This is not on point, but I want to thank Elizabeth Berg for her wonderful books. THe way she uses words sounds like music to me. ANd her ideas, insights, feelings shared, have touched my soul. Thank you Elizabeth Berg. ANd when is the next book due!?!

Question - Why do these pageants exist and why do people care about them? The vast majority of women work hard, get an education, build lives, create families, serve their communities, and don’t parade around and pose topless to make a quick buck.  My "little sister" inspires hope and pride in young women for me. Maybe we should be discussing the future of real females and how we can band together  to support  them in bettering our great country.

In the winter, my husband and I live in a suburban, golf course community. I’m not crazy about it, but it is convenient to city attractions, museums, restuarants, etc. From spring to fall, we live on a lake in rural Michigan. Love it there! Plenty of gardening, hiking areas, boating,  and usually quiet except for SkiDoos. Once lived way out in the country on a farm and it was great.  My kids grew up there and learned the virtues of hard work! Nothing like shoveling manure to build character! THe one experience I have never had is living in a downtown area. Let’s see what the future holds!!! 

Topless, porno photos and breast implants paid for by the pagent! Sounds like the dregs of humanity to me. Walk the walk - her views on marriage are not nearly as important as her actions. This woman should take responsibility for her acts and move on and stop seeking publicity and fame!

Why do we keep so much "stuff"(thank you George Carlin)?  After my mother’s death I spent 2 years going through her belongings and was amazed and exhausted by the volume. Photos from a century ago with no names on them - do I throw them away or would that be a "sin"? Bits and pieces of moth-eaten clothing, college dance programs, my Dad’s Navy medals. I kept the medals but haven’t figured out what to do with them.

I recently married a widower. After my late husband died, I went through his belongings within a week. His sons helped me and I will be eternally grateful for their help. He had 13 briefcases full of papers, receipts, etc. It was an ordeal. Now I am living in a home full of my current husband’s late wife’s stuff. Whenever I get finished cleaning out a bedroom, I look under the bed and find more "stuff". I feel like a voyeur. These things were her’s and should not be viewed by strangers.  This process will take months . I’ve already delived 17 large trash bags of clothing to charity.  I think I have better things to do but if this home is to become mine and ours it has to be cleared. My husband is frozen by guilt at disposing of her things. Control from the grave!!!

THis all has lead me to examine my own "stuff". I will not burden my survivors with this task! Your "stuff" may give you comfort and pleasure, but  aren’t memories more important than momentos?  What do we really need? I need a few photos of my life and my wonderful children, 1 high school year book and 2 college year books, with post-it notes to whomever to throw them out when I die. Valuables are inventoried, photographed and assigned to those who want them. The rest is to be given to Goodwill. Books are designated for the local Library sale.

 I know this a bit off the subject, but I’ve learned much about personal responsibility. Clean up  after yourself or your survivors will resent you. That’s not a legacy I want to leave!!! ,

"The Woman’s Room" was an incredible influence in my life. Thank you  Ms. French and God Bless!

This whole pagent thing  gets more and more rediculous! What a bunch of nonsence!!!

Joan, Again, please let me know when and where your next trip is so I can avoid the area!! You  are one great adventurer!!!

This only goes to prove that the average I.Q. is 100 - that includes Rush’s cheerleaders. And I have no interest in knowing the "backside" of Limbaugh!!!!! Perish the thought!

One company I avoid is a chicken producer from the "South". My late husband, a commodity broker, told me that conventions where this major producer had a suite, there was a sign up sheet for their customers to enjoy the services of prostitutes, at T….."s expense. I don’t know if this practice continues, not do I e-mail and protest. I just don’t want to have anything to do with them and their product. Would be like eating poison!!!!

I am so proud of my country and our President. Lies and slander are a foolish waste of time and show a lack of patriotism and intelligence! From a former Navy brat - you go Seals!!!

To all of his (Limbaugh) supporters - have you no intelligence at all. This guy has no credibility whatsoever. Like Hitler, if you tell a lie, make sure it’s a big one!!!!

God bless you, Jimmy Carter. Thank you for your service to America.

I loved everything about the show. Especially was interested in seeing what new color Eldon was painting the walls!!

I have a copy of the"Book of Common Prayer" and a stack of Elizabeth Berg’s books on my bed table. "Common prayer" for meditation and Berg’s writings are like music to me!