TABLE OF CONTENTS

Nancy’s Growing and Knowing
Sharon's Goings and Showings
WOW! Forum
WOW! to WOW!
Websites of Interest
Closing Notes

*~~~*~~~*~~~*

Nancy’s Notes:

Viva Fiesta! And Viva Sharon, Len and Sandy who hosted us in their “on-the-river, right-downtown apartments”. This WOW travel event was the best ever. It was as planned, fun and super affordable, and so much more. Those who participated understood what I couldn’t describe, but we reached no consensus on what or why. Maybe it was the magic of San Antonio and the River Walk? The Fiesta fun? Staying in groups of three? Who knows, however, we agreed the time together created physical sensations for many of us that felt like a massage of sisterhood.

WOW! will do Fiesta again next year. So find a 2009 calendar and mark it for the third weekend in April. If you have any doubt about coming, read the comments we’ve received from WOW! who were here. I’m trying to download the video of our time at the River Parade for you to see. Seems like a small project, but trust me, it’s not. Figuring out what and how on a way-too-complicated video camera is a huge learning curve for me (I’m having lots of those lately.), but I am determined. Since it's not making the newsletter, check the website in a week or two..

Just one more thought from me this month—have you been forwarding our newsletter? That may be the reason a record number of new subscribers are registering! Our newsletter—for, by and about older women—will not happen without you. Keep forwarding and send in your creative efforts, your fascinating thoughts and those clever internet pass-arounds.

*~~~*~~~*~~~*
 

Sharon’s Sayings:

Fiesta was GREAT! We really enjoyed hosting our out of town guests and hated to see them leave. The group, some of which I didn't know, really fit together like we had known each other forever. I love it when that happens, don't you?

We packed many fun activities into the weekend. We started the weekend with dinner at a Spanish restaurant which served tapas and had Flamenco dancers! It was a wonderful beginning to our weekend. We were lucky enough to get great seats for the floor show and it was fun sharing all the different food we ordered.

Saturday morning we walked over to the historic King William District for breakfast. It was a fab way to begin the day.....a walk along the beautiful San Antonio River Walk. The birds were chirping and we were laughing! We had breakfast at the Guenther House which belonged to a German immigrant family who started a flour mill. The mill is still in operation—in fact some of us ordered food prepared with that flour. We got to sit outside to eat and eat we did! The food was yummy and the time we had together was super.

Sunday we went to La Charreada, a Spanish rodeo, then to a church festival and topped it off with a margarita party at my apartment that evening.......I loved every minute of it! I look forward to having everyone back again.

There were many highlights, but my favorite was the Cavalier’s River Parade, the parade we all see anytime there is a promo for San Antonio. We had an incredible dinner right on the river and finished just as the parade began. We got in the spirit—every float had a band—so we danced and danced some more as the music from the floats surrounded us. Believe me when I tell you, it was a night to remember! I hope next year more of you can really experience all the fun and enjoyment we all had just being together.

I am gearing up for the Spain trip in just five months. I am doing some research on Flamenco dancing because Seville, Spain will be having a Flamenco Festival during the first part of our trip. I want to know what the moves in the dance mean. It looks like a great way to slim down—maybe I should take some classes—after all, have you ever seen a fat Flamenco dancer??????

*~~~*~~~*~~~*

WOW! Forum:

From Jeri Hyde:

My sister was visiting this weekend and I read her the 'letter' about maxi-pads. Since she's 13 years younger than I am she can still remember maxi pads. It took me forever to read it because she was laughing so hard. If you keep printing such great articles we'll have to start buying Depends.

From Nancy Schmitt:

Congrats Nancy for trusting your intuition and going for it! You are going to be great at it. I loved the newsletter. Sure glad I found you gals! I especially loved Brooke Brownlow's article about mammograms. I laughed so hard! So very true! I also like the humor in Pat's and Shirley's letter about the maxipads. I never used them and am way past that stage in life, thank God. Thanks for all the great info.

From Jeanne Rosenbohm:

Regarding mammograms...I had my annual mammogram in March at a place that had digital imaging. I don't know if every place has the new equipment or not but this one did. The platform was padded and the technician didn't use a vise grip. The room wasn't as cold either. You may want to start asking what kind of equipment the place uses now. There are several web sites on digital mammography.

From Beverly Haynes:

Congratulations for your accomplishment with Long Term Care. I am so sorry I couldn't work out a trip to San Antonio, but I would be interested in it another time when I'm not having company. To be honest, the main reason I would have gone would have been to be with the group of women, this time some new ones and hopefully some of the cruise group. That's the best part of the experience for me.

From Glynda Davis:

I enjoy your newsletters, and I am envious of your trip to Spain. I am going for 2 weeks--the last 2 weeks in May, but I am chaperoning some of our students. I have gone back to work half time, and I am enjoying it. I just can't seem to stay retired! I am working half-time at an International Baccauleaureate Charter school in Westlake, TX. I also started volunteering at Baylor Hospital in Grapevine one day a week as a patient representative. I really love that! I get to visit with all the new patients. I am also in the process of getting a family cookbook published, and I teach a ladies Bible class at our church. Old? Who's old?

From Georgia Phillips:

Hey girlfriend – are you all Fiesta-ed out, or already recouped and ready to go again? Bet you gals had lots of fun. Looking forward to reading all about it in the May newsletter.

“Once committed, Once we try, Who can say? We may fly!”

Nancy Garland

WOW, Nancy, I can just hear you saying this. It fits you and your new career to a “T”, doesn’t it. Loved the last newsletter, as usual. Only had time to scan it when first received since I spent lots of time between my home and Lee’s the first half of month or so , but finally took time to read your message, word for word, today. I’m thinking you are having a great time with your new career and the freedom it’s bringing.

From Kathy Vandiver:

Thanks all you wonderful wild outrageous wonder women... Thanks for all the organizers and food preparers .. It was a great time.. and lets do it again.. WOW !

From Len Wheeler:

I liked the part where we timed it just right to wait on both trains while traveling by foot to the Mexican Rodeo (La Charreada).
Nancy’s Note: Funny lady.

From Shirley Haight:

San Antonio, Texas, April, Heaven!

I was 18 yrs old my first visit to San Antonio, a bride, moving to Army Blvd and working at the (used to be) Handy Andy Supermarket on Broadway. Been back many times since moving only when my then husband's tour of duty was up at Fort Sam Houston.

They say the more things change, the more they stay the same. In spite of the progressive growing we've seen since Cisneros was Mayor, bringing the city into the modern age was one of his legacy's,,,,, I loved him in spite of his transgressions. Let them w/o sin cast the first stone. I have been to all the big cities in our country and a few in the British Isles, but none compare with SA!

Viva San Antonio, how I love it, let me count the ways! I would like you to know that I'm certain I was a Mexican in my last life. I see in Mexicans the same true grit I witnessed growing up in the Northern Appalachians mountains of West Virginia, the coal fields where my dad worked for all of his young adult life. I see my mother in Flo and Janie, feeling like their life was not always so carefree as it is now, their ability to have fun in spite of hardships,, sometimes with gringos looking at them as if they are mad old women! I know the truth, my mom was that way, she endured and refused to believe life is a bitch, she loved life, so do these Mexican women, they make me high, give me a buzz drugs could never ever come close to the good feelings they embody, Viva Flo, Viva Janie.

Then there was good ole Sylvia, a kick xss woman with a sense for the dramatic, my kind of woman indeed! Independent, the penuche to wear a ponytail, the savvy to really get dressed up for Fiesta, plus a marvelous sense of humor. I have a feeling she doesn't give a xxit or shinola about what others think! I loved Sylvia.

What about that Sharon and her very handsome son Skyler? I admire and respect her skills at following though on consequences, not sure, but I think he is on hip pocket restriction till he's an old man. Having worked many years with adolescents I know how hard it is to follow through on consequences, another way to be strong. And how about the way she earns her living, touching people!! (masagge therapy) She loves mankind and is not bound up with prejudices. I could grow to love that girl like a daughter! Skyler, how about that Skyler, such a gentleman, so handsome and brilliant!

From Sue Haarala:

Carmen's, a colorful Spanish Restaurant located smack-dab in the middle of a neighborhood, was visited by the Wild Outrageous Women on Friday evening. The Flamingo Dancers were enchanting and the Steel Guitar Player was fabulous.

I had a great time and so can you next year!

From Sylvia Sproat:

Y'all did a terrific job. Carmen's was wonderful...great food...great entertainment. The Guenther House for Sunday Breakfast was terrific as well. Then Monday Night's Dinner and River Parade was the crowning topping on the cake. Sharon, you outdid yourself on that one. The food was out of this world and the seats for the River Parade were terrific. I know I had a fabulous time at all three functions that I attended. Was just sorry that I couldn't make everything. And it was so good to get together with everybody. We should do this more often and not just wait for special occasions to get together. Keep up the good work and I am looking forward to next year. In fact, when I gave the itinerary to my daughter, she said she was going to join us for next year’s festivities.

Thanks for all your hard work in getting this all together for all of us. I, for one, really appreciated it.

From Jane Downs:

Fiesta in San Antonio was a wonderful time. There was so much to do we could not even begin to do it all. The good thing was that you could do what you wanted. Being with the best group of women was an even greater experience. I live in Dallas and from the minute I landed in San Antonio, I could feel the festivity in the air. I was warmly welcomed by everyone I met. I cannot think of a better place to go for a good time. It was a great mini-vacation. We met so many people, ate such great food, heard such wonderful music. The River Walk was fabulous with the floats all decorated and lively music. It was the parade of life, flowing past us. I hope you can make it next year. It is truly worth the time, money and effort. I know I will be there!

 

*~~~*~~~*~~~*

WOW! to WOW!

From Sandra Valiquette:

Beware of "post cards" or "greeting cards" in your "In" box! There's a virus out there, not a new one, and it doing a lot of mischief. Make some time, soon, and visit http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/postcard.asp  Read it carefully and do what they say.

From Robin Minor:

Note from Nancy: You’ve seen this here before, but it’s worth repeating:
Something all Texans should know, especially since this has received very little publicity. Your Tex as driver's license has a phone number on the back, just above the bar code on the lower left side: 1-800-525-5555. (It's VERY SMALL PRINT but it IS there.) This number can be called for emergency assistance on the highway or wherever you might have trouble while in your car. A service truck will be sent to you. This service is state operated, paid for with your tax dollars. If you are ever stranded, just call the number on your driver's license...help is on the way. A state trooper will be sent to make sure all is well. This one is worth passing on-- especially to all the women you know!

Please raise your BIG TOE and repeat after me

As a member of the Faux Paux Sisterhood, I pledge to follow The Rules when I wear sandals and other open-toe shoes:

I promise to always wear sandals that fit. My toes will not hang over and touch the ground, nor will my heels spill over the backs. And The sides and tops of my feet will not pudge out between the straps.

I will go polish-free or vow to keep the polish fresh, intact and chip-free. I will not cheat and touch up my big toe..

I will sand down any mounds of skin before they turn hard and yellow.

I will shave the hairs off my big toe.

I won't wear panty hose even if my misinformed girlfriends, co-worker, mother, sister tells me the toe seam really will stay under my toes if I TUCK IT THERE.

If a strap breaks, I won't duct tape, pin glue, or tuck it back into place hoping it will stay put. I will get my shoe fixed or toss it. No matter how much it hurts.

I will not live in corn denial; rather I will lean on my good friend Dr. Scholl's if my feet need him.

I will resist the urge to buy jelly shoes at Payless for the low, low price of $4.99 even if my feet are small enough to fit into the kids' sizes. This is out of concern for my safety, and the safety of others. No one can walk properly when standing in a pool of sweat, and I would hate to take someone down with me as I fall and break my ankle.

I will take my toe ring off toward the end of the day if my toes swell and begin to look like Vienna sausages.

I will be brutally honest with my girlfriend/sister/coworker when she asks me if her feet are too ugly to wear sandals. Someone has to tell her that her toes look like they've been dragged behind her car on the way to work and no sandal in the world is going to make her feet look good.

I will promise if I wear flips flops, that I will ensure they actually flip and flop, making the correct noise while walking and I will swear NOT to slide or drag my feet while wearing them.

I will promise to go to my local beauty school at least once per season and have a pedicure (they are about $20 and worth EVERY penny). I say spend another $15 and get an even better one.

and finally. . . . .

I will promise to throw away white/off-white sandals that show signs of wear.....nothing is tackier then dirty white sandals...

For all our sakes, please don't keep this oath to yourself - pass it on to other 'Sisters'.

May God Bless your Soles as well as your Soul!

From Vera Hille:

Finally, life explained in a way that makes sense! ;))
On the first day, God created the dog and said:

'Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years.'

The dog said: 'That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?'

So God agreed.

On the second day, God created the monkey and said:

'Entertain people, d o tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span.'

The monkey said: 'Monkey tricks for twenty years? That’s a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the Dog did?'

And God agreed.

On the third day, God created the cow and said:

'You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer’s family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years.'

The cow said: 'That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?'

And God agreed again.

On the fourth day, God created humans and said:

'Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years.'

But the human said: 'Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?'

'Okay,' said God, 'You asked for it.'

So that is why for our first twenty years we eat, sleep, play, and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years, we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years, we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years, we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.

Life has now been explained to you.

There is no need to thank me for this valuable information. I'm doing it as a public service.

*~~~*~~~*~~~*

Websites of Interest:

WOW! Wise Older Women! website is: www.wiseolderwomen.com 
Learn about WOW!’s origins, subscribe to our newsletter and get the details for the coming travel events..

Visit the delightful website of our very own editor: www.ramonajohn.com

From Betty Lambert:

From the Oprah Show: A few months to live
http://video.stumbleupon.com/?s=ithct48cqw&i=ufcchmyxqsuj9vwsemax
Please don’t miss this one. It’s awesome.

From Glenda Bradley:

I HATE being told to Forward an Email!

For those of you who are sick of getting emails that tell you to forward it to at least X number of people in the next 15 minutes so that wonderful things and miracles will happen if you do, or there will be serious consequences if you don't, then you will enjoy this....

Click Here!
 

Write your life story:
There’s a new, easy-to-use site designed to help you record your life history and affordably print copies of your professional-quality book. Simply create your account at The Remembering Site

From Sandra Valiquette:

Too funny....crank up your speakers!!
Click the link below.....

http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/ny-walt-babyboomers-blurb,0,1036393.blurb  

From Marcy Barnes:

Gas Prices - MSN Autos

Get gas prices free for your area! yes, I have sent one similar last year, but if you are anything like me, I didn't have it on this computer...

From Pat Gordon:

This is a fascinating experience.

http://blog.ted.com/2008/03/jill_bolte_tayl.php#more  
 

*~~~*~~~*~~~*

 

Life is too short to wake up with regrets.

  Love the people who treat you right.
 
 Forget about the ones who don't.
 
 Believe everything happens for a reason.
 
 If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands.
 
 If it changes your life, let it.
 
 Nobody said life would be easy.
 
 They just promised it would be worth it.

Friends are like balloons.

Once you let them go, you can't get them back.

So I'm gonna tie you to my heart so I never lose you.

 

*~~~*~~~*~~~*