"A Real Woman Has..."

this list is from a recent book I read, "The Beach House" by Sally John, published by Harvest House Publishers.

The book follows four high-school chums as they reunite for their fortieth birthdays. They have all gone their different paths- and think that each are so different from where they had begun that they think that there is really no common denominator in their lives other than their past... it turns out that each has something in the way of life's wisdom to contribute to the other's circumstances as they are individually challenged in their current situation.

The list is from "Grandmere Babette" who tried to instill inspiration and encouragement in them as moldable young women.. they review the list as part of the storyline.

"A Real Woman Has..."

* A nest egg for personal use
* Something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour
* A youth she's content to leave behind
* A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, a hammer, and a black lace bra
* A black dress and a white silk blouse
* One friend who always makes her laugh
* And one who lets her cry
* A good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family
* Eight matching plates, goblets, and a recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honored

"A Real Woman Knows..."
* How to fall in love
* How to quit a job
* How to cconfront a friend without ruining the friendship
* When to try harder... and when to walk away
* How to have a good time at a party she'd never choose to attend
* That she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents
* That her childhood may not have been perfect, but it's over
* How to live alone... even if she doesn't like it
* Whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally
* Where to go... be it to her best friend's kitchen or a charming inn... when her soul needs soothing
* What she can and can't accomplish in a day, a month, a year