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Thirteen of My Favorite Things She Cannot Live Without
BY HOLLY GREGOR
PHOTOS BY JOON KIM
I HAVE LEARNED SOME THINGS DURING MY 13 Things interviews. We are more
alike than different. We just choose different things in our lives to value, comfort
and pamper us.I had a lot of people tell me they made their own list. One person
said they asked an employee each week in company meetings to give her list. It’s
a great way to get to know someone very fast.
The main criterion of the women we interviewed was that they love what they do.
Their thirteen things could be anything, except husband and children.
So, I took a look at the women I interviewed and made a list of my favorite
entries.
1. Dale Carter Cooper, 88-year-old actress and mother of two: “My home. I am
so glad I live in a space with all these treasures around me. I love color as you
can see. Don Glaser helped me with the house.”
I, too, love my house and I am a big believer in getting help from interior
designers. They have the talent to take your ideas and make a house look
fabulous.
2. Tawanda Lewis, 27 years old
and director of the Tocqueville Society for United Way: “My thirst for knowledge
of the community. To help me stay in touch with what is happening,
I am a member of the Urban League Young Professional Organization and the
Louisville alumni chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority. Knowing people who are
doing different things, helps me grow. You would never achieve your ultimate
dreams by remaining the person you are…by expanding your network you are
able to do that.”
This reminds me of when I was young, single, and had no children. At this time in
my life my only network is mothers at my children’s schools and the few people I
interview for stories. I am not connected to the working world… at least not at this
time. Tawanda’s statement makes me feel nostalgic.
3. Susan Wolfe, mom of three: “My hi-fi from my mother that’s probably about 35
years old. I love my old albums: Bud & Travis, Kingston Trio, big band music,
country…I love it all.”
I too have my old albums, but I listen to them on my stereo from the eighth grade.
I mainly listen to Willie Nelson, Elton John, and Cat Stevens.
4. Annie Locke, aerobics instructor and trainer: “My motorcycles. I have six.
When my life started to turn around, I wanted to live life to the fullest. I used to
race motorcross. Now I ride for relaxation. It’s freedom to me.”
Six is a collection. Annie’s collection of motorcycles represents her success at
having made it through her difficult childhood of growing up with an alcoholic
mother. That’s why I love this one. She made it through the dark days.
5. Maureen Hartmann, owner of Café Fraiche: “Bacon. I’m a simple farm girl. I
eat bacon everyday. I also cook with it. Bacon is such a great background for so
many foods. A little goes a long way. I also save the fat and use it for frying things
like onions. I love that smoky, sweet flavor. And a good BLT can’t be beat.”
Bacon is my treat in the morning…not every morning though. Bacon is such a
simple pleasure. It makes me happy.
6. Blair Williams, after just completing her master’s degree: “My education.
Thirteen years at Louisville Collegiate School and five years in a masters of
architecture program at the Savannah College of Art and Design. I don’t know
where I would be today without those academic institutions.”
Blair was the first one to acknowledge her education, and it made me realize I
had overlooked how grateful I am for mine. It’s one of those things I took for
granted. I bet no one is happier to hear Blair say her education than her parents.
7. Debra Gray, mother of two girls and owner of Zigafoo’s: “Non-fiction books. I
am currently reading Hidden Treasures by the Keno Brothers and The Rhythm of
Life by Matthew Kelly.”
I love this one because when Debbie finishes a good book she passes it to me
and then we talk about it. For instance in Matthew Kelly’s book, “The Rhythm of
Life,” the premise is that everyone has a genius and not only is it important to
find your genius, but to help others develop theirs. That’s Debbie’s genius —
seeing the best in everyone and helping them see it in themselves. No wonder
she is so much fun to be around.
8. Shirley Cochran, founder of Green Hill Therapy, a non-profit pediatric
rehabilitation facility that uses horses as well as conventional therapy: “My Rosie
the Riveter print that says, ‘We can do it.’ It’s a classic WWII print that reminds me
of what people at that time persevered through. What they experienced pales in
comparison to me worrying about starting a new business and whether I can pay
my mortgage, for instance.”
I love Shirley’s courage and perseverance. She is a single mom of two and I know
she has a full plate, but she keeps plugging away. She reminds me of how strong
women are.
9. Jo Anne Montilus, mother of four, most recently of twin girls, who she calls her
miracle babies since they were conceived after chemotherapy from breast
cancer: “My under-wire bra. After having a mastectomy, the underwire helps
make my breasts level. I go to Special Lady Boutique. Their sales women know
how to size and fit you.”
Yes. Once again something so simple can make such a difference.
10. Howard Wagner and Lucie Stansbury, father and daughter, both topped
their lists with The Century Shop that Howard started 48 years ago and that they
now co-own. Lucie said, “My father and I have a mutual love of the “hunt” for
antiques. Best of all there is always something new to learn to keep things
interesting.” Howard said, “I love searching for unusual objects for clients and
shop inventory, especially early Continental objects form the 16th century.”
The Century Shop is a great antique shop…and not just for Louisville, but
anywhere. I feel a connection to the antiques Howard carries because they are
unusual and I like his taste in art. Lucie has a classic, elegant style and she
knows what I favor in antiques. She is also easy to talk to about antiques…or
anything.
11. Barbara Buddeke, kindergarten teacher at Louisville Collegiate School for 28
years: “I could not live without all my students. They are the light of my day, the
secret fountain of youth. They spark my passion for teaching. I wish I had more
than one year to tell them
all that I know about life’s experiences that will be meaningful for their lives.”
Barbara was so much fun to interview. Being with someone who has such a
strong passion for something…still, after all these years…is such a pleasure.
What is even more of a pleasure is to see her in action. She is such a natural
that everything she says to her students just rolls off her tongue. I don’t know
how she comes up with such creative answers to all their sometimes difficult
questions. I love children and I love people who love children.
12. Woo Speed, fashion consultant and mother of two: “My jeans from high
school. I was once offered $500 from a designer
I met on an airplane, to buy them right off me.
Of course
I turned him down.”
I can’t imagine having blue jeans from high school, much less being able to still
wear them. I am so jealous.
13. Mary Paulhamus, farrier, listed her mother’s pearls. “She passed away last
year and she gave them to me. They’re real, they’re fantastic and people get a
kick out of me wearing pearls when I shoe horses. I know my mother would love it.”
How great that Mary feels like she can be feminine while working in the horse
barns. A perfect Southern woman.
HOLLY GREGOR has been writing for Today’s Woman Style section for eight
years.
BY HOLLY GREGOR
PHOTOS BY JOON KIM
I HAVE LEARNED SOME THINGS DURING MY 13 Things interviews. We are more
alike than different. We just choose different things in our lives to value, comfort
and pamper us.I had a lot of people tell me they made their own list. One person
said they asked an employee each week in company meetings to give her list. It’s
a great way to get to know someone very fast.
The main criterion of the women we interviewed was that they love what they do.
Their thirteen things could be anything, except husband and children.
So, I took a look at the women I interviewed and made a list of my favorite
entries.
1. Dale Carter Cooper, 88-year-old actress and mother of two: “My home. I am
so glad I live in a space with all these treasures around me. I love color as you
can see. Don Glaser helped me with the house.”
I, too, love my house and I am a big believer in getting help from interior
designers. They have the talent to take your ideas and make a house look
fabulous.
2. Tawanda Lewis, 27 years old
and director of the Tocqueville Society for United Way: “My thirst for knowledge
of the community. To help me stay in touch with what is happening,
I am a member of the Urban League Young Professional Organization and the
Louisville alumni chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority. Knowing people who are
doing different things, helps me grow. You would never achieve your ultimate
dreams by remaining the person you are…by expanding your network you are
able to do that.”
This reminds me of when I was young, single, and had no children. At this time in
my life my only network is mothers at my children’s schools and the few people I
interview for stories. I am not connected to the working world… at least not at this
time. Tawanda’s statement makes me feel nostalgic.
3. Susan Wolfe, mom of three: “My hi-fi from my mother that’s probably about 35
years old. I love my old albums: Bud & Travis, Kingston Trio, big band music,
country…I love it all.”
I too have my old albums, but I listen to them on my stereo from the eighth grade.
I mainly listen to Willie Nelson, Elton John, and Cat Stevens.
4. Annie Locke, aerobics instructor and trainer: “My motorcycles. I have six.
When my life started to turn around, I wanted to live life to the fullest. I used to
race motorcross. Now I ride for relaxation. It’s freedom to me.”
Six is a collection. Annie’s collection of motorcycles represents her success at
having made it through her difficult childhood of growing up with an alcoholic
mother. That’s why I love this one. She made it through the dark days.
5. Maureen Hartmann, owner of Café Fraiche: “Bacon. I’m a simple farm girl. I
eat bacon everyday. I also cook with it. Bacon is such a great background for so
many foods. A little goes a long way. I also save the fat and use it for frying things
like onions. I love that smoky, sweet flavor. And a good BLT can’t be beat.”
Bacon is my treat in the morning…not every morning though. Bacon is such a
simple pleasure. It makes me happy.
6. Blair Williams, after just completing her master’s degree: “My education.
Thirteen years at Louisville Collegiate School and five years in a masters of
architecture program at the Savannah College of Art and Design. I don’t know
where I would be today without those academic institutions.”
Blair was the first one to acknowledge her education, and it made me realize I
had overlooked how grateful I am for mine. It’s one of those things I took for
granted. I bet no one is happier to hear Blair say her education than her parents.
7. Debra Gray, mother of two girls and owner of Zigafoo’s: “Non-fiction books. I
am currently reading Hidden Treasures by the Keno Brothers and The Rhythm of
Life by Matthew Kelly.”
I love this one because when Debbie finishes a good book she passes it to me
and then we talk about it. For instance in Matthew Kelly’s book, “The Rhythm of
Life,” the premise is that everyone has a genius and not only is it important to
find your genius, but to help others develop theirs. That’s Debbie’s genius —
seeing the best in everyone and helping them see it in themselves. No wonder
she is so much fun to be around.
8. Shirley Cochran, founder of Green Hill Therapy, a non-profit pediatric
rehabilitation facility that uses horses as well as conventional therapy: “My Rosie
the Riveter print that says, ‘We can do it.’ It’s a classic WWII print that reminds me
of what people at that time persevered through. What they experienced pales in
comparison to me worrying about starting a new business and whether I can pay
my mortgage, for instance.”
I love Shirley’s courage and perseverance. She is a single mom of two and I know
she has a full plate, but she keeps plugging away. She reminds me of how strong
women are.
9. Jo Anne Montilus, mother of four, most recently of twin girls, who she calls her
miracle babies since they were conceived after chemotherapy from breast
cancer: “My under-wire bra. After having a mastectomy, the underwire helps
make my breasts level. I go to Special Lady Boutique. Their sales women know
how to size and fit you.”
Yes. Once again something so simple can make such a difference.
10. Howard Wagner and Lucie Stansbury, father and daughter, both topped
their lists with The Century Shop that Howard started 48 years ago and that they
now co-own. Lucie said, “My father and I have a mutual love of the “hunt” for
antiques. Best of all there is always something new to learn to keep things
interesting.” Howard said, “I love searching for unusual objects for clients and
shop inventory, especially early Continental objects form the 16th century.”
The Century Shop is a great antique shop…and not just for Louisville, but
anywhere. I feel a connection to the antiques Howard carries because they are
unusual and I like his taste in art. Lucie has a classic, elegant style and she
knows what I favor in antiques. She is also easy to talk to about antiques…or
anything.
11. Barbara Buddeke, kindergarten teacher at Louisville Collegiate School for 28
years: “I could not live without all my students. They are the light of my day, the
secret fountain of youth. They spark my passion for teaching. I wish I had more
than one year to tell them
all that I know about life’s experiences that will be meaningful for their lives.”
Barbara was so much fun to interview. Being with someone who has such a
strong passion for something…still, after all these years…is such a pleasure.
What is even more of a pleasure is to see her in action. She is such a natural
that everything she says to her students just rolls off her tongue. I don’t know
how she comes up with such creative answers to all their sometimes difficult
questions. I love children and I love people who love children.
12. Woo Speed, fashion consultant and mother of two: “My jeans from high
school. I was once offered $500 from a designer
I met on an airplane, to buy them right off me.
Of course
I turned him down.”
I can’t imagine having blue jeans from high school, much less being able to still
wear them. I am so jealous.
13. Mary Paulhamus, farrier, listed her mother’s pearls. “She passed away last
year and she gave them to me. They’re real, they’re fantastic and people get a
kick out of me wearing pearls when I shoe horses. I know my mother would love it.”
How great that Mary feels like she can be feminine while working in the horse
barns. A perfect Southern woman.
HOLLY GREGOR has been writing for Today’s Woman Style section for eight
years.