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Home • Body image • The Beauty of a Woman BlogFest V! #BOAW16

The Beauty of a Woman BlogFest V! #BOAW16

May 2, 2016

Welcome to the Beauty of a Woman BlogFest V! *tosses confetti* What do you say we celebrate real beauty?

Each year, I’m blown away by participants’ entries; this year is no exception. I’ve perused the posts below and wow. You’re in for a treat! Get ready to think, swoon, learn, laugh and perhaps shed a few tears.

Whether you’re participating as a reader, blogger or both, whether you’re a newbie or veteran fester, I’m thrilled you’re joining us. Thanks so, so much.

In a world where it’s practically an act of rebellion to embrace our full selves and recognize real beauty, the posts and engagement mean more than I can articulate.

Waterolor beautiful girl. Vector illustration of woman

Here’s how it works:

Check out the posts below, which are separated into two categories: Original (real beauty in general) and Girl Boner (the beauty of sexuality). Interact as you wish, leaving comments, sharing your faves, etc.! Read on to learn how to enter the prize drawing.

PRIZES:

Professional Manuscript Evaluation, from the spectacular Jenny Redbug* – 1 winner

From Jenny: I will give the author a written evaluation that will cover craft, style, structure, marketability and sales potential. I will include what needs doing (structural editing, line-editing or copy-editing) and give the writer my best advice of how to move forward. I was an acquisition editor for over 12 years at a literary magazine and an award-winning small press. I’m currently on staff at the Southern California Writers Conference and teach writing and editing at San Diego Writers, Ink. More about me and testimonials from clients can be seen at my site: www.jennyredbug.com.  Value: $600 – $1500

*Not a writer? You can pass this on to a friend or family member!

Global Girlfriend goodies – 5 winners

Five folks will receive a surprise goodie from Global Girlfriend, sponsored by me and Girl Boner®. Each purchase helps a girl go to primary or secondary school through the GROW program (Girls’ Right to Opportunity Worldwide).

For chances to win, do the following between today and midnight PST Monday, May 9th:

  • Post a comment below, answering the prompt at the post’s end. 2 points
  • Visit and comment on all posts in the Original category. 5 points**
  • Visit and comment on all posts in the Girl Boner category. 5 points**
  • If you’re participating as a blogger, you’ve already landed 5 points. WOOT!

**If you comment on all posts in either or both categories, let me know in a comment below.

Prize winners will be announced on my blog on Thursday, May 12th. 

For even more fun, support festers by sharing their links and/or the fest on social media, adding the hashtag #BOAW16. Consider following or subscribing to your faves’ blogs or newsletters. The only rule is that we keep things respectful.

REGISTERED BLOGGERS: If your doesn’t appear below, it means I searched but couldn’t find your link on the site you registered with by 6am PST today. Please send me your link directly here, and I’ll loop you in!

Original entries:

Kassandra Lamb: 7 Very Important Things My Not-Very-Healthy Mother Taught Me

Lynn Kelley: Dance of Life and Girls Just Want to Have Fun

Kendra Tanner: What Naked Female Bodies Taught Me About Beauty

Gayle Carline: A thing of beauty is a joy forever…in the eye of the beholder

Jennifer Jensen: Body Strong: How Do You Celebrate?

Aurora Jean Alexander Beauty changes during the time

Nicole: Beauty of a Body

Kelly Wilson: Beauty of a Woman: Seeing Clearly in the Mirror

KM Huber: Colors of the Day: the Beauty of Being

Patricia Sands: Live to Your True Potential

Jan Morrill: Beautiful Little Voice

Kimberly: Got “Flaws”? You Are Beautiful

Jenny Redbug: Beauty, and Other Powerful Words

Diana Beebe: On Discovering Newness of Life

Amy Kennedy: Found Beauty

Jenny Hansen: The Beauty of Connections

Piper Bayard: Beauty Carved by Blood

Audrey Kalman: Where wrinkles are admired, tolerated, and required

Tiffany A. White: The True Beauty of…Breasts

Aleisha Gore: The Beauty of a Woman and The Call of the Amazon

Michelle: Revisiting My Jealous Bitchfriend, Depression

Christy Jackson Nicholas: Writing Male Characters as a Woman

Girl Boner entries:

Lana Fox: Why I Wear a Mustache During Sex

Kitt Crescendo: Virgin, Vanilla or Virtuoso – It’s All About Sexual Freedom

Tabitha Rayne: Never Curb Your Enthusiasm

Drew Sheldon: Excuse Me While I Talk About Sexuality

Pam Costa: Stranger role play and girl boners

Devi Ansevi: Titty Tribulations

Mona Darling: My Life Long Arch Nemesis

Anna Sky: Engaging with Sexuality: A Personal Perspective

Victoria Blisse: You Are Beautiful and Sexy

Jillian Boyd: Little Stitches

Lily Harlem: Comfortable In Your Own Skin

Charlotte Howard: Discovering the beauty behind sexuality

Dr. Megan Fleming: Keep Your Sexual Pilot Light On…Always

Trish Causey: Beauty is Sexuality in a Dirty, Naughty Culture

Bree: The Power of P

What makes you feel beautiful? Let me know in a comment below for 2 raffle points! 

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Patricia Sands says

    May 2, 2016 at 7:05 am

    Congratulations on another successful BOAW blogfest, August! It’s a pleasure to be involved! And now off to visit the others …

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      May 2, 2016 at 2:46 pm

      Cheers, Patricia! I’m so thrilled to have you – and your FAB post.

      Reply
  2. Diana Beebe says

    May 2, 2016 at 7:10 am

    Embracing Life and Love! Feelings of joy and happiness and pure, unconditional love make me feel beautiful.

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      May 2, 2016 at 7:49 am

      Great answer, Diana. Amen!

      Reply
  3. Kathleen M. Rodgers says

    May 2, 2016 at 8:27 am

    As I age, I feel the most beautiful when I use my brain to create a story, poem, or essay that impacts others.

    I just read Jan Morrill’s blog and was moved by the image of her drawing faceless people when she was a child.

    I’m looking forward to reading the other selections.

    Kathleen

    Reply
    • Jan Morrill says

      May 2, 2016 at 10:46 am

      Thank you, Kathleen. That means so much to me!

      Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      May 2, 2016 at 2:47 pm

      I completely relate, Kathleen! Creativity = gorgeous.

      Reply
  4. Tiffany A. White says

    May 2, 2016 at 9:08 am

    My son makes me feel beautiful. My husband does, too, there’s just something about the way my baby boy looks at me. It’s the best feeling and can warm even the darkest of days.

    Reply
    • Jenny Hansen says

      May 2, 2016 at 11:46 am

      Awwwww. I love this, Tiffany. And you are GORGEOUS.

      Reply
      • Tiffany A. White says

        May 2, 2016 at 2:28 pm

        You always know how to make me smile, Jenny!!

        Reply
        • Jenny Hansen says

          May 2, 2016 at 4:01 pm

          Reply
      • Kitt Crescendo says

        May 2, 2016 at 6:21 pm

        What Jenny said….

        Reply
        • Tiffany A. White says

          May 3, 2016 at 2:04 pm

          You guys are all so sweet! I have missed you!

          Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      May 2, 2016 at 2:48 pm

      That’s so sweet, Tiffany. I’m sure you have that effect on them, too!

      Reply
  5. KM Huber says

    May 2, 2016 at 9:17 am

    I’ve come to believe ours is a dimension of sensation, each life experience unique. Every moment is a gift; a mere matter of looking past what appears to be to what is. In working with the reality I have, I find beauty within. I’m never disappointed. Thanks so much for this fest, August. It is such a great event
    Karen

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      May 2, 2016 at 2:49 pm

      So beautifully said, Karen – no pun intended! Indeed, moments are gifts. You teach us all so many about living in and seeing their wonder.

      Reply
  6. Lynn Kelley says

    May 2, 2016 at 10:03 am

    Dancing and celebrating life make me feel beautiful. Cheers to you, August, for hosting another BOAW fest! It’s a joy watching your career skyrocket!

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      May 2, 2016 at 2:51 pm

      Ooh, I love that, Lynn. And cannot get over your brilliant videos! They made me wanna dance. In fact, I think I will. Thanks SO much for the kind words, and for participating.

      Reply
  7. Jan Morrill says

    May 2, 2016 at 10:46 am

    Thank you so much for this opportunity to share our thoughts on beauty, August. It’s just one more awesome project you share with us all.

    What’s beautiful to me? Compassion and empathy–because for someone to have that, they took the time to listen. That doesn’t seem to happen enough these days.

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      May 2, 2016 at 3:29 pm

      Thanks for helping make this all such a pleasure, Jan! You bring so much to BOAW.

      I’m so with you on the beauty of compassion and empathy. What gifts they are, to give and receive.

      Reply
  8. Aleisha Gore says

    May 2, 2016 at 11:07 am

    Thank you for letting me participate. Here is mine. http://aleishag.blogspot.com/2016/05/beauty-of-woman-and-call-of-amazon.html

    Reply
  9. Jenny Hansen says

    May 2, 2016 at 11:48 am

    When I hang out withmy best girlfriends, I feel completely beautiful. I don’t know why – there’s just this energy and radiance that fills me right up.

    Oh, and I feel gorgeous when I have an orgasm too, but that’s a whole other energy form.

    I love all these posts!

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      May 2, 2016 at 3:31 pm

      Oh, yes, gal time! It does seem to bring a special, beautifying magic, doesn’t it? And triple amen to orgasm wonder. There are few better ways to reduce stress, make us present and make us glow.

      Reply
  10. Aurora Jean Alexander says

    May 2, 2016 at 12:10 pm

    Being accepted, liked and complimented just the way I am, when I’m surrounded by honesty – and surrounded by positive vibes, then I feel beautiful.

    What a fantastic Blog Fest, August!!

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      May 2, 2016 at 3:33 pm

      Aw, I love that, AJ. Indeed, those vibes and unconditional love are everything! So glad you’re enjoying the fest.

      Reply
  11. Aurora Jean Alexander says

    May 2, 2016 at 1:23 pm

    So far I’ve answered the prompt and worked myself through all Blog Fest “Original” posts. I loved each one of them and left a unique comment on each one of them. What a great fest, August!

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      May 2, 2016 at 3:33 pm

      Aw, thanks, AJ! That support = GOLDEN.

      Reply
  12. Aleisha Gore says

    May 2, 2016 at 2:53 pm

    I think what makes me beautiful, and us all beautiful, is my love of others. I am really interested in people and when you look at people, it’s like a mirror. I see beauty everywhere and beauty looks back at me. I just realized that now. xo

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      May 3, 2016 at 7:07 am

      Ooh, I love that, Aleisha. Beautiful indeed!

      Reply
  13. Devi Ansevi says

    May 2, 2016 at 4:48 pm

    You’re the hostess with the mostest, August, thank you for wrangling all us #BOAW16 posters and providing a forum to share. Prompt response on what makes me feel beautiful: Dressing up always gives me a boost, especially wearing shoes or a shirt that has garnered lots of compliments already. Bonus response: Making a difference by helping someone else – gives me a warm glow better than cosmetics.

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      May 3, 2016 at 7:19 am

      It’s my total pleasure, Devi – thanks for joining us! I love your responses. Dressing how we feel loveliest can be awesome soul medicine – and making a difference for someone else is sheer magic. The “warm glow” – so well said.

      Reply
  14. Kitt Crescendo says

    May 2, 2016 at 6:22 pm

    Laughter makes me feel beautiful….so does the unconditional love my hubby has for me.

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      May 3, 2016 at 7:20 am

      Oh yes, many cheers for both!!

      Reply
  15. Christy Nicholas says

    May 3, 2016 at 4:01 am

    Wonderful! But I guess you still can’t find my own? https://greendragonartist.net/2016/05/02/writing-male-characters-as-a-woman/

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      May 3, 2016 at 6:34 am

      You’re in, Christy! Thanks so much for participating.

      Reply
      • Christy says

        May 3, 2016 at 6:39 am

        Thanks for hosting!

        Reply
  16. Jillian Boyd says

    May 3, 2016 at 1:10 pm

    It’s been a joy to discover this fest (and you, August!) and I am currently working my way through the posts and leaving comments where I can. So inspiring.

    What makes me feel beautiful… ehm, that’s a tough one. The love for and of my partner, combined with the act of making someone’s day, I think.

    x

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      May 4, 2016 at 6:06 pm

      Oh, I’m so glad you’re enjoying the fest, Jillian! It’s been a treat to have you. Many cheers for those beautifiers. xoxo

      Reply
  17. Lynn Kelley says

    May 3, 2016 at 1:43 pm

    I can’t leave a comment on Coco’s blog. The captcha keeps saying it’s in error. I tried 5 times. Here’s my comment to Coco:

    Those mantras are awesome! How cool that you teach dance. August mentioned “sensual dancing.” I’m not familiar with it, but it sounds intriguing. I’ll have to revisit your blog and discover the info you share in your other posts. I’m supposed to be studying right now, but I’m slacking off and enjoying the blog fest for a bit! Nice to meet you, Coco!

    Reply
  18. Lynn Kelley says

    May 3, 2016 at 1:45 pm

    I’m thoroughly enjoying your blogfest, August. What a nice break from studying. Taking part in this makes me realize how much I miss blogging. In a few months I’ll get back in the swing of it. So uplifting.

    The BOAW posts are fab. I’ll make my way to all of them before the week is up.

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      May 3, 2016 at 1:57 pm

      Aw, I’m so glad you’re have a blast, Lynn! You’ve brought so much to it. Thanks also for supporting fellow festers. Makes me swoon!

      Reply
  19. Kassandra Lamb says

    May 3, 2016 at 6:24 pm

    Loving the posts I’ve managed to read so far. Since I’m traveling, it may take me awhile to get through them all, but I will do it!!

    Reply
    • Kassandra Lamb says

      May 9, 2016 at 1:09 pm

      Still reading, and loving them all!!

      Reply
  20. Christy says

    May 5, 2016 at 1:21 pm

    When I smile at myself in the mirror. I can see all the wrinkles and the spots, but I still am HERE, through it all.

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      May 5, 2016 at 5:51 pm

      Gorgeous, Christy.

      Reply
  21. Karen McFarland says

    May 5, 2016 at 2:28 pm

    I know this takes a lot of work for you to put this together August. And yet, it always turns out so well. Congratulations on another successful BOAW Blogfest!

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      May 5, 2016 at 5:51 pm

      Aw, thank you, Karen! The wonderful folks and pieces make it all worthwhile. Thanks so very much for the support!

      Reply
  22. Jennifer says

    May 7, 2016 at 9:43 am

    I’m loving reading the posts for BOAW16…All the positive, loving, empowering words I’ve read make me feel beautiful!

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      May 7, 2016 at 2:40 pm

      So wonderful to hear, Jennifer!

      Reply
  23. Lynn Kelley says

    May 7, 2016 at 1:16 pm

    Hi August! What a nice way to start my Saturday, by finishing the posts in the original category. Very enjoyable. I believe I commented on each one. I’ll visit the Girl Boner posts when I need a break from my studies. Have a great weekend!

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      May 7, 2016 at 2:40 pm

      Aw, thanks so much for taking the time, Lynn! Truly glad you enjoyed. Have a great weekend, too.

      Reply
  24. Aurora Jean Alexander says

    May 7, 2016 at 5:17 pm

    All right August, here we go – I went through the Girl Boner version of the Blog Fest posts and shared and commented away – to each one of them. I had so much fun reading these wonderful and great posts!! They’re all so unique – and simply fantastic. Thanks for an enjoyable Blog Fest!

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      May 7, 2016 at 6:08 pm

      You’re amazing, AJ! Thanks so much for being you. ❤️

      Reply
  25. Kitt Crescendo says

    May 8, 2016 at 10:31 am

    There are a couple of posts that I either couldn’t access or their blogs wouldn’t let me comment, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this fest as much as always! The content just keeps getting better.

    Reply
    • Tiffany A. White says

      May 9, 2016 at 12:54 pm

      I had some issues leaving comments on blogger…

      I’m still reading girl boner, but thoroughly enjoyed the original posts!! Thanks so much for hosting again, August!

      Reply

Trackbacks

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  2. The Beauty of a Woman BlogFest VI: Registration! - Girl Boner® says:
    February 6, 2017 at 7:46 am

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  8. Beauty in Sexuality in a Dirty, Naughty Culture | Trish Causey says:
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  9. Virgin, Vanilla, or Virtuoso – It’s All About Sexual Freedom #BOAW16 – theinnerwildkat says:
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