She's a Gem - Merideth!

I've known Merideth since we were 12. She was always a straight A student, captain of the cheerleading team, class treasurer...an all-around golden girl. She has a 1,000 kW smile that lights up every room! After we graduated from SMU in Dallas, TX we both moved to NYC to pursue our respective careers. Merideth in public relations and marketing for premium brands such as Escada and Cole Haan, before launching her own business - Modern Global Communications, working with celebrity athletes. Just as Merideth reached the pinnacle of her career, she suffered a massive stroke. Tragically, one year later her father also suffered a massive stroke and died later due to complications. Over the last several years, Merideth has made a miraculous recovery, earning her the nickname 'Mericle' among our friends. Throughout her recovery, her life has changed so much - some unintended consequences and some very intentional choices. She has become an activist and speaker for the American Stroke Association. She cut back on her work load so she could focus more on her family. She even ran the New York City Marathon! Merideth is my real life Wonder Woman, because she never stops fighting. Ever. She is hilarious, optimistic, humble, powerful...a true Steel Magnolia as we say in the South.

If you were a gemstone - what would you be and why? What are your facets?

Hands down an Amethyst. Why: Purple is my power color and amethyst is my birthstone (February) and I've always found something magical, mysterious, and powerful about the amethyst stone.

I am happiest when I am…

falling asleep in my husband’s arms while snuggling with my son Colin

Where is home to you?

Home is where you make it – for me that’s Wilton, Connecticut

Modus operandi - what is your M.O.? Something you do every day, unfailingly?

I drink a large cup of decaf coffee every day. During the first half of the cup, I organize my day. The remaining half of the cup, I get to work on my to do list.

What is your Spirit Animal…or Alter Ego? 

The dragon - resilient and strong, but if you poke me then I breathe fire!

Favorite way to spend a rainy day?

Reading a book and sipping chamomile tea

Biggest lesson learned in the past 2 years?

I’m tougher than I ever thought I could be.

What do you wish you had more of?

Precious time with loved ones. Family and friends are my heart and my breath. 

Favorite quote?

"Tough times don't last, tough people do." -Robert Schuller

Who is your role model or hero?

Women should have several role models and mentors in their lives. For me it's my mom, my best friend and Wonder Woman! 

What’s on your bedside table?

Lots of books (one about grace), alarm clock, a photo of my son

Thing you cant live without?

Kisses from my husband and son

I feel powerful when I…

am dressed up in a couture gown

Favorite Dessert?

Birthday cake! Especially the frosting. 

If you could bring anyone back, who would it be?

My Dad - I would love one more day with him.

What do you geek out on?

Romance novels!

What is your all-time favorite book, or fabulous recent-read?

The Secret Garden

Fictional soirée - what 3 guests would you invite to your party, dead or alive?

My late Dad, King Arthur and Oprah

What do you want to tell other women?

Enjoy every minute, because one day you’ll want that minute back

What are you most passionate about in your life right now?

Spending precious moments with my son, Colin as he's getting older and entering into the teenage years, and getting my life back. 

If you had one wish for the world – what would it be?

Less hate and more love, peace and tolerance

What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done that you would recommend others try?

Running the New York City Marathon

What act of love have you given or received lately that had a wonderful impact?

A smile from the produce man at the grocery store.

What’s your biggest splurge? (Travel, Beauty products, cashmere, etc?)

Renovating my house.