I am listening to an audio book, Snow Flower and The Secret Fan, on my commute to work. This book goes into details on how Asian girls bind their feet. I could not even listen to all the details. The girls toes are broken and I can not tell you what all else because turned the volume down during this torture. While silent in the car waiting on the book to skip ahead, I wondered, "Why did men find this attractive? Could these girls even walk?" I remembered the plump women sprawled out in art from past eras. And learning how these larger women were seen as beautiful and must have been wealthy to even be plus size. Who decided what beauty looks like? And are men this easily dictated to by society?
We both are at fault and/or ignorant. Men for wanting what society decides in beautiful. And women for actually enduring pain and damaging our health to be the type of beauty our society recognizes as beauty.
Will we ever be able to see beauty the way God sees beauty from the inside out? And why do we believe what society tells us is beautiful vs. what the creator of all beauty assures us is beautiful?
Have a beautiful day!
www.PrincessBubble.com
Friday, February 29, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
I recently watched Becoming Jane with a friend and her 14 year old daughter.
Here is a little plot outlineif you have not seen the movie:
The year is 1795 and young Jane Austen is a feisty 20-year-old and emerging writer who already sees a world beyond class and commerce, beyond pride and prejudice, and dreams of doing what was then nearly unthinkable - marrying for love. Naturally, her parents are searching for a wealthy, well-appointed husband to assure their daughter's future social standing. They are eyeing Mr. Wisley, nephew to the very formidable, not to mention very rich, local aristocrat Lady Gresham, as a prospective match. But when Jane meets the roguish and decidedly non-aristocratic Tom Lefroy, sparks soon fly along with the sharp repartee. His intellect and arrogance raise her ire - then knock her head over heels. Now, the couple, whose flirtation flies in the face of the sense and sensibility of the age, is faced with a terrible dilemma. If they attempt to marry, they will risk everything that matters - family, friends and fortune.
It was funny how differently we all viewed the movie. My friend is obsessed with preparing her 14 year old before she begins to date. She does not want her daughter to make many of the wrong choices she made. This mother said, "I liked the movie because the characters all made the best choices." The 14 year old felt that Jane should have married the love of her life even if it meant a life of poverty for the couple and his siblings. I, the 41 year old single, did not see things the same ways as either of them or as clearly. The love of her life, Lefroy, reminded me of some of the immature (but fun) guys I dated in my 20's that did not want responsibility or want to grow up.
I may be misjudging Lefroy because he was both sending money home and in law school. But, he did not seem driven and I was irritated at him when he quickly got engaged to someone else and did not tell/warn Jane. Then tried to come back.
I want to find the love of my life as much as the next person! But, I am not sure love is enough to live on. If Jane and Lefroy's future was painted as modest life; then I would say, "Yes, sacrifice here and there for love!" But, it was implied they would be poverty stricken. I just can not imagine being poverty stricken with the love of your life. If we were in that situation because of illness or injury that is a different matter entirely. But, poverty as a result of being married to someone immature and lazy--that love would fade quickly in my opinion.
Turns out Jane makes a life for herself as an independent single woman. We have the luxury today of knowing that is possible. But if I had been Jane I may have married the wealth man that loved me. (Unless I was just repulsed by him.) But, Jane had more faith in her pen that I do in mine. I have spent a million hours promoting Princess Bubble and would be starving if I depended on my book to feed me.
At this point in my life, I am not looking for Prince Charming to rescue me-but I am not going to be the one doing the rescuing either. My life is great and if someone does not add to the quality of my life I am just not interested. I already live VERY modestly and am not interested in sacrificing my freedom and lifestyle. I guess I too believe Jane did the right thing. I just think it was gutsy and I wonder if I would be as brave and determined to Become Jane?
Sunday, February 10, 2008
I recently watched the Bucket List. I saw this movie free online which I did not even know was possible. I LOVED this film. Here is a quick synopsis of the film if you have not heard about The Bucket List:
Corprate billionaire Edward Cole and working class mechanic Carter Chambers have nothing in common except for their terminal illnesses. While sharing a hospital room together, they decide to leave it and do all the things they have ever wanted to do before they die according to their bucket list. In the process, both of them heal each other, become unlikely friends, and ultimately find the joy in life.
I have a dear friend I have traveled with that I consider family. We, like Edward and Carter, have been in the same place in life and am to relate on many different levels that has really deepened our friendship.
I was inspired by these men and their love for each other and the spunk to fulfill the dreams they have always dreamed verse spending their last days focused on dying. I admit it would be hard not to spend these last days with your family. But these friends because family to each other during their trials and experiences. Go see The Bucket List before you Kick the Bucket!
www.PrincessBubble.com
Corprate billionaire Edward Cole and working class mechanic Carter Chambers have nothing in common except for their terminal illnesses. While sharing a hospital room together, they decide to leave it and do all the things they have ever wanted to do before they die according to their bucket list. In the process, both of them heal each other, become unlikely friends, and ultimately find the joy in life.
I have a dear friend I have traveled with that I consider family. We, like Edward and Carter, have been in the same place in life and am to relate on many different levels that has really deepened our friendship.
I was inspired by these men and their love for each other and the spunk to fulfill the dreams they have always dreamed verse spending their last days focused on dying. I admit it would be hard not to spend these last days with your family. But these friends because family to each other during their trials and experiences. Go see The Bucket List before you Kick the Bucket!
www.PrincessBubble.com
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Happy Valentine’s Day without a Prince?
Featured on The TODAY SHOW in the segment, "Raising Confident Girls"
New Release, Princess Bubble, Strikes Chord with America’s 51% SINGLE WOMEN WHO, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN U.S. HISTORY, OUTNUMBER MARRIED WOMEN
ATLANTA, October 16, 2007—This Valentine’s Day almost 90 million Americans will celebrate the romantic holiday single. Two successful prince-less princesses show the world that being a stuffy Old Maid does not have to be "in the cards" for single woman today! Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb offer girls of all ages updated version of the traditional fairy tale. No longer a "Damsel in Distress," this princess travels the world, helps others, and finds "happily ever after" even before she finds her Prince!
With wisdom gleaned from their careers as single, globe-trotting flight attendants, first-time authors Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb have crafted a modern-day book that celebrates singleness. A contemporary fairy tale for all ages, Princess Bubble was written to reduce the overwhelming sense of failure, self-doubt, and despair that some single women face.
"Knowing how low self-esteem and depression plague many single females, we wanted to spread the message that ‘happily ever after’ can occur even before Prince Charming arrives. . . or even if he never does," said Webb.
"We’re definitely not anti-Prince," said Johnston (whose college nickname was "Bubbles"). "We’re not anti-family or anti-marriage, if anything we’re anti-‘Damsel in Distress.’ Our message—the single life can also be a fairy tale. The End!"
Princess Bubble stars a princess who is confused by the traditional fairy tale messages that say she must find her "prince" before she can live "happily ever after." Princess Bubble dons her "thinking crown" to research traditional fairy tales, interviews married girlfriends, and even takes counsel from her mother, who advises her to sign up at FindYourPrince.com. With a little help from her fairy godmother (this is still a fairy tale after all), Ms. Bubble discovers that "living happily ever after" is not about finding a prince. "True happiness," the book reveals, "is found by loving God, being kind to others, and being comfortable with who you are already!"
Featured on The TODAY SHOW in the segment, "Raising Confident Girls"
New Release, Princess Bubble, Strikes Chord with America’s 51% SINGLE WOMEN WHO, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN U.S. HISTORY, OUTNUMBER MARRIED WOMEN
ATLANTA, October 16, 2007—This Valentine’s Day almost 90 million Americans will celebrate the romantic holiday single. Two successful prince-less princesses show the world that being a stuffy Old Maid does not have to be "in the cards" for single woman today! Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb offer girls of all ages updated version of the traditional fairy tale. No longer a "Damsel in Distress," this princess travels the world, helps others, and finds "happily ever after" even before she finds her Prince!
With wisdom gleaned from their careers as single, globe-trotting flight attendants, first-time authors Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb have crafted a modern-day book that celebrates singleness. A contemporary fairy tale for all ages, Princess Bubble was written to reduce the overwhelming sense of failure, self-doubt, and despair that some single women face.
"Knowing how low self-esteem and depression plague many single females, we wanted to spread the message that ‘happily ever after’ can occur even before Prince Charming arrives. . . or even if he never does," said Webb.
"We’re definitely not anti-Prince," said Johnston (whose college nickname was "Bubbles"). "We’re not anti-family or anti-marriage, if anything we’re anti-‘Damsel in Distress.’ Our message—the single life can also be a fairy tale. The End!"
Princess Bubble stars a princess who is confused by the traditional fairy tale messages that say she must find her "prince" before she can live "happily ever after." Princess Bubble dons her "thinking crown" to research traditional fairy tales, interviews married girlfriends, and even takes counsel from her mother, who advises her to sign up at FindYourPrince.com. With a little help from her fairy godmother (this is still a fairy tale after all), Ms. Bubble discovers that "living happily ever after" is not about finding a prince. "True happiness," the book reveals, "is found by loving God, being kind to others, and being comfortable with who you are already!"
Beyond Graduation... Happily Ever After
Featured on The TODAY SHOW in the segment, "Raising Confident Girls"
In the Midst of Caps, Gowns, and Wedding Crowns Single Women Ask: "Is Happily Ever After in My Future?"
New Release, Princess Bubble, Strikes Chord with America’s 51% SINGLE WOMEN WHO, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN U.S. HISTORY, OUTNUMBER MARRIED WOMEN
ATLANTA, February 5, 2008 — This spring after the tassels are moved to the left and mortar boards tossed in celebration; women all over our country will begin their own Happily Ever Afters with a masters or bachelors degree as a bachelorette. Two successful prince-less princesses show the world that being a stuffy Old Maid does not have to be "in the cards" for single woman today! Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb offer girls of all ages updated version of the traditional fairy tale. No longer a "Damsel in Distress," this princess travels the world, helps others, and finds "happily ever after" even before she finds her Prince!
With wisdom gleaned from their careers as single, globe-trotting flight attendants, first-time authors Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb have crafted a modern-day book that celebrates singleness. A contemporary fairy tale for all ages, Princess Bubble was written to reduce the overwhelming sense of failure, self-doubt, and despair that some women face during self-reflecting times like graduations and weddings.
"Knowing how low self-esteem and depression plague many single females, we wanted to spread the message that ‘happily ever after’ can occur even before Prince Charming arrives. . . or even if he never does," said Webb.
"We’re definitely not anti-Prince," said Johnston (whose college nickname was "Bubble"). "We’re not anti-family or anti-marriage, if anything we’re anti-‘Damsel in Distress.’ Our message—the single life can also be a fairy tale. The End!
Princess Bubble stars a princess who is confused by the traditional fairy tale messages that say she must find her "prince" before she can live "happily ever after." Princess Bubble dons her "thinking crown" to research traditional fairy tales, interviews married girlfriends, and even takes counsel from her mother, who advises her to sign up at FindYourPrince.com. With a little help from her fairy godmother (this is still a fairy tale after all), Ms. Bubble discovers that "living happily ever after" is not about finding a prince. "True happiness," the book reveals, "is found by loving God, being kind to others, and being comfortable with who you are already!"
Featured on The TODAY SHOW in the segment, "Raising Confident Girls"
In the Midst of Caps, Gowns, and Wedding Crowns Single Women Ask: "Is Happily Ever After in My Future?"
New Release, Princess Bubble, Strikes Chord with America’s 51% SINGLE WOMEN WHO, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN U.S. HISTORY, OUTNUMBER MARRIED WOMEN
ATLANTA, February 5, 2008 — This spring after the tassels are moved to the left and mortar boards tossed in celebration; women all over our country will begin their own Happily Ever Afters with a masters or bachelors degree as a bachelorette. Two successful prince-less princesses show the world that being a stuffy Old Maid does not have to be "in the cards" for single woman today! Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb offer girls of all ages updated version of the traditional fairy tale. No longer a "Damsel in Distress," this princess travels the world, helps others, and finds "happily ever after" even before she finds her Prince!
With wisdom gleaned from their careers as single, globe-trotting flight attendants, first-time authors Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb have crafted a modern-day book that celebrates singleness. A contemporary fairy tale for all ages, Princess Bubble was written to reduce the overwhelming sense of failure, self-doubt, and despair that some women face during self-reflecting times like graduations and weddings.
"Knowing how low self-esteem and depression plague many single females, we wanted to spread the message that ‘happily ever after’ can occur even before Prince Charming arrives. . . or even if he never does," said Webb.
"We’re definitely not anti-Prince," said Johnston (whose college nickname was "Bubble"). "We’re not anti-family or anti-marriage, if anything we’re anti-‘Damsel in Distress.’ Our message—the single life can also be a fairy tale. The End!
Princess Bubble stars a princess who is confused by the traditional fairy tale messages that say she must find her "prince" before she can live "happily ever after." Princess Bubble dons her "thinking crown" to research traditional fairy tales, interviews married girlfriends, and even takes counsel from her mother, who advises her to sign up at FindYourPrince.com. With a little help from her fairy godmother (this is still a fairy tale after all), Ms. Bubble discovers that "living happily ever after" is not about finding a prince. "True happiness," the book reveals, "is found by loving God, being kind to others, and being comfortable with who you are already!"
Sunday, February 03, 2008
I recently read an article entitled "Where Have All the Good Men Gone" and others had posted comments that girls in their 20s have missed their chance at meeting Mr. Right in the short time of life when these great men are available....
No one ask me to marry them in my 20s. I did date more in my 20s than my teens or any other time of my life. I was heavily involved in youth ministry at that time in my life and meet lots of single guys who shared my faith and convictions and none of them proposed. In fact, my single friends and I always joked about how these Christian guys would look over our shoulder when they were talking to us just making sure no one better looking was entering the scene.There may be a small percentage of women in America who said/would say even if Mr. Right comes along I am not getting married in my 20s. But for the most part, single women did not meet Mr. Right and were/are secure enough in ourselves to not marry Mr. Wrong just to marry.
www.PrincessBubble.com
No one ask me to marry them in my 20s. I did date more in my 20s than my teens or any other time of my life. I was heavily involved in youth ministry at that time in my life and meet lots of single guys who shared my faith and convictions and none of them proposed. In fact, my single friends and I always joked about how these Christian guys would look over our shoulder when they were talking to us just making sure no one better looking was entering the scene.There may be a small percentage of women in America who said/would say even if Mr. Right comes along I am not getting married in my 20s. But for the most part, single women did not meet Mr. Right and were/are secure enough in ourselves to not marry Mr. Wrong just to marry.
www.PrincessBubble.com
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