In Celebration.

In celebration of a beloved friend and a lifelong inspiration, a poem...

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman

Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me. 

Maya Angelou

Peace out purse!

Bag lady be gone!!

Ladies... Do you ever go out without your purse? Yesterday I went to the gym with nothing but a "reduced wallet" (ID, cash, 1 credit card and a Metrocard), my cell and keys (because that's all I needed for the short outing) and a few hours later, when I was leaving for a basketball game with Sis, I decided there was no need for anything more and boldly stepped out the door with nothing but the essential supplies in my coat pockets. Well let me tell you something... It was freaking GREAT! How liberating to walk down the street without a bag in my hand or on my shoulder, to sit down at the arena and not have to worry about my purse on the floor or cumbersomely sitting in my lap the entire time. Going purse-free was pretty much the best thing since the invention of cellphone cameras as mirrors to check yourself out!!!

Now sure I overlooked "almost essentials" like my travel sized Purell and lip gloss, and I was woefully unprepared for "just in case" moments like when you need a band-aid (though I did shove a sleeve of gum and my small moisturizer into my pocket as well!), but you know what? I survived!!! I was a two-hands available, non-shoulder aching liberated woman and it was awesome. Especially in these winter months when we're all wearing big coats with big pockets, I strongly urge all you ladies to leave the luggage at home and like centuries of men before us, stroll down the street with nothing but fully stocked pockets and a smile on your face.

ps - I know that ladies of the Mommy persuasion are carrying an arsenal of additional items that make traveling sans purse almost impossible, but if ya can swing it on your next kid free trip out, I promise you won't regret it!