Gals Graze

(Andrea Ball, Kay Rawlins and Dean Lofton)

Everything I know about Andrea Ball came from her writing in the Austin American-Statesman, and the 50 minutes we spent together at lunch Thursday – oh yes, and her hilarious blog, Real Estate Rumble, where she says she is “a nobody with a husband, two kids and three dogs, and has absolutely no business doing a real estate blog.” Only a skilled writer can make non-profit news anything less than a cure for insomnia. And as the writer for the Charity Chat blog, Andrea’s that gal, and now I see why. Yeah she smart, but it’s more than that, and I think it’s her exceptional honesty that at first seemed almost radical, “When I got your email inviting me to lunch, I thought, ‘who the heck is this person,’” then intensely interesting, “the Statesman got so many press releases from non-profits they had to do something with them, so they landed on my desk and Charity Chat was born,” to inspiring, “one of my babies was born so premature it wasn’t cute or sweet, it was just scary looking.” What you get from Andrea is what she is, and I really like what she is. Kay Rawlins spent 10 years in commercial banking in the UK, then completed her degrees in both childcare and education and business management and owned and ran two successful children's nurseries while also tutoring college students in childcare. Since moving to Austin in 2004, Kay has been involved in many fundraising events for various non-profit organizations, and currently serves on the board of the Center for Child Protection, which is where I met her. Kay and I were pulled together by some mysterious energy force and feel deeply in like, or at least I fell in like and she is gracious. Anyway, she and her husband own the Austin Aztex professional soccer team, where she manages a bunch of young, muscular, and as Kay explains, “extremely polite” men. Is it hot in here or is it just me? Dean Lofton is a new friend about whom I know little, but have staked a Very Smart Gals claim on nevertheless. Actually, you don’t have to know too much about Dean to be impressed. She’s a publicist, a writing instructor (gulp), and married to a Jazz musician, Jeff Lofton. You must check him out at Ruth’s Chris, Thursday nights – tell Bill Andrews [owner] I sent you. As you can see in the photo, she’s also a gorgeous red headed vamp! Dean does a writing workshop called “Writing Your Life As A Woman” she describes as “A class taught in the style of journal writing workshop - guides women to write their stories and discover their voice - gentle encouragement in a non-academic, creative environment - no writing experience necessary." Sounds like wonderful therapy, and it’s got to be fun with Dean the class leader. Go to her link and read the “Contract For Writing Your Life As A Woman©” You’ll see what I mean. 

What a great bunch of Very Smart Gals!

From SueAnn’s Science Desk

Every now and then, because I am intrigued by science, albeit superficially, you’ll have to suffer through my yammering about same. Or just skip over it. So here are a few of the tidbits that got my attention recently:

What the hell is the AAAS? I have no idea, but their hosting a “Women in Science” panel discussion. I detest acronyms, and for the life of me cannot figure out why any organization would use them. They tell you nothing, convey no meaning, and carry no passion.  Let’s see, the American Association of Animal Science? Anal Science? I went to their website and it doesn’t even tell what AAAS means on their homepage! I had to go into their website to find out that they’re the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Thanks for letting me vent.

Researchers have long known that laughter boosts the immune system, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, and reduces stress, but they are now claiming that it decreases appetite at the same level as a gym workout. Laugh more, eat less. Sounds good to me, these aught to be worth a few calories. "I feel sorry for people who don’t drink, smoke or overeat. Because someday they’re going to be in a hospital bed, dying, and they won’t know why.” (Redd Foxx). "They say animal behavior can warn you when an earthquake is coming. Like the night before that last earthquake hit, our family dog took the car keys and drove to Arizona." (Bob Hope). 

One Hundred Things My Mother Taught Me A Million Times – Chapter 48

#48 - “When someone gives you a gift, or simply does something nice for you, hand-write and mail a thank you note immediately.” 
(Photo is of my sisters, Honey and Gloria, and Dot's legs.)

The mere act of looking at this one of one hundred things my mom taught me a million times makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck. She was so adamant about prompt thank you notes, I worry about not sending them the way some people worry about burning in hell for their sins.

Me:  Mother forgive me for I have sinned. 

Mom:  When was your last confession daughter?
Me:  Yesterday.
Mom:  What is your sin?
Me:  I waited two days to send Sandra a thank you for the bracelet she gave me.
Mom:  Sorry honey. You’re going to hell. Didn’t I tell you a million times?
Me:  Yes. That’s OK. I deserve it. Bye.

I even collect thank you cards the way some people collect Coca Cola memorabilia. “Oh, that would be perfect for thanking Carol. She loves cats.” I have a side table by my chair with a drawer dedicated to thank you notes and pens – ever ready to execute etiquette with eloquence. 

Me:  Mother forgive me for I have sinned.
Mom:  When was your last confession daughter?
Me:  Two minutes ago.
Mom:  What is your sin?
Me:  I typed a thank you note to Mary on my computer and printed it on to the note card.
Mom:  You are no longer my daughter.
Me:  Yes I know. I just want to stop breathing.

Mom:  That can be arranged. 
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