Girlfriends

Last month’s live AMA was supposed to be a simple question-and-answer session. Instead, it became one of those conversations where nobody really wanted to leave. We talked about prayer habits, comparison, social media, writing, grandchildren, friendship, identity, suffering, and the tiny joys that help carry us through difficult seasons. Women shared their own stories and wisdom. We laughed. We encouraged one another.

I celebrated another birthday last week. There’s no denying it. I’m firmly in the second half now. I see it when I look around the dinner table and realize the people I once tucked into bed are now building lives of their own. And honestly? I’m OK with it. Am I allowed to say that? What I’ve been thinking about lately is how confused our culture seems to be about women as they age. We are offered two basic choices. The first is to fight it.

I have a drawer in my bedroom that won’t close. It’s not broken. It’s just too full. Every morning, I try to shove it shut and every morning it pushes back. A sweater sleeve catches. A T-shirt bunches up. The drawer slides almost closed and then springs open again. This drives Dan crazy because he says I’m damaging the dresser (I might have done this a time or two before). I know I shouldn’t do this, and I know exactly what the problem is. There are too many clothes in the drawer.

This stock image is a whole summer vibe and I am here for it. If there is one thing I hear from you more than anything else, it’s how much you miss the close, conversational connection of the weekly Girlfriends podcast. I get what you’re saying... I miss it, too! While my schedule right now doesn’t quite allow for the heavy production and hours required to run a weekly 45-minute show, I’ve been brainstorming a way we can still “sit down over coffee” together without the studio walls.

I’m trying something new. Over the years, one of my favorite parts of this community has been the conversations: honest emails, vulnerable messages, shared struggles, and stories of faith and family and change and uncertainty. So this summer, I’m opening a limited number of one-on-one “Girlfriends Summer Sessions.” These are relaxed 45-minute Zoom conversations for women who would like encouragement, clarity, and practical support in whatever season they’re walking through right now.

Dan bought me a bathing suit. Bold move, honestly. But he knows me well. He found one just like a favorite I used to have, a simple white one-piece. It was thoughtful. Sweet, even. But when I put it on, it didn’t fit right. It tugged in places it shouldn’t. I felt uncomfortable, and worse than that, I felt disappointed. Not in the suit. In myself. Dan, ever practical, just ordered the next size. Problem solved, right? Except… not really. Because it’s not about the suit.

One of my favorite parts of Girlfriends is what happens when women gather and start telling the truth. This is exactly the kind of cozy, honest community conversation that paid members get to be part of each month. Free subscribers can listen to a preview clip here! Last night we talked about comparison, social media, identity, prayer, creativity, marria…

I’m offering something new this summer, and I want my paid subscribers to hear about it first. Over the past year, I’ve had so many conversations with women who are feeling a little stuck, overwhelmed, uncertain, creatively restless, spiritually dry… or simply in a season of transition. And honestly? Sometimes what helps most is not a course or…

Just a quick reminder: We’re on for our live AMA tomorrow night, and I’d love to have you there! No slides, no official “talk,” just a real conversation. Bring whatever’s on your mind: marriage, parenting, faith, writing, work, what to make for dinner… truly anything. Or come quietly and listen in. That’s welcome too. If you’re a paid subscriber, see below for the link. If you can’t make it live, the replay will be waiting for you afterward.

On time, attention, and love, followed by NEXT Sunday’s Gospel reflection and discussion questions ✨ I’d love to have you join us for a live AMA Wednesday night… Get all the details here! Note From Me: Small Things That Last I was shopping recently for a nice bottle of hand lotion to keep on the bathroom counter. Something simple, but a little lovely. And then I saw it. A plain bottle of Jergens in that original cherry almond scent. Inexpensive. Familiar. I didn’t even hesitate.