hope springs internal

kate winslet: the leading lady in her own life

Ever since Titanic I've been a big fan of Kate Winslet. Not only is she a beautiful, talented actress, but she seems like a really down-to-earth woman who doesn't let herself get caught up in the media and Hollywood hype. (If you've been reading this site for awhile, you've probably realized that this characteristic -- not getting caught up in Hollywood -- is one of the most important things to me. As someone who has lived in Cali and who has, to some extent, been caught up in the materialistic and vain elements of that town, I find it amazingly refreshing when actresses are able to separate themselves from that lifestyle.) Recently, I came across an article on Femisiting announcing Kate Winslet as an "official feminist." Though, like the authors of Femisting, I wasn't super impressed with Winslet's declaration of being a feminist (which apparently went something like this... "I think I probably am [a feminist]. I mean, not in a bra-burning way. But I think I am a feminist, yeah." Before I go any further on this, I'd like to alert everyone who may or may not know this: feminism never had -- and does not have -- anything to do with burning bras. I'll forgive Winslet for bringing up that awful myth because I'm focused on the fact that, in an age where most celebrities run from the word "feminist" as if it's a severe case of H1N1, Winslet embraces the term, even if she's not ready to use the word in an extreme way (a.k.a. admitting to being a bra-burner). 

As a feminist (who wears, not burns, bras), I can relate to her hesitation. It's often something I struggle with -- the word "feminist" -- because it has such strong negative connotations. It also implies (though it shouldn't!) that you are un-feminine and anti-male. As a feminist who is about as girly as one can get and who adores men (sometimes more than she should!), I understand why it's hard for people to want to label themselves with a word that has come to mean so many negative things. Therefore, I'm always pleased when a celebrity takes the plunge and admits that she is pro-woman.

Of course, I wouldn't have needed Winslet to state that considering many of the roles she's taken on in her career. From her fiery, spirited character in Titanic to the roles she played in films like Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind (one of my favorites!), Finding Neverland, Little Children, and The Reader, Winslet has demonstrated a marvelous ability to play unique and interesting female characters. Even her character in The Holiday (great film if you haven't seen it!), who was obsessed with a male's affection, ended up recognizing her true feminist nature. Since she's such a great actress, I'm sure Winslet has been given the opportunity to act in many different roles, but I really admire her decision to choose strong roles that represent and dive into the multiple facets of what it means to be a woman. 

In The Holiday (seriously -- see it if you haven't -- and if you like holiday-based romantic comedies!), another character says to Winslet's character, "... in the movies we have leading ladies and we have the best friend. You, I can tell, are a leading lady, but for some reason you are behaving like the best friend," to which Winslet's character replies, "You're so right. You're supposed to be the leading lady of your own life, for god's sake!" To me, that's what Winslet seems to be in real life. She's the leading lady -- choosing roles that illustrate her abilities while also demonstrating the strength lying within women. Winslet is the type of actress I would aspire to be if I were going to be an actress. She chooses interesting roles that test her skills and explore the complexities of being female. She handles the Hollywood scene with grace and integrity (even when her body type is often used in reference for the non-typical, stick-thin actress, a fact that I'm sure would drive many women crazy -- or to starvation). She appears to believe in herself, to challenge herself, and, above all to support herself and women.

the brilliant buxbaum: an interview with the author

"The worth of a book is to be measured
by what you can carry away from it."

James Bryce
 

I'm not sure when it was that I first picked up a copy of Julie Buxbaum's The Opposite of Love, but from the moment I held the book in my hands I knew I would like it. At the time I had no idea just how much I would like it. It was, in a single word, amazing. To sound completely and ridiculous cliche, I laughed, I cried...It evoked so many wonderful (and sometimes heart-breaking) emotions in me. Though the novel itself was something I could relate to on level of uncanny familiarity, the topic alone was not what struck me. It was the writing. I read a lot of books. A lot. But few of them seemed as accessible -- and yet brilliant beyond anything I could think to write -- as this one did. I suppose that's what I loved most about it -- the ability to relate to it while also feeling awed by the brilliance of the writing. It was on my level and yet, somehow, above me. I loved that I could connect with the characters without that dreaded, "I could have written this" feeling. I was connected and yet separate while turning the pages of this moving, inspiring book.

I can recall the morning I finished reading The Opposite of Love. I'd woken up too early and instantly reached for it on my bedside, eager to finish the final chapter. It was one of those books that, after it was finished, I genuinely missed the characters. That, to me, is a sure sign of a great work of fiction. If I finish a book and, instead of eagerly reaching for my next read, sit there and wish I could start reading it all over again, I know I've just finished a great piece of work. Still clinging to that feeling, I rushed out to buy a copy of After You, Julie Buxbaum's second book.

I couldn't wait to crack the cover of After You, but, you see, I was nervous. What if this one wasn't as good? After all, how could it be when I'd fallen so head-over-heels in love with The Opposite of Love? I'd been in this position before, loving one book by an author so much that I ran out and bought his/her books only to be sourly disappointed, so I have to admit that before I read After You I had my doubts. But, boy, were those doubtful thoughts a waste of time. After You was brilliant. Again, I was so sucked in by the characters that I felt like I knew them. Again, when I finally finished it, I missed the characters. I wanted to start reading it all over again. The only disappointment I faced was realizing that there were no more Buxbaum books to read.

As I said, I really love to read and I read a lot. I have too many favorite books to count and I have a whole pile of authors that I just adore. However, for the first time, realizing there were no more Buxbaum books to read and feeling as if I had to express my appreciation for them somehow, I reached out to Buxbaum, writing her an email and sending her a message on Twitter. Never before had I made contact with an author simply to tell him or her that I truly loved a book, but I'm so glad I did. Buxbaum was so responsive and genuinely appreciative and her thoughtful replies made me love her work even more (if that's even possible!). Though I just read in Elizabeth Berg's Home Safe that one should always try to separate the author from his or her work, I find that hard to do. Buxbaum's appreciation and responsiveness heightened my appreciation for her work and for her as a person.

When I mentioned to Buxbaum in an email that I'd be happy to interview her and post it on my site, I didn't really think she'd say yes. I wouldn't have been disappointed if she hadn't done the interview, but I have to admit that I'm thrilled that she agreed to do it. How often is it that you have the opportunity to interview one of your favorite authors?! It's certainly never happened to me before and I can't thank Julie enough for taking the time out of her very busy schedule to answer the following questions. It was so wonderful to learn more about her as a person. 

An Interview with Julie Buxbaum
 

Do you have any female roles models? If so, why/how do they inspire you?I do, but there are probably too many to name!  When I was a kid, I wanted to be a Supreme Court Justice when I grew up -- yes, I was that dorky -- so I've always looked up to Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.  I am pretty much inspired by any woman who gets out there and works hard for something she's passionate about.

Have you encountered any difficulties being a female writer in a male-dominated world? I am not sure I've encountered difficulties, but I do think female writers are treated differently than male writers. For some reason, the topics that women (myself included) often choose to write about -- love, family, etc... -- are devalued by the literary world, viewed as "feminine", and often considered not worthy of review attention. I also find that women are happy to read books with both male and female protagonists, but men are much more hesitant to pick up a book in which the main character is a woman.  I can't tell you how often I am asked if my work is "chick lit", which is a question I don't particularly mind, but I guarantee most male writers aren't asked to classify their work in the same way.

What do you love most about being a woman? Pretty much everything! 

What do you love most about being an author? I love that I now look forward to Monday mornings, because I never know where my work will take me. That, and the fact that I get to write in my pajamas.

Have any female characters in books you've read inspired you? How so? I am a huge fan of the book The Secret Garden -- it plays a very large role in my second novel After You -- and I am completely in love with the main character, Mary.  She starts out as a whiny, unhappy, and mostly unsympathetic little girl in the book, but by the end has bloomed.  It's a magical story of self healing and redemption, and every time I read that classic, I am inspired by her transformation.

What was the most positive experience you had relating to the creation of your books? There is no better feeling than when you nail the exact right sentence, or paragraph, or figure out a particularly difficult plot point.  I get so carried away by what I am doing, I lose all sense of time and place, and just find myself completely absorbed.  Those are the moments that make me want to keep writing.  I can't say this happens often, but it happens just enough that I find myself completely addicted.

Who are your favorite characters in your own books and why? In After You, there is a little boy named Inderpal who is based on my husband.  It's the one and only time I've ever based a character on a real person, but thought it would be fun to imagine him as kid.  (He has always said that he wishes we could have known each other as children, so figured this was the closest we'd ever get.)   Luckily, it fit naturally with the plot, but I think it's only fair that he would be my favorite character I've written. He may not be the most important, or the most well developed, but he captures my heart.

Who are a few of your favorite female authors and why?I know this is not an original answer, but I love Jane Austen. Her work is amazingly timeless.  I am also a huge fan of Marilynne Robinson.  Her novel Gilead is one of the most beautiful pieces of literature I've ever read.  It's a deliberately slow read, but it's worth wading through. Her words are poetry.

If you could offer women writers one piece of advice, what would it be? I think the most important ingredient to being a writer -- except perhaps making sure you actually write -- is to read as widely and critically as possible.  I try to read anything and everything, and every book I pick up somehow informs my own work.  And one more thing -- don't be afraid to call yourself a writer.  If you write, whether you are published or not, you are a writer.  I was no more a writer the day before I got my publishing contract as I was the day after. 

Thanks again to Julie for agreeing to be interviewed. It was wonderful to take a little journey inside the mind of this brilliant author. She is the kind of writer that reminds me why I am a writer (yep, I called myself a writer, Julie!). Her books are the kinds of books that inspire me to sit at my computer for hours, crafting sentences and unleashing little bits of inspiration. If you didn't already realize, I adore Buxbaum's books and I highly recommend that you pick up copies of both ASAP if you haven't already read them. (For instant gratification, click the pictures above to purchase the books from Amazon). And if you're not much of a reader, stay tuned for the film version of The Opposite of Love starring Anne Hathaway. Want to know more about Julie Baxbaum? Check out her website and follow her on Twitter @juliebux.  

ellen page isn't just another sleeping beauty

"As a girl, you're supposed to love Sleeping Beauty.
I mean, who wants to love Sleeping Beauty when you can be Aladdin?"

Ellen Page

How awesome is that quote? Page certainly is much more Aladdin than she is Aurora and that's what I love about her. Ever since I saw Juno, I've been intrigued by Ellen Page. She's just cool. And the more I started wondering why she seemed so cool, the more I realized that it's because she seems like herself. Of course, I don't know Page and I have no idea if she's really being herself, but she comes off as the kind of woman who's not putting on a show. She's not dressing to impress or forcing herself into the cookie-cutter Hollywood mold that so many young stars seem to find themselves in these days. She appears to be a very down-to-earth, relatable young woman who simply wants to act (as opposed to show off, which really is what it seems like many starlets love to do these days). In a Hollywood world of bleached blondes and sexified pinup girls, Page stands out from the crowd.

Doing research for this post, I came across Page's page on Wikipedia and discovered that, as a kid, she used to like playing with action figures and climbing trees. I love that Page not only liked to do these things, but wasn't afraid to share them with the public as some of her past pastimes. I could be wrong, but I feel like many women in Hollywood tend to shy away from things that are stereotypically "unfeminine" in favor of the glitz and glamor of the silver screen. Page, though she began acting at the age of 10, doesn't buy into the traditional ideas of being a celebrity in Hollywood. Instead, she embraces the things she likes, rather than the things she's expected to like. According to Entertainment Weekly, "What's certain is that [Page is] not going to be some bland ingenue, dolling herself up for fashion shoots or trolling out her personal life for the tabloids," and I couldn't agree with this statement more. Though it's hard to say at this point how far Page will go in her career (though her long-term potential is very promising), what seems to be for sure is that she won't buy into the ideals young stars are expected to adhere to.

One of the coolest things I discovered about Page on Wikipedia? She describes herself as a feminist! So often women -- especially celebrities -- run from the word "feminist," for fear of being labeled or put into some man-hating box. But Page is one of the few who is brave enough to embrace the word and use it to describe herself. She also claims to be pro-choice and, regardless of your stance on abortion, I think it's pretty cool that she puts her beliefs out there. And, importantly, Page seems open to others' beliefs as well. Page has said, "Judging people you don`t know for things you don't understand is just really stupid." Though I might have worded it a little differently (but isn't that just the beauty of Page, that she says it so simply!), I completely agree with her idea that judging people when you don't understand them (and how often do we truly understand everything about another person?) is never a good idea.  

Page has said, "I don't really want to do the Hollywood thing. I think you ought to try to say something with your movies." The fact that Page really values what she says in her films makes her truly stand out in a sea of actors who are trying to score the next box office hit. About her work, Page once said, "The quality most important to me, in the films I make, is honesty," and that's one of the things I love most about her -- her ability to be honest through the characters she plays. Though I haven't had the privilege of seeing Page in her latest film, Whip It, I'm really looking forward to seeing what Page does with the character in the film. From what I've seen so far, I'm pretty sure I'll be head-over-heels impressed with her work.

With her unique attitude and her dedication to acting honestly interesting roles, I'm pretty sure Page has a long Hollywood future ahead of her. From where I'm standing, Page definitely seems a lot more Aladdin -- adventurous and uninhibited -- than blissful Sleeping Beauty and I'm really looking forward to see what kinds of adventures Page takes us on in future roles. It's inspiring to see a young actress who is more interested in honest acting than in lying around identifying primarily with her appearance. No matter what career path you find yourself on, you can look to Page as an inspiration, as a young woman who isn't afraid to say what's on her mind and who isn't afraid to be who she is, even if that means not fitting into a world of sleeping beauties.

love, love, loving tristan prettyman

 

"And this life is a beautiful one
and though I seen it comin' undone
Well, I know most definitely
it always works out the way it's meant to be."

Tristan Prettyman

I can't remember where I was or what I was doing the first time I heard Tristan Prettyman sing "Love Love Love," but it was definitely a big moment in my music listening history. Listening to it lifts me up no matter what and I even wrote a post on my other site, Positively Present, about the song. (To see the lyrics to the song and read the post, click here.) Just thinking about the song and the positive vibes Prettyman sends through her voice and words makes me smile. It makes me think of driving around in California, windows down, sun shining down on my car and the highway, singing at the top of my lungs. I didn't realize it back when I first heard "Love Love Love," but that song -- along with many other Prettyman songs -- would impact my life in more ways than I could have imagined. It's the kind of music I just can't help but sing along with literally and figuratively.

After hearing "Love Love Love" for the first time, I immediately searched on iTunes for more of Prettyman's songs. When I found out that one of her albums was called t w e n t y t h r e e, I was hooked. As you many or may not know, this is my lucky number and I really believe that in general it is an extremely lucky and fascinating number. Check out my post on Ani DiFranco to read more about this (Oddly enough, the Wikipedia page on Prettyman says she was inspired by DiFranco. Awesome!). When i looked up that first album, not only did I discover that Prettyman shares the same lucky number birthday date as me, but also found some amazingly beautiful songs that have joined the ranks of some of my favorite tunes. t w e n t y t h r e e has been one of my favorites for years and, as it is with favorite albums, I cannot imagine my life without some of those songs in it.

Prettyman is a native of San Diego, California (which, in itself, is pretty cool), but she also used to be (or still is?) a competitive surfer. How cool is that? Maybe it's just because I'm too scared of the ocean to even go for a swim in it, but I thinking a surfer is pretty bad ass. So, not only is Prettyman a talented artist and vocalist, but she's also an athletic girl who can hold her own in a pretty tough sport. As someone who's pretty unathletic, this is pretty impressive to me. What's equally as impressive is Prettyman's ability to be passionate about a variety of things. Who says you have to limit yourself to one passion? Love surfing? Love songwriting? Do 'em both! And, as Prettyman has, be awesome at them both!  

Last year, Prettyman came out with her second album, Hello...x, which was just as wonderful as t w e n t y t h r e e. What I love most about Prettyman's work is that, while she addresses topics that most people can relate to (like love and heartache), she does so in her own unique way. It's Prettyman's unique songwriting that, in my opinion, really sets her apart from the crowd. Her words are inspiring, beautiful, and thought-provoking. And they are different. I love music -- all kinds of music -- but so often the words are all the same, singing the same boy-meets-girl romance. There's nothing wrong with that, but it's so refreshing to hear songs that look at life from a fresh perspective.

A few years ago, I had the privilege of seeing Prettyman perform an intimate venue just outside of the city I live in. It was a really great experience and she was just as great live as is she is on her albums (which, sadly, isn't the case for all that many artists these days!). If you have a chance to see her live, take it. It's worth every penny! And if you're going to check out some of Prettyman's songs, I'd recommend the following: "Anything At All," "Don't Work Yourself Up," "Madly," "Simple As It Should Be," "Smoke," "The Story," "War Out of Peace," "When It Rains," and, of course, "Love Love Love." Once you hear the pairing of Prettyman's voice with her well-written lyrics, you'll see why I wrote this post and why I will always think of her as one of my favorite artists.

For more on Tristan Prettyman, check out...

Tristan Prettyman Offical Site
Tristan Prettyman MySpace Page
Tristan Prettyman Twitter Page

nubbytwiglet: awesome by design

  

I can't say I remember exactly when or how, but at some point I stumbled on Nubbytwiglet.com. The site immediately caught my attention though I'm not exactly a graphic designer (though I'd love to be!) and I was impressed not only with Nubby's work, but with her as a person. Not only does she display her awesome work on her site, but she also has great sections like "What I Wore," "Ask Nubby," and "The Week in Pictures," that demonstrate both her talent and her awesome personal style. Every week, I'm more and more impressed when I visit the site and see the cool things she's come up with or the interesting sites that she's informing her readers about. Even if you're not into graphic design, you will like Nubby's site. The images alone are fantastic, but there's so much to love about the site -- and about Nubby -- that I can't tell you all about it myself. I'm going to need a little help from Nubby, who was gracious enough to answer a few questions I sent her way. I'm honored that she took the time out of her her busy schedule to be interviewed for Hope Springs Internal. If you aren't familiar with Nubbytwiglet.com, check it out. And you can learn more about Nubby and her awesomeness right here, right now... 

1. Tell us a little bit about Nubbytwiglet.

I am a 28 year old graphic designer and blogger that enjoys spending time in Portland, Oregon and New York City. I founded my business Nubbytwiglet.com in 2005 and now work full-time as a freelance designer with both my own clients and various advertising and marketing agencies on both coasts.

2. Who is your female role model?

I have many! I like strong-minded women who aren't afraid to take a stand for what they believe in including Hillary Clinton, Oprah, Angelina Jolie and Bjork.

3. What do you love about women in the media today?

Women in the media have more power now than ever. The opportunities are endless now to step out on your own and to do whatever you want to professionally. It's okay to be both beautiful and powerful. Women in the media today are proving that it's possible to have both fulfilling personal and professional lives. There's no reason to have to choose between the two any longer.

4. What do you hate about women in the media today?

So much effort is made towards creating a pleasing appearance and being pretty. I am all about putting your best self forward but I am not a fan of cosmetic surgery and extreme altering. Since when did it become okay to look like a complete alien? It's time to get real. Brilliant women should be confident enough to step out as themselves. I admire those that do so with no apologies for who they are and what they do!

5. If you could spend a day with any famous woman (past or present), who would it be and why?

I would love to spend a day with someone like Madonna to get some insight into what it's like to be her, how she stays strong even with so much media scrutiny and possibly some advice on how she's managed to keep her career going for multiple decades!

6. What advice would you offer young women today?

Follow your heart. It's completely up to you to make yourself happy. It's okay to take in advice from your family, significant other and friends, but at the end of the day, you have to decide what's going to make you satisfied with your life. If you feel really passionate about making something happen, it's absolutely possible. Don't place limits on what you can achieve; be the best version of yourself that you can be.

7. What do you love about being a woman?

I love the art of getting dressed, the crazy shoe choices, the endless variety of makeup to choose from, the feeling of being feminine yet strong, having really long hair, being able to wear a dress or pants, painting my nails, carrying a huge purse and being in charge of my life! Being a woman is pretty amazing when you stop and think about it. I wouldn't change it for anything!

If you haven't already rushed over to Nubby's site, I suggest you do so ASAP. Head over to Nubbytwiglet.com and see what I loved when I first visited the site. I'm pretty sure you'll find just what I did -- that Nubby's just amazingly talented and that even if graphic design isn't your forte, you'll find something interesting, thought-provoking, and inspiring. I'm always excited when she posts something new on her site, and once you check it out, I'm sure you'll see why.  To learn more about the site and what you can find there, check out Nubby's About Page. 

the irreplaceable coco chanel

"In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different."

Coco Chanel

For as long as I can remember loving fashion, I've adored Coco Chanel's creations. I've fallen in love time again with vintage pieces and new renditions of past designs. It wasn't until recently, when I watched the film Coco Chanel starring Shirley McLaine, that I realized what an astounding woman Chanel was. I was recently reminded again of Chanel's awesomeness when reading Bunny Got Blog. After reading a post Bunny wrote, I started thinking about Chanel and decided to look her biography up online. I wasn't surprised when I found tons of information reminding me that Chanel was an inspiring, strong woman who worked hard to achieve her dreams, a woman who knew what she wanted to do with her life and went after it, no matter what anyone else said... 

Like me, Chanel was born in late August '83 (Okay, she was 1883, but still... obviously we are secret soul mates!). While working in tailoring shop, Chanel discovered her love for designing. She started her own shop in 1913, but her shop soon went out of business. Very few women during that time even had businesses of her own and many would have been discouraged by going out of business, but not Chanel. She kept working, creating, and eventually opened a new shop. Chanel's styles were new and innovative. According to Wikipedia, Chanel's designs celebrated the "the 1920s flapper, a new breed of self-confident young women that challenged the established concept of socially acceptable behavior." Chanel stood out with her designs. She made things that were different, yet timeless. 

Chanel's innovative work has continued to be popular since the 1920s. Almost a century later, women are still enjoying the designs crafted by Chanel, which is pretty darn amazing. What inspires me most about her is that she went against the norms of her society and did her own thing to become a fashion legend. She also said some pretty brilliant things, like... 

"The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud."

Chanel thought for herself. It would have been easy for her to continue working at the tailoring shop. Having been raised extremely poor, she could have been satisfied with that small wage. But she wasn't. She had ideas and dreams and she thought for herself. I remember in the movie how shocked some of the other girls at the shop were when she left. They encouraged her not to go, telling her it would be a bad idea, but she did it anyway. When you have a dream, go for it. Think for yourself and live your thoughts aloud. 

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only.
 Fashion is the sky, the street; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."

A lot of people think that fashion is materialistic and unimportant, but I disagree. Fashion is art. Fashion is a way to express beauty and thoughts and creativity. I love that Chanel realized this and shared her thoughts with the world. I also love that Chanel's designs were so simple, so classic. Chanel, therefore, must have seen a simplicity in world, in the ideas of people, in what was happening all around her. As someone who probably overcomplicated things with my own thoughts, I appreciate Chanel's ability to recognize things that are simple and beautiful. I appreciate her ability to see fashion for something more than a way to shout your thoughts to the world. Chanel saw it as a simple, daring statement, not something that needed to be exclaimed loudly. 

"How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something, but to be someone."

The quote above is my favorite Chanel quote. So often people strive to be something -- to fit into some sort of mold -- instead of being who they are, a someone. It's hard for some people to understand the difference, but Chanel saw it. She recognized that she didn't have to fit into a mold like many of the people around her. She knew what she wanted to do and she went after it. She transformed her life with her creativity. She chose not to be something, but to be someone. And, as she said, that's when cares are lost. There is less to worry about when you are who you should be, when you are not trying to be something else. I admire Chanel for realizing this and for sharing her wisdom -- both through her words and her designs -- with the world. 

And, of course, there is the quote at the top of the post. Chanel stood out in the world. Though most people are well aware of her designs now and have, at the very least, heard of her work, when she begin designing, she was doing something different. Her style was unique and she wasn't afraid of that. It would have been easy for her to have been discouraged, but she was not. She overcame difficulties and chose to be different. And, because of that, she has become -- and will always be -- irreplaceable. 

all hail the queen (latifah)

"I think the reason I am here is to inspire
African American women who are rappers, full-figured women,
to know that they can do it too."

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah is one of those women who seems to do it all. She's an actress, a rapper, a singer, a novelist, and a model; and she's also a pretty awesome role model. Not only is she extremely successful in her career (with Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and both Emmy and Academy Award nominations under her belt!), but she's also a strong example of a woman who has made her own path in life. Though she started out as a rap artist, Queen has taken her skills and has built upon them to create a very diverse career for herself. Since she launched her career as a rap artist in the late 1980s, Queen has moved on to singing, modeling, small screen acting, and big screen roles. 

And speaking of the big screen... Among the other 42 (!) films she's been in, Queen stars in one of my favorite movies, Last Holiday. If you haven't seen it, you should. It's a very uplifting film about recognizing what's really important in life and Queen does a great job in the role. Queen seems as if she really appreciates life herself. She's struggled with depression and drug abuse, and has also had to deal with the pressures of being a woman in the male-dominated world of rap. About ten years ago, Queen wrote an autobiography about her experiences, titled Ladies First: Revelations of a Strong Woman. Not only is Queen a strong woman, but she recognizes her own strength, which is a beautiful thing. 

In the book, Queen wrote, "I am not a psychologist or a sociologist. I don't have any degrees, and I'm not an expert on life. What I am is a young black woman from the inner city who is making it, despite the odds, despite the obstacles I've had to face in the lifetimes that have come my way." In the book, Queen also addresses the challenges she's faced relating to questions about her sexuality by saying, "I want people to see me as someone who is proud and comfortable with who I am...Be secure in yourself. You don't need me -- or any other public person, for that matter -- to validate you." Queen's purpose for writing the book was to tell her own story, but also to "let every woman know that she too...is royalty." 

Queen clearly wants to support strong women, as she just launched a search for the next up-and-coming female rapper in the "Ignite Your Persona Competition." For this competition, Queen has teamed up with CoverGirl to find the next rap diva. Not only is Queen assisting one lucky young woman make her way to the top through this contest, Queen also dedicates a great deal of time and energy to charitable organizations. Importantly, Queen serves as co-chair for the Lancelot H. Owens Scholarship Foundation, which was established by her mother, Rita Owens, to perpetuate the memory of a loving son and brother, the foundations provides scholarships to students who excel scholastically, but are limited in financial resources. As a strong, confident woman, Queen not only does great things for herself, but for others as well. 

If you're not familiar with Queen Latifah, check out her website for more information by clicking here. 

why i can't help but love pink

 

Thirty years ago today Miss Alecia Beth Moore (also known as Pink) came into the world, never knowing that she would become the wildly successful pop sensation that she has become. Though it's pretty common to categorize Pink as a pop singer, her rebellious style and her unique sound definitely separates her from the pack of pretty-in-pink pop stars. Pink's not only extremely talented and successful as a singer, but she writes songs that have meaning, that reach deeper than the average pop star's songs usually do. Additionally, Pink doesn't shy away from her personal life in her songs, something that I find incredibly brave and inspiring. In her song "Family Portrait," Pink expressed her feelings about her parents' divorce; in songs like "Funhouse" and "So What," Pink addresses her own pending divorce. [Since those songs were written, Pink and her husband have apparently reconciled.] For someone like me, who's always a little wary about putting too much of myself out into the world, Pink is an inspiration. Through her words and vocal skills, Pink shares her emotions with her listeners in a way that most pop singers tend to shy away from.

One song that has really resonated with me is Pink's hit "Sober," in which she discusses alcoholism and identities. According to Wikipedia, "Pink wrote this song at a party hosted at her home, where everyone was drunk or drinking except for her, and she wanted them all to leave. She went to the beach and had a line in her head saying, 'How do I feel so good sober?' Eventually it had nothing to do with alcohol but with identities. 'How do I feel so good with just me, without anyone to lean on?,' Pink says in an interview. She also stated that the song was one of the darkest she wrote for the album. 'Sober is a dark, kind of sad song. And it’s about the vices that we choose and I had this idea in my head, ‘Like how do I feel this good sober?'...I don’t know it’s just a really, really personal beautiful song, one of my favorites...'" As someone who is struggling with sobriety and personal identity in my own life, I could really relate to Pink's song lyrics below:

I don't wanna be the girl who laughs the loudest
Or the girl who never wants to be alone
I don't wanna be that call at four o'clock in the morning
'Cause I'm the only one you know in the world that won't be home

Aahh, the sun is blinding
I stayed up again
Oohh, I am finding
That's not the way I want my story to end
I'm safe, up high
Nothing can touch me
But why do I feel this party's over?
No pain inside
You're my protection
But how do I feel this good sober?

I don't wanna be the girl who has to fill the silence
The quiet scares me 'cause it screams the truth
Please don't tell me that we had that conversation
When I won't remember, save your breath, 'cause what's the use?

Aahh, the night is calling
And it whispers to me softly, "Come and play..."
Aahh, I am falling
And if I let myself go, I'm the only one to blame

I'm safe, up high
Nothing can touch me
But why do I feel this party's over?
No pain inside
You're my protection
But how do I feel this good sober?

I'm comin' down
Comin' down
Comin' down
Spinnin' round
Spinnin' round
Spinnin' round
Looking for myself.. Sober

When it's good, then it's good,
It's so good, 'till it goes bad
Till you're trying to find
The you that you once had
I have heard myself cry
Never again
Broken down in agony
And just trying to find a friend

I'm safe, up high
Nothing can touch me
But why do I feel this party's over?
No pain inside
You're my protection
But how do I feel this good sober?

With lyrics like the ones found in "Sober," Pink addresses real issues and veers from the traditional pop-song topics of how to get (and keep) male attention. Pink breaks pop boundaries by crafting songs based on a variety of topics, some of them heartbreaking. In her personal life, Pink also extends herself past the traditional boundaries. For example, Pink proposed to her husband, Cary Hart, during one of his motorcross races by holding up a "Will you marry me?" sign on his pit board. Pink's proposal illustrates just one of the ways this girl is able to break traditional notions of what it means to be a woman. She is one of the few pop singers that truly steps out of the box and manages to be herself all while keeping a very large audience interested and entertained.

While it's obviously Pink's music that initially caused me to want to write about her, I recently discovered that she's a big supporter of PETA and a vegetarian (just like me!). According to Wikipedia, Pink contributes " her voice toward causes such as protesting against KFC. She sent a letter to Prince William criticizing him for fox hunting and one to Queen Elizabeth II protesting the use of real fur. [Pink also headlined] a concert in Wales on August 21, 2007 called PAW (Party for Animals Worldwide). This highlighted her involvement with animal cruelty problems, as well as her unwavering commitment to contributing her voice toward such causes." In addition to supporting animal rights, Pink is involved with many charities including "Phoenix vert," Human Rights Campaign, ONE Campaign, Prince's Trust, New York Restoration Project, Run For The Cure Foundation, Save the Children, Take Back the Night, UNICEF, and World Society for the Protection of Animals. Clearly Pink gives a lot back to the world, in addition to sharing her words and voice, which makes her a pretty inspirational figure for women everywhere.

While many of Pink's songs inspire me, one of my very favorites is "U + UR Hand." When I listen to the words (see below), I feel like I'm not alone in a world of women who feel like many men feel as if they have a right to touch or leer at women. Pink's song "U + UR Hand" is a great reply to any guy who has ever tried to touch a woman without her permission (and especially those men who view women as  sources of entertainment rather than the real, live human beings that they are). Check out the lyrics here...

Check it out
Going out
On the late night
Looking tight
Feeling nice
It's a **** fight
I can tell
I just know
That it's going down
Tonight
At the door we don't wait cause we know them
At the bar six shots just beginning
That's when dick head put his hands on me
But you see

I'm not here for your entertainment
You don't really want to mess with me tonight
Just stop and take a second
I was fine before you walked into my life
Cause you know it's over
Before it began
Keep your drink just give me the money
It's just you and your hand tonight

Midnight
I'm drunk
I don't give a ***k
Wanna dance
By myself
Guess you're outta luck
Don't touch
Back up
I'm not the one
Buh bye
Listen up it's just not happening
You can say what you want to your boyfriends
Just let me have my fun tonight
Aiight

I'm not here for your entertainment
You don't really want to mess with me tonight
Just stop and take a second
I was fine before you walked into my life
Cause you know it's over
Before it began
Keep your drink just give me the money
It's just you and your hand tonight

In the corner with your boys you bet 'em five bucks
You'd get the girl that just walked in but she thinks you suck
We didn't get all dressed up just for you to see
So quit spilling your drinks on me yeah

You know who you are
High fivin, talking ****
But you're going home alone aren't cha?

Cause I'm not here for your entertainment
No, you don't really want to mess with me tonight
Just stop and take a second
Just stop and take a second
I was fine before you walked into my life
Cause you know it's over
Know it's over
Before it began
Keep your drink just give me the money
It's just you and your hand tonight
It's just you and your hand

Pink asserts in this song that she doesn't need a man -- and certainly doesn't need one who is going to look at her a source of entertainment. She's clearly a strong, confident woman who isn't afraid to speak up for her rights as human being. She understands and encourages the value of women and, in this song, addresses the idea that women go out to bars and clubs only to meet men. Pink makes it clear that she goes out to have fun and that her fun doesn't rest in the hands of the men around her. Not only is Pink not afraid to live her life the way she wants to (and not according to society's rules), she's also not afraid to talk about it, to share her ideas with the world. As can be seen in the "Stupid Girls" video, it is clear that the pop music industry wanted Pink to change when she first came on to the scene. I'm sure, in many ways, it would have been easier for Pink to fit herself into the mold of pretty pop singer. But I'm sure glad she didn't because she is an inspiration for young women everywhere, women who want to be singers and pop singers and who don't want to sacrifice their identities for the sake of popularity. Pink is an example of how staying true to who you are and being vocal about your beliefs (even when they differ from the norm) won't hinder your success in life. In fact, in Pink's case, I'm sure her strength and her unique messages have helped her to be even more successful. I'm looking forward to seeing more Pinks in the world as women look to her and realize that they too can be successful without compromising their identities.

Happy birthday, Pink!

tina fey: rocking the world of comedy

Did you know that Tina Fey has received 5 Emmy Awards, 4 Writers Guild of America Awards, 3 Golden Globe Awards, and 3 Screen Actors Guild Awards? I wasn't aware that until this morning, but it doesn't surprise me at all. Tina Fey is laugh-out-loud funny, a force to be reckoned with in the male-dominated world of comedy. Fey started her career in comedy on Saturday Night Live (SNL), after only working for 2 years at SNL, Fey was promoted to head writer, launching her career as a well-known comedy writer and the creator of the awesomely hilarious show 30 Rock. (If you haven't seen it, you should. It cracks me up!)

Not only has Fey been recognized as a writer on a hit TV show and a creator of her own show, but Fey also dabbles in movies as well. In 2004 she wrote the film Mean Girls, which is loosely based on Fey's own high school experiences. It was in this film that I first noticed Fey's writing style and realized how brilliantly funny she is. In addition to writing the film, Fey also co-starred in it and has been in a star in other funny flicks such as Baby Mama.

What's so great about Fey is not only is she so funny, but she also seems like a really down-to-earth, approachable person. She's hard-working woman who's not only an actress and a writer, but who's a mother and wife as well. Fey also participates in charity work, supporting charities such as Autism Speaks, Global Envision, Light the Night, and Love Our Children USA. This year Love Our Children USA named her among the "Mothers Who Make a Difference." And from reading the list of charities Fey works with, it really does seem like she's making a difference.

Fey's also making a difference in the world of comedy. She's one of the few well-known female comedians who is both an actress and a writer. For any young woman looking to make a career in comedy, Fey is an idol. She is an inspiration, a demonstration of how hard work and dedication can make you stand out in the crowd. What I really love most about Fey is that she uses her words, her wit, and her comedic skills to stand out. She doesn't use her sexuality or her appearance as tools to gain industry approval. No, Fey uses her brain to succeed -- and succeed she has. Fey rocks the world of comedy and has a worldwide following. She's an inspiration to funny ladies everywhere, and I'm truly looking forward to seeing (and laughing through) more of her successes.

ordinary women doing extraordinary things

This morning I came across a great site: See Jane Do. According to the site's about page, "See Jane Do is a multimedia program capturing the stories of everyday women doing extraordinary things for the planet. As the hosts we are mothers who are on a quest to discover and incorporate sustainable solutions that are created by and/or implemented by women. We put the tips to the test and explore what’s really doable for everyday women. What are the triumphs? What are the challenges to living an eco-friendly life? Most important, what are the incredible stories behind the women that are actually doing their part to make a difference?" See Jane Do looks to see what women do on a daily basis to make their lives, and the world, better. The See Jane Do team is on a mission to share what they learn through various forms of media and their mission includes the following (as taken from their website):

• Sharing stories of everyday women in order to encourage, inform, and inspire positive change

• Showcasing women who are doing their part for the planet

• Documenting their own experiences

• Connecting women across the nation by bridging traditional media with new media

• Engaging women through a media platform that demonstrates action and interaction

• Inspiring and motivating women to take action

• Entertaining audiences with a unique and upbeat program

See Jane Do is a wonderful site and I enjoyed looking around it this morning and learning more about what real women are doing to make the world better. Not only are the stories and experiences of women featured on the site extraordinary, but the site's creator is pretty special too. Elisa Parker, co-founder, producer, and host of See Jane Do has a pretty impressive resume. As it states on the site, "As a broadcaster with KVMR, including hosting and producing See Jane Do and the Tuesday Music Magazine, Elisa has produced and hosted various programs that inform, engage and entertain the listener. Elisa’s programs have included topics around human interest stories, music, and events. In addition, she produced and hosted a local television show operated by women. Elisa’s inquisitive nature and ability to put people at ease opens doors for possibilities and information. Her talents in presentation and creativity enable her to go beyond the norm. Prior to See Jane Do Elisa worked with cutting edge organizations as an organizational and employee development consultant." Elisa is also supported by two fabulous-sounding women, Jesse Locks and Sharon Sobotta (check out the site to read more about them) and the three of them have put together a great site that inspires and motivates women everywhere. By focusing on everyday women doing extraordinary things for the planet, See Jane Do is promoting not only the celebration of women but the celebration of the earth and all of the good women can do for it.

Personally I loved learning about the extraordinary women featured on the site and, honestly, I really was inspired when I read about all of the things they've done. To learn more about See Jane Do (and maybe even share a story about an extraordinary woman you know on the website!), visit: www.seejanedo.com.