I know the exact time and place when I officially became an independent woman. Just like Thelma and Louise, my college roommate and I hit the highway bound for Spring Break in Florida. Windows down and the stereo playing songs with lyrics like, "Crazy women are the only kind to love" and "Wild women do and they don't regret it," we were on our own for the first time, and it never felt better. Long gone are my crazy college days, and I laugh at the thought of my new found independence. I have learned a lot since then, especially from other women. In this issue, we introduce you to several Midlands women whose own independence and creativity led them to live life with no regrets. I tip my hat to these women for embracing life and sharing their gifts.
Candy McMenamin from Lexington is not your typical cook. She has taken her passion for cooking to the next level and uses her creativity in the kitchen to win cash – lots of cash. She travels the country entering a variety of different cooking contests and often comes home with heavy prize-winning pockets. In one recent contest, she won $20,000 worth of state-of-the-art GE Profile kitchen appliances, $5,000 in cash and various Manischewitz products. Candy's husband knows that her attempting to create the perfect recipe will turn into the same supper night after night, but can he really complain? The McMenamins see more green than just green beans.
In addition, several other Midlands women found their true passions and turned them into business ventures after raising their own kids and becoming grandmothers. Sue Hodges and her daughter Anne are putting smiles on many faces at the Happy Café with their gourmet lunches. Right around the corner, another mother/daughter pair, Ann Ligon and Sazy Johnson, have opened an eclectic cottage filled with handpicked treasures. Closer to Five Points, you can find Peg Averyt and a warm cup of tea at Finleaf Gallery. As writer Mary Ellen Cheatham says, "Each of these women turned her most important interest into a career after turning 50, simply because she wanted to." Not only are they enjoying every minute, but they are having great success while doing it.
Another Midlands woman shows us that sometimes a practical task needs a dose of creativity and a woman's touch. Selling your house can be a challenge, but Kim Carson of KimCarsonDesign has insightful ideas to make your house buyer-friendly. After 20 years in the marketing and advertising world, Kim changed directions and decided to start her own business doing something that she had already been doing for her friends for years. Now Kim is helping many Midlands residents get their homes ready to sell -- to sell quickly and to gain the most profitable offers.
Lastly, with the holidays approaching all too quickly, creativity abounds in holiday decorations. Meet Rose Harrison, who creates one-of-a-kind heirloom Father Christmases that are individually personalized for each and every owner. Rose is a self-taught artist and enjoys the challenge that every new creation brings.
These smart, talented, independent, fun-loving women inspire me. I hope that after reading their stories you too will be inspired and will get in touch with your inner Thelma or Louise.
Sincerely,
Emily Tinch
Editor
This Issue