A Call To Action From The Social Good Summit 2014 (#2030NOW)
This Sunday will begin the two-day Social Good Summit where world leaders, technology and media experts, activists and strong voices from around the world convene to challenge attendees to join in to create a better world by 2030. Held during UN Week, these unique voices combine to electrify and ignite us, empowering us to put words into actions, and actions into improving our world.
I attended this extraordinary event last year, and was deeply moved by speakers such as Melinda Gates (Gates Foundation), Al Gore (Climate Reality Project), Pete Cashmore (Mashable), Kathy Calvin (CEO, UN Foundation), Samantha Power (UN Foundation), Barbara Pierce Bush (Global Health Corps) and Marcus Bleasdale (National Geographic). I was sorry to miss the extraordinary Malala Yousafzai.
I am looking forward to hearing and being moved again by this year's roster of speakers.
A call to action is something very important to me. When the time comes for me to leave this world, I want to feel proud that I've made a difference, whether big or small, in the life of someone else. Helping others is our responsibility, and it's something I take very seriously.
The Social Good Summit is a call to action for us to do what we can to improve the lives of others. It's a "global conversation" for all of us to do our part. What will you do?
Here's my (almost) Wordless Wednesday post from Social Good Summit 2013.
Lois Alter Mark, Cathy Chester and Jennifer Barbour
"Time to calculate the cost of carbon" Vice President Gore announces his new "What I Love" campaign at climaterealityproject.org
Marcus Bleasdale, National Geographic photographer, moved me more than any other speaker. He spoke of the human cost of children as soldiers because of parts contained in the electronics we buy. Read more of his story at mashable.com. We need to think twice before purchasing another device. For the sake of the children.
The No-Iron Foxcroft Collection: How It Makes Life Easier For Someone With A Disability
The following is not a sponsored post. I received no compensation, other than a Foxcroft blouse as a gift for attending the BOOMBOX Network Social Soiree. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Photo: Foxcroft website/foxcroftcollection.com
A few weeks ago I was invited by BOOMBOX Network to a cocktail party for Foxcroft, the women's apparel company. This year, they are celebrating 25 years of "effortless style".
I looked forward to learning more about their line of clothing designed with the feminine figure in mind, with fabrics and designs I always count on for a casual yet polished look. Timeless, classic and comfortable.
Arriving at Foxcroft with my fun chauffeur, Estelle Sobel Erasmus (musingsonmotherhoodmidlife.com)
After arriving at the party and getting settled in with hugs from friends and introductions to other attendees (and, of course, eating a few hors d'oevres since I was starving!) I was pleasantly surprised to learn Foxcroft also carries a men's line. Their display enticed me to look around and touch all of the soft fabrics.
Foxcroft Collection: Men's Apparel
After entering the larger and more crowded back room, I had some time to catch up with old friends and make new acquaintances. It was a lot of fun.
Midlife bloggers who are now good friends
When it was time to quiet down and learn what was new at Foxcroft, we heard about their newest arrivals, and the fabulous no-iron line they offer.
Regina of Foxcroft, modeling one of their fabulous blouses. She's a great model for their apparel.
Welcoming us was Thomas Dietrich, President of The Apparel Company, parent company of Foxcroft
No-iron?Music to my ears. I hate to iron (just ask my husband), and doing so is fatiguing for someone with a disability. Standing for long periods of time is difficult, so ironing is the last thing on my "to do" list.
How many times has my poor husband tried to (ahem) iron his own shirt? He doesn't love to do it (at all) but does it when he has to because he knows it makes my life easier.
No-iron? That's a dream come true.
I purchased "no-iron" clothing before, and ended up being disappointed with the product. After hearing about Foxcroft's I was cautiously optimistic.
Foxcroft no-iron blouse and tunic. Perfect for people with disabilities.
We were then invited to try on a sample no-iron blouse. As an added bonus for attending the party, we would be receiving a Foxcroft no-iron blouse (in our choice of long or 3/4 sleeve, with an array of colors to choose from.)
I was thrilled.
Before the party ended, we were treated to a goody bag filled with items from the marvelous sponsors of the party.
Plus my own private hug from friend Audrey Van Petegem of BOOMBOX Network.
More swag!
My own private hug from my sweet friend, Audrey Van Petegem of BOOMBOX Network.
I couldn't wait to receive my new shirt and try it on. Finally, the day came when my box arrived at the front door. Hallelujah!
Waiting to be worn!
The purple color of the blouse was vibrant, and the soft texture made it f-e-e-l good to wear.
Don't you love the feel of premium cotton? PLUS, there was not one wrinkle in the blouse after being shipped.
Here I am wearing it two ways. Tell me which way you prefer.
Open as a jacket,
It looks more blue in this picture. It's not!
or closed as a blouse.
This is the true color
I love my new blouse and how easy it will be to keep it looking crisp and fresh every time I wear it.
Ordering Foxcroft apparel is easy to purchase online by going to the Foxcroft website.
What do you think of the new no-iron apparel? Will it make your life easier?
Thank you to BOOMBOX Network and especially to the ever-fabulous hostess of the night, Audrey Van Petegem. I want to also thank Foxcroft, and the sponsors for this fun event:
The generous sponsors for the BOOMBOX/Foxcroft event
Vera and Mame: “We’ll always be bosom buddies, Friends, sisters and pals. We’ll always be bosom buddies, If life should reject you, There’s me to protect you.”
It’s either “Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve Week”, or menopause and MS are playing kickball with my emotions.
Lately I’ve been drawn to blog posts talking about what happens when someone “divorces” you, and the heartache that goes along with it.
If a friend divorces you, or you divorce them, the hurt and anguish feel the same.
Vera: “If I say that your tongue is vicious, Mame: If I call you uncouth. Vera and Mame: It’s simply that who else but a bosom buddy, Will sit down and tell you the truth.”
When do you stop feeling like a 12-year-old child at a dance who impatiently waits for someone to notice you? When a friend dismisses you, you feel like a child sitting on the sidelines.
One of the women I consider my mentors has always had friendships figured out. She’s a strong and vibrant woman who has the knack of understanding whether a person is genuine or not. I’ve watched her over the years and met her many circles of friends.
I asked her how she avoids getting hurt or disappointed by people. She paused for a moment, trying to find the right words to say.
“I enjoy the part of each person that first attracted me to them. If someone enjoys movies, we watch movies together. If they’re interested in music or theatre, we go out to enjoy a show. I listen to my instincts as a guide for cultivating friendships. If something doesn’t feel right, I honor that feeling and act on it. Everyone gets hurt or disappointed. That’s a part of life. I just try to minimize it by following my heart.”
Sound advice.
Vera (speaking): “Tho’ now and again I’m aware that my candid opinion may sting. Mame: Tho’ often my frank observation might scald, I’ve been meanin’ to tell you for years, You should keep your hair natural like mine. Vera: If I kept my hair natural like yours, I’d be bald.”
I’ve always been a trusting soul, trying to believe there’s some good in everyone. That attitude has left me wide open for hurt and disappointment.
Those are hard lessons to learn.
Now that I’m in my Second Chapter, I work on paying closer attention to my instincts. Perhaps I’m a bit cynical and protective of myself, yet I still try to find some good in everyone.
I’m meeting intelligent, passionate and caring women. The sisterhood is still alive and well and living in the midlife bloggers. The younger bloggers I’ve met are wonderful, too. (Do they mind being called “mommy bloggers?)
In the age of social media, friendships are trickier to maintain. In the “old days’, our choices to stay in touch were picking up the phone to call a friend, or writing a letter to someone living far away.
Today Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and emails have replaced phone calls. Texting is the fastest way to quickly reach out and touch someone.
But wait! Have you checked all of the “likes”, private messages and texts you received today? Have you returned every comment or text?
It’s easy to feel slighted if a friend doesn’t “like” your post on Facebook, retweet your comment on Twitter, or return a text on your cell phone.
It’s easy to get lost in social media to try to keep up with all of your friends. It takes a good deal of time to read and respond to everyone.
I’ve come to the conclusion the best way to maintain a friendship is still the old fashioned way. Make plans to get together. Schedule a Google Hangout. Or do something rebellious like placing an old-fashioned phone call.
I’ve known my three closest friends since grade school. They ground me. Like Vera and Mame, we’ve cultivated our own tightly knit sisterhood. We raise each other up during good times and bad. We are always there for each other. They are my sisters. They are my friends.
As we get older, the importance of tending to our friendships grows more apparent with each passing year. According to The Mayo Clinic, friends can enrich your life and improve your health:
Good friends are good for your health. Friends can help you celebrate good times and provide support during bad times. Friends prevent loneliness and give you a chance to offer needed companionship, too. Friends can also:
Increase your sense of belonging and purpose
Boost your happiness
Reduce stress
Improve your self-worth
Help you cope with traumas, such as divorce, serious illness, job loss or the death of a loved one
Encourage you to change or avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as excessive drinking or lack of exercise
Vera and Mame: “Just turn to your bosom buddy,
For aid and affection, For help and direction, For loyalty, lot and for sooth! Remember that who else but a bosom buddy, Will sit down and level, And give you the devil, Will sit down and tell you the truth!" ~Bosom Buddies, Mame
