Skating Uphill - August 2023

“So, is there really such a thing as
ʽMission Impossible’ in PINK World? I think not.”
– The Uphill Skater –

 
I like Tom Cruise as well as the next person, and I love the Mission Impossible movies, but I really don’t believe it is a true statement, especially where women are concerned. I hate to use the term “kept down” but sometimes it really fits, doesn’t it? Check it out…not just on the news or even in Pink, check it out in this month’s issue and all around you. Just look at where we are compared to where we were, and best of all, look at where we are going. 

As some of you may know, in addition to my column for Pink, I also write a monthly column for an antique car club named “Who’s In the Driver’s Seat.”  This column highlights the contributions of women in all areas of vehicles that are driven. I have written about a female sled dog racer, the first woman to break the sound barrier, women who drove ox and horse carts during WWI and WWII in England, women ambulance drivers in France during WWII and many more. This month, I wrote about a woman named Erica Enders who, believe it or not, is the top driver (not the top woman driver, mind you) in the National Hot Rod Association Pro Stock racing category. Erica, and women like her, have been trailblazers in what used to be a males only field. I bet you could think of many more women who have done the same in different fields. 

One does not have to be an Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race® competitor, or an airshow aerobatics pilot, or really anything but themselves to achieve stunning results. Perhaps the most outstanding woman I know is Elizabeth Millen, founder of this magazine, who as we all know, has built Pink from being a tiny little “shopper” to a monthly looked to for voice in the Lowcountry. I remember Elizabeth once told me she felt like she was delivering a baby when the first issue of Pink came off the presses. And I say to that: “Look where we are now!” Talk about mission impossible. 

I don’t look just at women who have succeeded in tradition male areas, either. Look at the number of women who have succeeded in all other fields as well: Doctors, musicians, and engineers are excellent, but what about women like Mary Kay, Vera Wang, and Chanel. These women are in fields that cater to fellow women, but that does not mean the competition is not equally stiff. Whether you like them or not, women like the Kardashians have become billionaires on their own personalities and product lines. You talk about competition! Oh, and don’t forget stay-at-home moms. What a huge responsibility—a huge job.

I will conclude with a comment that may be controversial, which I don’t usually approach, but this is something that has been in the news lately and has divided millions of people not only from each other, but from their churches. Women have become pastors, elders, bishops, and higher in almost all denominations in which it is considered unacceptable according to Bible teachings. When people look at change, it is often related to the changing roles of women. For example, my husband watches Maria Bartiromo on the financial news every morning and trusts her judgement. She is one of the premier people (not women, but people) in the world of Wall Street finance. It hasn’t been that long ago when women could not even get a credit card in their own name. Girls, I hope you do not forget those women as you climb the ladder. They have greased every rung so you can climb more easily. Mission Impossible—I think not. Don’t look to the past too much, though. I always like to look to the future, and I see big things ahead!

Visit www.skatinguphill.com blog for new recipes, daily thoughts and décor ideas. Also find reprints of Pink articles and shared comments. Blogging is fun and easy.

Judith Lawrenson is a former Hilton Head Island resident who has a huge heart and is loved by all who meet her. She has served and volunteered with numerous charitable organizations while living in the Lowcontry making an impact wherever she went. She and her husband recently moved to the wild hills of West Virginia to be closer to grandchildren. Judith is an avid sailor, a retired reading resource specialist, and a children's TV host whose local show originated from the Boys and Girls' Club. Judith is also a long-time seeker of healthy, happy living and a lifestyle dedicated to service to others, balanced with love of God and love of self. Check out her blog www.skatinguphill.com for fun info, recipes and nutrition ideas, current updates on nearly everything in the world, and lots of comments and opinions.

Though I do tons of research, and have done so for many years, I am not a doctor and I share only my opinions. I enjoy research and subscribe to several magazines and publications and read up on all new trends. I hope you do, too!