Susan Thinks It's Fabulous

  S omething happened this week that made me rethink independence — not for a nation, but for a woman, a mother, a grandmother. That question hit me this morning, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. Breaking News: July 4, 1776 The Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. Breaking News: July 4, 2025 Susan Asch unanimously (by herself) adopts a Declaration of Independence — for ourselves . What Does Independence Really Mean Today? I started thinking about Independence Day and what it means in 2025 — and my head started spinning. What does that really mean? As a country, I’m uncertain. As a woman, it means everything . If you feel you are an independent woman, hold on to it. Hold it close. Always own it — your independence, your peace, and your power. And if you're not an independent woman, would you like to be? Maybe not — and that’s okay too. Personally, I wanted my independence from the age of three. I remember it too well. And no...

Friday night was going to be just another boring night, but as I was clicking through the channels, I stopped to listen to a country music show (Girls Night Out) with Carrie Underwood singing "How Great Thou Art." As I listened, tears welled up in my eyes and starting falling down my cheeks and as the camera panned the audience, I wasn't the only one. The star studded audience was wiping tears, too. Now I am not a huge country music fan, but I do love Carrie Underwood and as I listened to the angelic clarity of her voice, it took me back to my childhood. My dad was a singer (he sang with a group called "The Gospel Tones.") I grew up listening to the old gospel songs that were staples in church on Sunday in our little country church and have heard "How Great Thou Art" probably hundreds if not thousands of times. There is something magical about being immersed in music from as long as I can remember. It was always there...a constant in my life. Da...

The Memoirs of a Yoga Virgin.  I have a love-hate relationship with my new found obsession...yoga.  I must confess that  I'm not quite sure why I'm there.  I have many reasons, but frequently, in that moment of zen, I open my eyes wide (everyone else's is closed) , and ask myself, "Now why am I here?"     Exactly one month  and 20 sessions ago, I walked into a yoga studio, a virgin.  I was a yoga virgin.  I immediately loved being there, as the studio smelled of eucalyptus and I got to do something physical without shoes.  This was a big WIN.  I hate all forms of workout shoes (and workouts), so my heart was singing as I had found my space.  This particular studio offers Hot Yoga.  Okay, I'm in.  If cold yoga is good, Hot has to be better.  So, alone, with about 30 new found friends  I ventured into a room that literally took my breath away.  It was 105 degrees and I moved slowly and hesitantl...

I have had many discussions with women lately, especially young women, who are just getting their "sea legs for life".   I have had casual conversations and long, in depth conversations with these beautiful young gals and it makes me reach inside myself to see how I would have handled certain things....how I do handle certain things.  The funny thing is, I have had the same kinds of conversations with my older friends.  At the end of the day, we are all just girls... whether you are 21 or 51!  And the things that distress 21 year olds also distress 51 year olds. The years pass, and hopefully with that, women gain a certain maturity.  Confidence comes more easily as you realize you can "do this", whatever your this is.  I believe confidence and self esteem increase as we become comfortable in our own skin.  But how do you get there?  What can you do?  There are thousands of books that will tell you how.  I am  no authority...I am ...

The Power of Positive Thinking… It’s been a great week and maybe today (Sunday) is the time for Susan’s (fabulous as it may be) Sermon. I woke up this morning and looked at my nightstand.   And there, I saw an old friend.   It has been with me through ups and downs and has been moved too many times to recall.   It has lived with me at home and has lain on my desk in my office.   And in really highly productive and calm times in my life, I have had to actually go look for it, as it would somehow slip away from me and be put into a bookcase or box.      All through the years, though, I always dig it out and try to keep it close to me, because it is inspiration as its best. Discovered by me in the 80’s my copy is tattered and yellowed, but the message and its impact remains the same.   It is Dr. Norman Vincent Peale’s “The Power of Positive Thinking.”   This is my go to book on pretty much everything pertaining to what do I do next? ...

The Price of Beauty Last night was a night of pure luxury.   Why?   I had my hair highlighted at “my house” by an amazing stylist, Casey Schlachta.   We talked, laughed and had a blast and the whole time I’m getting foils put in my hair to give me that perfect blond to carry me through one more month.   What? You thought those blonde strands came naturally.   Oh yes, you’re right.   They do…really.    I felt very diva like and fabulous as dear, sweet Casey did Madeline’s (my son’s girlfriend) and my hair.   This was totally decadent and ultimate fabulousness.   Casey is the stylist for my son’s group, Cinema Sleep and she wanted to put a little champage pink (oddly enough there is no pink involved L ) in Madeline’s hair for a photo shoot and stopped by to do so.   My house was the rendezvous point.   I was the lucky recipient of a spontaneous highlight( which is definitely better than spontaneous combustion).   It was...

If I had a daughter, what I would say to her... Be Happy! Use your brain and not your heart to make decisions. Don't buckle under pressure, whether the pressure is from someone you love or  peer pressure. Trust your gut.  It will never lead you wrong. Listen...to others but mostly to the little inward voice that seems to be on your shoulder. Never make a decision in a fit of anger or without walking away and thinking about what you're doing. You have a very important voice.  Use it.  Don't ever be silenced. Take risks. Be a vixen in the bedroom and a siren in the Boardroom. Use Sunscreen (and botox if you should need it :). Follow your heart, but don't let it get you lost. Don't ever let anyone make you think your opinion doesn't count, because it does. Find a man who loves you for you and doesn't want to change you. Love a man you don't want to change. Travel and inhale deeply to enjoy all in life you can. Don't t...

Some people think the sky is blue.  Mostly I see it as pink. .    I have often said that if I could paint the world pink, I would. I think Pink is the  most fabulous color in the universe and just looking at my   pink board on Pinterest makes me smile and brightens my morning.  I wear pink when I can, use pink accessories, and  have also been accused of seeing the world through rose colored glasses.    I shared one of my favorite photos this morning….my pink pig adorned in lipstick and pearls. Now there is a lot that could be said about that picture and why on earth I like it so much.  First of all, you already know that  I love pink and this is a pink pig….she also has pink lipstick and as a bonus, she’s wearing pearls.  I’m also imagining those hooves are painted in a very bright pink OPI color to make her even more stunning (if that’s possible).  And she’s wearing rose colored glasses and I thin...

I think it’s fabulous that the election of 2012 is OVER and that we can get back to the task of hand of just being Americans, because we still rock!   I love us!   We have the most fabulous lives …still!   Where else in the world could you speak so openly about your own opinions and be so blatantly against the leader of a country or his opponent.   Democracy was truly at work and this was definitely a test in freedom of speech as barbs flew both ways between the the parties and we were allowed to say what we think with no repercussions.   The sun came up this morning shining on America, signaling that we are still “One Nation Under God”.   And so we are.   What could be more fabulous than that?

I started this blog on August 10, 2010 and called it Everything Fabulous because I wanted to write about things that make me feel wonderful.  I haven't written much (and I like to write), so that has caused me to really think about why?  Is the world around me less fabulous?  I don't think so.    What is going on with me that I don't write about all those things fabulous (and there are so many)! The thing I've discovered (and  this  is SO fabulous) is that those things that make you smile and feel good do not start from the external stimuli in our lives. They have an affect but it has to start from within.  If you don't feel fabulous inside, those things you love, that make you smile, won't have the same impact.  Of course, experts and wise men through the ages say that you have to reach within (hence the huge section of Self Help books in every bookstore).  But how many of us really take it to heart?...

How great is it that you can fly at an altitude of 34000 feet and still be on line? I think it's fabulous. (Oh and it's called gogo). How cute! Thanks Delta.

I went to Ohio State University mostly because of the fabulous football team. Oh yeah, and they had a great business school, too. I visited my old alma mater this past week on Thanksgiving Day with my aspiring rock star son. OSU is still glorious, but the highlight of our day was our delicious meal at Lindey's in German Village. I've eaten there a few times and had forgotten how fabulous the food and the atmosphere is. The tight cobblestone streets, that lead to this almost hidden gem of Columbus, passes hundred year old houses graced with exteriors that just scream, I AM GORGEOUS INSIDE AND OUT. (I love houses....that's why I sell real estate.) But at Lindeys, the white crisp table cloths, the massive and impressive bar, the chic crowd and the scrumptious food cheered up an otherwise gloomy day. My son just doesn't like the traditional fixin's and there was nothing traditional about our meal. I did fall back to having turkey, but Alex ordered an amazing pasta, and ...

Okay! So a couple of weeks ago I had my first ambulance ride to a place I have sworn I would never go, the hospital. First of all, they smell funny, and there is something that lurks there that I just detest....germs. Yep they are everywhere. Being a little OCD , the last place I ever want to even walk into is a hospital. I won't touch anything, and please "Do not step into my personal space", because you probably have something I just don't want. Whether it's germs from another patient, or one of those long, metal, pointed things that they always insist on putting into your veins, there is absolutely nothing good here. That has always been my thinking and it hasn't changed ...much. By the time I arrived I had lost two units of blood at least and knew bad things were coming when the ER Doctor said, Susan you have internal bleeding and ..... And, I said, what? "You are going to need a blood transfusion" and then he said something about scopes. Scope...

O ne of my favorite things and something I would consider fabulous are fresh flowers. They are not a luxury, but a necessity! I purchased this gorgeous bouquet at Findley Market, located in Over the Rhine in Cincinnati, OH. The merchant I bought these from, grows these beauties in fields and a greenhouse, and then brings them to market to give us a lift and a smile. Buying tip...go late...flowers are a little picked over but this $8 bunch was marked down to $5. They assemble them, with your favorite colors as you wait and violla a gorgeous bouquet that I adore and it makes me smile. Findley Market, winds down with the transient vendors around 2 - 3 so don't dilly dally. The outside vendors are my favorite as it's like Christmas. They bring something different every week and it's like a mini vacation going there looking at the latest bounty of the season. Flowers always are offered, and we are getting close to prime peach season. Sitting beside my stunning flowers is a littl...