Old Broads Waxing Poetic - Book Launch

She's an Old Broad

She's an old broad. 
 I want to be just like her.

She's an old broad.
She takes no guff.
Her heart is soft,
but she's strong and tough.

She's an old broad.
I want to be just like her.

She doesn't hesitate
to speak her mind,
but when she has a choice,
she chooses to be kind.

She's an old broad.
I want to be just like her.

She loves to laugh
and do things that are silly
like wearing big sunglasses
and hats that are frilly.

She's an old broad.
I want to be just like her.

If there's a need,
she's the first to volunteer.
She'll pitch right in to lend a hand, 
a shoulder, or an ear.

She's an old broad.
I want to be just like her.

She's the first to forgive
and the last to judge.
If you're lucky,
she'll cook for you:
homemade potato soup, 
banana bread, 
and peanut butter fudge.

She's an old broad.
I want to be just like her.

She's no muss, no fuss
with comfortable shoes on her feet.
Want to stop by and see her?
You are always welcome,
as long as you don't mind
if her house isn't neat.

She's an old broad.
I want to be just like her.

She's had her share of troubles.
Bad days? More than a few.
And if you're having a bad day,
she will sympathize with you.

She's an old broad.
I want to be just like her.

Her hair is unruly.
Her eyes are twinkly.
Her chin is strong.
Her smile is crinkly.

She's an old broad.
I want to be just like her.

Over the years, she's been known 
to shed a tear or two,
but mostly she's a happy soul,
and she's saving a hug for you.

She's an old broad.
I want to be just like her.

When writing the above poem, I had several women in my mind; my grandmothers, my mother, and some friends of mine. I wrote about my favorite "old broads" because I have an announcement to make. I have some very exciting news! I was invited to join seven other women to collaborate on a book of poetry, and that book has now been released! 

We had additional help from two gentlemen: from Francesco Romoli, a photographer and artist who created the image called Forever Young that was used for the book cover, and from blogger/book cover designer, Michael Di Gesu, who designed the cover for the book around that image. Many thanks also go to Joanne Faries, who formatted the book for us and to Susan Swiderski and Julie Kemp Pick, for compiling the poems.

The title of the book is Old Broads Waxing Poetic, and it is available now in paperback form from Amazon. Click on the book title to follow the link to Amazon if you are interested in ordering it. For those who prefer the e-book format, it should also be available through Amazon in the near future. All proceeds from the sales of this book will be going to CARE International.  

I have not yet read the poems contributed by the other old broads for this volume, but I know that some of the poems are amusing, some are touching, and some will strike a chord with the reader.  I do know that I am in very good company with the others who contributed to this book as they are all talented writers.

One member of our group, Susan Swiderski, generously wrote and shared the passage below for all of us old broads to use on our blogs for this Old Broad Blogfest. We are having a contest for the launch of the book which she explains below. 

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The following is from Susan:  "To celebrate its release, each old broad featured in this book is blogging about her favorite old broad today, and we invite each of you to tell us a little something about your favorite old broad in the comments. Oh, and if you're still offended by the term broad, I apologize. If you'd prefer, you can tell us about your favorite older woman... how's that? Oh yeah, and one of you who comments about your fave broad will be winning a free copy of our book. Cool, huh? (It really IS a cool book... not only is it filled with some fun poetry, but all proceeds from its sale are going to CARE International.)

Now then, let me introduce you to the other broads, so you can follow their blogs, too. (Like I said, they're ALL terrific.)

• Robyn
• Joanne
• Fran 
• Delores
• Julie
• Liza
• Michael
• Susan 

NOTE: Technically, Michael isn't a broad. He's a guy. A very nice guy who used that lovely image from Francesco Romoli to create our cover for us, so you could say, as an important member of our team, he's an honorary broad. With hairy legs.

The winner will be announced next Friday, September 12th.

Thanks for helping make this a very broad celebration!"

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So there you have it! Tell me in the comments about your favorite old broad for your chance to win a copy of Old Broads Waxing Poetic, and be sure to come back next week when the winner is announced. Please stop by and visit the other old broads in the list above too if you have the time. I'm sure you will enjoy their blogs as much as I do. If you are so inclined to tell your friends about our book or to share the Amazon link on Facebook or Twitter or on your own blog, we would be very grateful. Remember the proceeds go to a good cause.