Interview with Bringing Lady Back
A few days ago, I was invited by one of my closest friends, Bethany, to be spotlighted on her website, Bringing Lady Back. This website is a collection of rules to inspire the women and soon-to-be women to learn proper etiquette. You might know Bethany as the lovely voice interviewing Scott Schultz and Christian Jacobs this past summer. Her husband is also the one who created the look and feel for Gabbafriends, and of course they were the very first to sign up as members of this site. So when she sent me the invitation to talk about my thoughts on being ladylike, it was a big "Of course!"
Here are my thoughts on what it means to be ladylike and also my personal thoughts about Gabbafriends! (Be sure to visit and follow Bringing Lady Back. You'll love it!)
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Sitting Pretty with Laurie from
Gabbafriends
Hello, ladies! I'm thrilled to present our second installment of the Sitting Pretty sessions. Today, we chat with Laurie, who happens to be a dear, close personal friend of mine. Since I have known her, she has shown more compassion, empathy, generosity, charity, and overall loveliness than any woman I've ever met.
She is a wonderful wife, mother, friend, massage therapist, chef, sign language interpreter, master esthetician and pretty much Superwoman.
On top of all this, she runs the website Gabbafriends, a fan site where people who love the children's television show Yo Gabba Gabba can come together to inspire each other with ideas for bringing the fun of the characters into their children's lives. {If you have never heard of the show, I would suggest you visit the website AND the fan site. It's much easier for me to get my kids to eat their vegetables after using some of their tricks!}
BLB: What is your definition of "ladylike"?
To me, being ladylike is an ongoing learning process. We're all so differently flawed, yet strong in our own unique ways. We should always "try a little harder to do a little better." (Gordon B. Hinckley)
BLB: What is your favorite thing about being a woman?
Definitely becoming a mother. Honestly, I never felt like a "woman" until I became a mother. But as my baby grew into a toddler, I realized that every woman plays an important maternal teaching role directly or indirectly. I appreciate when my friends teach my child something new that I hadn't thought of and I love helping my friends with their children when I can. Plus, I love kissing and snuggling my friends' babies whenever I get the opportunity!
BLB: How do you think motherhood has affected your outlook on femininity/womanhood?
Motherhood was a big reality jolt for me! As I said, I was a working professional, and I felt a little bit disconnected and didn't know what I wanted to do, but I KNEW there was something out there, and I was seeking out service opportunities specifically. I recently saw an interview with Stephenie Meyer who said that she experienced those same kind of feelings, but that through writing her Twilight series, she was able to find that connection back to herself. That's exactly how I feel about Gabbafriends and being able to host that community. I adore being a mother, but having my own interests brings me a lot of happiness, too!
BLB: The website you run is full of fun and wonder. How do you think fun comes into play when it comes to being a lady?
When I was a teenager, I received some of the most important advice in my lifetime: "If you are even remotely interested in a new hobby, TRY IT. You never know where your talents lie." In my single years, I had managed day spas, but when I became a mother, I knew I didn't want to dedicate those kind of hours to my employment. But I never would have imagined I would enjoy being a webmaster. However, I did have an interest in Yo Gabba Gabba! thanks to some personal friendships. As Yo Gabba Gabba! says, "Try it, you'll like it!" and sure enough, I gave the webmaster gig an honest try, and guess what? I LIKE IT!
Pursuing your interests and developing your talents is indeed ladylike!
BLB: In your opinion, what is the most important quality a lady can possess?
In a word: Grace. Love everyone. Forgive instantly, but don't be a doormat. Be happy for your friends, never jealous, and you will delight in their happiness for you when things are going well for you. And above all, LISTEN to inspiration when prompted to serve another. It's your feminine prerogative.
Laurie, thank you for continuing to be an inspiration to me in all things. You are simply wonderful!
