Here’s to Girlfriends

By the light of the silv’ry moon I want to spoon
To my honey I’ll croon love’s tune
Honey moon, keep a-shinin’ in June
Your silv’ry beams will bring love’s dreams
We'll be cuddlin’ soon by the silv’ry moon
Written by Ed Matting for the Ziegfield Follies

June, moon, spoon

June is a favorite month for poets and songwriters. They might claim it’s because June is such a lovely month weather–wise, but I think it’s because it’s so easy to rhyme. Remember that song from H.R. Pufnstuf, “There Ain’t No Rhyme for Oranges”? That was hard; June is easy. There are only 30 days in the month, but one of them is the longest of the year. The summer solstice occurs on or about June 21. On that day summer officially begins for the rest of the northern hemisphere, but Las Vegas will already have had its share of scorchers.

Father’s Day is June 15th and there’s a full moon on June 18th.

A year of Girlfriends

To be totally accurate, HTG debuted in April 2007. Hard to believe, isn’t it? I missed a few months of publishing here and there, but somehow I’ve managed to crank out twelve editions and I’m determined not to skip any more months unless a) I’m very ill or b) I win Megabucks. What? You’d just keep writing? I don’t think so!

SBA Awards Luncheon

The SBA Awards luncheon was Wednesday, May 7. It was fabulous! I was so thrilled that three tables of Girlfriends were there to share my excitement at receiving the Women in Business Champion Award for Region 9. As my son pointed out “That’s four states and a territory.” I don’t think any other honoree had such a large and enthusiastic cheering section; proof positive that Girlfriends will be with you in joy and in sorrow. Mine were there waving their napkins and just making a lot of noise in general. I was so proud! Afterward the wife of the Small Business Person of the Year (the real star of the show) came up to me and said, “My daughter loved your friends. She thought they were so much fun.” The little girl was about 3 years old and I hope we were an inspiration to her. She could have thrown her roll (not that she would) and hit any one of these amazing role models — Lisa Hammond, founder and CEO of Femail Creations; Gina Robison-Billups, founder of the Moms in Business Network, Carole Devon, Executive Director of Positively Kids Foundation and MIBN 2008 National Woman of Courage; Betty Mahalik and Carolyn Muse Grant, past presidents of NAWBO; Hooters Hotel executives CeCe Knapp and Cynthia Cameron; THE Nevada Woman, Paige Fleming; Susan Prado, VP Women’s Business Enterprise National Council who flew in from Pasadena just for the luncheon, just to name a few. There was also a table well beyond a roll’s throw where WBOs Debbi Somers, Richelle Shaw, Shelby Brown and Jeanne Richard Jones were having a great time. It was the experience of a lifetime. Thanks, Girlfriends.

The Peace Lily

I admit it, I have a black thumb but I do love plants, and I don’t consider an artificial plant to be a substitute for a living one. It’s just not the same thing. A fake plant is a decorative accessory, like a piece of sculpture. It’s not a plant, it’s just a thing. There is no joy in watching it grow. No anticipation of the next blooming cycle. It’s always the same except that some days it’s clean and some days – okay most days – it’s dusty. My peace lily is like the proverbial canary in a coal mine. It waits until the very last minute to ask for a drink and serves as a bellwether for all the other plants. When the peace lily starts to droop, I know I cannot put off watering for even one more day. But the really fun thing about them is that as soon as you give them that drink they start to perk up. Instant gratification. It’s rewarding to water the peace lily, but then I start to feel guilty for having been so neglectful. I should have paid more attention to it all along. Why did it have to nearly die before I rushed to its rescue? I always promise to do better in the future, but then I get busy and there’s this deadline I have to meet and that thing I have to do and before I know it the poor plant is droopy again and so it goes.

Some relationships are like that. I get busy and soon I realize that it’s been how many days, weeks or months since we spoke or saw each other? So we set up a date for lunch. We get together and it’s just great. As we part, you know what we say? Of course you do! “We really must do this more often.” Just like peace lilies, true friends will love you even if you don’t water them regularly. They will be happy to see you and perk up in the warmth of your attention. But friendships truly blossom with consistent nurturing. Call a friend today.

A Word from The Sensible Shopper™

I’m now on a mission with The Sensible Shopper. No longer just a vehicle for the “thrill of the hunt”, sensible shopping has become a way of life for some and a matter of survival for many. Not a day goes by that I don’t read about the price of this or that going up – again. This has led me to develop my shopping blog into a forum for saving money while trying to maintain an enjoyable lifestyle. More than ever, I’m encouraging readers to share their thoughts.

Recent posts include: See You at the Mart (at the sample sale); Cutting Edge Technology: The best place to buy knives plus a warehouse clearance; I Totally Scored at the Dollar Store; and A Guided Tour of Town Square.

Best Friend

Many people believe that because I am a “feminist” (whatever that means) I think every woman should pursue a career in business. Au contraire! To any young woman who wants to raise her own children instead of taking her chances with nannies and/or day care I say ““Bravo!” I do think every woman needs a marketable skill because – well, you just never know – but we’ll talk about that another time. My friend Becky Jones is one of the best in her field. She is a dedicated, loving, full time Mother. With three children who are now ages 17, 13, and 11, she is in more demand than ever before. If you think the terrible twos are a mother’s worst nightmare, consider keeping up with a teen–age son who is constantly “going through a phase”, a daughter who is getting prettier by the day (oh, dear) and a younger son who is a creative free spirit. Now that’s a career challenge!

I’m not saying that Becky is a saint – okay, she is a saint – but she does have a pressure valve that blows on occasion. Like the fourth time someone (who shall remain nameless) left an orange crayon in the pocket of his/her jeans that somehow found its way into the washer and then the dryer. Why orange? I don’t know; it’s just one of life’s little mysteries. Like the fact that there is never a Kleenex in the white load.

Becky has enough love left over to spread it around to any child who needs it. At any given time there is likely to be an extra mouth to feed at the table or body on the couch.

Once I overheard her explain to her children why she spends so much more time with them than Daddy does. She told them, “You are my job. Daddy’s job is to earn money so that we can have a house, cars, food and trips to Disneyland. It’’s my job to take care of you and make sure that you grow up safe and with the knowledge and skills you need to be adults.” When it comes to motherhood, Becky is a pro.

Do you have a “best friend” you’d like to share with the rest of us? Please send her story to letstalk@herestogirlfriends.com. (Be sure you get her permission first!)

Women of Color Conference Returns to Las Vegas

Hundreds of women are expected to participate in the second Women of Color Conference which returns to Las Vegas on August 10–11, 2008 at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. With the theme “Empowering Our Future,” the Conference is designed to help women and emerging leaders who are committed to achieving their highest potential. The event will provide leadership, learning and development opportunities through a variety of keynote speeches, workshops and networking. Last year, the first–ever event attracted more than 500 participants, and organizers expect the same level of participation this year.

The conference will take place on Sunday, August 10 and Monday, August 11 and is sponsored by MGM MIRAGE, American Family Insurance and Nevada Power. The event is hosted by the American Indian, Asian, Latin and Urban Chambers of Commerce. Early conference registration is $125 until June 30. Interested attendees can visit www.lvwomenofcolor.com for more information and to register.

Fighting Frump Forever

In the premier issue of Here’s to Girlfriends (April 2007) I wrote, “What color is your thong, and where do you wear it?” I was referring to the phenomenon, the Blue Thong Society, an organization that started in San Diego and quickly spread across the country. There are now two chapters in the Henderson/Green Valley area and the BTS is hosting a Meet & Martinis event on Thursday, June 26 at the Suncoast Hotel & Casino. That will be the site of their 2009 convention. Come out and meet BTS founders Kelly and Mary Jo and enjoy the “official” drink of the Blue Thong Society, the Blue Martini. Plus, my friend Shawn Lane from Cheyenne Marketing is sending over a limited number of passes to the pre-release screening of the film Mama Mia starring Meryl Streep. Get details and RSVP on the BTS website.

Calling All Divas…

Do you know of a fabulous woman who is all about promoting, supporting and championing the causes of kids… all while having fun? If so, then Divas 4 HOPE is for her.

Divas 4 HOPE is a new opportunity for women to come together with the common goal of promoting, supporting and championing Boys Hope Girls Hope… all while having fun! Divas organize and coordinate events for Scholars, host small unique fundraising events helping to secure additional operational funds, and provide Collegians with the necessary items to start a new school year, as well as send care packages throughout the school year. The sky is the limit for our Divas. If an activity is for the enrichment of a Scholar or the overall Boys Hope Girls Hope program, Divas 4 HOPE will take it on and make it a success.

The kick-off event is Monday, June 16, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Del Frisco’s. For information and reservations, contact jsaint@bhgh.org

Where the Girls Are

  • Monday, June 9, Direct Selling Women’s Alliance meets at The Antique Mall 6:30 – 8 PM. Guest speaker is author, speaker and entrepreneur Len Clements. For information about DSWA, visit www.mydswa.org. For meeting reservations, RSVP to lac35@mydswa.org or call Lanetta at (702) 658-9618.
  • Thursday, June 12: Women’s Democratic Club of Clark County meets for lunch at the Main Street Station Social Club. Guest speaker will be State Senator and congressional candidate Dina Titus. For information or reservations call 615-4522 or email womensdemoclarkcounty@gmail.com
  • Thursday, June 12: National Association of Professional Mortgage Women Dinner Meeting at Big Dog’s with guest speaker Kristine Douglas, HUD Senior Single Family Housing Specialist; www.napmwlv.com.
  • Saturday, June 14, 8 PM – Midnight, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Las Vegas Alumnae Chapter is hosting Crimson Nights, an old fashioned “house party” at Nevada Partners. For information and ticket purchase, contact Deborah Davis at 248-1835.
  • Sunday, June 15, noon – 1:30 PM, Southern Nevada NOW presents a Family Court Judicial Forum at the Clark County Library on E. Flamingo. The forum consists of five minute speeches by each invited candidate followed by Q&A. For information, contact Vincente Montoya at 386-5705.
  • Tuesday, June 24, 6 – 9 PM, the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Nevada hosts a Business Alliance Night with guest speaker City Councilman Larry Brown at The Stirling Club. Visit www.womenschamberofnevada.org or call the Chamber for reservations, 733-3955.
  • Tuesday, June 24, NAWBO Southern Nevada luncheon at the Las Vegas Country Club with nationally recognized speaker and author Janice Marie. Visit www.nawbosnv.org for details.
  • Wednesday, June 25, 6:30 – 9:30 PM, the Girlfriends Meet-Up launch hosted by Jacqueline Piper-Fedun at the Red Rock Country Club. You must be a member to attend. Get information and join now by visiting www.girlfriendsmeetup.com
  • Thursday, June 26, national founders of The Blue Thong Society will host a Meet & Martinis at the Suncoast beginning at 6 PM. Learn more about BTS and how you can get involved, www.bluethongsociety.com.
  • The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Las Vegas Chapter 74 meets at 5:30pm on the third Wednesday of each month at The Hampton Inn Tropicana, 4975 Dean Martin Drive. Call 796-9986 or email cheryl@agclv.org for details.
  • Women and Network chapters meet for lunch at several locations around the Valley the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month. Visit www.womenandnetwork.com for one near you.
  • Hot Pink Mamas has so much stuff going on I can’t begin to list it all here. Visit www.networkwithwomen.com for their calendar of events.
  • S.W.A.N. (Successful Women Actively Networking) has six chapters meeting monthly around the valley and more coming online soon. For details, visit www.swannv.com
  • Moms In Business Network of Southern Nevada has had many requests to re-institute their monthly luncheon, and they have...with a twist. The Girlfriends Get Together lunch at Dan Marino’s inside Hooter's Casino (which by the way is co-hosted by Here's To Girlfriends) now serves at MIBN's monthly networking luncheon. It's now on the SECOND Thursday of the every month at 11:30am. The format is all about you and networking, and the price is right (free! - you just pay for the food you order). Everyone in attendance also gets a free ticket to the prize drawing. MIBN members get two free tickets. Go to www.mibn.org for more info.

Send announcements about events for women to letstalk@herestogirlfriends.com, as straight email text or MS Word attachments. Please, no PDFs, photos or graphics. They won’t be published and it slows me down!

Cheers!
Carolyn
herestogirlfriends.com


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