For your prayerful consideration

A good friend read this to me today, and it spoke to my soul. It's a prayer from an elder of the Hopi Nation that has been quoted many times. I hope its words and wisdom may be meaningful to you, as well, in moving forward from this historic day.

"You have been telling the people that this is the Eleventh Hour, now you must go back and tell the people that this is THE HOUR. And there are things to be considered...

Where are you living?
What are you doing?
What are your relationships?
Are you in right relation?
Where is your water?
Know your garden.
It is time to speak your Truth.
Create your community.
Be good to each other.
And do not look outside yourself for the leader.

Then he clasped his hands together, smiled, and said, "This could be a good time! There is a river flowing now very fast. It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid. They will try to hold on to the shore. They will feel they are being torn apart and will suffer greatly. Know the river has its destination. The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off into the middle of the river, keep our eyes open, and our heads above the water. And I say, see who is in there with you and celebrate.

At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally. Least of all, ourselves. For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt. The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves! Banish the word struggle from your attitude and your vocabulary. All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.

We are the ones we've been waiting for."

Oraibi, Arizona
Hopi Nation

I HAVE VOTED!!!! HAVE YOU????

9:00 am Out the door, newspaper and sample ballot in hand. Coat, gloves (in case it's cold in the shade) and folding camp stool. Just in case. Taking one car and voting with my husband to save gas and parking spots.

9:10 am Pulled into parking lot of local library - our designated polling place. WOW! Are those empty spots I'm seeing? YES! Into a place. Parked and ready.

9:15 am Into line - not a very long one at this point, thank goodness. "You should have seen it at 7 am when the polls opened," the election offical told us.

9:20 am Chit chatting with neighbors and friends. Comparing stories and glad it's such a gorgeous fall day for standing in this not-too-long line.

9:30 am All paperwork completed. Standing in line for a voting machine.

9:40 am Touchscreen voting - notes in hand just to remind me of all the names for the less-publicized but all-so-important local races.

9:55 am VOTING COMPLETED!!! I have my sticker to prove it and it's only taken an hour, start to finish! That was easy!

10:00 am Now for that hot tea I missed this morning and then back emails/phone calls to remind everyone I know to GO VOTE!!!!

More to come....

This is it! Be brave...

Okay, we are there! Just 24 hours from now - well, a little later on the West Coast, maybe - the polls will be closing. Will you have cast your vote? I hope so!!!

Lines are predicted to be long in what's projected to be a record turnout. Someplaces voting may reach 90% - can you believe it? Finally, we will get an "A" in voting! No more of this low 'C' and 'D' level grades for us. Won't it be amazing????

Well, I hope you'll have good weather for your standing in line. And in case it takes a while, better be prepared. Our good friends Stephanie and Wendy at thinkempoword.com are thinking of all of us with these helpful - and fun suggestions. They write:

A healthy dose of bravery and courage may well be needed to vote in this election too. Long lines are predicted at the polls as a record number of voters are expected to turn out. Now I am never one to stand in a long line, but this election, my motto is “Get over it!” Here are some ideas of ways to keep busy while in line:

• Get smart: bring a book
• Get caught up: vote with a friend
• Get in touch: text
• Get grounded: meditate
• Get along: chat with your fellow “line-mates”
• Get Empoword (and hydrated): take your Empoword water bottle to polls.

Spread the word that waiting in line is going to be part of the deal this year, but worth every minute. Be brave, be courageous, be empowered: Vote!

We love it! Be brave. Go VOTE! Hear. Hear. and HERE!

We're on CNN!

WOW!!! Just got a number of emails and phone calls from gals saying they've seen NeverTooBusyToVote on CNN! Girls, it's working! Our voices, joined together, are reaching across the country - heck, around the world!

It's Friday, and early voting may end for many of you today. In Georgia, where I live, 35% of registered voters have cast their ballots. That still leaves 65% to go to the polls. How about where you are?

Don't stop talking! Keep on spreading the word to every woman - and man, too - that you can never be too busy to vote!

When Women Vote...

A good friend of mine forwarded a comment she heard recently from a policital commentator she knows - a guy, in fact. His take on this year's election:

"Women are the majority of all voters, but the vast majority of undecideds…they will clearly choose our next President...."

He then went on to share his leaning, candidate-wise. Now, at NeverTooBusyToVote, we're not taking sides, but it sure sounds to me like we'd better motivate our sisters, girlfriends, moms, co-workers to be sure we ALL hit the polls on - or before - November 4th!

GO VOTE, girls!

You're Never Too YOUNG To Vote!

At least that's what this Multi-TaskingWoman in training has to say! Wearing as many red button on her red dress as she can, this sweetheart is spreading the word on a gorgeous, sunny Saturday!

Thanks for sharing, Leslie!

If not me, who?

I'm sure, like me, you've heard this quote before, but never has it seemed more timely - and more appropriate - as a way to describe our role in the current situation in our country.

If we are not for ourselves, who will be for us?
If we are only for ourselves, what are we?
If not now, when?
If not me, who?
Re’viHillel 110 – 10

When I read this, it's a powerful reminder to me that while I'm only one person, I can do something. On November 4th, that will be to vote my conscience in the national election. And every other day? Look for the places, the moments, the people where even one small action can start a change.

Speaking of first times..

Thanks to our fellow blogger, Toby Bloomberg for this post on her DivaMarketingBlog.com

Toby writes...
" A favorite get out the vote campaign is still the 2006 "Do you remember your first time?" from Women's Voices Women Women Vote. "

Visit Toby's blog and watch the clip.

Making memories - making history

You know those of us who have been around awhile may forget what a big deal our first time is. (No, not that one!) LOL I'm talking about our very first time we cast our ballot. It can be a significant rite of passage from having your parents share what they think politically, to making up your very own mind. What a power surge as the new responsibility becomes reality.

My friend Beth from long ago who's still so wonderful about staying in touch sent me this today - a memory-making first with her now so-grown-up daughter:

"My new freshman came home from college for her Fall break on Friday afternoon. The first thing we did was go to our local library to vote early! This is her first Presidential election and she was really excited about voting in person and not by absentee ballot (as many college kids have to do). We waited for one and a half hours but it was a great time to catch-up with each other and hear all about her new life at college.

As we snaked our way through the children’s section of the library, she pulled a picture book from one of her favorite authors: Tommy DePaola. We had such fun reading “Bill and Pete” again while standing in line. It brought back so many wonderful memories of Saturday mornings at the library during her childhood.

There we were again, some fifteen years later, at the children’s section of the library. Only this time, we were waiting in line together to vote for the next President of the United States.

It was a very special experience, in more ways than one.

All the best to you … and Multi-Tasking Women everywhere!"

Beth, thanks for sharing. You make me miss my mom, the famous to us 'Fran of Marietta'! She'd be as proud of you - and happy for you both - as I am!

Do you have special memories about a particular vote you've cast? Share with us... we'd love to hear.

Why vote????

If you've ever been tempted to pass the polls by on Election Day, ever, then maybe you need to borrow one - or more - of these compelling reasons to GO VOTE from our good friend Maggie Harney:

" I vote because it is a privilege that many women struggled hard to win for me generations ago.

I vote because it makes me proud to live in a country where I can vote and I have a choice of candidates.

I vote because it connects me to the past and sends me into the future of my country.

Thanks for asking me to stop and think about why I vote."

Stop and think before YOU vote; then maybe the lines won't seem so long after all. Thank you, Maggie!

Why do YOU vote?

If you can't say something nice....

Okay, I'm officially OVER IT! Can anyone else hear their mother's voice echoing in the recesses of their minds saying, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything."

Well, I'm not naive enough to think that all the rhetoric in today's political climate will EVER be 'nice', but it sure would make me happier if the candidates - ALL OF THEM - could stick to telling me what they WILL DO - not what the other person didn't.

It strikes me that we are due for a change, all right - a big change. One that could take the conversation in politics from combative, competitive and downright cruel and nasty to something a little more focused in a positive direction. You know. Communicate. Collaborate. And yes, maybe then we'd even have something to Celebrate!

I believe that only when the conversation is more focused on getting things done than on 'who did what' will we live up to our real potential as the greatest country on earth. Pollyanna? Eternal optimist? Total dreamer? Call me what you will, but I hold my ground. Can't we all just get along?

And so I'll end my own personal rant by offering this nice moment - while it sure is good to live in a country where we are free to speak our minds, I look forward to the time when we can can agree to disagree without demonizing the other side.

What do you think?

Out of the mouths of poets...

I picked up a favorite book the other day and as I'm likely to do when seeking inspiration - or comfort - in chaotic times (like now), I opened to a random page. This is what revealed itself to me:

"We will be known as a culture that feared death and adored power, that tried to vanquish insecurity for the few and cared little for the penury of the many. We will be known as a culture that taught and rewarded the amassing of things, that spoke little if at all about the quality of life for people (other people), for dogs, for rivers. All the world, in our eyes, they will say, was a commodity. And they will say that this structure was held together politically, which it was, and they will say also that our politics was nor more than an apparatus to accommodate the feelings of the heart, and that the heart, in those days, was small, and hard, and full of meanness."

"Of The Empire" from Red Bird by Mary Oliver

It scared me as I read this, because it rang so true. That this could be the epitaph for our generation, was truly sobering. Now, whether the poet intended this as a commentary on our world in this election season, I have no way of knowing. I assume not, but am struck again by how accurate a picture it paints of us as a people if we don't change. If we don't exercise our rights and create a new will in the people - WE the people - so that our hearts enlarge, our minds become more open, and our arms embrace the wider world.

The call is now. NOW is the time to do what we can to begin to change. And the first step along the way? Vote your conscience, vote your heart, just GO VOTE to change the picture we will leave behind for generations yet to come, and bring as many as you can along the path with you.

21 and counting!

WOW! 21 women's sites/groups and blogs have joined the NeverTooBusyToVote effort, and we're hearing from more every day! Thanks to them, and to all of you, who are spreading the word. Let's take it from a buzz to a roar, and let the voting results on November 5th show that this year, more women than ever made time to GO VOTE!

This just twittered...

Tracey Tarrant - YourVirtualRoundToIt dropped us this note today:

"I put a post on twitter and got this response from Katrina Chesney. Just thought I’d share:

'Yes, I am a multi-tasking woman with a multi-tasking plan. I never go free wheely and I'm voting early on Monday.'

You are rocking! I’ll spread the word as much as I can!"

Thanks, Tracey. Looks like between us girls, we're all rocking the VOTE!

Never Too Busy....

"I'm never to busy to go vote because what better reason is there to break out that red dress and those red patent leather high heels and not only be seen .....but heard! YES! Your voice counts!
Proud to carry your logo on my blog...Great job - keep up the good work!!!!"

Thanks, Colette Bouchez of RedDressDiary.com. We love your blog, all about Health, Beauty, Style, Attitude for Fabulous Women Over 40!

Well, girls, over forty and fabulous, or just looking forward to it, get out those high heels and take 'em to GO VOTE on November 4th!

Getting - and keeping - the life you love!

I heard today from one of those gals who always has a million things going on, personal coach and teacher Patrice Dickey. Author of Your Guide to the Life You Love and never one to lose time on something this critical, she writes: ' So glad you're involved with this effort-- you're right - it's extremely important. I'll include this in my Blog & Ezine this week and weeks up to the election.'

Thanks, Patrice, for your support and for spreading the word to all the women you know around the country. It's women like you who inspire us to do all we can to live the lives we love!

What's in style this season?

If there's anyone who knows the answer to that question, it's Karen Hughes. At Image Assets, she works with corporate executives as well as individuals who just want to know how to put their best image forward, and of course, what not to wear! LOL

Thanks, Karen, for joining us in letting the world know that casting your vote for the candidates of your choice is always in fashion! Come on, girls, put the word out on your site or blog. The big red NeverTooBusyToVote button is the hottest accessory this fall!

Quotable quotes on voting

Thanks to Angela Stalcup, blogging queen of the CurvyLife for sharing a recent eNewsletter from CoachOnCall Cheryl Richardson. In it, Cheryl recalls some thoughts about voting. She wrote, encouraging her readers to:

"... exercise your right to vote in a responsible way. To start, ask yourself the following questions:

Can I name the three most important issues that matter to me and my family?
Do I know where the candidates stand on these issues?
Do I know which issues I'd like to see addressed first?
Am I listening to my own voice or the strong opinions of others?"

Thanks, Angela, and thanks to Cheryl. Just a terrific reminder that it's not always the answers that are most important, but the quality of the questions we ask ourselves.

What's big and red and....

There it is again! The big, red BUTTON is showing up all over the place. It's just been spotted on KLeighCreative's blog. Thanks, Kristen, for spreading the word. You're still one savvi mama to us!

Where's your HOT button? Add it to your site or blog now!
And drop us a line to let us know when you're seeing spots - of the NeverTooBusyToVote kind!

She got around to-it!

When I met Tracey Tarrant a few months ago, her concept was just a glimmer in her eye. Now YourVirtualRoundToIt - taking the paperweight off your shoulders has become a grand - and most helpful - reality.

But as many things as Tracey and her team CAN do for you - there's one thing they CAN'T! And that's GO VOTE!!! This year, more than ever, your vote counts. You know this is true! So don't let November 5th come and go only to find you saying, "I just couldn't get around to it."

My friend Janice Delosky is famous for saying "If you say you don't have time, it just means it isn't a priority!" Girls, what will your priority be on November 4th? Get it on your DayTimer, PalmPilot, or the palm of your hand. Go VOTE.

Those who came before...

I was at a Ladies Night Out Dinner just this week, and had the chance to remind every woman there to GO VOTE! One amazing gal stood up and reminded us all that it wasn't so long ago that our fore-sisters were going on hunger strikes, and chaining themselves to those decorative iron fences so that we - WOMEN - could have the votes.

When you pull that lever, punch that chad, or hit 'enter' this year, remember there was a reason those strong-minded gals were called Suffragettes. They put themselves on the line so that we, our daughters and those who'll come after us will have the same right to vote, and make clear that when all men are created equal - that includes us WOmen as well!

Puzzled about who to vote for?

Here's a fun take on the whole GO VOTE effort! Thanks to Janice Taylor of OurLadyOfWeightLoss for injecting a little humor... and skill... into the process. Click here to test your timing.

Tell every woman you know to make voting on November 4th her #1 Priority!

Don't wait TOO LATE!

I'm sure you're registered to vote, but if you know anyone who's not, tell them (repeat after me, now): Don't Wait Till It's Too Late!


How do you know? Check out Vote411.org sponsored by the League of Women Voters Education Fund. It's an easy way to find out all you need to know about deadlines, polling places and what's on YOUR ballot!

Check it out now; it may not be too late! Remember, this year more than ever - every vote counts!

Bumper Stickers - Not just for cars anymore!

Not usually one to mess up the paint job on my car with stickers and sayings, no matter how clever, I have changed my tune now that removable's have come along! Yes, this new advance in speaking out from the backside of your car has put me into the mainstream. LOL In fact, the 'Multi-Tasking Women Are Never Too Busy To Vote' is a message being seen all over the countryside now, not just on the highways.


Many thanks to our new friend Michelle who dropped a line today: 'Thanks for the 'Never Too Busy To Vote' bumper sticker. It came in very handy this week. I displayed it while working our voter registration booth at the company.' Michelle works at the corporate offices of one of the nation's largest insurance companies and they are registering voters on site! What a great idea!

Want a NeverTooBusyToVote bumper sticker of your own? Send us an email now!

Another Country Heard From,,,

Literally! Good friend Melissa Grossman of Hatch - FreshApproachCoach.com is exploring life as an ex-pat in France for the next bit. Living there full time has presented its challenges, not the least of which has been trying to vote absentee in this November's election. Listen in to what she has to say about the frustrations of the process, and how she's spreading the NeverTooBusyToVote voice from across the seas.

"A lot of people are galvanized about voting as never before, or so it seems. My good friend Kyle launched a non-partisan voter initiative aimed at women yesterday called NeverTooBusyToVote.com. She’s always been outspoken and passionate about voting, but this time around she’s a five-alarm fire. I could be wrong (and Kyle, correct me on this), but I think she managed to get the program - the messaging, the materials and the website - up and running in less than 30 days. That’s no small task, especially since she does everything she can to make it easy for the already galvanized to galvanize others by providing banners and buttons that can be posted on blogs or websites, and a letter that can be emailed to friends and family. And if you really want to throw your support behind this project, you can email in your logo and contact information and these will be posted on the website."

Thanks, Melissa, for spreading the news! Read more about Melissa's experiences with our voting process from afar, now.

Can we talk?

The Vice Presidential debate is tonight which brings up a whole set of issues I'm not going to talk about here. But, the thought occurs to me that we don't do enough talking about politics. 'What!' I hear you shouting. 'That's ALL we hear these days.' Well on the radio and TV, maybe. But who's talking? And who's listening?

How much time do you spend engaging friends in real conversation about what's going on politically in the world today? Notice I said engaging in conversation - not haranguing, not blasting, not tip toe-ing around. Really talking. I'm lucky enough to have a number of friends that I can talk turkey with when it comes to politics. Do we agree? Not on everything. Sometimes not even on one thing. But we talk.

Can you open up a conversation today to talk politics with someone? A real dialogue. Just talking back and forth without trying to change the other person's mind? Without demonizing the other side? Just exploring areas of consensus, and points of contention without getting mad?

Try it. You might just find a whole new level of exchange is opening up for you both.

Multi-Tasking Women Are Never Too Busy To Vote!

There's never been a more important time to exercise our right to vote - but what can one woman do? How can one gal make a difference when the country's so big and she's so busy? Well, for starters she can tell her friends! I tell you. You tell your friends. They tell theirs... well, you get the picture. Because when women talk, things happen! And in this case, BIG THINGS!

Welcome to the kick-off of NeverTooBusyToVote.com -
a non-partisan GO VOTE effort that we at
Multi-TaskingWoman.com have started to get the ball rolling. You know, that snowball effect??? Already, women are saying YES to spreading the word via their web sites, blogs, email lists, chat rooms and groups on FaceBook, LinkedIn - just name it!

We've made it easy. Just get what you need from this site, and watch the blog. We'll be updating daily to share! No partisan politics, just our take on these last few days leading up to the election. Let us hear from you as together, we GO VOTE!!!