ORGANIZED WOMEN'S TRIPS
created in 1998 by Karen Ansbro Leone

UPCOMING TRIPS:

Spinning Divas '10

Girl*friends '10
(to be posted soon)

Fashion*Food*Frolic...
Miami '10

Books...

"The Innocent Man", by John Grisham and any book by John Irving

"The Kite Runner was a beautifully written honest look at life in Afghanistan from the point of view of a man our age.  This is one of the most worthwhile books of the year.  I could not put it down.  It is incredibly relevant and moving."

"Eat Pray Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert

Really enjoyed "The Tender Bar" by JR Moeringer...story of a young boy growing up in
Long Island during the 70's and his life "living" in the local bar.

"Water For Elephants" by Gruen and "Glass Castle" by Weld

"A Thousand Splendid Suns" and "The Memory Keepers Daughter"

Really liked "The Pact" by Jodi Picoult. Also enjoyed "Snow Flower and The Secret Fan"

Read "Prep" this summer and then my 14 year old daughter read it...
fun to share with her.

"I'm enjoying 1776 by David MuCullough.  If you aren't a history buff I recommend it.  I think for the true historian it may be a bit simplistic."

"Thoroughly enjoyed reading Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides

"The Five People You Meet In Heaven, by Mitch Alborn was thoroughly enjoyable.  It is a novel that provided me with a different perspective on life and death. 
The story is sentimental and thought proving at the same time. 
What a difference one action can make in our lives."

***

Movies...

I loved "The Painted Veil"

Loved "The Bourne Ultimatum", "The Holiday" and "Waitress"

Dragged the kids to "The Namesake"...they really didn't want to see it (foreign...independent...at "Mom's" theatre), but we all enjoyed it. Beautiful story of an Indian family acclimating to life in New York City.

"Gone Baby Gone"...upsetting subject matter, but some very authentic performances

***

Music....

Jack Johnson, Damien Rice and Corinne Baily Rae

All music by Van Morrison

The new James Blunt CD is great!

Big Head Todd & The Monsters

Alexi Murdoch, "Time Without Consequences"

***

Dining around the Country...



The Perfect Wife, Manchester, Vermont
~ Chef Amy Chamberlain does Girl*friends Cooking Classes ~

Bistro 135, Rochester, New York

Focacceria on MacDougal in New York City

Michael's Valley Grill, Penfield, New York

"Communication is the best with girlfriends.  Someone to discuss concerns with.  I'm especially lucky because two of my girlfriends are my daughters."  MC

"These girls have been the best during the good, the bad and the ugly.  Looking forward to growing old with them...at least we'll be doing it together as that's the only way to do it!  Thanks for your friendship."  MF

"One of my favorite quotes:  A good friend is someone you can call to bail you out of jail.  A great friend is in the next cell saying, "Damn that was fun"!"  SH

"I don't know what I would do without my posse.  I treasure their friendship as it continues and grows through the years.  I consider myself blessed."  EH

"They save me lots of $$$ ~ I don't have to go to therapists or take drugs as I just "share" with my girlfriends." SO

"Girlfriends are essential to my soul." EW

Other Girl*friends Web Sites...

LET ME KNOW IF YOU KNOW OF A GREAT SITE FOR GIRL*FRIENDS!