Because I am trying to chronicle our experiences as we define a new stage of life, I feel free to ask impertinent questions, and I am always rewarded by honest and thoughtful answers. No surprise, really, from women who are discovering the joys of not caring “what other people think anymore.” Much of what they tell me begins with an astonished “I can’t believe that I am telling your this…” or “I can’t believe I am doing this…” but we are surprising ourselves at every turn.
My latest line of inquiry …

Women in Second Adulthood Are Doing Just Fine, Thank You.
In a country that gorges on “happy meals” and concludes correspondence with a “smiley face,” it is safe to suggest that happiness has been devalued as a meaningful state of mind. Asking about it is like asking “How are you?” Fine.  Nevertheless Marcus Buckingham, who describes himself as “leading expert in personal strengths and best-selling author,” decided to assemble all known happiness surveys (On a scale of 1 to 3, how happy are you?) and report on Huffington Post that his …

Barbara Glickstein, host of NPR’s “Healthstyles” and Public Health Nurse Executive, on the Current Controversy
The release of a report suggesting that women should begin regular mammograms at 50 instead of forty shouldn’t obscure the fact that women over fifty should most definitely be conscientious about scheduling annual mammograms:
Here is what I wrote last month (see “Five Ways to Make Fall Work for You – Remember Good Health is about Maintenance):
“Older age is the single greatest risk factor for breast cancer in women. According to the American Cancer Society (1999), breast …

Susan Dworkin’s Riveting Story of a Scientist’s Struggle to Preserve the World’s Harvest
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. At my house, twenty-two people gathered and brought their favorite foods to our table. But, who made sure that there would be food for the table?
His name is not household word, but it should be. Dr. Bent Skovmand, a brilliant Danish scientist (the ‘Viking’), had a lot to do with putting food on all our tables because he dedicated himself to protecting the seeds of the world’s food supply. Dr. Skovmand’s story …

THE BLUESTONE GALLERY PRESENTS A “SUNDAY AFTER BLACK FRIDAY” EVENT

“I design each piece as if I already know who it’s for — I just haven’t met them yet”, says Robin Lennon. Her ‘wearable’ art combines textures and colors in jackets and accessories that reflect her training in painting and sculpture. “My store – Inner Designs – has attracted customers from the BlueStone Gallery area and I’m delighted to be in their neighborhood and exciting space.”
“The Sunday after Black Friday” (noon to 4:00 p.m., Sunday November 29) event is a …

Ann Higdon
MEET ANN HIGDON
2009 PURPOSE PRIZE WINNER
“The Purpose Prize gathering is revolutionary,” said Ellen Goodman the newspaper columnist and herself, the winner of a Pulitzer Prize. “I am looking at you as my mentors,” she told the audience in her keynote address at the recent Purpose Prize Summit.
I have to agree. It was a room filled with inspiring people and stories.
I met Ann Higdon, winner of a 2009 Purpose Prize ($50,000.) and was impressed by her strength, warmth, and humor. Ann is the fist to admit that in high school …

A Take-Off on the Classic “Do You Know Me?” American Express Ad
By Mary Thom – editor, author and consultant for
The Women’s Media Center
In 1983, Bella Abzug, the former Congresswoman from New York, was a featured speaker at the first National Forum for Women State Legislators held by The Center for American Women in Politics. The gathering of 350 representatives from 46 states at the historic Hotel Del Coronado near San Diego was the largest number of elected women ever assembled in one place, according to former chair of the …

Marcy Adelman: 2009 Purpose Prize Winner
BRINGING EXPERIENCE TO SOCIAL INNOVATION CHANGES EVERYTHING
In a culture that often seems to thrive more on “creating” villains than honoring heroes, it is especially rewarding to report on people who are changing the world. THE PURPOSE PRIZE – announced by Encore Careers and Civic Ventures – celebrates and honors people over 60 who are bringing experience to social innovation (read the press release).
I was proud to have been a judge for this Award, and I can tell you the candidates and winners are a …

You’re going to be seeing a multimedia blitz about a new national study of women’s status called The Shriver Report: A Woman’s Nation Changes Everything. Gloria Steinem gives you a preview of this project created by Maria Shriver and a D.C. think tank, and suggests ways you can use it and also judge its success.
For the first time in the history of the United States, half of all people on payrolls are women. This big landmark is the centerpiece of The Shriver Report: A Woman’s Nation Changes Everything, a newly …

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
I know that I am not the only one who thinks of Fall as the beginning of the New Year. It’s that embedded back-to-school schedule – ours then and our children’s now. I am much more inclined to get going in October than in January.
What’s more, while my January resolutions have more to do with self-improvement (or self-criticism) – perennially “go on a diet” – my October plans are more about taking care of business and beefing up the rewarding parts of my life. …