The Women are Smarter
Today marks the observance of International
Women's Day, a commemoration of the
contributions of women worldwide and a celebration
of their struggle to achieve equal rights. What
better way to add my voice to this recognition than
shining a spotlight on the women in my life and
expressing my appreciation for all the things they
have done for me over the years?
More than 25 years ago, Peggy became my mother,
and my life has been special ever since. Rare is
the woman who has such talent and class tempered by
such modesty. She can use the ingredients of any
cupboard to whip up a gourmet meal; organize the
contents of any house into an arrangement exceeding
Martha Stewart's standards; and make the smallest
outing seem like an exclusive affair months in the
planning. Most importantly, she possesses a
sensitivity and goodness that brightens a room.
Though she is no longer more than just a special
friend, Michelle has done more for me than I'll
ever be able to repay. I don't know if I'll ever
again meet someone as unselfishly generous as her,
so I'll just count my blessings for finding her in
the first place. She had constant faith in me over
the years, and helped me in good times and bad. I
doff my hat and extend a deep and thankful bow to
her today.
My three sisters, Cathy, Deborah and Tracey, are
like snowflakes: beautiful yet completely unique.
Cathy's joie de vivre infects those around
her with an enthusiasm for good times. Deborah has
a way of looking at life that enables her to find
the sunshine on even the cloudiest of days.
Tracey's quiet grace can instill a calm in any
storm. I am a better man for having such wonderful
women in my family.
Then there's Kathy, who has often helped my
career because she believes in my talent, not
because she has any ulterior motives. Her ongoing
efforts on my behalf have resulted in some
freelance work and more than a few job leads. And
the countless hours spent chatting online over the
years—as well as the occasional
lunch—always bring a smile to my face.
And a warm thank-you to Wendy, for being such a
good listener... to "Mrs. Mac," for inspiring me...
to Monica, for letting me feel the fire... a Mayra,
por ser una bendición para siempre... and to
all the others whom I have failed to recognize
here.
I could write a 1,000-word ode to each of these
fine women, praising their many qualities that have
lifted me up over the years. Instead, I'll just
echo the words of the Grateful Dead and say "that
the women today are smarter than the men in every
way."
Development note: I've
noticed that this site doesn't look like it should
in Netscape Navigator. Rather than waste time
jury-rigging it to look right in a
soon-to-be-obsolete browser, I'll just add the
cliché "This site best viewed with Internet
Explorer."
©2003 Michael
Strickland ALL RIGHTS
RESERVED
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What is "The Daily Strick"?
I have long called
myself a writer, but too often I don't do
what a writer must do daily: write. So
you, dear reader, are the beneficiary of
my resolution to make a positive change in
at least one area of my life. Every single
day of this new year, I will write
something, anything, and post it here. It
is my intention to use this daily exercise
to jump-start my too-long-dormant creative
energies, and perhaps generate some
worthwhile material this year. Hopefully
you will find at least an occasional
amusement or insight in my daily
musings.
Today's
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Previously...
3/7:
Salt
on Old Wounds
3/6:
3/3/03,
3:33 p.m.
3/5:
Beer
Day
3/4:
Pulling
the Trigger
3/3:
Make
'Em Laugh
3/2:
Whither
Iraq?
3/1:
Strickland
Cellars
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