Welcome back, Barbara Barth!

Choices is so pleased to welcome Barbara Barth back for her second visit, thanks to WOW! Women on Writing virtual book tours.  She was first here in June, 2010, so of course lots has happened in the meantime. One thing for sure is she’s written a new book called The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later. And in the last ten years she has been fortunate to have many girlfriends who keep her company and lift up her spirits.

Here’s Barbara and how she’s thrived surrounded by her girlfriends.

My Women Friendships

by Barbara Barth

 I am always perky in my writing, always upbeat, and hate to complain, but of course, I do at times. My girlfriends know that about me, which is a wonderful thing. I can gripe, let my hair down, and not worry someone will judge or criticize me. Instead, a downbeat moment becomes laughter and I need that. Girlfriends that are kindred spirits, some I’ve known all my adult life and some more recent that I’ve cliqued with, who are strength when I feel a bit lost, which happens from time to time.

Now that I’m getting older (I won’t admit to being old!) girlfriends are even more important. As a single woman (a widow, but I’ve upgraded to single being independent with my new life the last eleven years) I have moments I wonder what it would be like to be in a relationship again, or to have children and grandkids. I think what I’d like most is a daughter to hang out with and worry about. I missed all that since I never had children. My family life is small, but I have a wonderful sister in Florida and a great brother in New York. We stay in contact but the miles between and their family lives keep us from visiting in person. My dogs keep me close to home, especially since my move two years ago to a lovely small town outside of Atlanta. I don’t have a pet sitter.

My friends are my family, my village to go back to that old phrase it takes a village. Most of them have children and grandkids and work and babysitting responsibilities, but we find time to connect and visit, laugh and share our stories.

I love the life I’ve created on my own and the people I meet with all my activities. I’ve been blessed to find my healing through the world of art, both with writing and painting. And my little family of dogs. My girlfriends take the edge off that worry I’m aging on my own and what-if something happens and I’m by myself. A never ceasing concern, what will I do?

That what-if became my reality in February. I tripped and fell straight forward, landing with my arms bracing me from hitting my head. The result, I broke my right elbow and had a small fracture in my left wrist. I also tore the ligament to my thumb. Outpatient surgery on my right elbow, my left wrist wrapped to hold it secure, I headed home wondering how I would deal with everyday activities. One of my besties and her husband stayed with me during surgery, but they live almost an hour away. Newlyweds, I didn’t want to infringe on them more, although they offered. My lovely neighbors in Social Circle and new friends from the Monroe-Walton Center for the Arts became my extended family. What could have been a bleak time became a joyous party with everyone visiting and bringing food. Oh yes, the home-cooked meals. Spoiled? You bet. My house was full of life and laughter. Neighbors drove me to my doctor appointments and physical therapy. A sweet gal washed my hair. Women who care. Not just about me, but about those around them. Looking out for each other when needed and slipping back into their own lives as the need passes. I can never thank my friends and neighbors enough.

I have strong, talented, creative, caring women friends, and that makes me one lucky gal. Fingers crossed I’m as good at giving as they are. Find your tribe and love them hard. And along the way reach out to strangers, you never know when a new friend is waiting in the wings.

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Book Summary

Picking up where The Unfaithful Widow ended, Ten Years Later continues the author’s journey from widow to a slightly askew woman. A memoir written with warmth and candor on being single again, aging, and finding a creative path surrounded by dogs, friends, laughter, and a bit of craziness. Barbara Barth shares stories on the adventures that followed her first year alone as she moved headfirst into a new life, listening to her heart, sometimes not so wisely, but always full speed ahead. Join her on the ride of her life, from owning an antique shop to moving to a Victorian cottage outside of Atlanta, and all the follies in between. Going into the next decade with six dogs by her side, the author proves you are only as old as you feel, and happiness begins with a grateful heart. A funny and engaging memoir for anyone who wants to be their own superhero facing life’s good and bad moments.

Print Length: 374 pages
Genre: Memoir
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services, LLC
ASIN: B07YBNHXZG

The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later is available in print and as an ebook
at Amazon.com

About the Author

Author, blogger, sometimes antique dealer, dog hoarder, bedazzled by life. Widowed ten years ago, Barth writes about finding a creative path back to happiness. Her recent move to a 1906 historic cottage brought many surprises, including discovering the Monroe–Walton Center for the Arts where she started the monthly Walton Writers group and is on the MWCA Board as Literary Arts Chair. Barth is a contributor to Walton Living Magazine and a former blogger for The Balancing Act, Lifetime Television’s morning show for women. Currently she lives with six dogs, rescue dogs that rescued her.

Visit her website at https://www.barbarabarthwriter.com/, follow her on Twitter @writerwithdogs, and follow her Amazon author page.