2006 is already shaping up to be a year of wonderful and exciting changes (see today's blog entry for details), and I hope you'll stay along for the ride.

In this issue, we're blessed with two, count 'em two, guest contributors! First, we have a lovely story from a new member of the Secret Order of the Tiara, Yvonne Frazier. Yvonne reminds us that lending our tiaras out makes them shine even brighter, especially for us moms.

Second, we've got the first in a two-part series by Marie Boyum, on "Queendom in the Kingdom of Business".

And I'm very proud to introduce you to the QueenPower Institute, whose mission is to create opportunities for women to learn from each other.

Wishing you many blessings in the new year...

I Have a Tiara

by Yvonne Frazier

I have a tiara. It’s actually on loan right now—having been borrowed by my teenage daughters. And do they wear it well! Right now, it is being mostly worn by Molly—the “I will be 18 in March”, the “Why don’t you just trust me enough to make my own decisions”, daughter.

Occasionally, Paige will take the tiara from Molly—without asking, of course, right out of her sister’s room, and sometimes right off the top of her head—just like that coveted scarf and sweater set they share. When Paige is donning the tiara, it is often a welcomed sight. She’s our child that has often been the least confident. Second of four children, she’s not the middle child, not the oldest, not the baby, or the only boy—she’s just second, she feels sometimes I think, and second behind an outwardly very confident, talkative, and smart older sister.

But as the teenage years have rolled in, Mother Nature has smiled on Paige. She has grown taller, and “blossomed” in other ways beyond her older sister. Her striking features and knack for just the right makeup and accessories have lead to her being mistaken for the older sister numerous times. And because the girls are so different in looks and personality, people who know them both, often don’t realize they are sisters for quite awhile.

So—sometimes, especially when Molly is playing the “queen” role just a little more than we can stomach, Paige snatches that tiara. She sits it atop her head, and she speaks right up. Paige, though usually the quiet one, has a sharp and cutting tongue when she’s had enough, and Molly has nothing on her in the attitude and “tossing of the hair” category when Paige decides it’s time to take a stand and be heard. Now isn’t that what a tiara should do for all of us?

Considering the girls are a little less than two years apart in age, and quite different in many ways, they have always been close. When they were about 10 and 12, they decided that Mom was not always the best one to share their secrets, or answer those really important questions, or to hang with for having the most fun. It was about that time that I began to see the tiara showing up on their heads.

And while I haven’t had a chance for some time to polish my tiara, or tighten its stones, or even find it, it sure is nice to know it is being worn with all its glory and empowering powers, by a couple of great young women who will go far in life.

Maybe, when a mother loans her tiara to her daughters, she wears an invisible halo instead, just for a while. Because raising great and powerful girls sometimes requires a little divine intervention. And I will wear my tiara again one day, encouraged by what I have seen and learned from my children.

Ways to Improve Queendom in the Kingdom of Business:  Following Your Reigning Spirit

First in a two-part series by Marie Boyum

Many women have more self-doubt than men, which in the world of business can slow you down. The reasons can be as varied as our wardrobes. For some it may be lack of skills, education, or just not having been in the work force for a while. For others, it may be self-doubt.

Will and desire can win out over many obstacles, even not having an extended education. For without will and desire, all the education in the world will get you nowhere. Underneath your tiara are there negative thoughts? Remember, our heads are filled with both positive and negative thoughts.  Why should the negative be more commanding? Let the creative, empowered side reign and listen to your woman’s intuition. I recently took a self-defense class and the male police officer acknowledged that woman’s intuition has saved more women from harm than all the self- defense techniques combined.

Are you following your heart’s desire, listening to the integrity of your spirit? When you do, your will and desire kick in enough that the hours devoted are not a chore but rewarding and welcome time spent.

I know what some of you might be saying, “Yeah, great for those that really are living a queen’s life, but I’m a single mom,” or “We need two incomes to survive.” Trust me, I have been there too. Unless there is a coup (and we all know those happen even less frequently than winning the lottery) we will not make it to the throne overnight. All good things take time and effort to make happen. (If you are like me you just threw something at your computer screen!  The princess in me wants it NOW!)

The good news is you can start right away little by little as long as you have set goals. Want royal riches in your pocket? Start by building your castle one brick at a time with writing out specifics of what you want and where you want to go. It’s ok to daydream (building your castles in the air, so to speak) but you need to write it all down.

Once you see it on paper you can decide what you can realistically make happen and when. Do not disregard the things that seem to be a fantasy right now, for if that is your goal and you believe in it, you will find a way in the future to make it happen. Life has an amazing way of working with us when we are following our true path.

Does that mean life will be as we plan? Well, that is living in a fantasy world, but embarking on three simple steps will begin your journey to achieving your dream of Queendom.

Ah, but you'll have to wait until the next issue of the Queen-zine to find out what those steps are...

Marie Boyum has authored non-fiction books, and numerous articles. She has taught at universities throughout Wisconsin and works with Milwaukee Public Libraries as a Literacy Instructor. Formerly a Children’s Librarian and bookstore owner, writing and books are always part of her life. Visit Marie’s website or check out her blog.

Introducing...QueenPower Institute!

I've embarked on a new venture, the QueenPower Institute. The QueenPower Institute will offer all sorts of opportunities for women to learn from each other. In the works are courses about catching your dreams, smashing through writer's blocks, and managing your time.

First out the gate, though is a complimentary preview teleclass for a six-session e-course on the joys of journaling--how journaling can help you heal and make powerful changes in your life. This course is offered with Erica Miner, Journaling Queen, and the preview teleclass takes place on February 7. Check it out!

Get Involved, Get In Touch

If you’re interested in exploring more about life transformation, personal power, and cage rattling, or just about tiaras and the really cool women who wear them, here are just some of the ways for you to connect.

Visit my blog, Creating An Ideal Life While Wearing a Tiara. I post all kinds of musings, questions and general craziness here, and you’re welcome to join in and comment on any and all postings.

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The mission of SOS Monthly is to inspire and empower you to lead the big life you want--right now! Comments, feedback and ideas for stories are always welcome.  Also, please feel free to forward this along to anyone who might be interested and/or benefit from its contents. All story ideas, comments and suggestions are most welcome.  Send me your input!

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©2006 by Barbara Bellissimo. All rights reserved.