Natalie
I remember clearly when Deb first brought up Feminine Findings to me. We were having a rainy day lunch at The Raillery. I initially began with just the background stuff: revamping the website itself, creating some social media posts, editing her pieces. Secret is: I really had no idea how to really work on a website at all but Deb seemed to initially have more trust and confidence in my abilities than I did (a theme in our relationship even beyond blogging).
After a few months, I began to write as well. I have always had a lot of opinions and things to say but I had never considered blogging. I’ve always loved Deb’s concept of the generational lenses and seeing the gaps and overlaps of our pieces. For women my age, so much of the content we consume is so fast paced: it’s Tik Toks/Reels, Podcasts in the background while driving/cleaning/etc. There is something much more intentional about slowing down to read a piece and even more so, to write one. Writing here on Feminine Findings has grown my ability to express myself and my creativity more than I thought.
And despite that gained ability to express myself, I don’t quite know what I’m feeling as I write this last entry. At the start, I quite frankly had nothing but time. I was about 8 months post grad, my job was off season, I was anxious all the time over both of those things and how I was being perceived. Now, we are wrapping up so I can spend the next few months preparing for the start of the things I wanted since I was a little girl. This blog (and my co author) have seen so many versions of me in 3 years that feel both very long and short at the same time.
I’m grateful my co author offered the space for me to partner in this project started by her passion for writing. It’s been countless hours of conversation, constructive criticism, tears, laughs, and more. Diving into a topic each month has given us the opportunity to learn about each other in a new way. I hope this experience has given you as readers a similar experience and hopefully sparked continual conversations with the women in your lives.
I have to speak to my co author in this last entry. Blog aside Deb, I will in the best way possible, forever indebted to you. As I said earlier, you have seen so many versions of me in the 4 1/2 years we’ve known each other and have loved, supported, and been honest with me through them all. Our relationship has been through both expected and unconventional stages, yet we’ve always remained close. And while I of course do think I am special, I know so much of that is because of the person you are and how deeply you love all those who enter your life.
A beautiful example for the versatility of us woman. In our relationship alone Deb has been a mother, a mentor, a friend; whatever I needed at the time. My hope is that our writing here at Feminine Findings has highlighted that versatility and variety of the experiences of womanhood. While it is with a lot of emotions I write this last post, I have to say excitement is one of them as I welcome a new chapter in becoming the best version of myself and the woman I should be.
XoXo, Natalie Rowe
Deb
It is with mixed feelings that I write this entry. Both sadness and joy. Feelings that many women feel at the same time for various reasons. Something the opposite sex has difficulty relating to. We are an enigma are we not?
Writing has always been a passion of mine and I found this blog a great place to share my feelings and life experiences. The idea for this blog came to me after I had been laid off from my job the first time. I remember thinking to myself what I could do if I couldn’t find a job in my industry. I had never had this problem before. And being idle was not something I was good at.
My grade of an A in my college writing class prompted me to revisit something I enjoyed but never pursued. I toyed with the blog idea. Coming up with a theme was the next challenge. What else did I enjoy? My friends! Combining my love of writing with the things my friends and I chatted about became the birth of “Feminine Findings.”
I wrote Feminine Findings on my own for a while. But lo and behold my old professional life came calling. At this time I put it on pause but very much missed it. Surprisingly my industry went through another downturn and I saw the writing on the wall. Another layoff. It was at this point that I really started thinking about retiring due to my age, sex, and tenure in the profession. I decided to remove myself from the market as so many of my peers were struggling to find a job, and at that time I felt financially in a good place.
So, back to my passion but with new goals. Maybe I would try to monetize it after a while.. so much to learn. Hence, Natalie Rowe Seier was brought into my life. She was newly graduated and still deciding her next move in life. I thought maybe this smart, young woman would entertain helping me. Bringing in someone more versed in social media and technology I felt would be so beneficial. And it truly was. My journey became so much more fulfilling with Natalie as a partner.
Writing from two perspectives on subjects that affect women both young and old also taught me so much about myself. Who would have thought there was so much more to learn about oneself? (HAHA!) The goal was to engage with women of all ages and Natalie’s contributions enlightened me on so many of our younger generations views. This union really made Feminine Findings so much more than I could have hoped for.
I hated saying good bye to Natalie as my co-author so much that I thought about ending Feminine Findings. But after much thought and discussion with Natalie I am going to continue on with a bit of a twist. Since I so enjoyed the co author aspect of Feminine Findings so much I’m going to invite other women to contribute. Kind of like guest writers. So if any of you out there have an itch to write and speak, reach out to me at deb@femininefindings.com.
I’m so happy for Natalie to embark on the next chapter of her life. She has enriched the experience of writing this blog in so many ways. Bittersweet as it is all things change, I have accepted that this is the best for both of us. Her priority should be her law school experience and I want her to give it her full attention.
I thank you all for your support and readership throughout the years. All of you that have followed Nat and I, we have endless gratitude. I’m hoping Nat will come back when she has some time and share her wonderful adventure with us. And I hope you all still continue to follow the new Feminine Findings as we continue to talk about women’s issues and share our thoughts and experiences. Constant dialogue is beneficial to ALL women, young, middle aged, and old. Sharing is an engaging form of learning. And learning is something we should always strive for everyday..
Stay tuned for the next version of Feminine Findings. My warmest wishes Natalie for your next chapter and my unending gratitude for all of your contributions. XO
