Greetings!
 In the three years I have been interviewing quest making women, I've come to realize there is a recurring motif interlacing our conversations -- the strength found in the company of women. The women I interview call them buddies, accountability partners, kindred spirits, supporters, cheer leaders. By any name, these women nourish their spirits and challenge them to keep going, to take that next step forward. Like threads of burnished gold woven into the fabric of their lives, these women support them in their struggles and revel in their triumphs. It is the same for me. During my years at the Chamber, I hosted a network of about 12 women members who met once a month. Our brown bag lunches included time to share good news as well as to seek advice or support. After I left, I missed that regular rapport. It's why I started hosting soirées. Why soirée? I love the sound of this French (my mother's native language!) word for an evening party. At my soirées, I foster connections among women whom I enjoy so they can enjoy each other, too. Many, though not all, of the women I met during my Chamber days. They're used to seeing me wander from room to room with a huge grin on my face as I see them laughing, eating, sipping, catching up with friends, making new ones, discovering opportunities. . . So, you can imagine my thrill when Cathy Zolner, this month's Quest Maker, shared with me that she regularly meets with a small group of women she met at one of my soirées. With their related interests and ventures, these women coach and support each other as they grow their businesses. PS. When I asked her what her favorite flower was, she wondered why it was that she loved peonies. "I Googled it. Peony was named after Paeon, a student of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing. When Asclepius became jealous of his student, Zeus saved Paeon from his wrath by turning him into a peony flower.
Scientists have discovered more than 262 compounds that come from peonies including flavonoids -,tannins,stilbenes, triterpenoids and steroids, paeonols and phenols. Some of the biological activities include antioxidant, antitumor and immune system activities. Pretty powerful stuff!" |
