The other night I saw a recent, 2017 film about Helen Reddy. I remember her standing thin and tall singing, “I am woman . . .hear me roar . . .I am invincible . . .I am strong!” I was so surprised, though, to see how she had changed because I’d never kept up with her success. She is nine years older than I am. What did I expect? I haven’t been thin for 35 years. If I hadn’t been coloring my hair, it would be gray like hers. She is probably still tall–I haven’t a clue–but she has “grown,” as the song goes, in a number of ways. She states she is happy with how she has turned out, feeling as though she has turned into the woman she sang about in the 60/70’s. “I am woman,” which she wrote, became a mantra for the women’s movement.
She is still active in women’s empowerment, attending, singing, supporting, and speaking at conventions, conferences, and marches around the world.
Most of us have had an opportunity to see on television how some women are coming forward, finally, to indict those who have hurt them. It’s amazing what women can do when they stand together. There’s power in numbers. And, yes, it is time to whip the bullies, the woman bashers, the sexual perverts–anyone who hurts others.
Scruples & Drams and my upcoming novel, a sequel to Jennie’s story, Needles & Pins, Maude’s story, promotes strong women. These women stand up for other women who are caught in trouble–trouble they can’t handle by themselves.
This weekend, Sat.,November 4, I’ll be selling Scruples & Drams, Around Clearwater, and Postcards from the Old Man at the Monticello Women of Today Fall Craft show in the Monticello Community Center from 9-3. The address is 505 Walnut St # 4, Monticello, MN 55362.
My sister, her friend Pam, and I will be setting up Clearwater Apothecary with all sort of products Jennie Phillips would have made or sold in her shop–such as her famous Pure & Natural, wild rose facial cream, dry hand rub, skin lotions, soaps, cards, bags, and crocheted hats, gloves, and scarves.
Come out and support the Women of Today!