I can imagine being married to and having three children with a loving man who goes off to war and comes back changed in a way that just doesn’t work, that involves violence - and needing to leave him. I can almost imagine the fear and sense of loss when he steals the children and flees the country - and having to fight long and hard to get them back.

Melissa, where do I begin? I’ve only seen you in concert once, but your raspy voice moves the very core of me. I respect the way you know who you are and live your life with such definition.

I grew up knowing the wonderful voice and the charming charisma of Diane Sawyer. She is the perfect blend of credibility, femininity and balance. A serious contender in what was a man’s world and a great role model for little girls everywhere.

Burning Man, the strange ritual that happens once a year in the middle of the Nevada desert is taking place this week. In a week where people go out in the sand and ultimately set things aflame – Southern California is burning, and so did some homes in my neighborhood.

Jacqueline is featuring Delamina - and a pretty sweet discount for her readers - on her wonderful blog. We’ve recently discovered Jacqueline Luxe and her insights into all things luxury.

When I was very young I dreamed of being a professional philanthropist (frankly, I still do) – and Rania is just that. With her business background and her brains - it suits her very well. And then there is the added benefit that she can afford it.

We’ve discovered a really wonderful luxury site - and their jewelry editor, Annie Scott, has discovered Delamina.

Independent and persistent, Sheryl Crow adopted a child and is raising him as a single mother. She has had an amazing and rich set of experiences in her life so far: singing backup in Michael Jackson’s Bad world tour; dating the super-human Lance Armstrong; singing duets on stage with Mick Jagger; winning multiple Grammy awards; and beating breast cancer, to name just a few.

Whether applied to parenting, exercise or career, having goals and holding firm to them is critical to success. We are taught to have a clear picture of what we want to achieve, a concise plan to achieve it, and a support system.

On July 23rd th LA Times Entertainment section headline read “There are strong women, and then there is Sigourney Weaver”. I must admit, the headline had me regardless of the subject. Stick a ‘Because’ in front of it and I’m over the moon.

You know what to do Ms. Sotomayor. You’ve always known what to do.

Imagine the shock of discovering you are really of royal descent, indeed a princess by more than state of mind. Sarah Culberson, adopted at the age of one by couple in West Virginia, had just this experience.

Thank goodness for of my good friend Karen, who had a period of being a bad girl herself. As did most of the interesting women that I know.