For Women Only Over Fifty thoughts & stories:
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
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
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:
Accentuate The Pawsitive!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
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:
Monday, October 18, 2010
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!
Be sure to check out her website for the launch of "Super Holiday Cheap Cabernet: A Friendship + Signature Cheap Cabernet Vino" Holiday package!
For Women Only Over Fifty thoughts & stories:
Friday, October 15, 2010
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:
Accentuate The Pawsitive!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
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.
###
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.
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.
###
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.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Furry Friends Friday - Dog Tails!
Submission guidelines for:
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
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!
"Dog Tails:
Stories About Women & Their Best Tail-Wagging Friends”
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
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:
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
WOOF: Woop-Woop Wednesday!
Shouldn't every day be Mother's Day?!?!?!
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For Women Only Over Fifty thoughts & stories:
Accentuate The Pawsitive!
Monday, October 4, 2010
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
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.)
Friday, October 1, 2010
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:
Accentuate The Pawsitive!
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