Funny Book to me (Fairy-Tale - Invented) - Fairy Tale or Possible Prophecy?
I do not review books, sometimes as I, receive them. I received this book 2/25/2013 - & reviewed it on 6/17/2014.
This book is a call - to - arms. As aging wise women, we need to leverage our strengths, face down our fears & prop one another up.
40 years later, America was graced by Betty Ford. While her marriage to Jerry was initially postponed over concerns about how voters would react to his marrying a "divorced ex-dancer," Betty brought a breath of fresh air to the White House. She used her battles with breast cancer, & alcoholism to inspire others. One slogan said, "Vote for Betty's Husband." When she died at age 93, she was heralded as someone help women & all. Her daughter continues her legacy at the famous Betty Ford Center.
Using a few of the author's friendships - sisterhood as examples, The author remind us all to treasure the power of sisterhood - sometimes all it takes is one woman telling another that she still has a lot to offer.
After a rigorous interview & 6 new hires included 3 people age 25 or under, 3 age 55 or over; 3 women & 3 men; & a mix of racial & religious backgrounds. They brought skills in areas of finance, sales & marketing, operations, quality & safety,& organizational effectiveness. 2 had master's degrees, 1 brought military leadership experiences. It was thrilling to put a Dream Team together. All had volunteered in their communities, some including global projects.
Not acting our ages, another 55! woman & the author made a "pinky promise" to help one another land safely.
Today women over 55 are uninvited on a grand scale.
Fortunately, women have unprecedented education, experience & survivor instincts - not to mention "buying power." While as individuals we are unemployed or underemployed, we know we can "summon" strength from our sisters-in-arms.
Let us remind ourselves of our brillance & help at least 1 other woman to carry on.
Eleanor's husband wisely, said, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
We working women age 55! have to monitor our self-talk.
A few months into her recovery, the author wrote a 5-page account of an accident & its aftermath. Since her mother's large family is dispersed across the Midwest, she wanted them to know what happened.
Friends can't redesign the world, but they can open a release valve-even if they have to use paws!
We've Got the Power: Let's Help Each Other
Our middle-aged brains are surprisingly competent & surprisingly talented. We're calmer, happier, & as 1 scientist herself in middle age, put it: "We just know stuff." ... Barbara Strauch, The Secret Life of the Grown Up Brain.
Remember, Betty Boop, the animated 30's flapper who was flighty & full of fun? Fast forward another 40 years,to our present time - and - ta -da! - Betty White. Betty is credited by a Midwestern work ethic. Somewhat like Betty Boop, she uses innuendoes to entertain. But that is where the resemblance ends. In a book mentioned: If U Ask Me: (And of Course U Won't), she offers a sobering assessment of working mothers.
Our hearts readily go out to the recent grads with $25,000 in school loans; to the young couples who have to uproot their families in search of a job; to uproot their families in search of a job; to the single moms with 3-part-time jobs & no benefits: To the unemployed dads who awkwardly wait at school bus stops.
5 Positive Findings About 55+
Our BrainPower - Our Wisdom - Our Strength in the Numbers - Our Fierce Friendships - Food for Thought: Trials & Triumphs at 55!
We seek recommendations from people we trust, & value transparency.
When it comes to our 55! dilemma, we should consider them as secret devices.
Using a few of the author's friendships as examples, she remind us all to treasure the power of sisterhood.
Duped at 58+
The author surprised herself by getting married at 22 & becoming a mother at 37. When she divorced her corporate life at age 44 to become an independent consultant, she did not envision a return engagement.
She was wearing her "compensation hat."
But within a year, the 2008 economic crash catapulted, the author onto her front porch. The bloom was definitely off the rose.
The Incredibly Shrinking Woman
The author was overweight, at one time. She didn't want to publicize her weight problems in her new job - but cone on - did she really think she could keep something visible a secret?
She was happy in a fat club. Looks like she hosted a support group.
Her body shape shrank back into proportion, & she felt healthier.
Mean-girl behaviour was off-limits, states the author.
Wigged-Out
The author, lost some of her hair, but finally it grew back. I assumed she was a woman of many wigs!
Glam Glasses
The author has been wearing glasses for distance since her mid-20's. The natural reshaping of her eyes helped her see better.
Several celebrities have a line of eyeglasses, some available through Wal-Mart.
We're Not in Kansas Anymore
When the author was banished from her job in 2008, she did not foresee that the economy's steep nosedive would remind people of the 1930's.
Amazes me how the author senses a global gale storm was brewing.
Plain vanilla work never tasted so good to the author.
Most no-profit leaders, stated by the author have social service credentials, which typically do not include finance, marketing & operational expenses ..... this amazes me, too.
Left Behind at 55?
Part of the author's self-promotion was a new site. Her blog was her habit of clipping & highlighting articles for her husband & daughter - although sometimes she can't resist.
Rome was not built in a day, & push come to shove, women were much likely to sacrifice long term career security to keep the home fires burning.
Leaving La-La Land
Or, closer to home, the author's share: if professionals were losing their jobs, who would help them hang on to their houses?
She was amazed with women who were struggling for survival. She resolved to spend her energies addressing issues close to home.
55+ Career Profiles
The author's quest is women are different - they at times mix family & carrier.
55+ Profile: Pat
The ERISA law had just passed - a complicated piece of legislative pension plan & booklet had to be brought up to compliance - was this good or bad?
Pat's Career Profile
But things don't always work out smoothly - who go back to school & start second careers, states the author.
55+ Profile: Thelma
They were a winning team in their company's fat-club: Between them they lost 75 pounds in 7 months.
When she met Thelma, she had over, 15 years of experience with banks & health care companies.
She displays the emotional maturity & humility that allows her to bend, not break.
55+ Profile: Gayle
The author met Gayle when she ran an independent bookstore with her husband.
When they closed the bookstore, the author trips were flatter. But their houses are within a 5-minute drive.
But their lives were not following a cheery script. The author was laid off, & her shop closing was linked with the poor economy.
55+ Profile: Jo Ann
The author states, not surprisingly, she is the one who alerted her to the "call for authors" that led to her 1st e-book.
Your Income - Career Profile
Now, it's your turn to create a graphic picture of your income - career path.
Think big (simple small steps) & have fun envisioning yourself wearing different hats.
Everyone has a talent. What is rare is the courage to follow the talent to dark places where it leads ... Erica Jong/Writer ......................... There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Breaking Loose at 55
One judge praised the author's work for what it didn't say, as well as what was revealed.
One is Silver, the other Gold: From High School to Hollywood
Well, the book went to Hollywood, & the author's mom & her were invited to the NY premiere. 9/11 demolished those plans, but she saw the movie 8 times, with different people.
Along with a woman who has a degree in religious studies, the author accepted her invitation to be a reader of her proposal pages.
Everlasting Career Chums
Postcard from Canadaes to the author: Unparalleled turquoise lakes, views of mountains, & glaciers, the great feeling of being happily exhausted after an 11 mile hike. Tent is surrounded by mountains oh so ever changing in the sunlight, clouds, or rain.
Rose's cheerleading extends to the author, as well.
Rose encouraged the author's writing efforts.
Rose & the author missed each other several times when she was on the West Coast for business.
Everyone knows how wonderful it is to have a dog. That's what makes them a (kidnapping) target. ... Lisa Peterson, AKC spokeswoman, USA Today
All of you Yorkies, Pomeranians & other small dogs can rest assured that, the author states her husband will not pay an abductor to steal your best friend.
The author states she don't steal dogs, she rescue them. Or rather, she let them rescue her.
Peter Senge's classic 'The 5th Discipline' defines learning organizations.
Surviving & Thriving
Michael was drafted for the Vietnam War, & like the author's dad, he trained as a crew chief.
The author's husband & her flew with Michael to go skiing in Vermont, across the patchwork farm land of the Midwest, & even over her office building in Hartford, at night.
The author explained how her high school sweetheart passed in Vietnam when he was 19 leaving a diamond ring on deposit at Michael's Jewelers.
Your 10 Terrific Traits
Write them down, now.
A Final Story: Miracles Do Happen
"B," the main character, is short for Bernice, not Betty.
B married her husband in Hollywood, then moved to be near his family in CT when he was in the Navy.
His ego was hurt, but 'B' was a realistic.
Around the time B's husband started his own plumbing plumbing company, her pilot son was left totally disabled after crashing his plane. 'B' was crushed, but soon after he was sentenced to a nursing facility, 'B' brought him home.
'B' mobilized a small-medical unit in the winterized porch of their ranch house. Of course, people thought she had lost her mind to grief. Over a period of 15 years, she proved them wrong.
6 years after B's son's death, & the joyous birth of her only grandchild, B flew to Las Vegas for a national plumber's convention.
Her husband suggested they try their next vision.
Her husband told her to, for God's sake. This was Quartermania. She only planned to spend $20, so why not?
Soon, a stranger spoke to her & motioned to her right. He removed his credit card, smiled & disappeared into the crowd.
Before B's $20 was spent, lights flashed & sirens screamed. She was bewildered. She got the rainbow of $689,000.
A deeply religious woman, B did not pray for money.
The author is not suggesting that every stranger u meet will lead u to riches.
It may be a magazine article in a Dr.'s office, a TV conversation u overhear on your way to do something else, or someone who asks for help.
As the book mentioned: If U Ask Me (And Of Course U Won't)
Georgian Lussier (author), has 35 years of human resources & management experience. She earned a Master's Degree in Organizational Behavior in 1978 & is the author of 2 e-books on developing talent.
Born in 1950, she plans on working at least another 15 years.
