Oct. 24th, 2020

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I have had two songs on repeat in my head ‘The Girl from Ipanema’ by Antonio Carlos Jobim and ‘I am Woman’ by Helen Reddy.

Both songs are about strong women in different ways.

The Girl from Ipanema was written after Mr. Jobim noticed this strong tan young woman that is found desirable but she ignores all the men that find her attractive to go swim in the sea.

I am Woman became the rally song for the ERA and the Women’s movement in the 70s. It was played at the Oscars as Kathryn Bigalow’s exit music after she won an Oscar for directing the Hurt Locker. It is a touchstone for many women.

It is a positive song about moving forward. "It's not just for women," Reddy said. "It's a general empowerment song about feeling good about yourself, believing in yourself.”

I can remember hearing it on the radio and feeling better about being female.

I have been told that I hold myself well and I have a quiet strength. Being taller than most of the world helps in this. The quiet strength I learned from observing my mother and all the things she had to deal with.

I know I have a low BS meter and can tell when I am being hosed or sucked up to. It does not end well. It never has.

I have to thank all the women who came before me allowing me to be me and not have to suppress my thoughts or ideas.

I try to help others so they can do the same.

I am asked to moderate panels at conventions quite often. I know why I am often handed what might be a problematic group. I keep control of the panel without angering anyone and I can keep control of the audience as well. I have had some real doozies to take care of, but I managed to keep everyone in line. My secret, I don’t let anyone talk over me. I will shut that down fast. I also go over the rules of the panel before we start and the topic we are talking about. If we go too far afield, I will put us back on track. Yes, there have been occasional complaints but when the facts of the matter are put forward, it becomes pretty obvious that all I was doing was keeping the panel on track.

I try to be a good example for Caroline, so she knows that her voice is just as important as anyone else in the room. I do know that I have raised her not to be afraid to speak her mind.

I refused to be boxed in by old stereotypes. I refuse to be silenced. I refuse to be patted on the head and told I am being too emotional.

My voice is just as important as anyone. My ideas are as viable as the next person’s. My emotions are as valid as anyone else.

I believe this to the core of my soul.

I am woman, hear me roar.

I am grateful for all the women who have made it possible for me to be me.

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