This year’s Emmy’s recognized women of a certain age. Yay! Kate Winslet, at 45, won her Emmy for her wonderful performance in “Mare of Easttown.” Hannah Waddingham, at 47, won for her role in “Ted Lasson,” Julianne Nicolson, at 50, for “Mare of Easttown.” Gillian Anderson, at 53, for “The Crown,” and Jean Smart for…

Alison McGhee–author of fifteen picture books, ten children’s novels and graphic books, three young adult novels, and six works of adult fiction–has been a teacher and a mentor to me, is always an inspiration, and has become a dear friend. It was my great pleasure to spend some time talking with Alison on Zoom about…

It’s Labor Day, and along with our national holiday, this evening marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year. At first glance the two have little to do with each other but leave it to me to find a connection.   When I think Labor Day, I am immediately brought back down memory lane. Labor…

Here’s a joke for you: An 80-year-old man walks into his doctor’s office. “Do you still have sex?” the doctor asks. “Almost every day,” the man answers. “Interesting,” the doctor responds. “Yes, doc,” says the 80-year-old man. “Almost on Monday. Almost on Tuesday. Almost on Wednesday…”   Funny right? I laughed! But why? What’s so…

Cindy Rasicot led a pretty typical suburban life until her husband took a job in Thailand. It was not until she lived overseas and found her spiritual mentor the Venerable Dhammananda that she truly discovered how to feel at home–with herself. Cindy’s shares her unique and inspiring journey in her book Finding Venerable Mother. You…

I’m continually inspired by women—and am always on the lookout for wonderful stories about fabulous women who are moving through the world with spunk and courage. I’ve come across a few lately, from all walks of life, whose stories make me want to cheer, say thank you, or make me smile.   So … I…

Dr. DeAnna Beachley is a very colorful woman! (Just look at her collection of socks below!) She’s a professor of history and women’s studies, a visual artist (photos of her work grace the interview), and poet. More recently, DeAnna has begun to see herself as an essayist–and a wonderful essayist she is, I might add!…

So … here’s something we haven’t talked much about in WomanPause—the “R” word: REJECTION! I put it in all caps—and in bold—because that’s how big rejection can feel!   There’s rejection in love—ouch! Then there’s the rejection at job interviews or career setbacks, and the—all too common lately—rejection for having different political views. But there are…

I met Cynthia Jones in my very first writing workshop at Antioch. I remember being impressed with both her moving family memoir essay and her thorough and thoughtful feedback. We did not meet again until after we both graduated, two years later, in a workshop with our wonderful mentor Ana Maria Spagna. Cynthia and I are…

I’ve mentioned in a recent blog post  that I’d been experiencing some heightened anxiety. Nothing too intense but enough to make me wish it would just go away! I also mentioned, though, how important it is to sit with all of our feelings, no matter how uncomfortable that makes us. Pushing them away—or trying to—often…