You will all remember Valarie from her WWK Profile and from her guest blog Everything Must Go (EMG). I was very excited to see that she had started her own blog because she has been a great source of information and inspiration to me. I hope you will visit her her new web digs at ShinySparklyVal. I’m sure you will enjoy her just as much as I do.
Category: Women Worth Knowing
Tarts
She asked for restaurant spies to share about hidden gems in their eating adventures, and I passed along this bijou about Lavendou, a lovely French bistro in Dallas.
Check out her blog. She shares wonderful recipes, information on preparation and kitchen tips, and dishes up just as much wit as wisdom. I have her on my blogroll. You should, too!
Women Worth Knowing: Meet Melinda
I met Melinda when we were working together as vocalists in a Latin jazz band. When that tall, confident drink of redheaded water walked into the rehearsal hall for the first time, I thought, “Great. Now I really have to go on a diet. And get a better bra. And do something with my hair. And grow about six inches.” But I quickly learned that one of the nicest things about Melinda is that she shares her spotlight with ease and graciousness, and even if you can’t stretch yourself out to meet her long-legged beauty ideal, she’ll make you feel comfortable enough that it doesn’t even matter anymore. There isn’t even the slightest whiff of Mean Girl about her. Oh…and probably the most important thing, she introduced me to the $8 store!!!
Melinda is a true romantic, and lovely soul. She looks for the good in people, and strives to be her best self in any relationship. She is creative, and kind, and is absolutely fearless.
I could say a lot more, but I don’t want to step on the toes of what she sent in response to the Q&A, so here she is in her own words.
Meet Melinda.
Name: Melinda
Age: Mid-fabulous 40s
Preferred Job Title: Sustainability Communications Coordinator
Industry: Local Government/Green Initiatives
Who are you?
I am a daughter, a mother, a sister, a lover and a friend. I am vulnerable and fearless.
Describe your family:
I’m a single mom with two fabulous children, Chandler (21) and Delilah (6). My parents were high school sweethearts and even after their divorce, remained friends. My mother passed away a year and a half ago.
The first hour of my day:
I subscribe to a night owl lifestyle and prefer the first hour of my day to begin as late as possible while lounging in bed sipping coffee. This preference isn’t exactly conducive to being gainfully employed, so I drag myself out of bed at the last possible moment after soundly abusing my alarm clock.
The last hour of my day:
Reflective. Sentimental. Worn.
As for the rest:
The life of a full-time mom and professional is a non-stop circus of chaos and joy. In between the lion-taming act and balancing on the high wire, I enjoy being with my family and staying in contact with my wonderful extended family comprised of close friends.
I am dedicated to making the world a better place for my children, thinking globally and acting locally. Whether its environmental issues or simply preserving our cultural/historical treasures, our legacy as a generation is hinged on personal accountability and responsible stewardship.
My priorities in life begin with God…I feel like a child in His presence. Sometimes faithful and focused, but at other times rebellious and questioning. Thankfully, I am a work in progress.
A pop culture diva, I am a singer, avid reader, television junkie and movie fanatic. My brain has more useless information stored away in the form of trivia that I fear alot of important files have been overwritten or deleted altogether…
I’m getting older and wondering about the significance of my life and if I’ve accomplished anything meaningful. I know where my ashes will be scattered when I die, but the burning question is, “What next?”
Women Worth Knowing: Meet Jennifer
Jennifer is another friend made through a friendship first with her husband, and the third Jennifer among the Women Worth Knowing project, which bears out the popularity of the pretty name. However, like her counterparts here, this Jennifer is entirely unique.
A creative woman, she is the owner of One Star 
Designs, making and selling her own jewelry. She is crafty and practical, and I have introduced her to other of my friends through Facebook and LiveJournal because of her wealth of knowledge regarding Celiac disease, and gluten-free living. One of the things I really appreciate about her, is her willingness to share information. When Jennifer knows something, she will take the time to teach someone else about it. She doesn’t just store up her knowledge: She actually uses her knowledge to help other people.
Jennifer is a kind, compassionate woman, whose appreciation for life and living it are apparent in all she does. She cares about people. She cares about connections. She cares about–well, if you’re reading this, there is a good chance she cares about you.
Meet Jennifer.
Name: Jennifer Julian
Age Range: 30’s
Preferred Job Title: Homemaker/Jewelry Designer
Industry: Wearable art!
Describe your family: I have a crazy Yeti of a husband and a little dog that talks back when you speak to her. My husband, Justin, is a kind, loving, generous man with a heart as big as he is. Our dog, Pumpkin, is a little orange and white Jack Russell Terrier who would tell you she’s a pretty pretty princess who deserves to be respected as the royalty she is. We humor her and give her lots of cookies when she isn’t being a pain in the neck.
What does the first hour of your day look like? I don’t have a typical day. I consider myself a homemaker, but I generally put in far more hours working on my business than I do standard homemaker stuff. I usually keep whatever schedule Justin is on, which varies. When I wake up, I get settled on the sofa, get my laptop on, and start the digital side of my business. (Networking on Facebook and other sites, hunting for new suppliers of inventory, taking care of sales and answering questions, etc.) After the initial wave of that is over, I’ll start beading, maybe after starting a load of dishes or laundry.
The last hour? By the end of the night, I’m usually still working. We’ll sit and watch a movie or a TV show while I bead. Eventually, Justin will force me to stop long enough to get me into bed…if I don’t fall asleep with my tools in my hands. Did I mention I’m kind of a workaholic? Justin is constantly trying to convince me to focus on resting, and we’re working on that. It’s a work in progress.
What makes you feel successful? A day when I feel I’ve done what God wants me to do, spent some time with my husband, and gotten some work done, is a successful day to me. I feel most successful when I can use One Star Designs to help people. Sometimes I’m able to give jewelry to people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to get it and need a good lift up. The other night we went to see a concert, and the band lives on the road only on the donations of others. They don’t even charge to play. It was a great honor to be able to outfit the woman in the band with plenty of new sparklies. That made me feel far more successful than any sale.
What brings you joy? God, Justin, Pumpkin, making people happy, old school goth music, and a good horror flick!
What women do you admire? Mother Theresa is a role model of mine, because of her love and compassion. She stood up and said that there are no ‘throwaways’ in life, that we’re all worth loving and caring for. She did what God told her to do, despite any cost to herself, caring for those that nobody else would.
What do you like best about yourself? My creativity. It allows me to see the world from a different angle than most people. Many people look at a cemetery and see death, and are afraid of it, or hate it. I don’t see it that way. I also see it as a celebration of life, monuments to those who have gone before that testify to what they left behind. I also see the way the shadows and light play off the stones and see the beautiful art contained there. My creativity lets me see that things aren’t just black and white, I feel I see more of the whole spectrum of color between.
What advice would you give boys about girls? Girls think with their heart, and many times it’s out on their sleeve, exposed. Just remember that and be gentle.
How do you overcome adversity? God. I pray about it, ask what I should do, and He tells me. And some of the time, I actually do it. The rest, I forge ahead, stubbornly, and after banging my head against the wall a few times I remember, ‘oh, yeah, God told me to do it this way’ and I actually do what He says.
How do you want to be remembered? My sister says that my epitaph should say ‘she never met someone she didn’t like, and probably loved them all more than she should have’. I don’t necessarily agree with either side of that entirely. I just want what the Bible says about God at the end: ‘well done my good and faithful servant’. I just don’t want anyone to die feeling unloved, and if I leave having accomplished that as much as I can, I’ll be happy.
Women Worth Knowing: Meet Emily
I really like Emily Reese.
Some introductions are easy because words about the women just flow. Some introductions are harder because I can’t quite wrap words around what I feel. Emily is one of the harder ones because when I think of her, my brain just shuts off. Why? Because I smile so widely that my thinking centers shut down, assuming that I’m in the middle of some bubbly kind of fun. See, when you’re with Emily, it’s usually in the middle of some bubbly kind of fun because Emily IS bubbly kind of fun.
When I think of Emily, I am simply overwhelmed with fondness for her. She is sweet and considerate, obliging and helpful, and wants very much for you to feel at home, and happy in her company. She is the Florence Nightengale of friendships, caring and nursing, keeping watch over the temperatures, and doing what needs done to keep things healthy and in good shape. And the usual: She’s smart, she’s funny, she’s informed, and she can cook up a storm.
Meet Emily.
Name: Emily Reese
Age Range: 20s
Preferred Job Title: Stay at Home Mommy
Industry: Autumn
Who are you? I’m Autumn’s Mama, Ryan’s Beautiful Wife, Judy’s Angel Baby, Zoe’s Center of the Universe, Nash’s Florence Nightengale, Nita’s Mobile Cat Bed
Describe your family: I’m married to my soulmate, who is a wonderful, though not always easy man. I’m mother to the most beautiful, goofy, intelligent little girl in the history of ever. I have a Wonder Pug and two kitties.
What does the first hour of your day look like? I feed everyone, make sure everyone uses the potty where they’re supposed to, then enjoy some cuddle time while watching Nick Jr.
The last hour? A shower if I’m lucky, working on my novel, putting my cold hands and feet on Ryan and listening to him squeal.
What makes you feel successful? I feel successful when Autumn figures something out, or when I get compliments on her. That means I’m doing a good job.
What brings you joy? Pugs. They’re just furry bunches of love snot and exuberance. Also, when Autumn gets really excited about something she’s discovered and laughs out loud and does an excited dance.
What women do you admire? I admire my Mom, she’s taught me that you can do anything by yourself if it’s for the right reason.
What do you like best about your closest friend? He still lets me put my cold feet on him, even though it makes him squeal. : )
What do you like best about yourself? Feature wise? I’ve always liked my eyes. Personality wise, I like my need to nurture. It’s very rewarding.
What advice would you give boys about girls? Don’t touch mine. Also, always introduce yourself to a girl’s parents the first time you go over to their house. Nothing says “little $hit” like waiting outside by the mailbox for her to get home from school and her parents having to ask who you are.
How do you overcome adversity? Lists help. If I can just make a list of the steps I need to accomplish to overcome my problem, I feel like I can tackle the little steps and get through it.
How do you want to be remembered? As a good Mommy, a supportive and thoughtful wife, and a daughter to be proud of. After that, everything is just gravy on the potatoes.
The Outside Lane 