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Day: February 20, 2024

The New B.F.G.: Benevolent Female Guide

February 20, 2024 ~ wordancerblog ~ 8 Comments

My guidance is very quiet.  It is not bold or commanding.  My guidance is not step-by-step directions, rather I try to lead lightly by listening and sharing opportunities for further learning and discovery.  These opportunities almost always come in the form of books.

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  1. Trish's avatar
    Trish on One Little Word, 2026January 7, 2026

    I can't add anything but, "Brava" to the comments here! The stanzas that begin, "Remember me as..." speak so clearly…

  2. Lainie Levin's avatar
    Lainie Levin on One Little Word, 2026January 7, 2026

    Well, first of all, the older I get, the older "old" is =)And I love the mindset you are bringing…

  3. Jessica Carey's avatar
    Jessica Carey on One Little Word, 2026January 7, 2026

    Remarkable. Flashy and spunky. I love your attitude approaching this year and your upcoming birthday. So inspiring.

  4. Leigh Anne Eck's avatar
    Leigh Anne Eck on One Little Word, 2026January 6, 2026

    I love all of this! The word, the thinking behind it, the poem, and the picture! I just reacently purchased…

  5. Fran McCrackin's avatar
    Fran McCrackin on One Little Word, 2026January 6, 2026

    I like the way you build up to your word reveal. And with the perfect photo!

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8 responses to “The New B.F.G.: Benevolent Female Guide”

  1. mbhmaine Avatar
    mbhmaine
    February 20, 2024

    This is such a great post! You made me laugh (“I am finally in style! “), nod along with you and think a bit more deeply about a few things. I love your stance as a BFG and your wonderful list of books!

    LikeLiked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. Joy Kirr Avatar
    Joy Kirr
    February 20, 2024

    What a list!! Thank you for sharing!! As for adult books, have you read LOTS OF CANDLES, PLENTY OF CAKES by Anna Quindlen? Great memoir for someone who’s sixty-eighty. She’s definitely a BFG for this age. Thank you again for sharing!

    LikeLiked by 1 person

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    1. wordancerblog Avatar
      wordancerblog
      February 20, 2024

      I am going to Amazon right now to buy it! Thank you!

      LikeLike

      Reply
  3. Tina Avatar
    Tina
    February 20, 2024

    Yes- love this! Some of the most peaceful and validating times of my life were spent in the presence of older women who had the confidence and perspective I lacked. I love how you approach your role of BFG- with passion, but also with joy and curiosity (amazing reservoirs to remind others to live in the moment!). I’ve noticed that I shrink when students ask if I was born during a certain time period or what my children’s ages are. I’ve told myself to pick up my chin and not give in to ageism (real or perceived 😉 Thinking about BFG makes me feel bigger and bolder and definitely not apologetic! Thanks (as always) for the amazing resource list. One of my favorites is Sitti’s Secret by Shihab Nye.

    LikeLiked by 1 person

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  4. Glenda Funk Avatar
    Glenda Funk
    February 20, 2024

    Joanne,

    This is an amazing list of books. I love this post so much, especially the ending: “as we age, we become more imaginative, more daring, and more willing to embrace the world with arms wide open.” It’s true! I wish I could impart that to other women. And the decades do speed by, so imparting joy to others does help the world turn.

    LikeLiked by 1 person

    Reply
  5. Stacey Shubitz Avatar
    Stacey Shubitz
    February 20, 2024

    I love your list of BFG books, Joanne! That round-up is wonderful gift you’ve given us!

    When it comes to the years of my life, it feels like a runaway car speeding down a highway. My 30th high school reunion is next year. How on earth did that happen? With vivid memories, it’s hard to imagine three decades have almost gone by.

    Thanks for this post, Joanne. I think you hit on something big today.

    LikeLiked by 1 person

    Reply
  6. Barb Edler Avatar
    Barb Edler
    February 20, 2024

    Joanne, I am so happy to read that older women’s fashions may now be considered. There is something so sad about the way women are treated as they age. I couldn’t agree more with all you have to offer, and I thank you for this wonderful list of books with women as BFGs!

    LikeLiked by 1 person

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  7. Trish Avatar
    Trish
    February 21, 2024

    Thanks, again, for a list of BFG role models. Having turned 70, I can absolutely appreciate everything you say here. I have always been a late bloomer, definitely one who sees the “timeline running away from me fast.” And that finish line? I don’t want to cross it without having run a great race all the way to the end!

    LikeLiked by 1 person

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