Written by Rio Denali
An Old Man and an Old Woman were going down the road.  He was driving; she was leaning against the passenger door, looking out the window at the world going by.  Her mind wandered back to the beginning of their relationship, and how much things have changed.  "He is so different now," she thinks to herself,  and she can't help but feel angry with her husband.


"You know," she said, "we used to drive down the road snuggled up close.  Now you are way over there, and I am way over here -- with miles in between us.  I miss the old days when you were so romantic.  What happened to us?"


The Old Man drives along, listening to his wife and thinking about what she said. After a moment, he turns to her, "Honey... I never moved."




How we frame an event greatly influences our response and feelings about it.


Somewhere in my early 20's while I was a newlywed in a marriage that no longer exists, I had the benefit of an older, wiser friend.  She was in her early 30's at the time.  After suffering a marriage that nightmares are made of, followed by a horrendous divorce -- my friend had gone on to marry the man of her dreams.   


One day, while visiting her home, I stopped to admire a new desk lamp.  Gushing with romantic stars in her eyes, she told me that it was a birthday gift from her husband.  I had never seen her so happy, and having witnessed the abuse her ex-husband had put her through -- I was thrilled for her.  But, at the same time, I found myself twinging with a bit of jealousy.  We talked in the frank way that long-time friends do, and I found myself complaining that my husband--who couldn't name my birthday if his life depended on it--would never do something so thoughtful for me.


Seeing my distress and utter depression, "I think I need to explain," she said.  It turns out that her husband (an Army guy) was deployed during her birthday.  She had seen the lamp in a store, and when she mentioned it to him on the telephone he told her to go back and buy it.


Doesn't sound quite as romantic when put that way, does it?  But, to her--it was the most romantic gift in the world.


Instead of complaining that her husband "was gone on her birthday - again", or "didn't buy her a gift on his own", she looked at that lamp as a gesture of his complete love and devotion.  The lamp represented the man she loved so deeply, wanting to fulfill her every wish -- to give her everything she wanted -- and if she wanted that lamp then he was going to make sure she got it whether he could "give" it to her in person or not.  The lamp that she physically bought herself, to her, was the most romantic gift he could have given.


Looking back, she gave me some of the best marital advice I have ever heard:  "We can all find fault with our spouse.  A good marriage comes from recognizing the loving gestures."


It is easy to dwell on the negative while "keeping score".  But, focusing only on the bad will skew your outlook.  Take time to recognize the many ways your spouse shows you that they love you.  Does he take out the trash before leaving for work so that you won't have to do it?  Did she pick up your favorite brand of ice cream at the store?   Did he fill the gas tank so you wouldn't have to stand out in the cold?  Did she save you some hot water so you could shower in comfort?


Grand gestures are great for Hollywood.  But, it is the little day-to-day gestures that make up the happiness of a real marriage.

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Really listen. Most people spend much of a conversation formulating what they are going to say next... If you are doing that, you are not paying attention to what she is saying.

Also, don't fall into the trap of being so eager to tell her things about yourself, that you make the conversation a showcase of your accomplishments. Nothing makes a woman feel appreciated like a man genuinely wanting to learn about her, especially her thoughts and feelings.
Create fantasies together.

If she dreams of living on the beach, create that daydream together.

Paint her a verbal picture of what it would be like to be walking on a deserted beach together at night, with the light of the moon reflecting off the waves. Describe standing in the sand with the waves gently lapping at your feet, taking her hands in your own and drawing her up-turned face in for a kiss....

Find out what her daydream is, and make it one you share together.





3. Play out her dreams. 
Has she always dreamed of a taking Salsa lessons? Make arrangements and do it together.

Has she always dreamed of owning a BMW? Arrange to rent one for the day.

Has she always dreamed of visiting Paris? Set your apartment to be Paris for the night--French music, French food, French wine....a poster of the Eiffel Tower in the background, and a black and white table cloth on the candlelit table.... after dinner watch a black and white French film, then feed her French pasteries by hand for a late night dessert...





Did she mention a favorite band from her teenage years? Find out where they will be in concert, and book a weekend trip. Or surprise her with reservations to the newest restaurant in town. Or tell her she has the most beautiful legs you have ever seen and take her shopping for a new pair of high heels...


If she has something in mind for your date, be willing to try it. But, do not leave date planning up to her. There is nothing worse than being on a date with a man and having the following conversation, "Where do you want to eat dinner?" "I don't know, where do you want to eat?" "I don't know, do you have any ideas?" That is not sexy.
Be complimentary. Tell her how much you adore her, what things you love most about her (ie, her sparkling eyes and the wonderful sound of her laughter).... make her feel like she is the only woman in the room. Never look at other women in her presence.  Be passionate about her. Don't be afraid to tell her that she takes your breath away.

Is she being quiet? (Perhaps she is nervous or you are dominating the conversation?) Is she hinting about future dates? (Things are going well.) Is she touching your arm during dinner or do her fingers keep returning to her hair subconsciously? (You might want to look for a romantic spot for a kiss in this case?) Be aware of the cues she is offering. Follow her lead.

A final thought: it is important to remember that a woman will touch you how she likes to be touched. If she is very gentle and tentative with you, use the same gentle touch with her--it is not the time to pull her in for a passionate kiss.




Do not underestimate the sexiness of feeding a woman a decadent desert spoonful by spoonful, eyes locked on hers.

Do not underestimate the power of softly whispering, "You are so beautiful" in her ear as you embrace.

 Do not underestimate the power of lightly cupping her face in your hands as you reach in for a gentle kiss.

For a woman, an isolated movement of the softest, most gentle nature, can be the most romantic, and the most unforgettable....


It sounds counter-intuitive, but it is true. It is important to make her realize how much she misses you, and that she wants you around. She needs to realize that you have a life of your own and although you adore her, your life does not revolve around her.

Do not overplay this move or it will backfire. The point is not to help her realize she can live without you.... (too much absence and she might realize she doesn't need you after all.)  And, never make her feel like you are playing a game with her heart, or are doing this on purpose.  If she suspects you are doing this on purpose, you will erode all trust she has for you.

This rule is the most important of all. Be a man of strength and character. While indulging a woman is seductive, bending to her every whim is not. Sometimes a woman seeing you are willing to leave can make her respect you more as a man.



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Some of you may have noticed my recent absence.  Let's just say that I was re-structuring my life. 


I was an addict.  Yes, it's true....I became addicted to Twitter and Blogspot.  Had to detox.


I have been maintaining 9 websites and multiple Twitter accounts--plus freelancing articles on the side....and to my utter amazement, I began finding a quick measure of success.  (Do I sound surprised?)


With each new mark of success came an added focus on my part, a driving need to improve my offerings and not disappoint readers.  I found myself obsessing about articles, the websites, about adding fresh content daily, and I began checking website stats almost hourly analyzing the data for trends.  It became a full-time obsession.  And, if you think that was bad.....well, I won't even tell you about my Twitter habit... Twitter was my porn.


Most brilliant people are affected by a touch of craziness, certainly all creative people are.  Think of Van Gogh's ear, your high school art teacher, or Einstein (have you seen his hair??)   Craziness: It is the plague of creative minds.


For me, the crazies take the form of hyper-focused attention (otherwise known as obsession).  I could be Monk's younger, blonder, less-Lebanese sister...  Some may call it OCD, but I have always called it straight A's... thank you very much.  [For those of you who don't know, Monk references an excellent, but unfortunately now canceled TV show on USA channel, starring Tony Shaloub.]


Perfectionism:  my longtime arch enemy and often my greatest benefactor.  I wanted to put out a great product for you, the reader..... but perfection in all areas is simply not realistic.  Faced with finite resources, limited time to get things done and only so much energy:  life is a balancing act.  Using a disproportionate amount of resources in any one area, steals them from another.  My cyber hyper-focus robbed other areas of my life, and it was time to make things right again.  I have written on this topic before, see When is "Good" Enough? (The 80% Solution).


My kids were getting unruly, my husband needy, and my ass started expanding -- yep, I had to do something drastic.  So, I quit cold-turkey.  Stopped checking stats.  Stopped everything.  (Well ok, I did do a little Twittering....)


I started spending more time reading to my kids, snuggling with my husband on the couch, and cooking family dinners from scratch.  I started baking again.  Dinners became more leisurely; life more relaxed.  I started spending more time at the gym and reading the dusty novels that were hibernating on my bookshelf.  After about a month the difference was amazing.  I became a new person, but more important were the differences in my marriage and with my kids.  Our entire family was happier.  And I was reminded that this is what life is about...


Now that my world is back in alignment you will be seeing my by-lines once again.  But, probably not as often as before.  As wise man once said, "Everything in moderation."

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Four year old Paige Bennethum was heartbroken when her father was deployed overseas, so much so that she could not let go of his hand even as he stood in final formation before shipping out to Iraq.

As reported on NBC News out of Philadelphia, neither her father, Army Reservist Staff Sgt. Brett Bennethum, nor his commanding officer, had the heart to make her let go.

Let us be ever mindful of the young heroes, the military children, and the sacrifices they are forced to make.

Written by Rio Denali

Isn't it interesting that we are universally offended to be judged by our race, gender, nationality, and ethnic background, but we welcome being judged by our birth date?


If I wrote here that all people of X race are impulsive, quick-tempered, passionate, and vengeful--I would violate every social and political rule that exists.


Now, replace X race with Scorpios, and my judgments are welcomed in polite society, even enjoyed and sought after for entertainment or guidance. Why is a judgment based on a birthday considered wisdom, rather than discrimination or prejudice?


I am not commenting on the accuracy or inaccuracy of Astrology, only that it is ironic that in our society where pre-conceived judgments about a person are taboo, a practice of marking a person based on the day they were born is socially acceptable.


Don't like my observation? It's probably because I am a Scorpio....we are confrontational you know.

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Written by Rio Denali

 

Garran, Australia

 

Imagine lying in your bed beside your spouse when the most unthinkable happens:  a home invasion.

 

At 2:00 am a suburban Australian couple were awoken to a night they would never forget.  Their bedroom window was smashed as an intruder came barreling through.  A dark figure landed on their bed and began trampling them with such force that one side collapsed under the weight.

 

Only half awake, Beat Ettlin and his wife Verity Beaman had no idea was going on in their bedroom. “I thought it was a lunatic ninja coming at us through the window,” said Beat. “I just couldn’t comprehend what was going on.”



Beat was initially relieved to discover it was "only" a kangaroo, but that relief was short-lived.


The kangaroo had apparently been in the couple's backyard, which butts up to a wildlife preserve,  and gotten scared by the family dog's bark.  It jumped into black space, trying to escape - however that black space 5 feet off the ground was the couple's bedroom window.


The kangaroo jumped on the bed and nightstand, gouging the headboard and wall, and smearing blood everywhere before seeing the open bedroom door as an escape, and headed down the hall.  The instantaneous relief Beat felt to see the kangaroo go -- quickly turned to horror has he heard his terrified son screaming down the hall:  "There's a 'roo in my room!"

“That was enough for me,” Ettlin said, “I thought I have to do something about it. There is no way I can let him jump in there and hurt my son."

A kangaroo attack is no laughing matter.  Kangaroos can be deadly.  While human attack is rare, a kangaroo can easily kill a human with their powerful hind legs or  even disembowel them with razor-sharp claws.  Any Australian will know, a man should never take on a kangaroo.

Good thing Beat wasn't from Australia.  He's a Swiss-born chef, who could think of nothing but the screams of his 10-year old boy.  So, the 5 foot 9 inch father, clad only in his underwear, ran down the hall and jumped on the back of the 6 foot mad marsupial. 

Beat wrestled the animal to the floor.  After putting Roo in a choke hold, Beat kept it low to the ground and pulled it toward the front door. "He knew that kangaroos carry their strength on their hind legs,"  Beman said.

“I had to push with my full body weight and I got him as low as I could. It was quite aggressive and tried to escape of course. I could feel how powerful it was," said Beat.

Ettlin was able to open the front door with one hand and push the animal outside. It was then the kangaroo bolted away and vanished into the bushes.

So, what do you do if a kangaroo goes after your kid in his bed?  If you're Beat Ettlin, you wrestle the marsupial into a headlock, drag it down your hallway and toss it out your front door.  You save your kid and you do it in your underpants.

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A while ago, I wrote an article, Why do People Cheat?, chronicling the affairs of two of my best friends.  Both led charmed lives with a handsome husband who adored them, a great sex life, financial security, adorable children...  And, both said they still loved their spouse.   They risked it all to have purely recreational affairs--fun and games with no emotional component.  Neither were in love with the "other man" and told me that even if they were single they would never consider a serious relationship with him.


But, what happens when there is more to it?  What happens when you meet the person of your dreams, but are already married to someone else?


Two of my closest male friends have faced this recently.


After 6 years of marriage, Dennis* is not happy and realizes that unless he leaves his wife, he may never be.  Chalk it up to irreconcilable differences (he wants children but his wife refuses) or perhaps growing apart (they are no longer connecting on many levels), either way his marriage is dying a slow death.  


I think it's naively romantic to imagine there is only one happy ending possible, or that there is only one "right" person for each of us.  The potential number of good matches is very small, but in the course of our lifetime we will meet a few of them--that perfect moment when the planets collide and two people connect on levels that take their breath away.




For Dennis, there was only one answer.  After a whirlwind week of constant conversation and dreaming of nothing but her....he did the "right" thing and broke it off completely.  He said it wasn't fair to the woman of his dreams, nor his wife.  Although his marriage probably couldn't be repaired, he could not morally close the door until the last effort had been exhausted.


There is a natural process that happens when a relationship ends, and the longer the history between the two people, the longer the process can take.  Relationships take time to grow; they also take time to die.  And until the final exhale, and you are done grieving, you remain entangled in the past.


My friend Doug's* story went a different path.  He maintained the affair for some time, eventually making plans to leave his wife.  He could not resist the siren's call of new love.  In the end though....things did not go as he planned.  After he came clean with his spouse, they decided to make a last-ditch effort to work out their problems and salvage the marriage.


In both cases, the men were left feeling emotionally vulnerable and raw.  The "other" women went through a dark and painful journey, and were ultimately left alone by the men they loved.  And, Doug's wife was emotionally devastated when she learned her husband had fallen in love with another woman.


Can either marriage be salvaged?  I doubt it, but they have to try.


In the 80's I saw a movie called "War Games", where a game-playing robot was created to guard/use the "launch" button on the United States' nuclear arsenal in case of human incapacitation.  Of course, something went wrong and it seized control during a training event....almost creating a nuclear war.  (Classic robot-taking-over type of flick so prevalent back then....)


What I remember the most about the movie was the final scene.  Just as the robot went to launch missile attacks, the hero engaged the robot in war gaming--having it play out all of the possible end scenarios.  As the robot processed through the strategies and probable outcomes, it realized this was a game that no one could win.


Affairs are much the same way, particularly ones that encompass the heart.  Eventually the relationship will progress to a level high enough to require a commitment.  (Very few people have the fortitude or patience to remain the "other" man or woman forever, and few married people can sustain long term affairs successfully.)


At that point, a choice will have to be made.  Someone will get hurt.  Often, everyone will get hurt.


The simplistic solution remains to avoid the situation entirely. But generally-speaking, this is not possible.  One cannot avoid the world.  There will be temptations, and most likely at some point there will be a cosmic moment.  You may take Dennis' approach  -- or Doug's -- but the decision you make will define the rest of your life.


*name changed to protect identity, of course

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Written by Rio Denali

I have two close friends who professed to have it all: A husband they were madly in love with, a great sex life, owned a lovely home, adorable children, were financially secure, had a great reputation ….then they risked it all by cheating. Neither understood why they were doing it.


Both said the other man was “less than” their husband. In both cases, the other man was not as attractive as their husband — and he was not the sort of man either would ever want to marry. (Both said even if they were single, they would not end up with the other man—he was exclusively a fling.)


Neither of these women would ever consider leaving their husbands for the other man. They were not “in love” with these men in the traditional sense.


So, I have to ask myself why?




It’s not only women doing it. We see it everyday on the news—some politician caught up in a scandal. Sex in an airport bathroom, high-priced call girls, a lover in another country. A revolving parade of scandal and deception. These men are throwing away their family and career for an affair. Christie Brinkley is arguably one of the most beautiful women in the world. Her husband had an affair too. It would seem no one is immune.


What makes people cheat? Why risk a lifetime of accomplishment—career, family, prestige--for something that is not intended to be permanent?


My husband theorizes that people build lives they are ill-equipped to handle. We may love being a parent, and a spouse, and a homeowner, but many of us inwardly collapse under the constant pressure and responsibilities. Maintaining a household, children, and a family as well as a marriage takes a lot of work. Add the pressure of day-to-day life—laundry, dishes, grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning. And, the other chores--keeping up the yard, changing the oil in the car, giving the dog a bath--plus a career… and well... life gets full fast. The person we once were gets away from us. One day we wake up with a pile of laundry and a yard full of dog shit and wonder, “How the hell did I get here?”


With no time for ourselves, and little for our marriage, we begin to dream of an escape—a moment just for us, just for ourselves, where we are not “mommy” or “daddy”, but a vibrant, autonomous, sensual person once again….if even for a moment or only an afternoon. And, when opportunity knocks, sometimes it is more than we can do to say, “No.”


We cheat because the other person gives us what we do not get at home; the opportunity to be ourselves with no strings attached. It isn’t an affair of the heart, it is an affair with one’s self. It is an affair where we are the person we long to be, and we can forget about the leaking roof, or the nagging spouse, or all of the other things on our mind….and laugh. Carefree, if only for the moment, we can indulge in the simple pleasures of life; feeling close to another human being, physical intimacy, the pleasure of another’s attention. We escape the reality of the life we have constructed for ourselves, and can be anyone we want—funny, vivacious, flirtatious, erotic… And, that is what is hard to say “no” to.

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Fun-loving, family-oriented folks with a relaxed view on life. Bubbly and effervescent, they value social relationships. Don't be surprised to find them outdoors, whether walking, fishing, hunting, or playing frisbee in the park--Golden Retriever owners like an active lifestyle.  


Commonly they are drawn to water.


Usually civic-minded, often environmentally conscience, and generally voters, these light-hearted dog owners have a responsible side. Of all breed owners, they are the most likely to volunteer their time or donate to charity. They are generous with their time and spirit.






Self confident with a carefree nature, these are people who love to laugh.







Poodle Owners

Poodle owners appreciate the finer things in life.  They are generally older, and often fastidious and detail-oriented.


Poodle owners like to travel.  They have appreciation for other cultures and many endeavor to learn a second language.


Out of the breeds we profile here, poodle owners are the most likely to be accused of arrogance and snobbery.



Don't be surprised to find Perrier or fine wines in their fridge.

They enjoy frequenting art museums, and have an affinity for classic cars.










The propensity for baby-talk will give them away.


Relationships for them are all consuming and cuddling on the couch is heaven.

These owners enjoy fashion, and frequent the best hair salons.  With regular manicures and pedicures, they always have a polished appearance.  Shoe shopping is a popular pastime, and their hand-bag collection is quite impressive too.  They put extensive thought into color choices in the home, fashion or elsewhere.




They eat in trendy restaurants, don't wear white after Labor-Day, and are loving in nature.











German Shepherd Owners

Highly disciplined in nature with a penchant for precision--German Shepherd owners find comfort in an orderly life. They are the rule-followers.


German Shepherd owners have an understated appearance, often exuding a quiet strength.  The men have short hair; the women likely have a gym membership.  Their car will be conservative, and their home will be tasteful.


 Don't mistake them for unfriendly, rather they tend to stay to themselves.  Highly intelligent, and observers by nature, they often know more then they tell.




Terrier owners appreciate traditional style in dress and home furnishings.  They are non-pretentious, practical and responsible.


Financially secure, they have a plump stock portfolio and always know a good financial planner. 


You will find bourbon or scotch in their liquor cabinet, and left-over pork chops on the refrigerator shelf.  There is a conservative-colored sedan parked inside their garage.


Typically republicans--out of the breeds we profiled today, terrier owners are the most likely to be politicians.


They tend to be older, and well-established.  They have a bookshelf of classic literature, like to read and value education.




You will find them in front of the fireplace when not working.





Chihuahua owners

Most likely to flip you the bird:  Chihuahua owners have an appreciation for mischief.


They are trendy, but not overly concerned with the opinion of others.  Fussy in nature.  And, sometimes they forget to consider others when making decisions.


Stylistically they are flashy; unafraid of color.  From their clothes to their home they make a splash.  Think pimped-out autos, musical horns and bouncing cars with shiny chrome.

Chihuahua owners are not the affectionate sort generally, but are loyal to their family.


They carry the latest telephone in their favorite color--often rhinestone bejeweled.  These are the owners most likely to clothe their dog.




People with great appreciation for strength and majesty.  Generous with their heart and their wallet, and a generous sense of humor to match. 


They enjoy attention, and think outside the box.  Unafraid of a challenge.


While they are responsible by nature, they are not concerned with convention.  Many have a rebellious spirit.


Unconcerned with trends, they know what they like.  Don't expect them to follow the latest fashion, or drive a brand new vehicle. 


Frequently they are horse lovers too.  And even if they are not athletic, they certainly have an appreciation for nature.


Evenings will find them lounging on the couch, watching their favorite TV shows.


Generally they drive an older, SUV-related vehicle, chosen not for looks, but rather a capacity for practical usage.


They live larger than life, and believe in following dreams.  Commitment does not scare them, and often they are the marrying type.  Loyal by nature.

These are people who value experiences over material possessions.

 

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Written by Rio Denali

You ask about the most important lesson I have learned in the past 10 years? Well, If you want to give me a little more leeway—say 15 years—I could dazzle you with fantastic experiences, each of which was a lesson in it’s own right. I have hung over the extended rear-ramp of a Chinook helicopter in-flight, was assigned to a 128’ Army tugboat in the Puget Sound, and was chased through the streets of Panama during a military deployment. I could write a firsthand account about the architectural and cultural differences between eastern and western Europe, and the toll an ineffective governmental regime can take on a country. I would tell you how making friends with an older German man—one who told me stories about being a 14-year-old running from the American soldiers at the end of WWII, certain he would be killed if captured--changed my perspective on war; opening my eyes to it’s brutal effects on children. My military and life adventures have taken me around the globe. I have met incredible people along the way, some of whom have changed the way I see the world.


However, for the last 10 years I have devoted myself to raising children. While it does not make for the same excitement, the most important lessons of my life have come from my time as a parent. For example: sometimes a Superman costume is brilliant attire for the grocery store.


Compromise and negotiation are art forms taught to perfection in the boot camp of parenthood. There are battles that must be won at all costs: “Do not touch the stove.” “Look both ways before you cross the street.” “Do not put your brother in the clothes dryer.” Then, there are the other battles--the battles that are forgotten about the next day, over things that in the “grand scheme of things” really mean very little. Compromise is a matter of setting priorities and choosing your battles wisely. Not all battles are equal and if you approach every point of contention with the same heightened intensity, you will exhaust yourself and ultimately lose authority. While I still stand my ground against the girls curling our golden retriever’s hair with a curling iron, I have learned the value of negotiation when it comes to allowing a toddler to wear a Spiderman costume to the grocery store in exchange for eating vegetables at lunchtime.


“What does this have to do with law?”, you are surely asking yourself by now. Well, it is simple. Few cases actually make it to trial. In law, settlement is king—and settlements are only reached through the art of negotiation and compromise. My experience of parenting a large family provides me with years of expertise in this area. Seriously, who is better qualified to successfully negotiate a compromise than a woman who can get a toddler to eat vegetables? Speaking of vegetables, I must be going now—it’s time to take Spiderman to the grocery store.

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This article was originally featured on RioDancesOnTheSand.com, a blog for the thinking person... Written by Rio Denali, a 30-something with peculiar curiosities, who makes the observations that many of us avoid. Full of useful links and entertaining articles, it is a fun favorite for the intelligent reader. For more great articles like this, please visit RioDancesOnTheSand.com.

 

"Lightning lit up the ominous sky.  Thunder cracked... He felt the rush of adrenaline, wonder and awe that he always experienced when the elements went wild... The raw, exhilarating passion of the thunderstorm made him think of Tango Dancer, the mysterious lady who sometimes walked through his dreams." 

-- by Jayne Ann Krentz, from Falling Awake                                                                                 

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This article was originally featured on RioDancesOnTheSand.com, a blog for the thinking person... Written by Rio Denali, a 30-something with peculiar curiosities, who makes the observations that many of us avoid. Full of useful links and entertaining articles, it is a fun favorite for the intelligent reader. For more great articles like this, please visit RioDancesOnTheSand.com.

As a busty blonde with a passion for all things feminine, Dolly Parton is often judged based on appearance alone.   But, as she herself will tell you:  there is more to her than meets the eye.


I'm not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I'm not dumb... and I also know that I'm not blonde. -- Dolly Parton


Her success story is well-known:  Dolly's journey from the one-room Tennessee cabin that her family called home, to the reigning Queen of Country Music hasn't been an easy one, and despite her success Dolly has never forgotten her humble beginnings.

I still close my eyes and go home - I can always draw from that.  --Dolly Parton

Storms make trees take deeper roots. --Dolly Parton


Early in her career, Dolly met country music legend, Johnny Cash, who told her to go where her heart took her and not to worry about what other people thought.


Dolly has followed this advice in beautiful Dolly-fashion, always being true to herself and refusing to allow anyone to pigeon hole her career.


She is an award-winning singer, song-writer and actress--as well as a successful business woman.  Some of Dolly's best known business ventures are Sandollar Productions, a television production company, and of course her namesake:  Dollywood Amusement Park, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee -- located in The Great Smoky Mountains.


I'm not going to limit myself just because people won't accept the fact that I can do something else.  --Dolly Parton


When I'm inspired, I get excited because I can't wait to see what I'll come up with next. --Dolly Parton


Dolly's look is well known.


While living in Europe many years ago I saw her interviewed on British television.  When asked about her signature style, she said it was simple really.


Dolly's answer went something like this:


One day Mama and I were walking down the street, and I saw the most beautiful woman coming toward us.  


She wore a silky dress and the highest heels I'd ever seen.  Her face was all done up in the prettiest makeup, and her hair was teased up to the heavens.  She had long fingernails painted bright red.  


I thought she was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen.


It's a good thing I was born a girl, otherwise I'd be a drag queen. --Dolly Parton


Dolly is also well-known for her flirtatiousness, but don't let that fool you.  She has been married to Carl Thomas Dean since 1966.





But, perhaps my favorite thing about Dolly is her ability to not take things too seriously.


With a contagious laugh, and the ability to laugh at herself....you just can't help but love her!






You'd be surprised how much it costs to look this cheap! --Dolly Parton

Want to reprint this article? Please be our guest as long as you include this complete blurb with it:

This article was originally featured on RioDancesOnTheSand.com, a blog for the thinking person... Written by Rio Denali, a 30-something with peculiar curiosities, who makes the observations that many of us avoid. Full of useful links and entertaining articles, it is a fun favorite for the intelligent reader. For more great articles like this, please visit RioDancesOnTheSand.com.