrate her 107th birthday in November. A concert pianist in Prague, at age 39 she and her young son were deported to Theresienstadt, a concentration camp where artists and musicians were allowed to continue their art for propaganda purposes. She continues to play the piano every day… (to view inspiring 12 minute video, click here)

“I never hate. Hatred only brings hatred”

WOOF: Media Monday...AFTER 50!

WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty explores how our little puppy hearts can stay passionate after 50. A couple writers at The Huffington Post have this to add:

How you and your partner can be a couple again...AFTER 50!

Rewarding work ... AFTER 50!

At the top of your game...AFTER 50!

WOOF: Woop-Woop Wednesday with Lily Tomlin & Cher!

For Women Only Over Fifty thoughts & stories:

WOOF available through Amazon and Echelon Press!

Buy New WOOF Download Companion

Accentuate The Pawsitive!

WOOF: Media Monday

UNIFEM’s Anne-Marie Goetz stresses that UN Security Council Resolution 1325 has begun to advance women’s role at peace tables and ushered in new protections against sexual violence in conflicts. But urgent action is required to speed up progress. (Photo: UN/Sophie Paris)

What has WOOF found new on the web for women? Please check out ... (a link should not be construded as a WOOF endorsement)

The Real Deal: Economic Summit (part of the National Council for Research on Women)

United Nations Development Fund for Women (Five Questions for Anne-Marie Goetz)

On a lighter note...Art of Simplicity

For Women Only Over Fifty thoughts & stories:

WOOF available through Amazon and Echelon Press!

Buy New WOOF Download Companion

Accentuate The Pawsitive!

Furry Friends Friday - Is It A Full Moon?

LOL Dogs 'n Puppies

And, don't forget that October is Adopt-a-Pet Month!

No Kill Shelters

For funny, crazy, sentimental dog stories, read

WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty!

WOOP-WOOP Wednesday - Old World Murder

I’m grateful to The WOOFers Blog for allowing me to be a guest here. And I’m grateful to readers! I love my work, and I’d be nowhere without you. Leave a comment here, and your name will go into a daily drawing for one free book. The winner can choose any of my sixteen titles. Old World Murder, one of my American Girl mysteries, a Civil War novel—the choice will be yours!


Revisiting My Past
by Kathleen Ernst

“My novel is set in 1982,” I reminded the young cop driving the squad car on my first ride-along. “One of the things I need to research is how work for police officers has changed since then.”

He speculated on the aspects that had evolved—weapons carried, how technological changes have affected cops. He could not have been more helpful. But as we chatted, it suddenly occurred to me: in 1982, this impressive officer had probably not yet been born. Hmmn.

Lots of people have asked why I chose to set my new mystery, Old World Murder, in 1982. With a few notable exceptions, it is an era not often visited in fiction. It isn’t quite historical fiction (at least by the definition used by the Historical Novel Society); it isn’t quite contemporary. My agent was a little concerned that the 1982 setting might not be viewed with favor by acquiring editors. But there was, I explained, no way I could change it.

First, the novel’s protagonist, Chloe Ellefson, is curator of collections at large living-history site called Old World Wisconsin. Old World is a real and magical place, and I had the privilege of working there for over a decade—starting in 1982. The historic site I know intimately is that of the 1980s, not today.

Second, because Old World Wisconsin is a real place—and I plan to visit other real historic sites in upcoming books—it seemed respectful to put some distance between murderous events and the present-day.

Third, and perhaps most important, I simply wanted to revisit a time and place in my life that had been filled with amazing experiences. When you look back on your life, is there a period of particular intensity that you can recall in vivid detail? Perhaps a special summer, or the first months on a new job?

For me, that time is 1982. I had always loved visiting historic sites, and had longed to work at a good one. When I started working at Old World Wisconsin, I was assigned to the German area, which then consisted of three completely restored and functional farmsteads. For someone already working on writing historical fiction, having the opportunity to spend my days re-creating the chores and activities of 19th-century German farmwives was a heady experience.

People who work at historic sites do not get rich, or famous. The work is often hard and exhausting. People who become interpreters or curators generally do so because they love history, and love to share their passion with visitors. My colleagues were fun to work with. We shared a lot, laughed a lot, formed fast friendships.

Many mystery authors incorporate previous employers in their books at some point because they need to—fictitiously—kill someone off (usually a former boss, it seems!) I worked at Old World Wisconsin for twelve years, and I can’t say I didn’t slay a minor demon or two while writing Old World Murder. But most of all, the writing process took me back to a special, happy time in my life.

I’m lucky enough to earn my living as a novelist. But I’m a big fan of writing for its own sake. Intrigued? Grab your pen or keyboard, and get busy! What special time in your life would you like to revisit?

Kathleen Ernst is celebrating the publication of her first adult mystery, Old World Murder (Midnight Ink). She has also written eight mysteries for young readers. Several have been finalists for Edgar or Agatha awards. For more information see her website, or her blog.

For Women Only Over Fifty thoughts & stories:

WOOF available through Amazon and Echelon Press!

Buy New WOOF Download Companion

Accentuate The Pawsitive!

Media Monday: Cheap Cabernet:

What do WOOFers do at Book Festivals?

Read Cheap Cabernet by Cathie Beck!

Be sure to check out her website for the launch of "Super Holiday Cheap Cabernet: A Friendship + Signature Cheap Cabernet Vino" Holiday package!

Cheap Cabernet Website

For Women Only Over Fifty thoughts & stories:

WOOF available through Amazon and Echelon Press!

Buy New WOOF Download Companion

Accentuate The Pawsitive!

Furry Friends Friday - October is Adopt-A-Pet Month

So, what are you waiting for? With thousands of fabulous "friends" waiting, patiently in shelters all over the country, why not do yourself a favor and give a deserving dog or cat a "forever home."

A good place to start is the American Humane Association Adopt-A-Dog Month

From their website:

What Can an Adopted Dog Bring to Your Life?

There are as many responses to that question as there are dogs in this world! That’s why -- during American Humane Association’s Adopt-A-Dog Month celebration in October -- we’re encouraging people to adopt a shelter dog and experience the joy of finding their own answers.

Are you looking for:

•an exercise buddy?
•a best friend and confidant for your child?
•a dog you can train with to learn animal-assisted therapy?
•a partner in agility competitions?
•a constant companion for your favorite senior citizen?
•a fuzzy face to greet you after a hard day at work?
An adopted dog can be all these things -- and so much more!

Or, visit your local shelter!

For Women Only Over Fifty thoughts & stories:

WOOF available through Amazon and Echelon Press!

Buy New WOOF Download Companion

Accentuate The Pawsitive!

WOOF: Woop-Woop Wednesday with Betty White

Is Betty White the Alpha WOOF or what?!?

WOOF: Media Monday & A JEC News Release!

WOOF just ran across this released in August. Great news!!

U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee
Date: August 25, 2010
Contact: Kinsey Kiriakos,
Brenda Arredondo
202-228-3628

New JEC Report Highlights Economic Progress Made by Women in Past 25 Years

Washington, D.C. – As the nation celebrates the 90th anniversary of women’s right to vote, the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC) released a new report today analyzing how women’s economic conditions have changed since Geraldine Ferraro shattered the political glass ceiling 25 years ago and ushered in a new era of political leadership for women.

The report finds that women, who now make up nearly half of the labor force, have made significant strides in the past quarter century and are poised to be the engine of economic growth as the United States recovers from the Great Recession. However, challenges remain for women, including a stubborn pay gap where the average full-time working woman earns 80 cents for every dollar earned by the average full-time working man.

Entitled “Women and the Economy 2010: 25 Years of Progress But Challenges Remain,” the report is the first in a series of reports and hearings the JEC will do this fall to provide a comprehensive understanding of women’s economic situation and to identify additional actions that are needed for women to achieve economic equality.

“Women have come a long way since Geraldine Ferraro’s ground-breaking candidacy,” said Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Chair of the JEC. “This report shows that as women have gained political power, they’ve gained economic strength. Women work more, earn more, and are more educated than they were 25 years ago. But, women still earn less than men. In addition, women still shoulder most of the burden of care-giving responsibilities at home but families are still dependent on working wives’ incomes to make ends meet.”

The JEC report findings include:

Women’s Share of the Labor Force Has Increased
• In 2009, 59.2 percent of women were in the labor force, up from 53.6 percent in 1984.
• In 2009, women made up 49.8 percent of the workforce, up from 44 percent in 1984.

Women’s Educational Attainment Surpasses Men
• In 2009, 87 percent of women had at least four years of high school education, compared to 73 percent in 1984. By contrast, in 2009, 86 percent of men had at least four years of high school education, compared to 74 percent in 1984.

Women’s Membership in Unions Has Grown
• In 2008, women made up 45 percent of all union members, an increase from 34 percent in 1984.

Families Depend on Women’s Earnings
• In 1983, wives’ incomes comprised just 29 percent of total family income. By 2008, wives’ incomes comprised 36 percent of family income.
• Between 1983 and 2008, married couples with a working wife experienced average annual income growth of 1.12 percent, while married couples with a stay-at-home wife saw their average annual incomes decline by 0.22 percent per year.

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The Joint Economic Committee, established under the Employment Act of 1946, was created by Congress to review economic conditions and to analyze the effectiveness of economic policy.

Furry Friends Friday - Dog Tails!

Submission guidelines for:

"Dog Tails:
Stories About Women & Their Best Tail-Wagging Friends”

How to tell your story:
Whether your special canine buddy is still with you or not, we’re looking for nonfiction stories told in first person with action, dialogue and an emotional pivotal ending. Make readers laugh, cry, get chills!

How not to tell your story:
Stories should not be political in nature or preachy. We want original, unpublished stories that are 400 words or less.

How to submit your story:
A Word document e-mailed to GreatDames@WoofersClub.com

(Remember to save a copy for yourself!)

How to submit your picture:
Jpeg or Gif submitted to GreatDames@WoofersClub.com

And, to prove how much we care about our furry friends, Diana and I have set up a refreshment station for your canine at MeccaFest this weekend!

MeccaFest - Carrollton Cultural Arts Center

Oct. 9-10 from 10:00AM-5:00PM.

We're signing our humor book, "WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty."

“Happy Tails Until We Meet Again!”

For Women Only Over Fifty thoughts & stories:

WOOF available through Amazon and Echelon Press!

Buy New WOOF Download Companion

Accentuate The Pawsitive!

WOOF: Woop-Woop Wednesday!

Shouldn't every day be Mother's Day?!?!?!

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For Women Only Over Fifty thoughts & stories:

WOOF available through Amazon and Echelon Press!

Buy New WOOF Download Companion

Accentuate The Pawsitive!

WOOF: Media Monday - Moving & Grooving

WOOFers have come a loooong way, baby! As we point out in WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty ...some aspects of the journey have been more joyful than others!

BUT...we're still moving & grooving, and we want to keep it that way.

Here are links to sites that may help us if and when our wrists are the only parts of our body getting exercise -- fanning those hot flashes!

A new craze Pickle Ball

An old fav Yoga

And that good ole standby Walking

( Listing a site should not be construed as a WOOF endorsement.)

Furry Friends Friday - Pet Boutiques

We all adore our pets, but how many of us shop the boutiques for those extra special items?

Here's one suggestion has everything you could ever want or need for your furry friends, with a special benefit.

Land of Paws also has an extra added feature. Molly's Paws, "an exclusive collection of one-of-a-kind pet products developed to honor our faithful friends who comfort us when we need it most."


Barbara Unell, founder of Back In The Swing, USA, inspired the collection when her West Highland Terrier, Molly, offered unconditional love during Barbara's recovery from breast cancer. Molly's Paws launches October 1, 2010.

You also might enjoy reading Finding the Good In Bad Hair Days; a story in WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty, about WOOFer friend, Gail, who dealt with losing her hair during chemo in her own special way.

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For Women Only Over Fifty thoughts & stories:

WOOF available through Amazon and Echelon Press!

Buy New WOOF Download Companion

Accentuate The Pawsitive!