Yes. Thank you, Stephanie! May we all find a way to dance the way Kamala Harris does--with a sense of fun and abandon--and laugh too loud, and generally be ourselves in the most positive ways. And may the world come to realize that women are not a threat, but that we bring gifts because we see the world differently and because we don't behave like men. Our power and magic is in being just who we are. May we all embrace that.
People who are desperate or afraid or just mean will pick on anything. I love that she feels comfortable laughing and embracing her own power. May her next job be president of the United States!
It's funny, I'm writing a YA Fantasy novel in which (to waaay oversimplify) a cadre of wise women (witches, if you will) save the world through story. I hadn't thought to think of them as crones, but that is exactly what they are, in the best and most effective of ways. Thanks for that additional, unintended creative insight. :)
Gotta say, I love the idea of a cadre of wise women saving the world! Witches, crones, hags -- I'll own all that magic and more. Humbled and smiling that I could contribute to a creative insight. Write on, my friend. Write on!
What a fabulous piece! I was trying to recall that particular Madeline Albright quote the other day as it's what came to my mind when I heard about the idiotic and mean comment from Megan Kelly. So, thank you for sharing that in one of your replies. Comments like Kelly's make the person saying them look bad. And when it's a woman saying something like that about another woman, it's even worse. Of course, she knows that. Kelly was probably doing it for attention.
That childless cat lady comment from Vance was deplorable, too. I was watching his wife during Trump's speech at the GOP convention last week, and she looked uncomfortable. And now, there's talk about some in the Trump campaign feeling remorse regarding Trump having selected Vance as his VP. Wonder how she really feels about everything.
Disruptive women get things done. Isn't there a famous quote something along those lines too? I stand with you. I, too, think this is the year women will rise up and save democracy. I'm feeling so much more hopeful now that Kamala Harris is running for the top job. I agree with you that she is well equipped to handle whatever gets thrown at her. But it's still sad that name calling, and who knows what sort of vitriol, is yet to come.
Perhaps this is our year. Thank you for writing this.
Nancy, your passion for standing with other women comes through loud and clear. Like you, I feel hope that Kamala Harris will win the race. And I think she's going to need, and be appreciative, that so many women are standing with her. This is our year. It's going to take good women to help clean up the mess in Washington. Grass root efforts count and contribute to that, big time. We're not going back!
Nancy, you state it so well. "Can we be women in a leadership role without having to act just like the men in these roles that were established by men?" I remember pin stipe suits with big padded shoulders in the 1970's -- We thought if we dressed and acted like men, that would make us leaders. Well, it was a beginning. I embrace that idea of "seeking wholeness and a new way of being." I stand with you. And I always appreciate your thoughtful and articulate comments. You always stand in the light of your truth and speak it! Thank you.
Stephanie, what a wonderful essay! What you say throughout is so true, and when you say "Name calling is a last resort defense when you are afraid of powerful women and you are at a loss for intelligent discourse," you hit it spot on. Misogyny is, unfortunately, alive and well in America. "A childless cat lady" is name calling by a weak person. By the way, I'm a cat lady, so that must mean there's something wrong with me, right? J.D. Vance seems to think -- as does the GOP -- that a woman's place is to have children and be submissive. Wrong! I hope and pray Kamala can continue to electrify and unify Americans as she's been doing. It's a marvel to watch her.
I'm inspired these past few days by Kamala and by the people that have so quickly coalesced around around her. For the first time in months, I feel like we have a chance to beat Trump, and push back on the GOP's antiquated ideas of a woman's role in society. Here's to being disruptive and disagreeable women in the face of these times! Big Hugs, Beth. I stand with you.
Hi Stephanie. Such an excellent piece of writing about the up coming US Presidential Election. I hope with all my heart that Kamal Harris is elected in November and knocks the vile misogynist, Trump, off his perch.
Here in the UK, we have a spanking brand new Labour Government,. I had wondered if I'd live long enough to see this and so I am delighted that the ghastly Tories are gone. My own Member of Parliament, Rachel Reeves, has been appointed the first ever Chancellor of the Exchequer and so she's smashed a glass ceiling right there.
Oh Cherril, How good to see you here. I watched the UK elections with interest this year and honestly, they gave me some hope -- and that was before I knew that Kamala would be the top of the ticket. I share in your sentiments that the"the vile, misogynist Trump" is knocked off of his perch. That is worth looking forward too. This is the time of the woman and I see it worldwide. Thank you for commenting. Sending you big hugs across the pond, my friend.
We are living in a society where people feel emboldened to say the most shockingly vile stuff. Truth is nowhere to be found, and the more outrageous the insult, the more it is embraced by certain clusters of our political spectrum. A childless cat lady? I hadn’t heard that, but boy, does it rankle me! I am 69 and childless by choice because I HAD A CHOICE! How dare anyone try to denigrate a woman for her reproductive choices (or furry friend choices)! Debate the issues and leave the name calling on the playground where wanna-be bullies belong! A great piece, Stephanie…
Thanks, Rosemary. I'm grateful to walk this path with you. I'm childless as well and I do not owe anyone an explanation or a defense for that choice! Choice is the operative word in this election cycle -- we want to make the right choice and we want to keep our freedom of choice! Big hugs my friend.
Love this. Thank you for it. I've seen the idiotic comment repeated online by both men and women. I know she was too busy working and earning degrees to enjoy herself as much as I have. But I could care less how many lovers she's had. If she managed time for that with all her other accomplishments, kudos to her! She's got my vote.
It's such a worn out old trope anyway -- meant to diminish, and openly disdain. The GOP has a misogyny, race, gender problem -- So, I'm with you, Trevy, she's got my vote! I think we may finally be ready for a woman president and as my dear husband said to me, "... it's about time." Hugs and goodwill.
Stephanie, I too am a proud crone, mean when I have to be (not often), determined, and filled magical powers. Watch out! This is the Year of the Woman in the United States.
You bet, "I'm with HER!" works. With the exception of Megan Kelly, women are standing together with Kamala and it's energizing and exciting. Sending love and goodwill, Francine. Big hugs.
As Madeline Albright once said, "there's a special place in hell for women who don't support other women." I stand with you -- #wevote! Love and hugs, Jude.
Heartily agree, I'd give her my vote if I was a US Citizen. Not only because she's smart and articulate and engaging but also because she was a caregiver for her Mum, and understands carers. Here's the note I shared: https://substack.com/@carermentor/note/c-63498124?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=a9y7d it's inspiring to listen to her (09.55mins)
Victoria, Thank you for sharing this link -- truly beautiful and inspiring, as you say. I think this country is exhausted from politics as blood sport, and crying for the positive vision, kindness and uplifting that Kamala Harris brings. Big, big hugs.
Exactly!! I knew she'd supported her Mother, so I dug around and found that video. I was welling up (it's heartbreaking listening to the full video, all the experiences). It's not often you see a more intimate discussion group, and she's taking notes...it makes the video, so Human! I had a little envy from over here in the UK. Hugs gratefully received and more sent back to you!
Yes. Thank you, Stephanie! May we all find a way to dance the way Kamala Harris does--with a sense of fun and abandon--and laugh too loud, and generally be ourselves in the most positive ways. And may the world come to realize that women are not a threat, but that we bring gifts because we see the world differently and because we don't behave like men. Our power and magic is in being just who we are. May we all embrace that.
Beautifully stated! Thank you. I especially love "our power and magic is in being just who we are." Hugs.
I remember there was mockery somewhere about Kamala Laughter. really?
People who are desperate or afraid or just mean will pick on anything. I love that she feels comfortable laughing and embracing her own power. May her next job be president of the United States!
Yes 👏
Love it when we proudly reclaim those insults. Crone. Broad. Brat. Yes to all that, and more!
Viva reclamation! Thank you Susan, I feel the same way that you do.
when understood as Stephanie clarifies in this article so beautifully.
Crone is the highest compliment
I’m owning it !!!
Yes to growing older and wiser, and more bad ass. WORTHY ASSETS!
So much "Yes" to your words here!
It's funny, I'm writing a YA Fantasy novel in which (to waaay oversimplify) a cadre of wise women (witches, if you will) save the world through story. I hadn't thought to think of them as crones, but that is exactly what they are, in the best and most effective of ways. Thanks for that additional, unintended creative insight. :)
Gotta say, I love the idea of a cadre of wise women saving the world! Witches, crones, hags -- I'll own all that magic and more. Humbled and smiling that I could contribute to a creative insight. Write on, my friend. Write on!
Fantastic
Hi Stephanie,
What a fabulous piece! I was trying to recall that particular Madeline Albright quote the other day as it's what came to my mind when I heard about the idiotic and mean comment from Megan Kelly. So, thank you for sharing that in one of your replies. Comments like Kelly's make the person saying them look bad. And when it's a woman saying something like that about another woman, it's even worse. Of course, she knows that. Kelly was probably doing it for attention.
That childless cat lady comment from Vance was deplorable, too. I was watching his wife during Trump's speech at the GOP convention last week, and she looked uncomfortable. And now, there's talk about some in the Trump campaign feeling remorse regarding Trump having selected Vance as his VP. Wonder how she really feels about everything.
Disruptive women get things done. Isn't there a famous quote something along those lines too? I stand with you. I, too, think this is the year women will rise up and save democracy. I'm feeling so much more hopeful now that Kamala Harris is running for the top job. I agree with you that she is well equipped to handle whatever gets thrown at her. But it's still sad that name calling, and who knows what sort of vitriol, is yet to come.
Perhaps this is our year. Thank you for writing this.
Nancy, your passion for standing with other women comes through loud and clear. Like you, I feel hope that Kamala Harris will win the race. And I think she's going to need, and be appreciative, that so many women are standing with her. This is our year. It's going to take good women to help clean up the mess in Washington. Grass root efforts count and contribute to that, big time. We're not going back!
Yes 👍
Super clear Nancy
Don't let people pull you into their storm.
But instead, pull them into your peace and make all things new.
~ Pema Chödrön
Power has been in and still is clinging to the hands of
patriarchal, white males with money. The media often shows this,
as well as, reinforces this.
What does a woman in power even look like?
Can we be women in a leadership role without having to
act just like the men in these roles that were established by men?
Can we continue to be women and
complement these roles, enhance them,
and seek wholeness and a new way of being
in these roles?
I think we are about to find out!
To be in a leadership position/role
while being strong, articulate, intelligent,
vibrant , AND feminine…
I think we are making something new.
Nancy, you state it so well. "Can we be women in a leadership role without having to act just like the men in these roles that were established by men?" I remember pin stipe suits with big padded shoulders in the 1970's -- We thought if we dressed and acted like men, that would make us leaders. Well, it was a beginning. I embrace that idea of "seeking wholeness and a new way of being." I stand with you. And I always appreciate your thoughtful and articulate comments. You always stand in the light of your truth and speak it! Thank you.
Amen, my sister crone.
Back at ya, sistah!
Stephanie, what a wonderful essay! What you say throughout is so true, and when you say "Name calling is a last resort defense when you are afraid of powerful women and you are at a loss for intelligent discourse," you hit it spot on. Misogyny is, unfortunately, alive and well in America. "A childless cat lady" is name calling by a weak person. By the way, I'm a cat lady, so that must mean there's something wrong with me, right? J.D. Vance seems to think -- as does the GOP -- that a woman's place is to have children and be submissive. Wrong! I hope and pray Kamala can continue to electrify and unify Americans as she's been doing. It's a marvel to watch her.
I'm inspired these past few days by Kamala and by the people that have so quickly coalesced around around her. For the first time in months, I feel like we have a chance to beat Trump, and push back on the GOP's antiquated ideas of a woman's role in society. Here's to being disruptive and disagreeable women in the face of these times! Big Hugs, Beth. I stand with you.
Hi Stephanie. Such an excellent piece of writing about the up coming US Presidential Election. I hope with all my heart that Kamal Harris is elected in November and knocks the vile misogynist, Trump, off his perch.
Here in the UK, we have a spanking brand new Labour Government,. I had wondered if I'd live long enough to see this and so I am delighted that the ghastly Tories are gone. My own Member of Parliament, Rachel Reeves, has been appointed the first ever Chancellor of the Exchequer and so she's smashed a glass ceiling right there.
Hope you are well and happy.
Cherril
Oh Cherril, How good to see you here. I watched the UK elections with interest this year and honestly, they gave me some hope -- and that was before I knew that Kamala would be the top of the ticket. I share in your sentiments that the"the vile, misogynist Trump" is knocked off of his perch. That is worth looking forward too. This is the time of the woman and I see it worldwide. Thank you for commenting. Sending you big hugs across the pond, my friend.
We are living in a society where people feel emboldened to say the most shockingly vile stuff. Truth is nowhere to be found, and the more outrageous the insult, the more it is embraced by certain clusters of our political spectrum. A childless cat lady? I hadn’t heard that, but boy, does it rankle me! I am 69 and childless by choice because I HAD A CHOICE! How dare anyone try to denigrate a woman for her reproductive choices (or furry friend choices)! Debate the issues and leave the name calling on the playground where wanna-be bullies belong! A great piece, Stephanie…
Thanks, Rosemary. I'm grateful to walk this path with you. I'm childless as well and I do not owe anyone an explanation or a defense for that choice! Choice is the operative word in this election cycle -- we want to make the right choice and we want to keep our freedom of choice! Big hugs my friend.
Well said, Stephanie. As one of Jody Day's childless crones, I applaud these wise and truthful words.
Thank you, Sue -- may we continue to be disagreeable and disruptive! Big hugs.
Love this. Thank you for it. I've seen the idiotic comment repeated online by both men and women. I know she was too busy working and earning degrees to enjoy herself as much as I have. But I could care less how many lovers she's had. If she managed time for that with all her other accomplishments, kudos to her! She's got my vote.
It's such a worn out old trope anyway -- meant to diminish, and openly disdain. The GOP has a misogyny, race, gender problem -- So, I'm with you, Trevy, she's got my vote! I think we may finally be ready for a woman president and as my dear husband said to me, "... it's about time." Hugs and goodwill.
Stephanie, I too am a proud crone, mean when I have to be (not often), determined, and filled magical powers. Watch out! This is the Year of the Woman in the United States.
Marlena, I couldn't agree more! Let's stand together in strength and determination in this year of the woman! Biggest of hugs.
YES! And here's a phrase that's being recycled: I'm with HER!
You bet, "I'm with HER!" works. With the exception of Megan Kelly, women are standing together with Kamala and it's energizing and exciting. Sending love and goodwill, Francine. Big hugs.
Unbelievable! And it came from a woman. 😡 Women, at all ages, are stepping up to support one another and protect the women of the future. #wevote
As Madeline Albright once said, "there's a special place in hell for women who don't support other women." I stand with you -- #wevote! Love and hugs, Jude.
Yes, yes, and yes! Thank you, Stephanie, for expressing feelings that I are boiling over inside of me. Well said.
I think we left simmer a long time ago. May all of the women participating in this election be an unstoppable force for good! Biggest hugs, Len.
Heartily agree, I'd give her my vote if I was a US Citizen. Not only because she's smart and articulate and engaging but also because she was a caregiver for her Mum, and understands carers. Here's the note I shared: https://substack.com/@carermentor/note/c-63498124?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=a9y7d it's inspiring to listen to her (09.55mins)
Victoria, Thank you for sharing this link -- truly beautiful and inspiring, as you say. I think this country is exhausted from politics as blood sport, and crying for the positive vision, kindness and uplifting that Kamala Harris brings. Big, big hugs.
Exactly!! I knew she'd supported her Mother, so I dug around and found that video. I was welling up (it's heartbreaking listening to the full video, all the experiences). It's not often you see a more intimate discussion group, and she's taking notes...it makes the video, so Human! I had a little envy from over here in the UK. Hugs gratefully received and more sent back to you!