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Women’s History Month celebrates those who have left their mark

WINTER 2014

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FROM THE PUBLISHER — Lauran Rott is the pubisher of Girlfriends magazine.

Find Girlfriends on Facebook Let us know what you think... and we’ll print what’s trending in our Spring Edition. We reserve the right to edit comments for space and clarity.

t has been a struggle to write this column. I’ve written about six drafts now and have thrown them all away. The struggle is how to convey the importance of my grandmother in my life. Why do you care? What value could my relationship with her bring to you? Putting long thought into it, I believe it comes down to her story, and maybe not so much her story with me. Muriel Sarah Larrabee Hammond was born to an overbearing father and a wise, Laura yet meek mother. Expectations were such n and Murie l, 1986 that she would become great. Muriel was an amateur golfer who was so talented that nonshe golfed with the likes of Bing Crosby and Bob sense kind of Hope and travelled all over the Midwest winning woman who never let her tournaments along the way—even golfing at the emotions get the better of her. By no means storied Somerset Golf Course, the same course was she cold, though. She just looked at life in a that turned away Bob Hope, at her leisure. She practical way, through Irish blue eyes that I knew went on to graduate from the College of St. held so much love and compassion behind them. Catherine to become a speech therapist and to Muriel passed away when I was six months this day, I can still hear her in my head telling me with my daughter and first child. pregnant to enunciate if even the slightest mumble comes George was devastated, sitting for hours in his out of my mouth. chair just staring at When she met my nothing. You see, this grandfather George, is where I get stuck. everything changed. How can you possibly Her passion to raise write about something a family outweighed so personal, so incredher desire to conibly painful? Fifteen tinue the golf circuit. years later, I can still Gosh, he loved her. picture George in his More than anything chair just looking at in the world, and the folded hands in everyone in the his lap. I’ve even lisworld could see tened to “Love Story” it. George adored to somehow find the her, placed her on words. But I can’t. a pedestal and took Childhood memories every opportunity flood my thoughts: to hold her hand, Doing her hair for a kiss her or give her a gala at Midland Hills trinket. One of those Muriel and George, 1990 Country Club, taking gifts defines their her out for lunch marriage: A music knowing I’ll have to pay because her purse has box that played “Love Story” by Henry Mancini. no cash in it, her smile and pride at my “good They raised three children, my mother was the marks” in school, sitting on the end of the bed oldest, all while building bowling alleys and businesses along the way; my uncle still runs one with her watching a golf tournament—even though I hated it—because I just wanted to be on University Avenue in St. Paul. with her. Remembering how she used to wink Grandma Muriel was a matriarch in every and nod when I would tell her I knew I was her sense of the word. Strong, wise, and sharp as a tack, she had an answer for everything and could favorite. Then the devastation to find out she said that to all of her grandchildren. hold a grudge until death. I thought the world Grandma Muriel was an incredible woman, of her. She had a solution for any problem I and I see a lot of her in my daughter whom I threw her way. Sometimes her help came during named after her. Practical, smart, and wonderful a marathon session of gin rummy at the dining in every way. And you know, I still believe that I room table; other times her response was a stiff was her favorite. “Don’t waste your time crying.” She was a no

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contents

15 WINTER 2014

girlfriends 21

About Us Volume 6, Issue 1

5 12

Send releases and story ideas to:

Brenda Ward at Girlfriends magazine, bward@southernminn.com

Publisher:

Lauran Rott

Features

Editor & Senior Writer:

PHENOMENAL WOMEN | 5

Contributing Writers:

Women’s History Month celebrates those who have left their mark.

Looking to incite romance this Valentine’s Day? Mother Nature at your service.

FABULOUS FINDS! | 11

JUST FOOD COLUMN | 27

Brenda Ward

Kari Berit Lucy Casale Sarah Osterbauer

Multimedia Consultants:

Beth Barrett Kristie Biehn Kathleen Davies Lisa Dwyer Rachel Ebbers Debbie Ensley Stephanie Hill Diane Gengler Aaron Louks Mark Nelson Lauran Rott Sherry Wilmes David Weeks Molly Zweber

Graphic Designer:

Kate Townsend-Noet

elixirs of love | 24

Need help finding the perfect gift?

Musings in the bulk aisle.

(un)match.com | 12

Accessories

A humorous look at the world of online dating.

choosing positIVITY | 21 Positive and negative emotions affect your health – why and how to choose positive.

} ON THE COVER: Elizabeth “Betty Wall” Strohfus Elizabeth Bridget “Betty Wall” audaciously served her nation during WWII as a Woman Airforce Service Pilot (WASP). Liz was born in Faribault on Nov. 15, 1919.

Ad Designers:

Mary Jo Blanchard Nicole Gilmore Naomi Kissling Keeley Krebsbach Jenine Kubista Kelly Kubista Kate McGillen Kayla McMullen Paul Ristau Jennifer Schoenbauer Jordan Taylor Photographer:

Heidi Kubes

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___ Womenâ€™s History Month celebrates those who have left their mark Story By Brenda K.M. Ward

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omen. We are mothers, educators, entrepreneurs and community leaders. With tenacity and determination, we hold strong to our values and convictions. Ultimately, we change the world. We change history. And we model our fortitude for the next generation. Because there’s always an opportunity, an open door just around the corner. There’s always another way to make a difference. ’Cause I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.

(1851-1919) In 1855, Jonathan Morris died suddenly after beginning operation of a mill located about 10 miles from Faribault, one step in his ultimate plan to create something where there was nothing. His wife, Sara, courageously stepped up to bring Jonathan’s dreams to fruition, making the 100-mile trip (as a crow flies) by dog team to hold their claim on the land and have it platted. It is because of Sara that Morristown exists as a Minnesota community.

___

Photo courtesy of Rice County Historical Society

(Excerpt from Maya Angelou’s poem “Phenomenal Woman”)

Mississippi becomes the first state to grant married women right to hold property in their own names in 1939

Elizabeth Blackwell becomes first woman to earn medical degree in 1849

Susan B. Anthony is arrested for trying to vote in 1872

(1859-1960) (1842-1926) A professor of English Literature at Carleton College in Northfield and the school’s first Dean of Women, Margaret Evans Huntington worked her way through the ranks of the male-dominated world of academia. Determined to better the minds and opportunities of women in her community, in 1876 Margaret began a club where women could gather in discussion of literature, science, history and other topics that provided a greater sense of culture and education. The Margaret Evans Huntington Book Club continues today, 138 years after its inception, and a Carleton dormitory, Evans Hall, bears her name. Photos courtesy of Carleton College Archives

Long before concern for those with developmental disabilities became widespread, Laura Baker stepped up as an advocate for these community members and their families. During her time as principal of the State School and Hospital in Faribault (1884), she began working with parents who wanted their children to have more intensive educational programs than they were receiving in state institutions. In response, she began a school in Northfield with a homelike environment that emphasized health, education and training for the developmentally disabled. Today, Laura Baker Services Association is a thriving organization providing education and services that “respect the life choices and dreams of people with developmental disabilities and help them reach their goals.” Photo courtesy of Laura Baker Services

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(1864-1963) Some may say Lillien Cox Gault-Wolfe’s life was destined for politics. The daughter of former St. Peter mayor, E. St. Julien Cox, Lillien became the first woman mayor in Minnesota, serving the city of St. Peter from 1921 to 1922. Her mother was a distant cousin of President Grover Cleveland, and her first husband, A. K. Gault, was a distant relative of Vice President Aaron Burr. Photo courtesy of Nicollet County Historical Society

(1871-1951)

Agnes Larson (1892-1967)

Agnes Larson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Olaf College in Northfield in 1916. She then went on to earn a Master of Arts degree from Columbia University and a Ph.D. from Radcliffe College, during a time when few women held such honors. As a historian and author, Agnes taught at Mankato State Teachers College (currently Minnesota State University, Mankato), then became a history professor at St. Olaf College from 1926-1960 and professor emeritus from 1960-1967. In honor of Agnes’s significant accomplishments, St. Olaf named a dormitory after her, the Agnes M. Larson Hall.

Though she was born in Stockholm, Sweden, Olive Fremstad was adopted by the Fremstad family of St. Peter. Early in her life Olive showed indication of being a musical prodigy, and as an adult achieved much musical success, making her operatic debut in 1895 as Azucena in Verdi’s “Il trovatore” at the Cologne Opera. She later performed with the Metropolitan Opera in New York and in Vienna, Munich, Bayreuth and London; and was the model for Thea Kronborg, the heroine of Willa Cather’s famed novel, “The Song of the Lark.”

___ Photo courtesy of St. Olaf College Archives

(1892-1980) Countless children have grown up reading the stories of Maud Hart Lovelace, author of the beloved “Betsy-Tacy” books that continue to be cherished today. “Betsy-Tacy” was the first book in the series published by the prolific author in 1940, with “Betsy’s Wedding,” published in 1955, ending the series. The stories take place mostly in the fictional town Deep Valley, Minn., which is based in her home town of Mankato. The city of Mankato declared Betsy-Tacy Day on Oct. 7, 1961.

Photo courtesy of Nicollet County Historical Society

Harriet Quimby was the first American woman licensed pilot in 1911

WWI begins on July 28, 1914

(1900s, unknown) Not only was Brooksie Brown the only black woman living in Waseca during the 1930s and 1940s, but she was also a single woman, raising her sons and daughters on her own by selling Avon products out of a baby buggy. Brooksie’s efforts paid off, and each of her children went on to earn graduate degrees and experience successful careers.

Photo from sowashco.k12.mn.us

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___

Amelia Earhart flies solo across the Atlantic in 1932 Hattie Caraway pf Arkansas becomes first woman Cabinet member in 1932

“We had no simulators back then. If you wanted to fly an airplane, you got in and took off – that was our training,” said Betty. “And we loved it.” However, unlike male heroes of war, WASPs went unrecognized. The group was deactivated on Dec. 20, 1944, after the military had enough male pilots to get the job done, and for the next 35 years military records were sealed. Very few people knew that female war pilots existed – they simply went unrecognized in American history. Betty has since set out to change that.

(1919-present) As the B-17 bomber roared to life, propellers spinning to a blur, Betty Wall Strohfus sat at the controls, eager to take her next flight. The audacious young woman from Faribault was one of the first women to fly American military aircraft, carrying out anti-aircraft training missions, flying pursuit aircraft and bombers, and instructing male soldiers on instrument flight. Twenty-five thousand women signed up to join the Women Airforce Service Pilots, known as WASPs. Of those accepted, 1,075 graduated – including Betty – earning their “wings” and ultimately logging a total of some 61 million miles of flight during World War II. For Betty, it was “love at first flight.” An adventurous child who was seemingly immune to fear, she did not hesitate to register when the opportunity arose and was undeterred by the fearless training that ensued.

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Since 1991, she has visited 29 states, speaking to thousands of people about her experience as a WASP. In 2001 Betty was inducted into the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame. Now, at age 95, Betty gives no indication of slowing down, the story of the WASPs too important in history not to share. “I’m your past and you are our future,” said Betty. “You’ve got to keep America free for everybody.” Photo background by Heidi Kubes Photography Photo far right courtesy of Rice County Historical Society Other photos courtesy of Betty Strohfus

Le wom of a

1932

(1915-1995) A woman ahead of her time, Mary Moonan Walbran worked as a lawyer during her long-standing career, first in her grandfather and father’s firm, Moonan and Moonan, and later with her husband John in the law office now known as Walbran and Furness Law in Owatonna. Mary also stood in for her husband as Steele County Attorney when John was called into service during World War II. Her experience did not go unrecognized: Mary was named as one of the 100 most influential attorneys in state history by the Journal of Minnesota Law and Politics and she was inducted into Minnesota’s Legal Hall of Fame. Mary continued to work until her death at age 80.

(1923-2006) Mothers take a leading role in history and Lucille Miller, a Blooming Grove farmer’s wife, did so as the mother to 22 children: 15 girls and seven boys. Along with raising nearly two dozen children, over the years Lucille and her husband, Alvin, welcomed into their home several other children who needed a place to live. As if that wasn’t enough, she also involved herself in several church and community activities including helping to organize group homes in Waseca for the developmentally disabled.

Photo courtesy of Mark Walbran

(1932-present) Activist, advocate and community organizer extraordinaire, Molly Woehrlin knows how to change history. As of mother of a daughter with disabilities, in the 1960s Molly recognized a need to bring this population of our society out of isolation. She organized, lobbied and effected change to integrate these citizens in our schools and into community programs and jobs.

___ Along with Ann Vohs, Molly was also one of the first women to serve as a Rice County commissioner in the 1980s. Molly has been integral in starting WINGS (Women in Northfield Giving Support), an organization that raises money and encourages nonprofits to meet needs of different populations; TORCH (Tackling Obstacles and Raising College Hopes), serving Latino students and those who are first generation college students; the Northfield Community Action Center and the local chapter of the League of Women Voters – to name a few. Photo by Heidi Kubes Photography

Pearl Harbor is attacked December 7, 1941

Lettie Pate Whitehead Evans is first woman to serve on board of directors of a major corporation, the Coca Cola Company in 1934

(1943-present) Born in Kenyon, Stephanie Edwards moved far from her small-town roots to become an actress in popular shows like “The Girl with Something Extra” and “In Other Words.” But her fame to claim came as a news personality in the 1970s where she co-hosted ABC TV’s “AM America” (forerunner to “Good Morning America”), “AM Los Angeles” and the “Tournament of Roses Parade.” In 1979, Stephanie was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Host or Hostess in Talk, Service or Variety Series.

(1943-2013) An active member of the agricultural community, Norseland’s Judy Hanson was named Ag Communicator of the Year by Minnesota Farm Bureau. She also served several terms as a Nicollet County commissioner, the only female on the board during the majority of the time, and various county and agricultural committees. Judy was chosen among the 20 people from Minnesota to be part of Mi-LEAD leadership group. Photo courtesy of the St. Peter Herald

Photo courtesy of the dlisted.com

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___ First lesbian organization in U.S., Daughters of Bilitis, is founded in 1955

(1951-present) Once a classroom educator, in 1997 Melanie Nelson decided to use her own life lessons to embark upon a new career, that of entrepreneur. Melanie founded Learning ZoneXpress, based in Owatonna, a company that has since become a leading national producer of health and nutrition education materials and one of the fastest growing privately held companies in the United States. But it hasn’t come easy. During her seven years in business, Melanie experienced a fire that destroyed one office, floods that decimated another, and a technology meltdown that wiped out company records. With each disaster she’s stood strong and even transformed the fire-destroyed office space into a public space, Pocket Park. She’s also donated murals to the community to showcase Owatonna’s historical sites.

Former wife of singer John Denver, Annie Martell met her future husband while she was a student at Gustavus Adolphus College is St. Peter, the place that would become the setting of the couple’s marriage ceremony in 1967. Thanks to Annie, we have John’s hit song, “Annie’s Song.”

Photo courtesy of Melanie Nelson

Photo courtesy of Nicollet County Historical Society

“Women began campaigning for suffrage — the right to vote — in the United States in the mid-1800s, in marches, rallies, speeches and appeals to the state legislature and congress. They were dismissed, ridiculed, derided and often abused for their efforts. In 1920, the passage and ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which granted women the right to vote, brought success to their long 75-year campaign to be accorded equal citizenship rights.” – Minnesota Historical Society

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(Un)match.com A humorous look at the world of online dating

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Story By Sarah Osterbauer here are two different ways to view online dating. One is to see it as some kind of virtual candy store of singles, where there exists a pool of potential partners that meets all of the criteria you have set for your dream guy or gal. The other is to see it as a bunch of desper-

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ate people searching for hook up at any cost. And depending on the site and the day of the week, you encounter both of these views and everything in between. In recent times, online dating has become somewhat of a given for many who are out of school and trying to find a future someone. We are not just people anymore, we are profiles. I am not just “Sarah,” I am Sarah, 31-year-old financial analyst, 5 feet tall, Asian, music, beer

and salt enthusiast, searching for 6-foot-tall bearded beer and baseball lover who isn’t afraid to dance at weddings. And even if you are lucky enough to find someone who fits all the criteria you’ve established, you could still meet them and find out that they’re not a match. In the following stories, I’m going to try to give you a 360 degree view of what online dating is like for most of us. You’ll see how crazy and awkward it can be, but also how in the

midst of all the nonsense, people can still find “the one” and know it from the very first email. Online daters are brave, ballsy folk who put themselves out there, gambling on the one-in-a-million shot that their person will find them.

he first story comes from Jennie, 30. She, like many people, had given up on the bar scene and was ready to give online dating a try. She decided to join the free site, Plenty of Fish – and encountered just that. Her first online date was with a gentleman who she describes as “a muscle-head who had more tattoos than [she] had fingers.” Although he did not fit the description of who she usually went for, she agreed to dinner. Within minutes of their conversation, he announced that “in case things go further” she should probably be aware of a certain body piercing he had. Let’s take a minute and go over the multiple things that are wrong with a statement like that. 1. Any sort of “body talk” (including but not limited to body modification and/or other medical scenarios) should be kept to oneself until your relationship becomes more established. 2. Clearly this guy was either very confident or was not used

to dating a classy lady like our girl Jennie here if he thought that was relevant information for the evening. After surviving the rest of dinner, Mr. Muscles texted Jennie, “The ball is in your court.” Given the dinner announcement I would call that an interesting choice of words… Needless to say, Jen held onto her ball ‘til the next game. Round two was with a gentleman who she hit it off with online. She was amped for their date. Everything was going swimmingly until the end of the date when he told her “[she] was his angel and that he was going to marry [her] someday.” This is where the fishing mission should have been aborted. But ever the optimist, Jennie decided to go on a second date. He arrived at her place with three roses, “two white roses to symbolize each of [them] and one red rose to symbolize [their] future together.” In addition to the creeptastic roses, he also told Jenny that he already told his entire family about her and had planned the location of their future wedding and honeymoon. At this point she knew she had to ditch him before he also decided to chop her up in little pieces and prance around wearing her clothes. The icing on the cake came when he whipped out his tooth-

brush after dinner, then asked if he could leave it there indefinitely in her toothbrush holder. And after seeing that he changed his Facebook status to “in a relationship,” she quickly threw that Stage Five Clinger back in the water. Luckily this story comes with a happy ending. After a few more nightmarish dates she met someone nice. He didn’t try to leave any belongings at her house on the second date and was sans body piercings. Their third date turned into a 13th. And by the 30th she realized he was here to stay. They were married this past summer after dating for three years.

eet Jin, 31, an Internet dating skeptic. Jin completes his online dating profile with minimal effort and proceeds to attend a food and wine show after. Once he returns home from the show, (a few glasses of wine to the wind) he checks his Match.com profile and finds that a girl has messaged him. She requested to chat with him on AOL Instant Messenger (gives you an idea of how old this story is). He thinks nothing of giving her his AOL name only to get a message from her .02 seconds later. They chat for a little while and it’s not long before the girl invites him to her APARTMENT! Whahh?

Here’s where guys clearly differ from girls. This particular girl did not have a picture on her profile and Jin didn’t realize he had no clue what she looked like until he was halfway to her place! He’s broken several cardinal rules of online dating here: 1. Never talk to anyone who refuses to put a picture of themselves on their profile. 2. Always meet in a public place. 3. ALWAYS MEET IN A PUBLIC PLACE! 4. Make people plan ahead, for crying out loud. If someone is available at a moment’s notice then what kind of person does that make them? After becoming sufficiently lost trying to find this girl’s apartment, he finally meets her. She’s actually not a troll, so he lucks out there. When they arrive she ushers Jin right to her bedroom, locks the door (at which point he is starting to freak out) and proceeds to have her way with him – so to speak. Afterward, (because Jin is a gentleman) he takes Fatal Attraction Girl to dinner. And then, because he’s a dude, they go back to her place after. Once play time was over he realizes he doesn’t really want to sleep there. But sister’s got him in a kung fu grip and when he tries uuu

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to escape, she refuses to let him leave. This happens twice before he can come up with a reasonable excuse to fool her and goes home. A few days pass and he breaks things off her with her. Don’t drink and online date. This is what happens.

ot all stories end like Jin’s. Meet Nicole, 25. Nicole’s early forays in online dating were scary, and she was wary of all the creepers messaging her on the free dating sites. Taking the advice and encouragement of a friend, she begrudgingly signed up for (and paid for) Match.com. After about a month or so, she met Zach, sergeant in Afghanistan who would not be coming home until the holidays. Nicole says, “He understood if I left after a few emails, but those few emails turned into many and

then into Facebook messaging and then into Skype dates. Needless to say, I was hooked.” I think we can all relate to being “hooked” on someone from the get-go, but I was curious what drew Nicole to Zach at first. “I had a list on my profile of things that I was looking for, [for example], can throw a spiral football, goes to church. He responded by answering every list point I made. He wrote really well, with both charm and wit.” Are you taking notes gentleman? Paying a little attention to a lady goes a long way and that’s true for every woman. In addition to Zach listing out all of Nicole’s qualifications, he also put time and effort into his emails to her, each of them a least a page in length. Nicole says even though they’ve only been talking for three months, it feels as if they’ve known each other for

years. Everything between them has felt natural and organic, even that first Skype date (which if it were me, would’ve been super awkward). They now plan their Skype dates a day in advance for the nine-and-a-half hour time difference. The weekend before Christmas they were to meet for the first time in person – and meet each other’s families. At the time of the interview, Nicole was, of course, feeling anxious, excited, happy and every other emotion imaginable. I wish Nicole love and luck and I cannot wait to hear how it goes. I feel a viral video meeting coming on…

y pretties, I have saved the best for last. Meet Anna, 30. Anna is an experienced online dater. She’s very laid back and open to meeting all sorts of

people. She knows to follow all the rules, i.e., meeting in a public place and not letting anyone know where she lives until she’s sure she can trust them. She dates multiple people at once and enjoys the juggling. She met a man on Match.com and because she doesn’t enjoy emailing for very long (through the site) she gave him her phone number. So they started texting back and forth for a few days and 75 percent of his texts were in caps, for example: “HEY GIRLLLLLL!!” I don’t know if he was not aware that capital letters represent shouting or if he was just really, really enthusiastic all the time. This was the first sign that maybe he had a screw loose. Despite the all-caps messages, she agreed to a date with him. Unfortunately the date was cancelled last minute because she got sick. Texting continued for another

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week before she decided she was not interested and called it quits. She sent him a very diplomatic text saying something like, â€œIt was nice meeting you, however I do not wish to pursue this relationship any further,â€? to which he replied, â€œARE YOU [EXPLICATIVE] KIDDING ME?!!!! I THOUGHT WE HAD SOMETHING SPECIAL!!!!!â€? And then the kicker: The next text from him is a picture â€Ś it was NOT of his lunch. It was his way of saying (not so subtly) â€œsee what youâ€™re missing?â€? This was made even more comical when you factor in that he previously had tried to impress Anna by telling her that he drove a Chevy Impala. Cuz Chevys really rev a girlâ€™s engine, you know? The best part of this story is that Mr. Click Pic (modified version of the actual nickname we have for him) continued to sporadically text Anna for months after this even

though she would never respond. She finally got rid of him when he texted her â€œAnnie?â€? and she wrote back, â€œNope, this is Greg.â€? He wrote back and apologized for having the wrong number and she has not heard from him since. Online dating is not for the weak of mind. There are a lot of crazies out there just waiting to lock you in their bedrooms and text you in all caps. But if you can sort through the nonsense and keep your wits about you, it is actually possible to find someone worthwhile. Online dating can be scary, overwhelming and annoying. But on the flipside it can be surprising, fun and adventurous. Sarah Osterbauer is a die-hard city girl with a passion for live music, locally brewed beer and Twins baseball. She is also a fearless crusader on the dating scene.

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From the Kitchen

Recipe contributed by Nancy Maxfield

Corned beef ingredients Brisket with corning packet 2-3 bay leaves 1 onion, peeled and halved 2 carrots, cut in half 3 ribs of celery 1 potato, cut in half 1 tablespoon thyme 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon pepper 2 tablespoons chicken base

Corned beef directions

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Place all ingredients into a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and simmer 2-3 hours until tender. Cool. Discard the vegetables and bay leaves but keep the broth, skimming the fat from the liquid. Remove the extra fat from the meat and cut it into bite-sized pieces. (Note: The meat can be refrigerated in a sealable container with broth if using later.) | Girlfriends.mn

Ingredients 6 potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces 4 carrots, chopped 1 onion, chopped 8 ribs celery, chopped 4 ounces margarine or butter 1 cabbage, cut into bite-sized chunks 12 ounces frozen corn 2 leeks, cleaned and chopped 2 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon parsley 1 teaspoon dry chives ½ teaspoon pepper ½ teaspoon thyme 1 packet Betty Crocker Instant Garlic Mashed Potatoes (to thicken)

Soup directions Place potatoes, carrots, onions, celery and butter into a pot with the broth and cook for 30 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients along with the corned beef. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 30 minutes.

New Ulm & St. Peter

Patrick’s on Third 125 S. Third St.,St. Peter www.patrickson3rdstpeter.com Join in or cheer along with the charming St. Patrick’s Day Parade in St. Peter, then stop by Patrick’s on Third for an authentic Irish celebration where you’ll be served a free bowl of Corned Beef Soup. It’s a tradition at Patrick’s and one that keeps soup chef Nancy Maxfield very busy, making an average of 15 gallons of Corned Beef Soup for this special day. Patrick’s is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday-Friday; and from 10 a.m. (breakfast) to 1 a.m. Saturday-Sunday. Along with soup, salad, burgers, pizza and a variety of sandwiches like the “World Famous Patty Melt,” you’ll find 30 beers on tap including that St. Patty’s Day favorite, Guinness.

Nancy Maxfield

grill & bar Open to the public 43779 Golf Course Road Saint Peter, Minnesota 507-931-4400 • www.woodsgrillbar.com

Open for Lunch 11-1:30 Tuesday-Saturday Open for Supper 4:30-8 Tues-Thurs, 4:30-8:30 Sat

Cuckoo Clocks | Ornaments | Steins German Food | Pipkas 127 North Minnesota St. • New Ulm (507) 233-4287 www.gutentaghaus.com

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700 N Minnesota Ave St. Peter, MN 507-931-6554 www.americinn.com WINTER 2014 |

| Girlfriends.mn

Time to

celebrate! St. Peter group honors women of “character, courage and commitment”

Photo courtesy of the St. Peter Herald.

oday in our country, recognizing the achievements of women is widely accepted – but that hasn’t always been the case. For decades after flying with the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) in World War II, Betty Strohfus (see cover story) was not allowed to talk about her experiences. Not only did her husband request her silence on the topic, but the military effectively swept

OPEN 24 HOURS 495 West North Street Owatonna, MN (507) 451-7220 www.cashwise.com

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the work of this group of more than 1,000 brave women under the rug and replaced their jobs, post-war, with men. For decades the WASPs went unrecognized. Times have changed. Women Celebrating Women, a St. Peter group that began in 2003, honors all women and recognizes notable career and leadership accomplishments of local women. “Celebrating Women of Character, Courage and Commitment,” the theme for this year’s award ceremony, succinctly defines the group’s purpose. courtesy of “We ... wanted to honor a woman (or women) Photo the St. Peter Herald. for their contributions to the greater St. Peter area, write women back into the history of St. Peter, and host an event that would invite women of all walks of life to come together to celebrate one another’s accomplishments,” said Peggy Carlson, one of three committee members who have served since the group’s formation. A part of this recognition comes in the form of the annual awards banquet that includes a social hour and dinner, a short presentation or speaker, and displays highlighting women’s history locally and beyond. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. March, 25 at the C. Charles Jackson Center on the Gustavus Adolphus College campus and is open to the public. “We believe it is important to allow women of all ages and all walks of life to join together to learn, celebrate and enjoy one another’s company,” said Peggy. “We also strongly encourage anyone to nominate someone who has made a difference in St. Peter by through their leadership and commitment to the area and its people.” Look for tickets and more information about the event in the St. Peter Herald, the Minnesota Valley Shopper, the St. Peter Community and Family Education brochure or at the St. Peter Area Chamber of Commerce.

Story By Brenda K.M. Ward

Owatonna Business Women will also honor business women during its Women of Achievement Annual Scholarship Event held Feb. 28 at the Owatonna History Center. The event begins with a social hour, silent auction and music at 6:15 p.m., followed by a 7:30 p.m. program that includes a keynote speaker and recognition of scholarship and award recipients. Register or find more information on the event at owatonnabusinesswomen.wildapricot.org.

Starting

Together

Childbirth Education at District One Hospital

We now offer

Heidi H. Cole M.D. Dermatology

StarƟng Together is a 4-week prenatal class to educate pregnant women and their partners about labor and delivery. We will discuss what happens during the hospital stay, infant care and breast feeding.

Heidi H. Cole, M.D. | Laura Jarvis, PA-C | Kenneth J. Cherney, M.D. 710 Division Street, Northfield MN 55057 (P): 507-645-2212 (F): 507-645-0616

Classes are recommended for expectant mothers who are 23 to 32 weeks gestaƟon. Classes should ideally be completed by 36 weeks gestaƟon. Mothers planning for a delivery at a facility other than District One Hospital are welcome to aƩend.

ering a

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Community People Quality Healthcare WINTER 2014 |

| Girlfriends.mn

In honor of the Women in History issue: Betty Holmstrom Tenant at Millstream Commons Assisted Living

â€œMy father was unable to serve in WWI. During WWII, women could enlist and I went in his honor to fulfill his dream.â€? www.threelinks.org

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| Girlfriends.mn

507.650.0141

In historic downtown Northfield

Wellness Story By Lucy Casale

ne fateful morning, not long ago, I woke up to a dull ache in my wrist. I gave it a shake, annoyed by the feeling. It’ll go away, I told myself. But it didn’t. Instead, as the week progressed, the ache got worse. By the following week, it was no longer an ache but a pain – a pain that had spread to both my wrists, knocked on the knuckles in both my hands, and pulsed up both arms to my elbows. It wasn’t a sharp pain, just constant. Soon, the pain mixed with a tingling sensation. Then, my fingers started feeling numb. At that point, I didn’t want to wait around for whatever might happen next. I went to see my doctor. I didn’t have to wait long before I heard the diagnosis: carpal tunnel syndrome – a condition where the nerve traveling from forearm to palm is compressed at the wrist. At its worst, the condition requires surgery. At its best, it can be managed with early treatment. I sat listening to my doctor’s prescription: A regimen of hand and wrist stretches (I could handle that), back strengthening exercises (not too bad) and finally wrist braces (wait…) to wear every night (what?) and whenever I type on a computer (no!) for the rest of my career (NO!). I’m a recent college graduate with a full-time job as a writer. As you can imagine, this wasn’t welcome news. I could have yelled. What am I going to do? I could have cried. (I did cry, uuu

PositiVITY Positive and negative emotions affect your health – why and how to choose positive

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| Girlfriends.mn

but I made myself stop after what seemed like a reasonable amount of time). All things considered, I really could have lost it. I could have let the sea of emotions that were welling up in me – anger, frustration, despair – engulf me completely. Again, I could have. But, I didn’t. As it turned out, I was in the midst of researching the power of emotions. I knew what I should do instead.

Emotions and our health If you haven’t gathered as much – or otherwise read or heard of the growing body of research on the subject – your atti-

tude, or the way you think and feel about things, can affect your life in a major way. In fact, your feelings or emotions, be they positive or negative, can directly impact your mental and physical health. Positive emotions boast impressive health benefits. Research from experts in the field of psychology shows positive emotions are associated with reduced mental stress as they can lower physical production of the stress hormone, cortisol. Positive emotions are further associated with better immune function and reduced risk of chronic diseases. Among other benefits, studies from the National Institute of Health also show that positive people think and act more creatively and are more flexible in

their goals and mindsets. For many, happiness is the ultimate goal. And positive emotions can help us feel happier. According to a National Institute of Health happiness study, a significant number of studies show that happy people live all-around better lives. They form more supportive relationships and they cope with problems more effectively. They have better mental and physical health and they live longer lives. An added bonus: They also tend to be more financially successful than their less sunny counterparts. Negative emotions, on the other hand, produce none of the health benefits of positive emotions. On the contrary, research shows that negative emotions may uuu

Adjust your attitude

10 tips

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t is possible to change your outlook on life. Local experts offer their suggestions. 1. Talk the talk. Positive self-talk, or affirmations, are key, says Linda Grant, a massage therapist, life coach and coowner of Healing Hands Wellness Group in Waseca. “When I’m working with people I like to ask them to eliminate the words ‘but’ and ‘if only,’ because anything is possible if you put your mind to it.” Grant suggests you think in terms of “now.” Want to stay positive? Try saying, “I am positive,” not, “I will be positive.” 2. Live in the now. Klempnauer suggests mindfulness, or living in the present, as a way to move towards positive emotions. “Learning to accept things as they are, learning to acknowledge and validate and express emotions is critical! It helps us feel better and advocate for ourselves.” Grant agrees. Holding onto the past isn’t healthy, Grant says. “You gotta give it up, you gotta move on.” 3. Post-it! Positive Facebook posts can’t hurt, but Grant suggests taking Post-it notes and writing positive statements on them. “Put them on the mirror, in the bathroom, on the refrigerator – wherever you look,” she says. “They should have positive affirmations about you, about how you feel about yourself.” 4. Exercise. “Exercise is huge in terms of managing mood,” Klempnauer says. “I always recommend that people exercise.” Indeed, research shows that regular exercise can boost energy and mood and to some extent relieve stress, depression and anxiety. The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends that healthy adults get a total of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week – the equivalent of 30 minutes per day, five days per week – plus two days of strength training per week. You can start small, though. Klempnauer says if a gym is not for you, dance or go for a walk around the block. 5. Eat right. In addition to exercise, a healthy diet is very important, says Grant. The United States Department of Agriculture

| Girlfriends.mn

recommends making half your plate fruits and veggies, making half your grains whole grains, and choosing lean proteins and low-fat or fat-free dairy products as part of a balanced diet. 6. Get enough shut-eye. Grant says sleep is important. The National Sleep Foundation guidelines suggest that most adults need 7 to 9 hours per night. 7. Relax. Klempnauer suggests relaxation techniques like breath work. Want an example? She suggests visiting YouTube for the “Three Minute Breath Practice” offered by the Ohio State University Counseling and Consultation. “It’s a good thing for people who are feeling stressed, a good relaxation tool and a great mindfulness exercise,” she says. 8. Massage. Both Klempnauer and Grant suggest massage. Among other benefits, massage can help lessens stress, Grant says, which in turn can lift your mood. 9. Journaling. “If journaling is your thing, a gratitude journal is wonderful,” says Grant. Start by writing down something you’re grateful for each day. 10. Laugh! Klempnauer suggests taking time to laugh and find humor in your day. Though you may have forgotten this writer’s personal story by now, the end may make you laugh. After coming to terms with the fact that I would be stuck with wrist braces, indefinitely, I chose to be positive – optimistic, even. I wore my first pair of wrist braces right out of the doctor’s office. They’re blue. I then marched off to my local drugstore and bought a second pair, in nude. These will go with any outfit.

even shorten your life. Negative thinkers also tend towards more rigid and predictable thinking and behavior, says Stacey Klempnauer, MSW, LICSW. They may also have more difficulty with interpersonal relationships. “One of the things I think is really interesting about emotions is that when we have positive emotions, we tend to feel better about ourselves. We also tend to feel better about other people,” says Klempnauer, a psychotherapist who practices in Northfield. “[But,] when we think about other people in negative terms, we tend to feel worse about them.” Klempnauer points out that no benefit comes from spending your time directing negative emotions

like anger, hatred or frustration towards others. Klempnauer says this is something she focuses on in therapy. “You end up affecting your own life more than theirs. You’re spending so much time sending anger and hatred to that other person, you’re giving that other person so much power over your life. It’s not just engaging in negative emotions, it’s fueling and reinforcing those negative emotions. We are really letting those emotions and the other person take over our lives.”

You can choose to be positive While some people simply tend to see their glass as half-empty, it

doesn’t mean they can’t choose to see it as half-full. Some research psychologists believe that up to 40 percent of our happiness is within our own control. (The other 60 percent being determined by of our genes and environment.) So, to the extent that we can choose to think and act positively, we can enjoy the benefits of positive emotions. We can even alter our own brain chemistry, according to Julie Gerndt, M.D., a psychiatrist at the Mankato Clinic in Mankato. “Current medical research uses imaging technology called ‘PET’ that has demonstrated changes in brain function in response to cognitive therapy,” says Dr. Gerndt. “That means that when people

purposefully alter their thinking and behavioral choices, their brain chemistry changes. There is a clear brain-body connection that affects our physical health, and that is why we use cognitive therapy to treat depressive illness.” (It’s important to note that if negative emotions are getting in the way of your daily functioning, you should see your doctor.) Now that you know by choosing to think and act positively, you can enjoy the benefits of positive emotions, you’re probably asking: Where do I start? Lucy Casale is a Minneapolis-based writer and editor.

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OFFICE: (507) 455-1858 EMAIL: brenda@brendabednar.com | OFFICE: (507) 455-1858 CELL: (507)213-1433 213-1433 APPLY ONLINE AT: www.brendabednar.com CELL: (507) 214 South Oak Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060 FAX: FAX:(507) (507) 455-4006 455-4006

Marcia HalvOrSOn, Owner 634 W Bridge Street, Owatonna 507-473-2400 • www.ddbridals.com

EMAIL: brenda@brendabednar.com 3 APPLY ONLINE AT: www.brendabednar.com 214 South Oak Avenue, Owatonna

WINTER 2014 |

| Girlfriends.mn

Wellness

Looking to incite romance this Valentine’s Day? Mother Nature at your service. Story By Brenda K.M. Ward ince ancient history people have relied on nature’s bounty for remedies, whether to cure a malady or inspire a romantic tryst. After learning that chocolate was considered a “love drug,” the Mexican chief Montezuma was said to have drunk 50 cups of chocolate a day before visiting his harem. In parts of Ireland, women will ingest a four-leaf clover while dreaming of their desired man, to which he will supposedly respond with love. Ancient Egyptians and Romans, people of the Far East and those of Victorian times, too, came to connect flowers and herbs with various qualities, creating tempting teas and aromatic oil recipes that have stood the test of time. But, can you really inspire love or passion with the use of flowers, fragrant oils or even food? Why not give it a try and find out for yourself?

Our sense of smell is directly linked to the brain’s limbic lobe, the emotional control center. Essential oils can create intense physiological and psychological effects, stimulating nerves and the release of hormones. Try the recipes below or create your own essential oil blends to fit your mood.

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2 drops cardamom essential oil (to activate body and senses) 2 drops nutmeg essential oil (encourages ardor)

Ingredients: 2 ounces sweet almond or apricot kernel oil 2 ounces jojoba or grapeseed oil 16 drops Mandarin orange essential oil 3 drops ylang ylang essential oil (melts away stress) 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil (relaxes muscles and joints)

The heat from the candle warms the liquid and releases the aroma.

Lovemaking linen mist Intimacy is the main ingredient for this mist. Spritz your pillows and sheets to set a provocative mood. Ingredients: 4 ounces water 15 drops sandalwood essential oil 5 drops vetiver essential oil 4 drops jasmine absolute oil (for passion) Passion promiser You’re relaxed, and intimacy is in the air. Now it’s time to bring on the heat of desire.

(auracacia.com)

Intimate massage oil Begin your evening of romance with a relaxing massage by stirring up a recipe for a calm and soothing mood.

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Ingredients: 1 candle lamp diffuser with tea light candle ¼ cup water (place in bowl of diffuser lamp, then add the following oils) 6 drops Mandarin orange essential oil

(herbgardens.about.com and mindbodygreen.com)

From flattery to everlasting love, herbs have you covered, whether in a sachet tucked within a pillow, sprinkled in a bath, brewed in tea or dabbed over the heart center as a perfume. Patchouli: Passion (sachet) Yarrow: Everlasting love (tea or bath) Lavender: Devotion and undying love (bath, sachet, a sachet in dryer with sheets) Oregano: Joy and happiness (tea or food) Fennel: Flattery (bouquet, food) Calendula: Joy (tea, bath, soap) Rose: Love and romance (bath, soap) Basil: Love (tea, bath, food) Thyme: Affection (tea, bath, food)

(health.com and homecooking.about.com)

Amazing People. Amazing Place. Celebrating the Women of NRC. Northfield Retirement Community is proud to be called “home” by many exceptional and pioneering women. Women like Brynnie.

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. While the aroma of a homemade dinner is most certainly bewitching, you may want to add a few “side dishes” for that extra pizzazz. Banana: Enhances male performance Caviar: Stimulates formation of testosterone Champagne and other types of alcohol: Lowers inhibitions and increases confidence (Too much, however, can have a

sedative effect and ruin your evening!) Truffles: Arouses the palate and the body Ginseng: Increases desire for physical contact Chocolate: Promotes relaxation and lower inhibitions, increases activity and desire Almonds, asparagus or radish: Enhances sexual health, considered aphrodisiacs Oysters: Lets one experience the masculine and feminine sides of love

Brynhild Rowberg served the United States in various diplomatic roles during a celebrated career that took her from Washington, D.C., to England, Italy, Greece, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Vietnam, Germany and Taiwan. Now a resident at NRC, she said, “This community truly values intellectual and cultural stimulation. There are constantly classes, lectures and performances.” Find great company in an attractive setting with access to premier care and services. Visit northfieldretirement.org today.

HEIDI H. COLE, M.D. Kenneth J. Cherney, M.D.

MEDICAL SURGICAL & COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY Heidi H. Cole MD is pleased to announce the addition of Kenneth J. Cherney MD to her dermatology practice. Dr. Cherney is board certified and has had 34 years of experience caring for people with skin disorders. He has a special interest in medical dermatology including skin cancer, acne, warts and psoriasis. Dr. Cole has special interest in surgical, cosmetic and medical dermatology.

To make an appointment please call 507-645-2212 710 Division Street S, Northfield, MN 55057 5 0 7 . 6 4 5 . 2 2 1 2 · w w w. c o l e d e r m . c o m

NRC resident Brynhild Rowberg

Northfield Retirement Community 507-664-3466 • 900 Cannon Valley Drive www.northfieldretirement.org WINTER 2014 |

| Girlfriends.mn

The District One Hospital Auxilian Advocates for Health invite you to celebrate the 17th annual wine tasting event:

You and your baby

The most important members of our team Our team of physicians and nurse practitioners provide specialized care for you before, during and after your pregnancy. We offer comprehensive services to ensure you and your baby receive the care you need, when you need it, close to home.

Sensational Samplings Saturday, March 8

7 o’clock in the evening Faribault Golf Club 1700 NW 17th Street· Faribault · MN $35 for advance tickets available at District One Hospital $40 at the door For more information, please call 507.332.4798.

Call us today to schedule an appointment. Mayo Clinic Health System in Waseca 1-877-412-7575 (toll-free) Mayo Clinic Health System in Faribault 507-333-3300 Mayo Clinic Health System in Owatonna 507-451-1120

mayoclinichealthsystem.org

ne wine · cheese · ale · coffee hors d’oeuvres · dessert The Auxilian Advocates for Health raise funds and share their talents to address health needs in the community. Over the years, your generous support of this event and other auxilian activities have helped raise over $300,000 for District One Hospital and community health projects.

Auxilian Advocates for Health 26

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Wellness

Lisa Precht

Here’s to good health

Lisa Precht is Outreach and Education Coordinator at Just Food Co-op in Northfield Sponsored by Just Food Co-op

Musings in The Bulk Aisle Many of our longtime shoppers will remember that the bulk section is where it all began. From our humble origins as a buying club to our current state-of-the art product dispensing units, the bulk food department has grown to encompass a huge selection of top-quality products. Just Food Co-op’s assortment of bulk grains, seeds, nuts, pastas, granolas, soup and salad mixes, baking ingredients, and snacks will keep you bringing back your reusable containers for more! Even today, purchasing items in bulk remains one of the most economical ways to shop your co-op.  Our bulk section features locally produced items such as Whole Grain Milling flours, rolled oats and more. Northbay trading offers an exceptional array of soup mixes for an easy and hardy meal. Glad Corn, which is simply corn, is an amazingly flavorful treat. There’s also a myriad of nuts, dried fruits and grains in our bulk section, many from local producers. Just Food bulk herb section offers products from Frontier Natural Products Co-op located right up the road in Norway, Iowa. A company that prides itself on environmental friendliness and social responsibility, Frontier supplies Just Food with the highest quality all natural and organic bulk herbs you’ll find anywhere. Buying herbs & spices in bulk allows you to purchase smaller amounts to suit

Show some Co-op Love.

your specific needs, keeping your spice cabinet well stocked with the freshest spices available. It is recommended that spices be replaced every six months, and purchasing in bulk is one way to keep your spice stash fresh.  Just Food also offers a full line of bulk teas, and we carry a variety of medicinal herbs in bulk so you can blend your own therapeutic brew with the assistance of our knowledgeable wellness staff. We stock everything from the basics such as chamomile and peppermint to nettle and elderberries. You can grind your own almond or organic roasted peanut butter or indulge in some fresh raw honey or unsulphered molasses. It’s easy to be healthy and budget friendly using Just Food recipes helping you put great meals together at a fraction of the cost of what you may have been spending for those “grab and go” meals. We also offer a variety of containers to store your bulk goods in including jars, bottles and bags. The Internet offers creative and free label designs if you really want to “pretty” up your pantry or just organize the food you have so nothing goes to waste. Many items in the bulk section will also support your effort to participate in the Coop’s Eat Local Challenge, which runs March 1 to March 8. Bigger really is better when it comes to the bulk section. See you at the co-op!

516 Water St S, Northfield 507-650-0106 · justfood.coop WINTER 2014 |

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Kari Berit

Unexpected CaregiveR Kari Berit (www.KariBerit.com) is a radio show host and author of The Unexpected Caregiver: How Boomers Can Keep Mom & Dad Active, Safe and Independent (2007: Attainment Company). She delivers high-energy, informative and humorous keynotes around caregiving and aging.

To love yourself first As a young girl I worried at family gatherings that my mom would drink too much. I fretted that my sister would say something that would cause mom to cry. I brooded over the fact that, even though it was my birthday on Dec. 25, this day was not about me. Instead of birthday presents, I received “Merry Birthday” combination gifts. And they were never more special than what everyone else received. Those feelings and memories seem so trivial when I consider what I have been given. But to a young girl, those memories created the limiting beliefs I now embody: Everything will be all right if I don’t make a fuss or say what I want. My job is to monitor how others are feeling, to consider what, if anything, I need to do for them, and put my needs aside. I’ve always figured I’ll deal with what I want later. Later rarely comes when you’re taking care of other people’s feelings before yours. I scan a room and take the temperature of how others are doing. I then decide how I need to feel based on the feelings of others. Just writing this makes me realize how crazy this is! So I’m stuck in stage one of “emotional slavery”: believing I’m responsible for the feelings of others. As I dig deeper into the work of Marshall Rosenberg’s “Nonviolent Communication,” I begin to put more intelligent words to the feelings I’ve carried for years. If others aren’t happy or don’t appear happy, I am compelled to do something – to fix the situation at the cost of ignoring my needs. This is what I learned as a child of an alcoholic mother. I learned to enter a room cautiously, to look for potential danger (generally disguised as a thermal glass that smelled of pine needles), and to either tiptoe past the room or engage in cheerful conversation about mindless things or cut myself down in an attempt to raise her self-esteem. As if I could. After doing this for nearly 50 years, this way of life feels so normal that even thinking of making a change scares the hell out of me. If I speak my

“Love Yourself First” Arabic 28

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truth, I will hurt others. If I am honest, people will think poorly of me, “How could she be so selfish?” I clumsily try to take care of myself, but more often than not I slip backwards into this dysfunctional normalcy that makes sense and feels right. As women and as caregivers, we face a challenge: In order to care deeply for someone else, we must first care deeply for ourselves. With the emotional scars we carry and the minimal amount of time we devote to repairing our past hurts, giving care to a loved one can too often bury deeper our limiting beliefs. We all have pasts that play a role in the way we treat others and ourselves. I encourage you to carve out time this year to understand how it is you love yourself. How are you going to throw your arms around yourself before encircling those you love? To love yourself first: That is your 2014 Kari’s column first appeared in her blog Dec. 9, 2013, “Not Gonna Be a Christmas Angel this Year.”

Girlfriends Guide

$ Financial Resources Brad L. Running CLU® Financial Advisor. A unique and disciplined approach. Today, it’s natural to have questions about your retirement, even if you’ve saved and planned for it. With our proprietary Confident Retirement® approach, we’ll find answers and take the first step toward creating a road map to the future you want. We’ll talk through the four basic principles of retirement: (1) covering essential expenses, (2) assuring your lifestyle, (3) preparing for the unexpected and (4) leaving a legacy. And I’ll help you make adjustments as needed so you can retire on your terms. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., 1850 Austin Road, Suite 104, Owatonna, MN 55060, 507-455-4070 brad.l.running@ampf.com, ameripriseadvisors@ampf.com/brad.l.running.

Sandy Wenker, CPA Conveniently located in downtown Faribault, Sandy Wenker, CPA, provides tax planning & preparation, payroll services, accounting & bookkeeping, QuickBooks assistance & training, and new business consulting. Call or stop in at 14 3rd Street NE, Faribault. 507-333-3973 www.faribaultcpa.com.

Castle Rock Bank The Castle Rock Bank has been serving the women in this community for 96 years. To answer the question, “What do women want in banking?” We believe the answer is, “To be heard, understood, respected and valued.” 27925 Danville Ave Castle Rock, 507-6457751 www.castlerockbank.net.

Food & Entertainment Legacy Golf & The Grill at The Legacy The Legacy is a championship 18-hole facility offering value-added golf and a warm friendly environment for golf outings & casual dining. It provides a unique setting for meetings, reunions, groom’s dinners, banquets and bridal showers. The indoor Grill can accommodate 30-50 people & the open-air Pavilion can accommodate up to 170. 1515 Shumway Ave, Faribault, 507-332-7177 www.legacygolf.net.

OWATONNA COUNTRY CLUB Welcome to the Owatonna Country Club, your full service club offering everything from golf, fine dining, and catering to fun! The Owatonna Country Club has been meeting the needs of Owatonna and the surrounding comunities since 1919 — either through our numerous membership options, hosting spectacular weddings and executive meetings (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC) or by providing the most professional golf tournament venue in southern Minnesota. Please call us with any questions or visit our website at www. owatonnacc.com. 1991 Lemond Road, Owatonna, MN 55060, Main: 507-451-6120, Catering: 507-451-6120.

Health & Wellness

Curves of Owatonna Our Curves Complete program, offers women a complete weight loss solution— exercise, meal plans, and coaching—all in one location. Curves Protein Bars (Meal & Snack size) and Spot Toning classes. All Curves staff are certified by the Cleveland Clinic in Exercise, Nutrition and Behavior Coaching. Curves - 1828 S. Cedar Ave, Owatonna 507-455-4060.

Fit for Life Fit for Life is a 24-hour Fitness Center located just off Hwy 21 N. We specialize in individual and group personal training as well as weight management and group fitness classes. State of the Art Cybex Equipment is on site for those who prefer to do it alone. 1400 Cannon Circle, Suite 6, Faribault, 507-333-5430 www.fitforlifemn.com.

Holland Family Dental Holland Family Dental is located in the Professional Building on Hillcrest Ave. in Owatonna. We have been in Owatonna since 1996 and concentrate on dentistry for the entire family. We offer services in preventive, cosmetic and comprehensive care which includes implants and up-to-date dental technology. Please visit us at 605 Hillcrest Ave. Owatonna MN. 507-451-7250.

JERILYN WIEDERHOLT, MS, MS, LP, ATR-BC Licensed Psychologist, Registered Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Educator K-12. Providing mental health services (assessment, therapy, consultation, training) to adults, adolescents and children. Use of psychological techniques to improve mental and physical health. Integrative, holistic, wellness oriented. Northfield, MN. 507-321-2002.

Millstream Commons Assisted Living Millstream Commons Assisted Living is located in downtown Northfield. 44 Assisted Living apartments (studio, 1 and 2 BR) featuring three meals a day, supportive nursing care, respite care, & life enrichment activities. Pets allowed. Licensed Housing with Services provider. Part of the Three Links Community. Member of Aging Services of Minnesota. 210 8th St W, Northfield, 507-650-9627, threelinks.org .

Northfield Urgent Care Tired of waiting to see your doctor for simple problems like sore throats and earaches? We provide walk-in medical care for all ages, from infants to adults. We are open 7 days per week and no appointment is needed! Quick, easy and efficient! 2014 Jefferson Rd Suite C, Northfield, MN 55057, 507-664-9999, northfieldurgentcare.com.

The Northfield Area Family YMCA The Northfield Area Family YMCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for all individuals, families, and the community to achieve their fullest potential. From summer camps, to youth sports, to preschool activities and adult wellness, we have something for everyone. Become a member of the YMCA! 519 Division Street, Northfield 507-645-0088, www.northfieldymca.org. Scholarships are available to ensure everyone can participate.

Northfield Retirement Community Situated on a 30-acre, beautifully landscaped campus, NRC was established in 1969 to provide housing and services specifically designed to meet the physical, social, psychological and spiritual needs of older adults. Housing options include apartments with a minimal level of services, as well as other home settings that make increasing levels of service readily available. Options include rental and owner-occupied living spaces. Units are available for both income-sensitive and market-rate income levels. NRC also provides a fully-staffed care center for those who desire a more traditional nursing home setting. 900 Cannon Valley Drive, Northfield, 507-645-9511, northfieldretirement.org.

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Girlfriends Guide Home & Garden Judys Floral Design Whether Your Wedding is black tie/ ballroom or barefoot on the beach or somewhere in between! Beautiful, quality flowers and great ideas start with Judy Smith. “Specializing in fresh creative and affordable blooms for all the flower moments of your life” 507645-0008, 300 Railway St. North, Dundas, judysfloraldesign.com.

Owatonna Mortgage Financing, or refinancing a home doesn’t have to be a complicated procedure if you have the right professional to guide you through the process. With Owatonna Mortgage you are guaranteed to receive supreme client care and trustworthy advice throughout the entire process. We know how valuable and precious your time is. Ryan Jirele, Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS #320358, NMLS #503704. 507-676-2708, 111 W. Vine St, Owatonna, facebook.com/OwatonnaMortgage

Simon Bros Cement Co. Simon Bros Cement Co. has been serving the Northfield area since 1969. We specialize in quality concrete and masonry including foundations, driveways, epoxy garage floors. Call for a free estimate. We will look at your project and use 40+ years of experience to share ideas and advice. Call Ray 612-3284591.

Insurance American Family Insurance Bart Jackson Agency American Family Insurance offers home, automobile, atv, motorcycle, boat, commercial business, farm and life insurance. We are available to meet with you personally to review your situation and provide recommendations as to the proper coverage’s for your needs. Bart Jackson Insurance Agency, 408 Central Ave N, Suite D, Faribault, MN 55021. 507-332-6812.

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American Family Insurance Therese Whitesong Agency We’re a J.D. Power and Associates Distinguished Insurance Agency. We’re among a select group that demonstrated the ability to consistently deliver “An Outstanding Customer Experience.” Whether you need insurance for your auto, home, life, health, or business, we listen to you to determine the right insurance that fits your needs. Therese Whitesong Agency, American Family Insurance. Telephone: 507-645-5010, 510 Washington St South, Northfield, www. ThereseWhitesong.com.

A touch of charm A Touch of Charm is a quaint florist and gift shop in downtown Blooming Prairie, Minnesota. Leanne Hanson, owner, has been providing home accents, decorating ideas, gift and full service floral for the area since 1988. We specialize in a mixture of traditional, cottage and countrypolitan accents for your home and a unique array of gifts that you can’t wait to give. 507-583-7637, atouchofcharmonline.com.

The Paper Petalum

Salons BLOWN AWAY SALON & SPA Blown Away Salon & Spa offers a variety of services that are perfect for any budget. The salon side offers hair cutting, styling, coloring, & perming. All of our staff is experienced and attends regular classes to keep our guests updated. On the spa side, we offer massage with therapists specializing in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Prenatal, & Reflexology. Our Esthetician does body waxing, makeup lessons/applications, lash extensions, facials, microderm, and chemical peels. Getting married? Check out our great bridal packages! 159 18th St. SW, Suite 4, Owatonna, MN 55060. www.blown-away-salon.com.

SISTER SALON & DAY SPA Our Mission at Sisters is to provide everyone that walks through our doors with the highest level of quality services. We appreciate that you have chosen us to take care of your beauty and relaxation needs. Sisters is fortunate to have a wonderfully diverse staff with varying degrees of experience and specialties. Because each of our stylists are uniquely different, our service menu reflect these differences. Our tiered pricing system was set in place to help you, our valued guest, know that no matter which talented stylist you visit, you can rest assured that you will receive exceptional service with extraordinary products. 1293 21st Ave NW, Owatonna, Minnesota 55060, 507-451-2741. www.sistersalon.net.

507-645-1110 lrott@northfieldnews.com

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Shopping

The Paper Petalum in the historic Archer House (212 Division St.) offers friendly customer service and unique gifts for all occasions. Locally owned and operated since 1987 we specialize in Scandinavian gifts, Minnesota products, decorative napkins, Polish Pottery, Rothschild foods, and much, much more. Stop in and visit us. 507-6630565.

Transportation Community Co-op The Community Co-op is located in beautiful and historic downtown Faribault, MN. We were organized in 1925 and have been a cornerstone of this community ever since. We specialize in fuels, lubricants, tires, and vehicle service, all for an affordable price. Women live busy lives, our staff understands how important service and convenience are. That is why we are the Company where our customers send their friends. 9 Central Ave, Faribault 507-334-2056, www.coopoilfblt. com.

Northfield Lines, Inc. Have your group arrive in style when you pull up in one of our luxurious motor or mini coaches. Single or multi-day sightseeing trips, shopping, girlfriend getaways, dining, concerts, weddings, receptions, casino visits – you name the event and we will get your group there safely and on time. 32611 Northfield Blvd, Northfield, 800-944-2190, www.northfieldlines.com.

Keeping your Health Care Close to Home

The Orthopaedic and Fracture Clinic, P.A., provides quality orthopaedic care to southern Minnesota through three main offices and several out-reach clinics. All of our physicians are certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and treat patients with sports injuries, pediatric and adult fractures, arthritis and related conditions, and low back and neck pain. Commonly performed surgeries: ACL reconstruction, joint replacement, knee and shoulder arthroscopies, fracture repair, and carpal tunnel. At the Orthopaedic and Fracture Clinic our primary focus is the health and well being of our patients. Our clinical staff is comprised of surgeons, physician assistants, nurses and physical therapists. We work in an integrated and newly designed environment including Rehab One and the Back Care Center.

Office Hours: Monday thru Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm

Faribault 35 State Ave 507-334-1601

Northfield 1381 Jefferson Road 507-646-8900

www.ofc-clinic.com

Mankato 1431 Premier Drive 507-386-6600