Women2Women Michigan Magazine

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Women Women Here are 5 Tips to Help You Write a Better College Essay

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Don’t Pull Your Hair out:

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WOMEN CONNECTING WITH WOMEN FOR GOOD!

MICHIGAN

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Building Better Businesses One By One

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Mission

  

  

Women2Women Michigan was created to connect women with women for good to encourage, support, have fun, do business and provide links for women’s resources.

Debra K. Collins Publisher/Managing Editor

Susan Rosenhauer Editor/Executive Development Director

Sheri Harvey Creative Director

Jennifer Chartier Graphic Designer

Taffy Jones Special Projects Director Account Executive

Kelsey Rosenhauer Graphic Designer

Cheryl Rak Account Executive

Courtney Simpson Photographer

Joy Martinbinco Account Executive

Suzanne Bowns Executive Assistant

C o n t rib ut ing Wr it e r s Beth Bryce • Susan Rosenhauer • Eileen Button • Elaine Stenger

DO YOU KNOW A MICHIGAN WOMAN WE SHOULD FEATURE? Submit your stories online at Women2WomenMichigan.com. Article guidelines are under the magazine tab.

WHY ADVERTISE WITH US? Women make the majority of purchasing decisions. They buy goods and services for their homes, gardens, businesses, entertainment, health and nutrition, the list is endless. They want to be informed and connected in their communities. Event-driven marketing makes education fun and rewarding. You can reach these women in a heartwarming environment at Women2Women Michigan events and through our magazine.

READERSHIP & DISTRIBUTION Women2Women Michigan magazine is distributed to subscribers via US mail.

It is also available at every Women2Women Michigan event, chamber events, and women’s organizations. It is professionally delivered by Miller Marketing Group to over 400 locations with 25 outside vendor racks throughout the area including restaurants, hospitals, retail locations and medical offices in southeastern Michigan.

Interested in hosting a distribution location? Call 810.694.2326 or email at info@ W2Wmichigan.com Women2Women Michigan prints 10,000 copies of each magazine.

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The advertisements and articles included in this publication are independently developed by our customers and writers to inform others about their business, expertise and related activities. Women2Women Michigan is not aware of, and makes no representation as to, the truth or accuracy of such information and, therefore, makes no warranties of any kind, express or implied, with respect to the same. Accordingly, the respective advertisers and writers are solely responsible for the accuracy and contents of their own advertisements and for all claims, losses, costs, expenses or damages whatsoever, directly or indirectly, that may emanate there from.

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Cover Story   

Dawn Drozd MICHIGAN

From O ur P u b l i s h e r    This has been an exciting time for Women2Women Michigan.

Since our last issue was published, we have moved our office, launched our new website, and have received an outpouring of enthusiasm regarding our newly sized magazine. We are grateful to all of our readers that have communicated with such positive enthusiasm.

Building Better Businesses One by One Overwhelming success—two words that most business owners strive for, but few know how to achieve. Dawn Drozd has written a book that she says will demonstrate the path to business success.

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Stay open to new experiences and keep on the lookout for adventurous things to do and see.

Shades of Faith The Twin Beds Adventures

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Farmers Markets

Focusing on having a new adventure can be exciting and the possibilities are endless! Set high standards for yourself and have fun. Walk out of your adventure saying to yourself “I did that!”

Come up with your own fun adventures and then let us know what you did. We would love to hear from you, so please share your stories and photos by emailing us at info@w2wmichigan. com or mail to 536 Perry Road, Suite 7, Grand Blanc, Michigan 48439.

What’s Inside

Debra, Publisher

From O ur E d i t o r    Adventurous Dawn Drozd is our cover girl. Dawn is a successful business coach, author of The Success Code; 9 Principles for Small Business Success in Any Economy, and founder of ClearVision Business Coaching. She will take you through her life in the business world, the good as well as the challenging times.

An adventure does not have to be a monumental experience like climbing a mountain. It can be going out to lunch at a restaurant by yourself if you have never done it before, or going back to college to finish your degree. Only you can define what the adventure in your life is. Beth Bryce writes about “Selfie Adventures”, which involve the mind, body, and spirit. Keeping with our education theme, Elaine Stenger has written two excellent articles on education that helps with the transition out of high school.

6 Simply Living

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Art @ Work

8 Books, Bytes & Beyond

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Flint Cool City

9 2014 July/August Calendar

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Ask the Expert

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Lions or Tigers or Bears, Oh My!!

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I Have An Oil For That

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Business Section

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Look Who’s Talking

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Don't Tell My Wife I Wrote This

10 I Dare You 15 Q & A 17 45 Life Lessons 20 Susan’s Health Eating 21 Is Achilles Tendonitis Causing My Heel Pain?

22 Don’t Pull Your Hair Out

Challenge yourself… think outside the box… get out of your comfort zone and discover something new that scares you a little bit. Oh, and don’t forget to pat yourself on the back for a job well done!

Susan, Editor

Correction In our May/June 2014 issue, we omitted the photo of Margaret Donnelly O’Connor and her two sons, James and Peter when we published our Shades of Faith article written by Helen Hicks.

Pictured: Margaret Donnelly O’Connor and her sons James & Peter

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July/August • WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN

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S imp l y Liv i n g   

Adventures in Nothingness Releasing our need to ‘do’ is a tremendous gift Downtime is where we become ourselves, looking into the middle distance, kicking at the curb, lying on the grass or sitting on the stoop and staring at the tedious blue of the summer sky. ~Anna Quindlen

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here’s a book on my treasured shelf entitled “The Gift of Nothing” by Patrick McDonnell. It’s a simply-illustrated, childlike book that takes a gentle whack at materialism and suggests that the greatest joys are found in sharing time with those we love.

As I consider the heart of summer, “the gift of nothing” is what I wish for us all. Indeed, ‘nothing’ may be our greatest summer adventure.

We may not realize that we are still recovering from the winter from Haddes, which means we are tempted to believe it’s time to go and do … to spend money on vacations and entertainment … and to finally get some stinkin’ work done!

I would argue instead that what we truly need is not to spend money, be entertained or accom-

plish much of anything, but to open our senses to the world around us and spend quality time with those we love best. Here are a few simple ways to do exactly that: Take your kids or grandkids to a wide-open field to search for four leaf clovers. As you comb through the grass, searching for this rare treasure, inhale the deep scent of earth as the sun beats down on your back.

Sit around a campfire and stare into the flames, enjoying the confession-like ambiance that a campfire creates. Eat a S’more. Eat two.

Sleep in a tent, even if it means camping out in your own backyard. Blow up a mattress if you must, but don’t miss the miraculous moment when the dew covers the earth in the very early morning.

Take a bike ride with a loved one heading nowhere in particular. Bring along a few bucks just in case you pass an ice cream shop along the way.

Read a book or take a nap in the sun. If and when it starts to feel just a little too hot under those gorgeous rays, remember what twenty-below felt like just six months ago.

At night, lie on a blanket in the back yard and stare into the starry sky, if for no other reason than to contemplate how very small we all are

and how great a gift it is to simply be alive.

Watch as many sunsets as you can. Marvel at the fact that they happen every single night even when no one seems to be noticing.

Take your kids and grandkids for a walk at dusk to watch the deer emerge from their hiding places. As the woods turn dark, allow the thrill of night to tickle your spine.

In a world that repeatedly tells us to “go” and “do” and “buy,” our souls beg for these unfettered moments when we are invited to quiet ourselves long enough to simply “be.” They do not build resumes, but they do create fulfilling lives.

So, here’s to doing nothing, which can also be everything. And when, at the end of the day someone asks, “What did you do today?” you can answer “nothing” knowing you experienced something truly remarkable. ■

Eileen Button is the author of The Waiting Place: Learning to Appreciate Life’s Little Delays. She can be reached at buttonhouse@juno.com.

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Download or pick up these titles @ thegdl.org or any GDL branch.

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

I’d like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had: My Year as a Rookie Teacher at Northeast High

By Cheryl Strayed

by Tony Danza Printed Material

Kelly Flynn is a book reviewer for the Genesee District Library and the author of The Teachers’ Lounge (Uncensored): A Funny, Edgy, Poignant Look at Life in the Classroom.

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In this first person narrative, actor Tony Danza describes the year he spent as a teacher at Northeast High School in Philadelphia as part of the A&E reality show Teach: Tony Danza. Warm, funny and brutally honest, Danza pulls no punches about the difficulty of the job or his own mistakes. Strong writing pulls the reader into the lives of both students and teachers in this struggling urban district. His aggravation at students’ apathy and his own feelings of failure when he can’t reach them are palpable.

Of his students Danza says, “Count on it: just when you think you can’t stand the sight of them, your students will do a one eighty and suddenly you’re in love again.”

E-Book

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In her international bestseller, author Cheryl Strayed chronicles her solitary hike covering 1,100 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail.

As she makes her way from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State, she is both intrepid and naïve. Choosing bravery over fear is only half the battle, and she quickly learns how ill-prepared she is to handle such mountainous terrain. The hike is rife with painful physical challenges and danger, but spending so much time alone forces her to confront emotional pain as well. Strayed unflinchingly shares her troubled past with readers. Ultimately, her journey turns out to be part pilgrimage and part healing adventure as she comes to grips with divorce, her mother’s death, and her own selfdestructive behavior.

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2014 July & August Calendar July July 1 “Armchair Traveler” Travel Videos Flint Public Library Every Tuesday, 12:15pm www.fpl.info July 3 – 5 Bay City Fireworks Festival Downtown Bay City baycityfireworksfest.net July 3 Flint 4th of July Fireworks 9:30pm Shot from Chevy in the Hole; best viewing at Atwood Stadium 701 University Ave

July 12 Buckham Alley Fest Buckham Alley, Downtown Flint, 4 pm www.buckhamalleyfest.com July 12-16 Back to the Bricks 303 South Saginaw Street, Flint backtothebricks.org July 16 9th Annual Red Hat Day, Flushing Reservations Required Janet 810-659-5034 July 16 – 19 Ann Arbor Art Fair Downtown Ann Arbor theannarborartfair.com July 17 6:30pm Davison Library 203 E. Fourth Street Concert: Humphrey-McKeown Chicago based folk/rock band www.gdl.org July 19 Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown Riverfront Banquet Center, 10am www.flintandgenesee.org July 19 Smooth jazz concert with Sean Dobbins Goodrich Library, 3pm 10237 Hegel Road www.thegdl.org

July 4 Independence Day July 4 Clio Family Fun Day At Dusk Clio City Park 402 N Mill Street July 4 Fenton Annual Freedom Festival At dusk Silver Lake Park, Fenton July 9 Business Financing Workshop Flint Public Library, 6pm www.fpl.Info July 10 – Aug 21 Summer Zoomance 21 & over adults only zoo nights 6:30pm – 8:00pm Occuring weekly on Thursday www.detroitzoo.org July 11 2nd Friday Artwalk Downtown Flint, 6pm (810) 238-2787 www.greaterflintartscouncil.org/ events.html

July 24 Firefly Walk Flint Cultural Center, 5pm (810) 233-3835 www.flintcultural.org July 24 Non-Fiction Book Club Fenton Library, 6:30pm (810) 629-7612 www.thegdl.org July 26-27 Warior Dash E.A. Cummings Center 6130 E. Mt. Morris Rd, Mt Morris www.warriordash.com July 29 Smooth jazz concert with Sean Dobbins Genesee-Johnson Library, 6pm 7397 N. Genesee Road (810) 640-1410 www.thegdl.org

August July 29 – Aug 2 Saginaw County Fair Saginaw County Fairgrounds 11350 Peet Rd,Chesaning, MI 48616 9am - 11pm daily Rides start at 1pm (989) 845-2143 Aug 6 Bring Your Lunch and Learn: “Flower Arranging” Applewood, 11am www.ruthmottfoundation.org/ applewood Aug 8-2 Friday Artwalk Downtown Flint, 6pm (810) 238-2787 www.greaterflintartscouncil.org/ events.html Aug 8 Alice in Wonderland Flint Youth Theater, 7:30pm www.thewhiting.com Aug 8-10 Jazz Festival Riverbank Park Aug 14 Goodies from the Garden Applewood, 5pm www.ruthmottfoundation.org/ applewood Aug 16 Woodward Dream Cruise 9am - 9pm Woodward Ave. just north of Detroit www.woodwarddreamcruise.com Aug 18-24 Genesee County Fair 6130 E. Mt. Morris, Mt. Morris, MI 48458 www.gcf.org Aug 22-23 Crim Festival of Races Downtown Flint www.crim.org Aug 27 National Association of Career Women Saginaw Chapter, 12pm Saginaw Country Club 4465 Gratiot Road Lucheon meeting topic: Cleaning up your credit nacwonline.org Aug 29-Sept 1 Ford Arts, Beats & Eats Downtown Royal Oak 739 South Washington artsbeatseats.com

July/August • WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN

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I Dare You

  

Selfie Adventures

By Beth Bryce, MS, CMCC

Career Strategist specializing in Women’s Career Transitions “Life is pure adventure, and the sooner we realize that, the quicker we will be able to treat life as art”. – Maya Angelou I had the most exhilarating adventure this past week rollerblading on a rail trail a few miles from my home. Lost in my dreams for the future with ear buds piping in smooth jazz, it was just me and a beautiful canvas of trees, until…

Let me pause here for a moment to ask you a question and then I’ll circle back to explain what happened next.

How do you define adventure? Does it involve an agenda full of thrills and chills and non-stop action? What if we changed our definition of adventure into a place for peace and relaxation; would that make an adventure any less adventuresome?

Consider a retreat that consists of meditating with a sunrise, journaling, sitting around a campfire having “real” talk with your girls, long walks on a beach or hiking through a forest, sans technology of course. Don’t you feel more relaxed just reading that description?

People often ask me how to get unstuck with an issue they are battling. My first question is, “how busy are you”? The busyness of our lives tends to get in the way of our dreams and worse, we tout our busyness like a badge of honor. When exactly did we start numbing ourselves by working around the clock, inhaling our food, assuming responsibility over other’s

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lives, and replacing real conversation with social media? All of which are great tactics to block your own dreams.

This question hit a nerve with me and I realized it was time to take my own advice. With a week of vacation to burn and a rolling suitcase I could have visited numerous places across the states, but the thought of scurrying around packing to leave town turned my stomach. Rather, I decided to go with a stress-free “Selfie” Adventure.

Selfie Adventure: A peaceful and relaxing retreat to create space for self-renewal and discovery.

Selfie Adventure rules are simple: 1. Mind - Live in the moment. Meditate.

Vision. Choose Joy. Create.

2. Body – Exercise. Eat healthy. Accept.

Love. Heal.

3. Spirit – Forgive. Let go. Be in nature.

Journal. Dream.

So back to what happened next on the rail trail.

All of a sudden a beautiful gray horse with a woman rider jumped out of the brush beside me. There we were, me rollerblading with this magnificent animal galloping along. While it only lasted 20 seconds, time stood still. It was an incredible rush, one I’ll never forget. For that brief moment in time, we shared a heartbeat; there is no other way to explain it. Now that’s an adventure!

WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN • www.w2wmichigan.com

My dream is to host Selfie Adventures providing a space for women to reconnect with their spirit, get unstuck, and dwell in their possibilities. I envision the first one in Santé Fe, New Mexico with brilliant sunrises and purple sunsets, art, culture, and hiking the southwestern landscape. Sound good? If New Mexico is not your thing, there is a retreat coming up in our very own Michigan backyard this fall, http://www. journey2empower.com/ Yesterday I mailed out a Selfie Adventure postcard from my front porch, it said: “Having a fabulous time whispering with horses. Wish you were here girlfriend”! *** Beth Bryce, MS, CMCC, is a Career Strategist, Author and Founder of Girls2Women Coaching. Beth is a featured Co-author in the newly released book, “Women on Fire Book 2” by Women on Fire Press.

To find out more about coaching or workshops with Beth, visit www. bethbryce.com or email beth@bethbryce.com

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Cover Story 

 

Dawn Drozd:

Building Better Businesses One By One Overwhelming success—two words that most business owners strive for, but few know how to achieve. Dawn Drozd has written a book that she says will demonstrate the path to business success.

Drozd is a certified business coach, author, speaker and founder of ClearVision Business Coaching. Dawn’s book, published in February, is entitled The Success Code; 9 Principles for Small Business Success in Any Economy. The book is based on interviews with over 50 small business owners in Michigan who had steady or increased revenue between 2007 and 2011 despite the recession.

By conversing with these insightful business owners, Drozd began to see an important pattern–one that could change the focus of small business owners.

And, by sharing what she learned in the book, Dawn hopes that she can impact more owners and increase their chance of reaching success faster.

Dawn’s business, ClearVision, has turned out to be a successful endeavor for her, but it took some time to get there. Dawn grew up in Utica, Michigan, the oldest of three girls. She attended Central Michigan University, where she joined a sorority and the staff of CM Life, the school newspaper. Drozd graduated from CMU with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a

“Just remember that small steps, taken each day toward your goals will lead you on a journey of success,” Dawn says.

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WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN • www.w2wmichigan.com

concentration in public relations.

After graduating in 1978, Michigan’s economy was really bad, and relying on her adventurous side, Dawn moved to Houston, Texas. She worked in banking for eight years, advancing from customer service to Marketing Vice President. She also met and married John, her husband of 28 years. In 1986, they moved to Rhode Island, where John got his Pastry Arts degree and their twin sons were born. After the twins were born, the family moved back to Michigan, built a house and a few years later had welcomed a third son.

They both came from entrepreneurial families: John’s dad owned a pizzeria in New York, Dawn’s father owned a funeral home in Michigan, and Dawn owned a successful hair salon with her mom. Even her two sisters and their husbands own successful businesses. So when John suggested that they start a bakery shortly after our third son was born, she thought it was a fantastic idea.

Unfortunately, despite John’s expertise as a baker and Dawn’s years of marketing experience, countless hours spent away from their children, and years of hard work, after seven years the Drozd’s made the extremely difficult decision to close the business. No matter what they did, Dawn and John couldn’t get ahead. Only when she became a business coach did Dawn discover why the family had such difficulty keeping the business afloat.

She began to understand how much small business ownership had changed and that it took more than

hard work and hope to keep a business going. “It took the right focus, knowledge and skills that I never dreamed we would need to run a small bakery,” Dawn says. “Owning a business is dramatically different than it was 20 years ago. As a business coach, my mission is to help business owners reach sustainable positive changes that result in significantly improved revenue and profits; happy, productive, cohesive teams; less stress and more free time; and renewed passion and excitement.”

Dawn got into business coaching because Michigan was in the midst of the economic downturn and she wanted to help struggling business owners. “Fortunately,” she says, “ I happened to find out about business coaching and loved the concept because it was about helping owners achieve sustainable change.

Something I knew consulting and training couldn’t deliver.”

“Coaching works so well because human beings are creatures of habit and, according to scientists in the field of neuropsychology, it’s very difficult to change our behavior. For example, an owner might start a project they know will have a positive impact and may even be critical to success, but then get side-tracked with what they’re good at or comfortable with or what seems urgent at the time. It’s not that they’re lazy or don’t know what to do - it’s just easier to stick with what they know. The problem is, what got them to this point, won’t always get them to the next level. Sometimes you have to do what’s uncomfortable.”

With coaching, owners get clear about what they want and then take time each week to focus on tasks that keep them moving forward. Ultimately, they’re supported and held accountable to consistently do more and better work, over a shorter period of time.

Coaches become their secret weapon to help create new, better habits that they can keep using long after their program ends.

Approach starting a business with your eyes wide open. “Just remember that small steps, taken each day toward your goals will lead you on a journey of success,” Dawn says.

If you’re thinking about starting a business, know that it takes guts and passion. Here are additional things to consider: 1.

2.

3.

Do you have the financial resources you’ll need? Are you replacing job income? Can you purchase equipment, inventory? It typically takes a few years for a business to become profitable, so you might want to sit down with an accountant just to make sure you are considering all of the financial aspects.

Do you have the time to focus on a new business? You may be shocked at the amount of time it took away from your family. Will working many, many nights and weekends to get a business off the ground work for you?

Do you have trusted advisors with business expertise who might be able to shorten the learning curve on business ownership? An accountant, attorney, family member, mentor, coach? Having information when you need it and moral support is really important if you’re going to make it past the first few years.

FaLessia Booker is a cheerleader for the city of Flint, business owner, wife, and mother of two. You can reach her at falessiabooker2011@gmail.com, or through her website, www.sociallybusy.com.

July/August • WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN

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Shades of Faith

  

The Twin Bed Adventures

Q&A

  

The Ripple effect of a smile

Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning do to do afterward.”

- Kurt Vonnegut Dear Shuntai, I am finding it hard to smile these days because there is so much going on in my family. Its really been tough. I know I need to put on my happy face for my family and friends.

Help me find the strength to smile again.

Dear Smiles,

Helen Hicks and Cathy Townsend When my sister Cathy and I were little girls, we used to take a magical adventure every evening around dusk. While we were often too tired to stay up for more than thirty minutes, we traveled effectively throughout the universe in our bedroom.

Part of that journey involved our pretend names. She was Miss Maggie, and I was Miss Nancy. Our ships were the twin beds that were parked parallel to each other, and our imaginations, at ages eight and nine, took us to places only a child’s mind could go.

We used the power of prayer to sail through a billowy heaven and other incredible lands; and in the morning, we always looked under our beds to see if the buckets of gold coins and the fabulous outfits we asked God for would be there.

They weren’t.

Yet, that never deterred us! What we found during that innocent time of childhood was an unbreakable bond of sibling love that remains with us today. Though both of us are in our late 50s, we often say silent prayers for the well-being of the other. We live in different states, but we reach out to God to ask for protection and comfort for each other. And while nothing but dust balls are under our beds, each of us have taken those imaginative moments to new heights and have achieved success in our careers and family lives.

Years from now when we are old ladies and our children are grown, I hope we can live together in a one bedroom house nestled up in a mountain near some fluffy clouds. Perhaps as the years pass, we will ask God for things that make more sense – good health, a prosperous retirement and the continued love of family and each other. In the Helen Hicks is an end, perhaps God will take us together with our award-winning hands joined between our two twin beds. Then administrator all of our wishes and dreams will come true in and motivational another glorious place and time. speaker living in

“Good night, Miss Maggie.”

“Good night, Miss Nancy.”

Each day brings new experiences and opportunities. Sometimes, we welcome opportunities with open arms because more than likely the experience is positive. While on the other hand, some experiences are less desirable and as a result we tend to lose the sparkle in our eyes, the pep in our step and our cheerful smile. A smile is contagious enough to have a ripple effect on those lucky enough to encounter it. A smile is a prelude to friendships or a key ingredient to sustaining relationships. A smile is like a flame that ignites the spirit with enough force to fuel an explosion of laughter.

Today, I dare you to smile or laugh despite of your adversity. I am asking you to laugh even though you want to cry. I know it sounds absurd but my irrational thought just may be rational enough to work. A laugh has unexplainable and miraculous benefits. It has the power to reduce stress, relieve pain, improve healing, bring people closer and most of all, uplift the spirit. So, take an opportunity to turn your less desirable experience into something you can wrap your arms around and make it work for you. Next, I want you to share a laugh with someone. Remember it can be contagious. Today you will be irrational enough to open your arms and welcome all experiences as opportunities to fuel the spirit of laughter. So, let the ripple begin.

Until next time live your best life!

Shuntai Beaugard, Your Forgiveness & Personal Transformation Expert P. (888) 445-7073 Email: reconnectmylife@gmail.com Visit my website: www.re-connectmylife.com

the Detroit area.

You can reach her at helenk7306@hotmail.com.

July/August • WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN

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 & Regina Bretts Life Lessons

45

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.

It is the most-requested column I’ve ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here’s an update: 1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.

8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.

12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don’t compare your life to others’.

You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks.

5 to Grow On

16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.

17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.

Don’t save it for a special occasion.

Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.

35. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40 If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.

41. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

42 Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: “In five years, will this matter?”

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

45. The best is yet to come.

46.No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.

49. Yield.

50. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.

by Regina Brett, The Plain Dealer

July/August • WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN

17

WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN PRESENTS

2 women’s EXPO’S

SEPT. 5 & 6 & NOV. 7 & 8

M I C H I G A N W2WMICHIGAN.COM

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Friday 12–8PM • Saturday 9AM–5PM PERANI ARENA • SVSU RIDER CENTER

Experience the fun and excitement of the Women’s Expos!

We’re producing two Women2Women Michigan events that will give you an opportunity to showcase your goods and services to a receptive target audience of women. Women will look at your products and say, “I simply must have that!”

These events are designed to entertain and inspire every guest with topics such as: health tips, fashion shows, educational speakers, workshops, shopping, dancing, exercising, pampering, decorating, home improvement and more.

Exhibitors will offer products and services including: clothing and accessories, salon services, health services, home & decorating services, financial services, coaching/motivational services, cosmetics, jewelry, education and more.

Take advantage of these events to jump start your holiday sales. To insure your space, sign up today.

SEPTEMBER 5 & 6, 2014

NOVEMBER 7 & 8, 2014

Friday 12 - 8 pm, Saturday 9 am - 5 pm

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Lia Sophia Jewelry Majestic Sky Link Medical Weight Loss Ms. Shontail Fashion Boutique Oragami Owl Paparazzi Accessories Pop Mod Photo Premier Jewelry Pure Romance Scarfs of Westwood Scentsy Sunshine Products Tastefully Simple - D. Wood Thirty One Gifts TOPS Traci Lynn Jewelry Tupperware

Aliza J Orginals Astou Shea Butter Bluegreen Vacations Unlimited Essential Bobywear, Inc.- The Bra Ladies Estate Planning Legal Services IT Works Incredible Transformations Jewelry Sky Diamond LLC Lia Sophia Jewelry Majestic Sky Link Medical Weight Loss Oragami Owl Living Lockets Paparazzi Accessories Pop Mod Photo Scentsy Sunshine Products Thirty One Gifts Tupperware

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WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN • www.w2wmichigan.com

Your Local Farmers Markets...

Grand Blanc Farmers Market Grand Blvd.

Wednesdays 4pm – 7pm Sundays 10am – 3pm cityofgrandblanc.com

Davison Farmers Market

On the corner of Irish Rd. & Court St. Thursdays & Saturdays 8am - 6pm davisonfarmersmarket.com

Fenton Farmers Market

Detroit Eastern Market

2934 Russell St. Saturdays 6am – 4pm detroiteasternmarket.com

Fenton Community Center 150 S. Leroy St. Thursdays 5pm - 8pm slpr.net

Walker Farms & Greenhouse

Flint Farmers Market

5253 E. Atherton Rd., Burton Mondays through Saturdays 8am – 7pm Sundays 8am – 4pm walkersfarm.com

300 East First St. Tuesdays & Thursdays 9am – 6pm Saturdays 8am – 5pm info@flintfarmersmarket.com

Lapeer Farmers Market

Linden Farmers Market

Nepessing St. Wednesdays & Saturdays 9am – 3pm downtownlapeer.com

N. Main St. Wednesdays 5pm – 8pm slpr.net

July/August • WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN

19

Healthy Eating With Susan

  

Quinoa Kale Salad This recipe comes compliments of Alyssa Krentzel. Alyssa is originally from Boston, a University of Michigan graduate and currently living in Atlanta. Alyssa has a passion for developing healthy recipes and when you make this salad, you will agree she has hit the jackpot on both the healthy and the delicious.

Quinoa is a gluten free seed that is grown in a variety of colors such as white, red, and black. It is prepared basically the same way as whole grain: 1 part dry quinoa to 2 parts liquid, but it only takes a fraction of the time to cook.

Quinoa is high in protein, a good source of fiber, and provides all of the essential amino acids. Cooked quinoa can be eaten as a side dish.

Just mix in your favorite spices or add it to your salad or soup to give your meal a nutritional boost.

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Quinoa Kale Salad ½ cup quinoa 1 cup vegetable broth ½ lemon, juiced 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup onions, chopped 5 cups kale, chopped and loosely packed salt

black pepper 1 avocado, diced ¼ cup chopped dried apricots (can also use dried cranberries if apricots are not available) Email any questions, suggestions, comments, or requests, to susan@w2wmichigan.com.

Susan Rosenhauer is the Editor and Executive Development Director for Women2Women Michigan and is a Certified Raw Food Chef and Instructor.

WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN • www.w2wmichigan.com

Rinse quinoa in a fine sieve until water runs clear. Place quinoa in a medium saucepan and add the vegetable broth and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and remove cover.

While quinoa is cooking, sauté onions in olive oil until soft and lightly browned. Add kale to onions and sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper.

To assemble salad, place quinoa on a serving dish, top with kale then the avocado and sprinkle with the dried fruit. This salad can be eaten either warm or cold.

Give this salad a try! I know you will enjoy its savory and sweet flavor from the fruit. This is an outstanding dish to take to your next summer barbeque.

Food photography by Kelsey Rosenhauer

H ealth

  

Is Achilles Tendonitis Causing My Heel Pain?

The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. It connects the calf muscles to the back of the heel bone and facilitates activities such as walking, running and jumping. Achilles tendonitis (tendinopathy) is the most common cause of pain felt in the back of your heel and ankle affecting active and inactive individuals.

Achilles tendonitis results when the demand placed on the tendon is greater than it’s ability to function which can result from an isolated incident (acute injury) or through repeated activity (over-use injury).

Acute injuries can range from a mild strain to a complete rupture of the tendon. Over use injuries will result with a gradual breakdown of the tissue which can lead to tendon tears / rupture.

What are the common causes?

Change in exercise routine or sport activity Muscle / tendon tightness and/or weakness Improper footwear (high heels increase the stress on the tendon) Abnormal foot structure / mechanics -specifically flat feet Who is at risk?

24% of athletes develop Achilles tendon Injuries 89% of all cases are male Estimated 50% of all runners will experience Achilles pain at some point Higher risk in people that have diabetes or high blood pressure Certain medicines have been associated with Achilles injuries What are the symptoms?

Tenderness / pain in the back of the heel or Achilles tendon Tightness in the ankle and/or calf muscles Swelling in the back of the ankle Pain / stiffness with walking, worse with the first few steps

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What is the treatment?

Depending on the severity, your physician will determine the best treatment plan. Common treatment approaches include: Rest: Reduce activity level until symptoms subside. Use of crutches is needed for severe cases.

Ice / elevation / compression bandage: to control swelling Medications: NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are used to control pain / swelling Orthotics: Heel lift to protect tendon from further stretching / shoe inserts to correct foot mechanics Imaging tests: In severe cases, to determine tendon tears / ruptures or to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms Physical Therapy: Will address the following symptoms: • Pain: Through use of modalities, bracing, manual techniques, taping , and ice application • Stiffness: Through manual techniques and self stretching to regain your range of motion • Weakness: Through an individualized strength program addressing muscle imbalances • Correcting foot mechanics: Through gait training, taping and ergonomics training • Patient education: Use of proper footwear, slow and safe return to work / sports program, prevention of re-injury Surgery: Is indicated if rupture occurs and may be considered in less severe cases if symptoms do not subside after 6 months of conservative treatment.

Sources: apta.org, mayoclinic.org and American Board of Pain Medicine: abpm.org

July/August • WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN

21

Education

  

Don’t Pull Your Hair out: Here are 5 Tips to Help You Write a Better College Essay “I received a 4-year Leadership Scholarship based on my essay.

Before I worked with Elaine, I didn’t think this event was even that important.”

Writing the essay for college applications can drive Students and Parents bonkers. With limited life and work experience, high school students- often don’t know where to begin. The pressure mounts as you try to determine which school is the best and how to pay for it.

The plain truth: writing about how great we are is extremely difficult for most of us. Yet, this is what we must do when we apply for Kathleen, Kalamazoo College jobs or college. As a parent and college professor, I worked closely with my kids and students to help them break through this mindless habit of undermining themselves and instead claim the gifts and talents they have to offer the world.

It’s okay, take a breath. Let’s begin with the college essay.

There are simple things your teen can do to greatly improve their essay; and at the same time, you will help them feel more confident.

Students: Whether you fill out the Common Application (a single essay many schools use) or answer the specific questions posed by a college, these tips will help your essay stand out from the crowd:

1.

The essay reflects your true character. When the Recruiter finishes reading the essay, they want to have a sense of you, your personality, talents and/or maturity (i.e. your self-awareness and sense of responsibility).

Use examples to show them who you are – don’t just tell them.

2.

Colleges look for those who will be good citizens of the school’s community. Grades are not the sole decider. A good essay includes examples of your school leadership, civic activity, concern for society or knowledge gained from part time work experience.

Describe what gifts, passion, skills or knowledge you want to share with the world.

Describe how you will participate in your new community.

3.

4.

Be concise and clear. Do not write for a word count.

In each sentence - make a new point, present an example or add detail.

Use Active Voice. Be the actor instead of being acted upon. i.e. “I won the election” instead of “This allowed me to be elected.” i.e. “From this experience, I learned/developed (specific skills, knowledge, etc.)” instead of “This experience taught me …”

5.

Use strong action verbs. Reduce the use of ‘be’ ‘am’ ‘is’ ‘was’ An easy way to check is to look for verbs ending in ‘ing.’ i.e. Use ‘ran or run’ instead of ‘was running’ or ‘is running’ My final advice: never turn in a first draft. Write, walk away, sleep and come back to it as many times as it takes for you to be proud of what you accomplished!! Good luck!

Elaine Stenger, Ph.D. is the Director of College Application Advantage. Through One-to-One Coaching and Group Presentations, Elaine helps Students stand out from the crowd and get into the college of their choice. (513) 328-5300 or contact@ elainestenger.com

989-684-8448, 810-249-2561, 888-917-3894 (toll free).

Serving Genesee, Bay, Saginaw, Midland, Oakland and Lapeer Counties.

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WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN • www.w2wmichigan.com

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I received a 4-year Leadership Scholarship based on my essay.

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ADVERTISEMENT

Menopause Has Put Life On Pause

Ask any 40+ year old woman about her health, and menopause will usually be one of the first things mentioned.

Menopause symptoms drive women crazy. What woman wants to open the bedroom window in the middle of winter, sleepwalk her way through her workday, or yell and scream at her loved ones at the drop of a hat?

Women should be tired of getting prescriptions for depression just because they’re going through menopause.

Menopause symptoms are horrible, and no woman should have to live with

them. Well, with bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), now they don’t. BHRT has been repeatedly featured on Oprah, and is fully endorsed by the American Academy of AntiAging Medicine.

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Dr. Megan Strauchman, the center’s medical director, is expertly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of symptoms that respond well to bio-identical hormones, such as hot flashes, mood swings, chronic fatigue, migraines, loss of libido, and “brain fog.” Dr. Strauchman is fellowship trained in anti-aging and regenerative medicine, and frequently uses BHRT to successfully treat her patients.

According to Dr. Strauchman, “Hormonal imbalances can be caused by a variety of outside factors and lifestyle choices. Chemicals in our makeup, toxins in our air and water, preservatives in our foods, and heavy metal exposure can all contribute to hormonal imbalances. My goal for each patient that I see is to figure out not just what is wrong, but also why it’s going wrong.

That way I can correct the underlying cause of the symptom and keep it from coming back. This is the true essence of preventive medicine.”

Many physicians providing this therapy charge thousands of

Menopause symptoms are horrible, and no woman should have to live with them. dollars and do not bill health insurance.

However, Dr. Strauchman is dedicated to making bio-identical hormones affordable to everyone.

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Our offices are happy to bill our patients’ health insurance plans as a courtesy to them, so patients may be at least partially reimbursed for their treatment costs.”

For more information on bioidentical hormones, or to schedule your initial one-hour consultation with Dr. Strauchman, please call (810) 694-3576.

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  

Local Educational Company Committed to Help Failing Math Students

1 +1

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Coolin and Schoolin is looking for local elementary students who need help with math.

Last year, thousands of students in Genesee County failed the math portion of the MEAP test. “There’s a perfect storm on the horizon. The new state test is more rigorous than the MEAP and many local schools do not offer summer school for all of their students. There is definitely a need. “ Coolin and Schoolin owner, Kimberly Coulter said.

Students in grades 1 through 6 will be able to learn math through projects and games. The classes will be offered by appointment at local libraries in the county during July and August. Participants will receive a Coolin and Schoolin certificate at the completion of each session. Contact Kimberly Coulter at (810) 835-8727 for a schedule of dates and times.

Coolin and Schoolin, established in 2013, strives to create a unique line of mathematical resources that are made in the likeness of today’s urban and minority students. The company’s mission to broaden the opportunities for all students, and particularly urban and minority youth to study advanced math, pursue high paying careers in math and make academic success the new cool.

If you would like more information about this topic or to schedule an interview with Kimberly Courter, please contact her at (810) 835-8727 or kimberlycoulter@hotmail.com.

WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN • www.w2wmichigan.com

Art @ Work

“If there ain’t no Beauty, you have to make some Beauty.

Have Mercy.” Maurice White, Earth Wind & Fire

  

Julia McLemore Fine Art Photographer

I first encountered Julia McLemore’s work at an art walk in Petoskey, Michigan a few years ago. From across the room, her images looked like photographs or maybe pastel or watercolor. The light was coming from within…similar to the way Michigan maples illuminate from within in the fall. As I approached Julia and introduced myself, I was distracted by her art - the flowers seemed to have movement. Her work is original, feminine and vibrant.

McLemore said, “My work is often taken to be watercolor.

It’s actually made digitally via high-resolution scans of flowers and plant material and my own assemblage work in Adobe Creative Suite CS6.

“I have always been fascinated with light, color, flowers and beautiful paper. I love handling natural materials.

I’ve focused my camera on other subjects, but have always come back to plants and flowers...because I need beauty in my world. The flower or leaf’s interior space reveals as I shine light through. The more translucent the plant or flower, the better the backlighting illumination, so I look for that when I choose my “models”.

McLemore said, “When I first studied photography, I learned to make photograms. Created in a traditional darkroom, photograms make ethereal, sometimes ghostly prints. They’re created by shining light through translucent objects onto photographic paper, without a camera or negative.

They were, for me, a new way of seeing that helped me capture objects of my fascination. Now, the entire process is more like digital printmaking, but still in the style of the photogram. The images appear to dance or float or move across the page. They can even suggest other forms… much like watching clouds and suddenly seeing other likenesses.”

The prints are contemporary and colorful. Some are minimal against plain white backgrounds. There is almost a specimen feel to some of them, but, at the same time, the flowers remain spiritual and sensual.

“I hope the images feel as joyful and pleasurable to the viewer as they do to me when I create them.

And, I hope they will tell many stories.”

McLemore’s art is dedicated to the memory of her mother, Ruth Green Hollingsworth. Her company, Green Ink, is named after her.

“We grow many of the flowers you see and our friends generously allow us to pick flowers in their gardens. Take a look at some of the titles and you’ll see friends’ names, and street names where we’ve lived and where my gardens were. I use words like “dance” or “float” in the titles to illustrate what I see as the compositions evolve, and to portray the emotions I put into the work.”

“I can’t take my eyes off flowers and color; or the way light plays on water and shines through translucence; always a wonderment to me and now, my life’s work. You are seeing these plants from the inside. I lose myself in making them.”

McLemore told me, “Mom had confidence in me when I doubted myself the most.”

An Ohio native, McLemore lives and works in Charlevoix, MI. She serves on the Board of Michigan’s Jordan River Arts Council. As a member of Women In Photography International, her work was recently augmented in the Peter Palmquist Collection at Yale University.

To view more of Julia McLemore’s work or to order cards or full size prints visit: www.greeninkgallery.com and www.juliamclemore.com Mary Ellen Jones is a freelance writer living in Harrisville, MI. She can be reached mejonmv@gmail.com

July/August • WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN

25

Flint City Cool I

“

WELL OF HOPE Sometimes, in life you come across a woman that does so much for those around her, you can’t help but cheer her on. Danielle Green is one of those women. She’s a mother, CEO, author, actress, playwright, community advocate, publisher, and philanthropist.

f getting involved can positively impact someone, count me in,” Green states. And involved she’s been: her first novel, Coulda Shoulda Woulda, was published in 2012. Her second published in June, I Wish I Woulda Knew Me Back Then, is an anthology that chronicles obstacles overcome by the twelve contributing authors. Both books are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and the website: imagepublishing.com. Several of the authors involved thought their stories weren’t that interesting or even worth telling, but Danielle saw things differently. “You want to touch and influence as many people as possible,” she says, “but if [my work] makes a difference in just one person’s life, I’ve done my job and my work is not in vain."

As it turned out, her work impacted many in the community. In 2013, she was honored by her hometown and November 8th will now be recognized in Flint as “Danielle Green Day.” Determined to reach more individuals in the community, Danielle became active with “Team810.” Founded by Yusef Bauswell, Team810 partners with other local organizations to plan community-minded projects. Examples include working with Empower to feed the hungry at bus

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WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN • www.w2wmichigan.com

stations and shelters, and is the director of their latest play, entitled “Pray for Me,” due out this July. She previously starred in “Heartbeat,” a movie about domestic violence produced by Team810. “Stone,” a new film about female assassins, will be released later this year.

In 2010, Danielle started Empower, a nonprofit that keeps area youth on a positive path and helps them become leaders of tomorrow. Empower’s newest program is called “Polished Diamonds,” for 9th-12th girls. They will be instructed on getting ready for the workplace, speaking and dressing properly, health, nutrition, etiquette, and financial literacy. Danielle says, "Our young people are our future and we owe it to them to do everything in our power to make a difference.”

For more information on Empower, contact their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pages/Empower/163360033681448, or their webpage, empoweringouryouth.info.

So far, in “Flint City Cool,” we have met business owners, advocates for youth and veterans, and a celebrity photographer. Who’s next? Stay tuned...

FaLessia Booker is a cheerleader for the City of Flint, business owner, wife, and mother of two. You can reach her at falessiabooker2011@gmail.com, or through her website, www.sociallybusy.com.

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Sales Position Open FINANCIAL PLANNING

HEALTH

FINANCIAL & TAX PLANNING

Teresa McClellandSargent, CFP® Financial & Tax Planning (810) 733-5140 mcte1129@yahoo.com

I have recently become a widow and have found myself very unfamiliar with my family’s finances. Is there someone who I can meet with that will help educate me and guide me through my investments?

My recommendation would be to find a Certified Financial Planner, CFP®, in your area to work with. A CFP® is one who has fulfilled the certification and renewal requirements of the CFP® board of directors, which represent a high level of competency in ethics and professionalism. A CFP® can help you examine your current financial picture, assist you in setting some short term goals, and can help you monitor your progress. A few of the items you may want to gather before your meeting are as follows: your current fixed expenses, income sources, bank statements, investment account statements, (including retirement savings accounts), and last year’s tax return. Any goals short term or long term, as well as any concerns you may have.

Your planner may analyze your assets, liabilities, insurance coverage, investments as well as cash flow, to determine how to best assist you. A CFP® should consider all aspects of your situation to determine what you need to do to meet your goals. ■ Securities and advisory services offered through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. a registered broker-dealer and member FINRA/ SIPC. Advisory Services and insurance offered through Financial Planning Advisory Corp., a Registered Investment Advisor, which is not affiliated with Royal Alliance. Financial & Tax Planning Inc. is not affiliated with Royal Alliance or registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor.

CranioSacral Therapy (810) 624-0102

What is CranioSacral Therapy?

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a light-touch approach that can create dramatic improvements in your life. It releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance.

Few body structures have more influence over your health and well-being than your central nervous system. And few body systems have more impact on your central nervous system than the craniosacral system~the soft tissues and fluid that protect your brain and spinal cord.

Every day you endure stresses and strains and your body absorbs them. But your body can only handle so much tension before the tissues begin to tighten and potentially affect the brain and spinal cord.

Unfortunately, this can compromise the function of the central nervous system-and the performance of nearly every other system in your body.

CranioSacral Therapy releases those tensions to allow the entire body to relax and self-correct.

Using a gentle touch practitioners evaluate your internal environment. Then they use distinctive light-touch techniques to release any restrictions they find.

By freeing the central nervous system to perform at its best, CranioSacral Therapy naturally eliminates pain and stress, strengthens your resistance to disease, and enhances your health and well-being.

Because its so gentle, CranioSacral Therapy can be effective for all ages, from newborns to elders.■

Strong background in sales?

Submit your resume!

W2W is looking for a strong sales team for our magazine.

Excellent Commissions!

Fast growing publishing and events planning company needs self starter to grow with us

SALES EXECUTIVES: Only upbeat, professional and personable applicants need apply.

Marketing/Media sales experience preferred. Excellent commission.

info@w2wmichigan.com

810.694.2326

Please submit resumes only to Women2Women Michigan 536 Perry Rd. Suite 7 Grand Blanc, MI 48439

July/August • WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN

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In The News

  

HandsOn Genesee

Named Volunteer Center of the Year in Michigan

Free Music

(choose from over 13 million songs)

Free Magazines

(read up on everything from Backpacking to Yoga)

Free Books

HandsOn Genesee, the volunteer center for Flint and Genesee County, was named Volunteer Center of the Year today by the Volunteer Centers of Michigan.

The award was presented in Lansing at the annual “Giving and Volunteering Celebration Day.” Governor Rick Snyder was on hand to congratulate individuals and organizations honored for their community service.

“We are thrilled to receive this honor. It is a real confirmation of all our hard work over the last five years,” said Julia Zaher, director of HandsOn Genesee.

HandsOn Genesee is a program of Resource Genesee, a Flintbased nonprofit organization.

“Resource Genesee has been providing volunteer services to Genesee County for more than 50 years. Julia Zaher and her staff have brought these services to a new level and volunteer opportunities to everyone in the county. Congratulations on great work!” said Lindsey Younger, President and CEO of Resource Genesee.

The Volunteer Centers of Michigan specifically cited HandsOn Genesee’s work with the Genesee/Shiawassee Michigan Works! program known as PATH (Partnership, Accountability, Training, & Hope) which serves people receiving cash assistance from the State of Michigan.

The volunteer center connects welfare recipients with meaningful volunteer opportunities with the goal of increasing their job skills. This year, Resource Genesee and HandsOn Genesee launched an innovative new initiative for the PATH program.

“Our team trains PATH participants in valuable life and work skills and together we volunteer at a variety of nonprofits,” Zaher said. “Once they see all that can be gained from community service, participants are more likely to use the volunteer experience to aid in their job search.”

HandsOn Genesee hosts a web site, www.handsongenesee.org, which connects volunteers to opportunities to serve with local nonprofit organizations. HandsOn Genesee is funded in part by a grant from the Ruth Mott Foundation and through its contract with Genesee/Shiawassee Michigan Works!

(take your summer reads with you wherever you go)

Check us out at thegdl.org 28

WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN • www.w2wmichigan.com

Financial Plus Announces

8th Annual Pink Night Fundraising Has Begun Financial Plus Credit Union’s Pink Night Fundraising has officially begun. Pink Night will be held at Blackstone’s Pub & Grill in Flint on October 2nd beginning at 5:00 p.m. The breast cancer awareness and fundraising event brought in over $54,000 for American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in October of 2013, and Financial Plus has set the goal at $55,000 this year. They are already well on their way with a total of $18,000 already raised.

Chassé Ballroom and Latin Dance Studio in Fenton is returning as the title sponsor for the event for the second year in a row. Financial Plus has announced this years’ silent auction sponsors, Regional Medical Imaging and Genesee Valley Center, and reception sponsor Cumulus Media of Flint. Also partnering this year are Rosehaven Manor and Drs. Bobby and Nita Mukkamala.

Pink Night has recently been recognized at a state level by the Michigan Credit Union League and the Credit Union National Association for its fundraising success. Financial Plus received second place for the Dora Maxwell Award and was recently recognized at the Michigan Credit Union League Annual Convention. “We are beyond thrilled to receive this award” said Olga Long, Senior Vice President of Financial

Plus. “Pink Night is a community effort, and we are honored to be recognized at a state level for its successes.” The award recognizes a first, second, and third place credit union in eight different categories based on asset-size.

To encourage early ticket sales, Cumulus Media of Flint has donated two sets of four tickets to see Lady Antebellum live at DTE on August 22nd. For every Pink Night ticket you purchase online at www.pinknightflint.com before July 15th, you will be entered into a drawing to win a set of four Lady Antebellum tickets. The drawing will be held live at the Pink Night event ribbon cutting on August 6th at Blackstone’s in Downtown Flint beginning at 11:00 a.m.

If you would like more information on the Pink Night fundraiser or to become a sponsor please contact Olga Long at 810-244-2323 or Stacy Pawlovich at 810-244-2382.

Financial Plus Credit Union is a Flint-based, member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution serving over 49,000 members in 34 counties in Michigan. Financial Plus Credit Union operates through six conveniently located offices in Flint, Swartz Creek, Fenton, Grand Blanc, Saginaw and can also be found on the internet at www.financialplusfcu.org.

July/August • WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN

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Education

  

Lions or Tigers or Bears, Oh My!!

Choosing the Right Path after High School

Do you have the job you always wanted? Did you set a course and find your dream job? Or are you still searching?

When I was young my mom would say, “Lainey, you can be anything you want to be.” Bright-eyed with wonder, I felt overwhelmed with so many options. So instead I picked nothing and followed the path of supposed to’s. After grade school I was going to the Academy of the Sacred Heart and then onto one of two colleges my father had selected. But the straight line, the known path, ended there. I was lost for years until I stumbled into teaching and was hooked.

How do we choose the right path? How do we even know the right path at 17 or 18 years of age? Often high school students don’t know what career or job they want. And the pressure of making the ‘right’ decision can be paralyzing.

My children’s college searches began much differently. My son always struggled with Seasonal Affective Disorder; the long cold, dark winters of the Midwest were very difficult for him. He began his school search based on climate.

Although my daughter seemed fairly accomplished in High School, she was quite anxious about leaving home. Her search began with a map and a ruler – drawing a circle around all schools within six hours of home so I could get to her if necessary. Careers or jobs weren’t even part of the formula!

If I had to do the college search all over again, we would have searched other options in addition to ‘regular’ colleges. ______________________________________________________ Four year colleges are not for everyone. There are other great options available: Trade Schools, Community Colleges, Regular Colleges and Universities (undergraduate and graduate programs).

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Trade Schools offer technical or vocational education to prepare students for a job. Right now the U.S. has a shortage of qualified Trades Workers. These include: Skilled Trades > automotive, aviation mechanic, construction, drafting, electricians, HVAC, landscape, marine & watercraft, plumbing, Health Care > dental assistant, nursing, massage therapy, medical billing & coding, paramedic, pharmacy tech, physical therapy assistant, ultrasound tech, X-ray Tech [Workers are needed in hospitals, nursing homes, health clinics, surgical centers, medical labs and pharmacies] Culinary Arts > baking/pastry chefs, hospitality management, restaurant management, wine specialists Cosmetology > beauticians, barbers, etc.

Media Arts & Design, Computer Software > web design, video games, etc.

Community Colleges or Community & Technical Colleges offer technical training for vocational certification and general education classes for an Associate’s Degree. These colleges are a great place for remediation and are more affordable than 4-year colleges because you pay by the class. If additional education is required, you can transfer to a 4-year college to finish a Bachelor’s Degree. Branch campuses of 4-year colleges are also much more affordable.

4-year Colleges and Universities are more academic focused and offer Bachelor Degrees in Business, Engineering, Liberal Arts, etc.

Colleges usually have undergraduate programs only, while a university has undergraduate and graduate level degrees. ______________________________________________________ Remember: selecting the right school is a 2-way process. You must know what you want from a school academically, socially and financially.

Personally if I could choose all over again ‘what I want to be when I grow up,’ I would be a Forest Ranger or a Boat Captain; or possibly a wood worker or the owner of a Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast. Oh, but I really want to be a maple syrup farmer or a large equipment operator. Nothing could be finer than driving a bulldozer, don’t you think!! Did I mention I’m 5’3”? ______________________________________________________ Elaine Stenger, Ph.D. is the Director of College Application Advantage. Through One-to-One Coaching and Group Presentations, Elaine helps Students stand out from the crowd and get into the college of their choice. (513) 328-5300 or contact@elainestenger.com

WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN • www.w2wmichigan.com

Health 

ESSENTIAL OILS

 

I Have an Oil For That

from head to toe

SKIN & HAIR EMOTIONAL HEATH

Lavender, Bergamot, Lemon

BRAIN

Frankincense, Lemon Peppermint, Rosewood

Blue Tansy, Citronella, Orange, Frankincense, Eucalyptus, Patchouli, Rosewood, Tangerine

EYES

Citronella, Frankincense

In our world of ever changing health care, we EARS are fortunate to be able to Helichrysum, Ylang-ylang explore alternative methods to treat common ailments.

One of these methods is pure LUNGS essential oils, which have providLemon, Blue Tansy, Clove, Spruce, Tea Tree, Myrtle, ed simple health care solutions for Eucalyptus, Peppermint, thousands of years.

Lavender, Mandarin Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds found in bark, stems, seeds, MUSCLES roots, flowers, leaves and fruit. Plants are Wintergreen, Myrtle, humans’ oldest medicine and therefore we Lemongrass, Lavender, can trust the power they offer.

Citronella, Helichrysum, Today, physicians, scientists, researchers, Peppermint, Blue Tansy therapists, and those concerned with managing their own personal health care are discovering the amazing benefits of pure therapeutic grade essential oils. I have found that doTerra essential oils are the purest therapeutic grade available. doTerra essential oils embody the regenerating, oxygenating, and immune strengthening properties of plants.

INFLAMMATION Thyme, Oregano, Myrtle, There are three different methods to use essential oils: Lavender, Frankincense Aromatically - Simply inhaling either a fine mist or a vaLemongrass por. The aroma from the oil is a powerful way to affect memory, hormones, and emotions through the olfactory system. Inhalation can also be a quick and effective way to affect the sinuses, larynx, bronchial tubes, and lungs. When diffused, essential oils provide air PAIN Lavender, Bergamot purification by increasing atmospheric oxygen and increasing ozone Frankincense and negative ions which inhibit bacteria growth. Essential oils also aid in the elimination of odors caused by mold, cigarettes, and animals.

IMMUNITY Internally - This ONLY applies to doTerra CPTG (CPTG=Certified Clove, Parsley Pure Therapeutic Grade) oils. CPTG is organic, verified pure, and free Eucalyptus from fillers, pesticides, and foreign contaminants. Third party testing ensures oils are genuine, potent, and authentic. Oils can be dropped under tongue, placed in a gel capsule or put in your beverage to support oral, CANCER/CELL throat, digestion and overall health. Oils can easily be incorporated into PROTECTION Eucalyptus, your cooking. Caution is needed because these oils are potent. For exRosewood, ample: one drop of peppermint oil = 20 cups of peppermint tea. Using a Rosemary toothpick is the best way to control essential oil use in cooking.

Topically - Place oil directly onto the bottoms of feet or hands at reflex points or on troubled areas. Oils must be diluted for sensitive skin using a carrier oil such as coconut oil, almond oil, jojoba, or olive oil. Make sure to keep oils away from eyes and ears.

Having nature’s pharmacy at your fingertips will promote physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Whatever may be going on in Colette Curtis is a certified massage therapist, the body, chances are “I have an oil for that!” For more inforyoga instructor, and aromatherapy specialist mation on using essential oils or hosting a class for you and in Oxford, Michigan. Colette can be reached your group please e-mail me. by email pobecolette@sbcglobal.net for

ORAL HEALTH

Eucalyptus, Clove, Cinnamon, Tea Tree, Peppermint

CARDIOVASCULAR

Clove, Rosemary, Lavender, Helichrysum, Ylang-ylang

GASTROINTESTINAL HEALTH Peppermint, Rosemary, Lemon, Myrtle, Clove, Orange, Lemongrass

WOMEN’S HEALTH

Lavender, Sage, Marjoram

ANTIOXIDANT Lavender, Thyme, Orange, Lemon, Oregano

BONES & JOINTS

Lemongrass, Helichrysum, Lavender, Rosewood, Myrtle, Wintergreen

ANTIMICROBIAL Lemon, Cinnamon, Tea Tree, Oregano, Rosemary, Lavender, Peppermint, Clove, Eucalyptus, Thyme

further information

July/August • WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN

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Business

  

Three steps to a more profitable business in 90 days

As a small business owner, it’s easy to focus on the urgent day-to-day operations and lose sight of where you’re leading the company. Or become frustrated and stuck, not sure what direction to take.

If you want long term, sustained success, you must have a clear vision for the company’s future; make decisions strategically; and align your actions with your goals. This doesn’t happen without long-term strategic and shorter term action planning. Here are three steps to put the idea into action: 1. Create your personal vision.

Think about and write down your long -term personal goals. Your business is a vehicle to get you the “life” you dreamed of; without reaching your own definition of personal success, having a “successful” business is just toil.

2. Create your 12-Month business goals.

Imagine that it’s one year from today. What does your business look like? Now set specific goals in each of these categories: • Revenue • Profit • Team • Services • Reputation • Giving back 3. Quarterly action plans Quarterly action plans are the gasoline in the business planning engine. The successful companies I’ve coached and studied create quarterly action plans to help them reach annual goals.

This cycle works because it’s systematic.

You examine the progress you’ve made toward annual goals, evaluate projects and priorities that are working, and adjust or discard the projects that aren’t working.

Successful business owners start with a clear vision for their business and make steady progress toward its achievement with intention and planning.

Dawn Drozd is an award-winning Certified Business Coach and Founder & CEO of ClearVision Business Coaching. Contact Dawn at (586) 323-5150 or info@clearvision.us.com

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The Critical Element That’s Missing From Your Marketing As small business owners or solo entrepreneurs, we desperately want to appear legitimate and credible to prospects and clients.

Our voice mail message assures callers “we can’t take your call right now, but your call is important to us.” We use wordy, formal, corporate language in our websites and brochures.

We desperately want to be seen as “professional” by our clients. The paradox is that the harder we try to look bigger and professional, the more that we lose our biggest advantage as a small business: personality and the personal touch. Instead, we look like corporate clones – personality-free.

The truth is that your prospects and clients actually choose you because you’re not big and corporate. They’re seeking a credible, personable solution to their problem.

Look at your website, brochures and newsletters. Are they filled with references to “the team,” “our staff,” and blah corporate phrases like “at xyz, every employee strives to ensure customer satisfaction…?”

Let’s infuse more of you into your marketing! Start with your website’s About page.

Chances are, it’s one of the most popular pages on your website. Visitors

WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN • www.w2wmichigan.com

want to know about your company, especially who’s behind it.

Your prospects want to relate to you and to know that you understand the struggles they’re facing.

Juice up your website’s About page by weaving the answers to these questions into the narrative.

What was the defining moment that led you to start your business?

Why do you continue doing what you do? What drives you?

What are your other passions?

By sharing your personality, your story and your passions (starting with your website), you give your prospects ways to connect with you and your business on an emotional level. And that’s an advantage that big businesses can’t begin to compete with.

About the author: Lori Nash Byron is the founder of FamousinYourField.com, where leaders and professionals build a powerful brand, attract more clients and position themselves as experts in their industries through speaking, publishing and publicity. Go to FamousinYourField. com to get a free workbook, 97 Ways to Build Your Fame Factor.

Woman on the Move    Beth Bryce, MS, CMCC Recently Named Master Career Development Professional Beth Bryce, MS, CMCC, of Saginaw, Michigan recently achieved her Master Career Development Professional (MCDP) special membership status from the National Career Development Association (NCDA). The NCDA offers the Master Career Development Professional honor only to those members who provide specialized career development services. All MCDPs hold a master’s degree in counseling or a related field with three years plus of post-master’s work experience in career development.

Bryce is a certified motivational career coach, writer and speaker. She is the founder of Girls2Women Coaching, an organization aimed at mentoring women in their lives and careers. She has contributed as an author to “Women On Fire Book 2,” an anthology featuring stories by women who have overcome adversity. Bryce also works at Northwood University as the Career Services Director of the Adult Degree

programs and the DeVos Graduate School of Management. She serves as an adjunct professor for NU’s Adult Degree School and at Delta College as well.

For additional information on career counseling services with Beth Bryce, visit her website at www. bethbryce.com, or email bethbryce@charter.net.

For additional information on career counseling services and resources, visit the National Career Development Association website at www.ncda.org, or contact the NCDA office at (866) FOR-NCDA (367-6232); direct (918) 663-7060; fax (918) 663-7058 or email depennington@ncda.org.

9th Annual

Red Hat Day In Flushing, Michigan Wednesday, July 16th

Once again, Flushing will be hosting its 9th Annual Red Hat Day, drawing people into Flushing from the surrounding area and throughout Michigan to enjoy all the amenities our town has to offer. The beautiful downtown streets will be adorned with beautiful floral baskets and Red Hat banners sponsored by local merchants.

The day promises to be filled with fun and excitement starting with our Opening Ceremony at the Flushing United Methodist Church, 413 E. Main St. in Flushing, MI. The first 250 registered guests will receive a red Talmer Bank bag full of goodies from various vendors. We will offer a continental breakfast and a fashion show during our “Essence of Flushing” program. A photo booth will be available at the church to capture a memory with friends. Women will be able to “shop ’til they drop” at our downtown shops and at a variety of unique vendors at the Parrish Commu-

nity Center, 311 E. Main St. Time will be allotted for leisurely dining for lunch at one our many specialty restaurants. The Flushing Senior Center Van will be available throughout the day to shuttle ladies around town for their shopping pleasure.

At 3:00 pm, we will offer a time to relax and enjoy a homemade strawberry shortcake while listening to our International Entertainer and Tribute Impersonator, Mario Messina, singing music styles from the 40’s to 70’s. You will also want to be on hand to win one of the many, many door prizes from our local merchants.

To top off the evening, there will be a Concert in the Park featuring Rich Eddies’ Rockin’ Oldies Band at Riverview Park, 218 S. Cherry, two blocks south of Main St. in Flushing.

Reservations are needed to attend, so please call Janet at 810-659-5034 for further details.

All NCG Cinema locations offer: - Free refills on all sizes of soft drinks and popcorn - Group rates and private parties 3D projection capabilities - Online ticketing at

www.NCGmovies.com

NCG Trillium Cinemas 8220 Trillium Circle Ave. Grand Blanc, MI 48439 Showtimes (810) 695-5000

NCG Courtland Cinemas 4190 East Court St. Suite 200 Burton, MI 48509 Showtimes (810) 223-0242

July/August • WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN

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L o o k W h o ' s T al k i n g

  

Pets and Distracted Driving: What You Need To Know

When we hear the term “distracted driving,” most of us think of the obvious culprits - eating, putting on makeup, talking on the phone, texting, or rummaging for a dropped object on the car floor. However, few of us consider the driving distraction leaving our furry friends unsecured can cause.

This fact is underscored by a Kurgo and AAA survey of people who frequently drive with their pets. The survey found that, while 64 percent of drivers admitted to engaging in a potentially distracting pet-related activity, and 29 percent admitted to actually being distracted by their pets, a full 84 percent allowed their pets to ride unrestrained.

It’s easy to see how an unrestrained pet could be distracting. An anxious dog may cry uncontrollably, pace, or seek comfort from its owner. A dog or cat who becomes suddenly frightened might jump or run around unpredictably. A curious dog might burst into the front seat to get a better view of something interesting he spotted from the back window. A small dog or cat might try to burrow under your seat, or worse-into your lap.

In the survey, drivers admitted to doing everything from petting their dogs, carrying them on their laps, to playing with them and even giving them treats while driving. Three percent of drivers admitted to taking photos of their dogs as they drove.

Restraining pets in vehicles isn’t just about pets causing distracted driving.

It’s about what can happen during an accident. Unrestrained pets can be seriously injured or killed if they are thrown from a vehicle. Pets carried on drivers’ laps can be crushed by the impact of an airbag. Frightened pets have been known to escape vehicles and run away in shock after accidents.

And unsecured pets can actually put everyone in the car in danger; during an accident, a 60-pound dog can suddenly become the equivalent of a 2,700-pound projectile.

Keeping your pet and human passengers safe and secure is as easy as using the right safety restraint. From pet seat belts or pet car seats, to crates or front seat pet barriers, there is an option out there that will suit your pet and your vehicle. Taking the time to find it may save you the hassle and danger of driving distracted. It may make trips with your pets more fun and worry-free.

And it just may save the life your pet - or your own.

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WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN • www.w2wmichigan.com

ABOUT TRIPSWITHPETS.COM ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kim Salerno is the President & Founder of TripsWithPets.com.

Do n't T ell M y Wi fe I W r o t e T hi s

  

The Eye

Of Financial Truisms T

he second of my spawn graduated high school this year. As I write this, we are still recovering from this odd ritual we refer to as “Open House.” First let me point out that an open house now requires an invitation. I asked Herself why this is so because, after all, the “open” in Open House suggests that anyone just can walk in.

I received the Eye of Eternal Suffering for asking such a juvenile question.

Because I’m a slow learner, I also inquired as to the financial wisdom of throwing a twothousand dollar party in which the graduate will receive one-thousand dollars in cash for his continued education. Or pizza. Again I received The Eye. Herself calmly explained that the graduate doesn’t pay anything toward the party, but receives the financial reward for having survived twelve years of acquiring basic life skills that 95% of other modern societies acquire by the time they are ten years old.

“Ahh,” I say, “now it makes sense.” I ponder.

“But wouldn’t it be easier to cut the kid a onethousand dollar check and free up my weekend?”

The Eye. Herself has never been one to appreciate my grasp of financial truisms. Or my fondness of Saturdays with which to enjoy the remaining life I have left. No, I’m not suffering a terminal disease. I’ve simply determined that I have a finite number of financial inquiries to make of my spouse and am quickly approaching the last remaining few. Since I now have two children

providing me with student loan bills, I sense that my financial question counter is about to speed up.

Since my imminent demise will both eliminate further financial inquiries and provide my family

It’s just that I will soon face the reality of two adult children, whom I must support and provide daily fast food nutritional requirements, living away at college, while I myself carefully measure my Starkist Tuna to ensure I can stretch the can over the entire workweek.

with a healthy life-insurance payout, I will be unable to provide a satisfactory answer when Herself finally looks at me and asks, “Why should you see tomorrow?” In fact, having run the numbers several times now, even using a spreadsheet, I’m almost inclined to encourage Her to take the financially advantageous route of sending me ahead to our heavenly home. Kind of like an advanced scout.

Now, I don’t want any of you to concern yourself with my safety. It’s just that I will soon face the reality of two adult children, whom I must support and provide daily fast food nutritional requirements, living away at college, while I myself carefully measure my Starkist Tuna to

ensure I can stretch the can over the entire workweek.

With that understanding, it is A) unlikely that I’ll be able to control my tongue when we receive requests for further financial assistance and B) quite possible that I’ll beat Herself to the punch and engineer my own sudden departure.

On second thought, I may have a way out of my dilemma. Perhaps, at summer’s end, we should all throw Open Houses for the parents of the graduates. If I invite all of my facebook and twitter friends, and they pop for twenty bucks each, I should be able to pull down enough to pay for the tent and maybe have some gas money left over. At least enough to get my kids home from college on the weekends so they can clean out my fridge for me. This may be the only option available that doesn’t involve my ending up in a Folgers can atop the fireplace mantle.

Since the “Room for Rent” sign I’d put out during my son’s Open House brought The Eye of a Thousand Miseries (a minor but noteworthy improvement over The Eye of Eternal Suffering) from Herself, I’m running out of options.

You should receive your invitation soon. ■

Ron Estrada resides with his wife, Kelly, two children, two cats, and a terrier-mix in Oxford.

When not pursuing the spiritual gift of napping, he’s at work on his latest novel or some freelance project (he accepts cash, check, PayPal, or smoked pork shoulder). You can email him at rmestrada@ameritech.net or visit his website at ronestradabooks.com.

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