Priest, 86, stabbed and robbed by '6ft tall woman' while preparing sermon in rural Ireland

BY: Aidan Lonergan
August 22, 2018

GARDAÍ are hunting a mystery knifewoman after an elderly priest was attacked as he prepared a sermon for Sunday Mass.

Fr John Delaney, 86, was at home in the Parochical House in Coon, Co. Kilkenny when he was assaulted at around 5pm on Saturday evening.

A large woman entered the house and brandished a knife before striking Fr Delaney and causing a laceration to the back of his head, reports the Kilkenny People.

The assailant demanded cash and stole money from the priest before fleeing the scene in a cream-coloured vehicle.

Fr Delaney raised the alarm and a neighbour brought him to hospital where he was treated for his injuries.

Gardaí have conducted a technical examination of the scene and are appealing to the public for help to catch the culprit.

Superintendent Derek Hughes said: "We are appealing for information on a small cream-coloured car.

"The culprit is a female and is described as being of a strong build, approximately six feet tall with dark hair.

"We are treating this very seriously and although we are following a number of lines of enquiry we are also seeking the co-operation of the public to help solve this particularly heinous crime.

"We have a number of officers working on the investigation."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Castlecomer Garda Station on 056 444 1222, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

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Hello!

We are a production company based in Miami, and we specialize in magazine shoots, advertising, travel videos, music videos, and lots more. We are now searching for US, and Europe based models for Paid work in fashion, art, and product representation.

Irene Seiberling

Published on: April 5, 2016 | Last Updated: April 5, 2016 9:57 AM CST

Lisa Peters has been a statuesque six feet tall since she was 13 years old. Her height has presented wardrobe challenges. But she’s learned to embrace being tall and wear her height with pride.

“You have got to love your height,” said Peters, a community television host and event architect.

For Peters, who is in her mid 40s, that means wearing clothes that fit properly and flatter her frame. No short shirt sleeves and pant legs for this gal!

Off-the-rack purchases are a rarity for her.

“I don’t shop a lot,” Peters said.

Finding a bargain, but then having to pay to have major alterations done, doesn’t appeal to her. So instead, Peters prefers to invest in custom-made garments that she knows will fit properly. For those pieces, she turns to Regina fashion designers Dean Renwick and Danine Schlosser.

“I love their designs,” she said.

Peters also orders basic wardrobe pieces online from Long Tall Sally, which specializes in clothing and shoes for tall women.

Fitted dresses are her preference, rather than two-piece outfits. And she prefers solids to prints — partly because they don’t create issues when seated in front of the TV camera.

“And I like solids because I can match them to my accessories more,” she explained. “And I love colour.”

Her accessories are predominantly from Fifth Avenue Collection. Statement jewelry pieces help her change the look of her outfits with ease.

Because she sits when hosting Talk of the Town on Access TV’s community channel, Peters is careful not to wear a skirt that rides up.

“I want to present a professional look,” she said.

That also holds true in her role as an event architect for Eye Inspire Events. Peters needs to dress appropriately for whatever gala she’s overseeing.

Whether it’s in front of the camera or behind the scenes at a posh fundraising gala, Peters always makes sure she has good shoes. Most of her footwear comes from Lusso and Zoe’s in Regina and Traxx in Saskatoon.

She even has shoes she never wears out — they’re just for sitting in her TV host chair.

“I wear high heels on TV because I’m sitting,” she said. “I’m 6′ 4″ in heels when I stand … So at events I may wear working flats.”

But you won’t catch her in flats on air. “I don’t think flats look good on TV.”

Because she’s in the public eye so much, Peters now recycles outfits more than she used to. “I can’t afford not to,” she said matter-of-factly.

What advice does Peters have for tall women? “Find great-fitting clothes … Or alter your clothes to fit you. You will feel better!”

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

twitter.com/ISeiberling

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Raqui is a writer, poet, speaker, activist and much more (i.e. LargeinCharge)

They say you should never judge a book by its cover. I truly feel that the same goes for a person. You can never observe one moment in a persons life, and believe that is all they are. There are many pages to a book and many pages to a person, pages where they write their history. They create their book of life by the actions they take and the deeds that they do. The experiences and challenges they go through set a mold and it is the person who decides what form the mold will take.

My name is Raqui and I am known to many people in life and across the internet for many different reasons. For every person who thinks they know what I am about, this site is going to surprise you. I am about to introduce you to another page in the book of Raqui. Through these pages you will find out the many Dimensions that make me the woman I am today and the woman I will become tomorrow. These are my pages in the book of my life.

There is nothing in my life that I regret, I have never done anything that I am ashamed of. So I am laying it on the line and giving all those who are interested in working with me the real story behind my persona and what I have done through out my years to advance into the person I am today.

I hope you enjoy your journey into the world of Raqui.

Visit her website

Q: I'm a tall woman. Really tall. Tall enough to be a supermodel (though I don't have the wide eyes and cheekbones), and tall enough to be on the Australian women's volleyball team (if only I were coordinated). I've always found it difficult to meet guys who are as tall as or taller than me, so I've given up and now rather fancy short guys. I find I'm not attracted to anyone over about 5 foot 5 (which is even shorter than Rove). But these guys don't want a bar of me - they're much more inclined to look in the petite section of RSVP. I find it so infuriating. How can I convince these little cuties to look past my towering height and give me a chance?

HELP! Tall Girl

A: Towering beauties have entranced some of the world's cutest short-statured men. Don't believe me? Take movie mogul Tom Cruise (5'7) and Katie Holmes (5'9); Brit music star Jamie Callum (5'4) and Sophie Dahl (6'0) and French President Nicolas Sarkozy (5'5) and Carla Bruni (5'9). These men don't mind looking up to their women, but all have something in common - confidence by the bucketload and successful careers of their own. That's your ticket to finding love with a sexy jockey/rowing coxswain or gymnast. They need to be so self-possessed and secure that they don't give two hoots about having their gal sling an arm around them for a photo opp - or be better at changing light bulbs, for that matter.

My advice to finding your mini Prince Charming? Start targeting smaller men with a swagger. Don't hide your height on online dating forums either - advertise your supermodel stature. Where it asks for your vital stats type in: "I have legs that won't quit, won't be overlooked at the bar and can always be spotted across a crowded rooom." Upload a photo that emphasises your willowyness. After all - tall is super-sexy.

Joerge sure thinks so - he set up a website celebrating the gorgeousness of tall women like Geena Davis, Brooke Shields and Uma Thurman (all 6 footers). Check it out for a total confidence boost at Tallwomen.org.

Oh, and while you're at it, have you heard about the aptly named Alexis Skye? At 6'4, she's got size 13 feet, can't slam dunk and once made up a name tag that said "Yes, I'm 6'4" so she could get on with her job at a local diner without the nightly barrage of questions. See - tall ladies are infinitely fascinating. Now, she's making a packet having fun with her height and making men drool all over the world - shorties included!

Love, reality chick

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Meet the Women of My Giant Life

posted: 07/08/15
by: Rebecca Goldberg

COLLEEN a.k.a. COCO - San Diego

At six feet six inches tall, Colleen is not an average single gal playing the field. The 36-year-old, former pro-volleyball player is on the hunt for a man - someone between Mr. Right and Mr. Right Now - with the assistance of her best friends, Chris and Michael. She also faces the struggles of moving home to San Diego, settling into her new apartment, and tricking it out with the "tall hacks" that she uses to customize her space.

HALEIGH - Huntington Beach, California

23-year-old Haleigh stands at six feet seven inches tall and has a world of possibilities at her fingertips: a professional volleyball career that will take her around the globe, a master's degree, and all the promise that comes from being young and talented. Her much shorter, 32-year-old boyfriend, Bryan, is ready to settle down and have a handful of kids, but Haleigh's father is worried that he's going to slow his daughter down.

NANCY - Cypress, Texas

At a staggering six feet nine inches tall, Nancy is anything but an average American high school student. She is going through the rites of passage of being a teenage girl: learning to drive, finding a date to prom and then selecting the perfect dress, but none of those are easy when you're seventeen and so much taller than your classmates. Nancy learns how to rise to the challenge of being exceptional as she figures out how to navigate life as a rising basketball superstar.

LINDSAY - Los Angeles

Statuesque and striving to make a name for herself, Lindsay stands out from any crowd at six feet nine inches tall. The actress and former wrestler is the Guinness World Record holder for the Tallest Actress in a Leading Role. She gets her height from her father, but she hasn't seen him since she was 11-years-old. Ready to put the demons of her past to rest and move on, Lindsay is on a quest to locate her father and ask him why he left her all those years ago.

Read the full article on the TLC website

I have been tall all my life....I reached my current height of 6'4" when I was 11 years old and in elementary school. I have also been BBW for most of my life (as far as I can remember, I have always been a double digit dress size), so I have had quite awhile to get used to my size and stature. Some things have changed over the years and decades, most notably fashion and clothing for women of height. I remember in elementary and junior high school having to wear men's shirts so the sleeves would be long enough and keeping them buttoned all the time so no could tell it was a man's shirt. I remember too short pants and my mom treating me to the one tall specialty shop in DC once a year for dresses and skirts. Today, plus size stores such as Torrid, Avenue, and Lane Bryant are catering to women who are not only blessed with extra curves but those with extra height.

One thing that has not changed is the dating game but I have to say regardless of height, weight, age or race...all women find themselves in the same boat. I live in Washington, DC...land of men who are shallow and/or shy....they tend to measure their masculinity and worth in inches (height and "other places") and judge women by their numbers (weight and dress size), so the more above average a woman is, the more unique her challenges. I am constantly asked two questions (usually back to back): how tall are you, which I find completely unoriginal and a little invasive. What if I asked every short man I met how tall he is? They would not take it very well, but I find myself asking men taller than me how tall they are. I tell them it is rare to find a man taller than me, which it is. Maybe I am the pot calling the kettle black. The second question is: did you ever play basketball, which I find discriminatory and restricting. Is that all tall girls are capable of or supposed to do? Besides, look at me...do I LOOK like playing sports has ever been a part of my lifestyle? However, my standard answer is I have always been more academic than athletic.

I find that with my height, there is no shortage of men who are interested in me, but these men can placed in one of three categories: fetish seekers who view me as an object instead of a person; the ones with inadequacy issues who wonder if they can "handle" me and the guys who view me as a regular person. The guys in the last category are far and few between and tend to friendzone me. The fetish seekers are the worst. I get endless questions and comments about my height, who's the tallest guy I ever dated, who's the shortest, do I wear heels, so I know how tall I would be if I wore heels, what size are my feet...and the list goes on. Conversations with these men are painful and dates are impossible.

The inadequate men always have questions about their manhood, which is surprising to me as they like to ask those questions before even asking my name. I tend to cut those men off at the pass VERY quickly but ended up inadvertently not only dating one, but falling in love with him. That did not end well (he married someone else who was shorter than he was) but I really should have seen it coming : he kept telling me I needed someone younger, taller, more...everything. And last but not least are the regular guys...they tend to be shorter also, but they are more confident in themselves and realize that this is not a one size fits all world. They see my intelligence and personality and are genuinely interested in who I am and how I am doing versus asking me how the air is up here. Unfortunately, they are usually already taken which keeps our friendship a friendship, we are not attracted to each other "that way" or they are as damaged goods as I am if not more so.

Usually, I have always dated men shorter than I...I have dated two men my height and it is wonderful to be able to look someone in the eye standing up. Unfortunately, tall men tend to go for short women, which leaves my end of the scale a bit unbalanced. Although, the little man (seriously, he was a midget) was a little too far on the wrong end of the scale for me to even contemplate. It is hard being a tree in a sea of shrubs...it takes me a minute to realize how tall I am because for me...it feels "normal", whatever that is. It is hard to know how I come across to men because I am such a girly girl and tend to dress and be very feminine so I wonder why in the world they are intimidated. However, I have had years to adjust to my height; I tend to forget that people who just meet me have not.
But like most single women of any age, race and size...I am somewhat hopeful that there will be a man out there who not only will welcome the challenge of a tall woman but will happily meet and conquer them.

I hope you enjoyed my post...if you would care to find out more about me or read more of my work, please feel free to check out my blog. Thanks for reading!

Visit my blog

ROUCHA 

ROUCHA is designed for women - curvy, straight, short and tall.

It’s a solution for petite women who are over having to hem all their clothes, and for tall women on whom clothing is consistently, unintentionally cropped. Standard size charts assume that as we get taller, we get larger. ROUCHA doesn't make this assumption and offers clothing in varied lengths and widths.

Visit the ROUCHA website

RTD food columnist took a break from topic to take up fashion debate with popular syndicated columnist Erma Bombeck in 1976

Nicole Kappatos

Erma Bombeck was a columnist who wrote about suburban home life from the mid-1960s to the 1990s. Bombeck authored thousands of newspaper columns, often with a sense of humor, chronicling the life of an ordinary suburban housewife. She had millions of readers in the U.S. and Canada.

In September 1976, Times-Dispatch food columnist Nancy Finch received a newspaper clipping in the mail from her mother who lived in Lakeland, Florida. The clip was an Erma Bombeck column about the problems short women faced buying clothes. Bombeck closed the column saying “I am well aware…that tall girls have their problems…but if they want to complain, they’re going to have to get their own column.”

Finch, a tall woman, was up for the challenge. She used her column space, normally focused on discussing food, to challenge Bombeck on the equally frustrating fashion issues faced by tall women.
 
Here is what Finch had to say:

Dear Erma,

I am 5 feet, 10 inches tall and I have my own column, thank you—even if it is supposed to be about food. But I can’t let your challenge go by. So hemlines have dropped and all five feet two of you is tripping over them. I’m not the least bit sympathetic.

I’ve been going around looking like a majorette for the past 10 years or since whenever the mini struck. While you’re just now having to start taking them up—I’ve been letting them down, forever.

It all started back when I was a junior bridesmaid at age 12 and I was taller than the bride, the bridegroom and all the ushers.

While everyone else wears long sleeves, I’ve been wearing “bracelet length.” Salesladies have been assuring me it was the “latest” for 25 years.

Mrs. Bombeck, you have tangled with the wrong tall tiger.

Have you ever tried wearing panty hose with the waistband around your knees? Did you ever have a date tell you he just loved dancing “cheek to chest” with you?

Did you know that clothing manufacturers think there is no such thing as a tall pregnant woman? Can you imagine wearing a sheet for nine months with armholes and a headhole cut in it?

While you can’t find your feet, the hems have finally hit my knees and I am doomed forever to looking like something out of a vintage Sears catalog.

Have you ever looked at a 21-inch baby daughter and wondered what hath you and your 6 feet 4 husband wrought?

I won’t even go into the rest. Undoubtedly you wear a size 5 shoe and couldn’t possibly know what it’s like to be directed to the men’s department when you ask a shoe salesman if he carried size 11 ½.

You are quite right there is an existing population on this earth that is short. And it is the majority.

It has us bumping our heads on car doors, because hunch-back from bending over to chop onions and brush our teeth, scrunching up in bathtubs made for pygmies and generally suffering all sorts of abuse and indignities.

Now that we have finished with women, senior citizens and children’s lib, I have one hope, TALL LIBERATION.

Nancy Kissinger, stop standing there towering over Henry. We need you!

NOTE: Nancy Kissinger was the wife of then-U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. She was about six feet tall and Henry was 5 feet 4 inches.

Bombeck never responded to Finch’s column. Finch recently shared that in response to her column she had an outpouring of gratitude from fellow tall women in the Richmond area.

The Virginia Repertory Theater will debut “Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End” at the Hanover Tavern, a comedic one-woman show about the well known columnist. The show will run from March 2-April 8, 2018.

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‘Running Man’ Star Kim Jong Kook Receives Backlash From ‘Tall Women’ Comment, Sparks Netizen Debate Over Alleged Sexist Statement

by RG Ferrer / May 02, 2017 05:33 AM EDT

The recent episode of "Running Man" gave viewers a glimpse at the physical attributes of Kim Jong Kook's ideal woman. However, the South Korean musician's "tall women" comment offended several netizens who claimed that it was a sexist remark.

"Running Man" viewers were surprised when Kim Jong Kook shared his opinion over the attractiveness of short ladies versus tall women. Aired on April 30, Sunday, the said cast member mentioned how men would usually prefer to date women who were not tall. The statement was made in response to guest star Sistar's Hyorin comment where she lamented over her short height.

Kim Jong Kook explained that he personally would want to date someone whose height is similar to Sistar's Hyorin. The "Running Man" cast member went on to indicate that he does not consider a lady with a tall stature as a "woman."

Given the Turbo alum's comments, several "Running Man" viewers expressed their disappointment over Kim Jong Kook's statements. Describing the comment as sexist and discriminatory, netizens slammed the singer for his insensitive remarks, All Kpop reported.

However, several netizens also conveyed support for the "Running Man" cast member. Defending the musician online, supporters explained how the singer only shared his personal preference and ideal type without any intention to degrade tall women. Some netizens even highlighted that it must be difficult for celebrities such as Kim Jong Kook at having to deal with "trivial" matters such as a misconstrued statement.

In other news, Kim Jong Kook's fellow "Running Man" cast members Song Ji Hyo, Haha and Yang Se Chan were sent on a foodie mission in Taiwan in the same episode. Part of the show's global challenge, the said three cast members were tasked to consume some of Taiwan's famous local delicacies such as stinky tofu and duck blood.

Song Ji Hyo impressed her teammates when she took a bite of the duck blood dish and even slurped some of the stinky tofu soup, Soompi reported. However, the "Running Man" ace balked after eating a piece of the stinky tofu given its pungent smell.

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HIGH HOPES: Russian woman who’s 6ft 9in with 52.4in legs aiming to be crowned ‘world’s tallest model’… and she wears size 12 shoes

Ekaterina Lisina, 29, is popular with men who are attracted to taller women and those with larger feet

By Lauren Windle 29th June 2017, 12:45 pmUpdated: 29th June 2017, 2:58 pm

FORMER professional basketball player Ekaterina Lisina has a new target in her sights – being named the world’s tallest model.

Standing at 6ft 9in in her bare feet, Ekaterina, from Russia, has already been officially named the tallest woman in Russia.

After she retired from basketball, the leggy beauty launched a career in modelling and believes she is now the world’s tallest model.

Ekaterina said: “The record is held at the moment by Amazon Eve and she is 6ft 8in, which is smaller than me.

“I really want to be in the book of world records as the world’s tallest model. I also think I have a chance to be awarded the world’s longest legs. My legs are around 52.4 inches, which is longer than the current record holder”.

The 29-year-old’s striking height has drawn her fans from all over the world – many of them men with a particular interest in taller “Amazonian” women or women with big feet.

Ekaterina doesn’t just count her lengthy legs among her achievements but she has also been officially recognised as having the biggest feet of any woman in Russia with a European size 47, or a UK size 12.

She said: “I do like the attention and I hope after I get the title I am going to get even more attention!”

“I think my long legs can definitely help my modelling career because there aren’t so many models with such long legs.”

Ekaterina’s 52.4 inch pins also propelled her to great success as a professional basketball player.

At the age of 16, Ekaterina had to choose between pursuing her dreams of becoming a model and playing basketball. Already on the path to success with basketball, she chose the sport, putting her catwalk dreams on hold.

She explained: “I wanted to be a model since I was 16-years-old but at that time I started my professional basketball career.

“Basically I had to choose between modelling and basketball and of course there was no question because with basketball I had talent.”

As part of her successful career Ekaterina represented the Russia women’s team at the 2008 Olympics, where together they won Olympic bronze.

Given that Ekaterina’s parents were tall – her father is 6ft 5in and her mother 6ft 1in – Ekaterina was always expected to reach great heights.

Her father Viktor Lisin reveals that they noticed from birth that their daughter was a lot taller than average.

He said: “When we were picking her up from the hospital we noticed right away that her legs were really long and her body mainly consisted of them.”

Ekaterina’s older brother Sergei Lisina, who himself measures 6ft 6in (2 metres), recalls his not-so-little sister being picked on by other kids at school.

He said: “I remember she was bullied a few times at school because she was the tallest and I had to show up there a couple of times.

“She realised quite quickly that it gives her a huge advantage in a specific type of sport which she started doing professionally almost straight away.

“So I don’t think it was too uncomfortable for her. Also, because all of our family members are tall, not many of us felt uncomfortable about this fact.

“On the contrary, I think being tall is awesome, no doubts about that. If I had an option of adding on about four or five centimetres to my height I’d certainly agree to do that.”

But growing up, Ekaterina did find shopping for clothes a struggle.

She said: “It was very difficult for me to buy clothes and I knew I was different.

“I only really realised I was attractive when I was about 24 years old. I always had an athletic body and was always much taller than everyone else my age.

“But then I realised that being tall is very attractive and that I got a lots of attention from men. I am so comfortable with my body now.”

The single mother of one says that carrying her son, who’s now six-years-old, made her love and appreciate her body like never before.

She said: “I think during pregnancy I developed curves and I started to feel so great about it.

“Before that, I always felt like I had a teenager’s body but now I feel so feminine and confident.

“I feel really comfortable in my body right now and I don’t have any problems being taller than everyone else. I love it.”

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Sandy Allen's Eulogy (by Rita Rose)

Family, friends and even strangers are gathered here today, not to mourn the death of Sandy Allen, but to celebrate her extraordinary life.

While Sandy was known to most people by her size, those who were touched by her life, even briefly, know that her character and her compassion were much bigger than any measurement found in the Guinness Book of Records.

Because she was often self-effacing, Sandy never thought she had the ability to affect people's lives or leave a positive impact on the world. Well, she was wrong. People from all over the world are expressing their admiration for the shy young woman from Shelbyville who was thrust overnight into an international spotlight, and who learned how to make her inner light shine in public.

Sandy once said, "Getting in the Guinness Book of Records really changed my life. It has given me the opportunity to travel all over the world, see places I would only have dreamed of....and it sort of brought me out of my shell."

As one person commented on the Internet, "I'm sure Sandy is now the world's tallest angel in heaven." Another said, "The world is a better place because that woman lived, as her influence and work brought so much light. Wouldn't it be nice if we could all say that about our lives at the end?

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels said that he "admired very much the way she handled a uniquely difficult situation with uncomplaining grace."

If only Sandy could hear all of these accolades - but then, she'd just wonder who all these people were talking about.

It was that humble attitude that endeared her to so many. That, and the way she reached out to people, especially children, to show them how important it was to accept everyone's differences. She knew how to make everyone feel special.

Most people will remember Sandy for her great sense of humor and the way she could poke fun at her height before anyone else had a chance to. Sometimes she did it by wearing funny T-shirts that said "I like short people, I had three for lunch" or "Life's short, I'm not." Perhaps her sense of humor was a way of coping with difficult situations, but I believe her witty one-liners came naturally. One time, when I first met Sandy, we were going to Los Angeles so she could be on the Merv Griffin Show. We were making a last-minute stop in the restroom at the airport, and for those of you who are old enough to remember, there were pay toilets. I was digging around in my purse for a dime and Sandy asked me what I was doing. I said I was getting the money for the pay toilet. Without a word, she walked over to the stall, reached over the top and unlatched it from the inside. "Save your money," she said. Another time Sandy got some laughs was when the Randy Newman song, "Short People", was popular and a local DJ was having a short people's party at a local bar. You had to be 5-foot-4 or less to get in. Sandy decided we need to crash this party, and everyone went wild when she ducked through the doorway. Needless to say, she was a BIG hit.

When Shelbyville residents Julie and Dennis Wilhoit got married and Sandy attended the wedding, she was admiring the beadwork on Julie's gown. She said that she would never have the experience of wearing a wedding dress or walking down the aisle. Julie told her not to worry, that someday her prince would come. Sandy said, "Well, if he does, he'd better be 8 feet tall and riding a damn elephant!"

But beyond being the world's tallest woman, what defined Sandy Allen?

She loved puzzle books, Stephen King, Dean Koontz and Harry Potter. She loved to sing "Elvira" at karaoke and beating everyone at backgammon. She loved jewelry, especially dangly earrings, and nice clothes. She loved going to Pacers games and waving at the players. She loved chocolate éclairs and brownies from Linne's Bakery. Her favorite drinks were Pepsi and Long Island iced tea. She loved to ride her motorized wheelchair down Miller Street to Kendall's Bar, at least when nobody tried to stop her. She loved wrestling matches and even beat one wrestler she didn't like over the head with a shoe. She loved talking to children and making them feel good about themselves. She loved Kenny Rogers. She loved God.

Shelbyville's most famous citizen had a kind heart and a good outlook on life despite the difficulties she encountered. She also could be stubborn, short-tempered and down on herself for making mistakes. She didn't like to watch herself on TV, but she enjoyed filming documentaries and other shows as long as she could go shopping afterwards. She was a giver and loved to find just the right present for someone.

Her brother Mike will remember Sandy as his protector. "She cared for me, and I know how lucky I am to have had her in my life." He said that, "Through the hard times and the good times one thing never did change and that was our love for each other."

When her sister Darlene was going through health problems, she leaned on Sandy, who was a great comfort to her. Even though she lived far away, she always knew Sandy's thoughts were with her through the tough times. She said she was lucky to have Sandy as her sister.

Linda Fox, Sandy's tough-love caretaker, said that Sandy kept her retirement from being dull, and that she brightened her life and kept her active.

Sandy's friend John Kleiman said that "Sandy taught me to be patient, to persevere, and gave me hope that there would always be better days."

Sandy also had a great love for animals and always had cats and dogs in her house. Now, she'll be able to once more enjoy Shelby, Barney, Teddy Bear, Becky Jane, Jitsu and all of the other critters who came into her life. Most of all, Sandy is once again with her beloved grandmother, Emma Warfield, whose unconditional love helped Sandy get through the hard times growing up. Emma, instilled in her the values of hard work and being proud of who she was, among other lessons that Sandy never forgot. Sandy Allen was a gentle giant who was beloved around the world. She had a caring spirit, and that spirit will remain in all of us as long as we keep Sandy in our hearts.

Rita Rose 8/18/08

Sante + Wade

Large size women's shoes in up to UK size 11

She is a woman who is used to STANDING OUT from the crowd. She wants it all -comfort, style and choice- and she doesn’t want to be labelled. NO COMPROMISES.

At Sante + Wade, we want this journey to be about CELEBRATING all sizes, from EU38 to EU46. What our customers have in common is a positive attitude to owning their individuality and not conforming to old stereotypes. We know women come in a variety of shapes; and really, we are indifferent to your size because we are all invited to the ball! We got it, you are looking for the shoes you want, not the shoes that fit; and if prince charming won’t deliver, you’ll do it your own way.

OUR STORY

SANTE + WADE is a story about passion, innovation, and friendship. 

Shola Asante, conceived the brand after trying and failing repeatedly to find footwear that fit and reflected her sense of style. An alumni of the footwear development programme at Taftc in Singapore, she further cemented her technical skills with one-to-one coaching at a luxury footwear consultancy.

Agnès Cushnie joined shortly after, using her expertise in the fashion industry to further develop the idea into a business model. A career in marketing and creative design helped to hone her craft, in particular a ten year tenure as head of the Agnes Valentine fashion label. 

Actress and TV presenter Marcy Oni completes the team. An influencer in her own right, she uses her footprint in social media to understand and respond to customer needs in emerging markets. 

Our customer is a modern woman whose shoes help her navigate a busy lifestyle. She wants choice, comfort and quality with no concessions. She inspired us to develop a range embodying this spirit.

PASSIONATE ABOUT BREAKING RULES

Tall women shouldn’t wear heels? Wide-fit shoes can’t look feminine or sexy?

We started Sante + Wade to challenge these outdated perceptions because we believe every woman should experience the emotion that comes with finding something beautiful that fits perfectly.

That’s why we create high-quality shoes at a fair price to accommodate the needs of women with longer or wider fit.

Our proposition naturally lends itself to the needs of those with a contemporary lifestyle, with shoes that take them effortlessly from one occasion to the next.

At the heart of our brand is a commitment to encourage women from all paths to stand out and be bold.

CRAFTED IN ENGLAND + MANUFACTURED IN EUROPE

We care deeply about all the steps that go into creating our shoes and pride ourselves on a relentless focus to deliver outstanding quality and comfort.

From the beginning of this journey, we partnered with luxury European consultancies, to ensure we bring the highest levels of craftsmanship to our product design process.

Our product development starts with the creation of bespoke lasts in the UK. Our shoes are then handmade at a Portuguese factory with decades of shoemaking pedigree. Their workmanship and attention to detail brings to life our design ethos;combinining splashes of colour and lavish textures with timeless silhouettes. We use only the finest European leathers and components on our products.

Social responsibility is high on our agenda and our first initiative in this area is a commitment to use shoe boxes made of 100% recycled materials, as well as packing tissue produced from well-managed forests and/or recycled materials (FSC certified).

OUR VALUES

FEMININE + CELEBRATORY

Clean lines, vibrant colours and unusual prints 

DISRUPTIVE + PROGRESSIVE

Focusing on wider and longer sizes, while providing exceptional levels of comfort

Visit the Sante + Wade website

“Sarah loves to dream and Plus size modelling was a part of that dream. Sarah is a professional plus size model, blogger, beauty diversity advocate and public speaker. Her passion is to help women see their true beauty regardless of their weight. Sarah’s personal story of beauty for ashes is at the core of her journey for helping women discover their magnificence and excel from within.

Sarah openly shares her journey of surviving abuse, self-hatred and sadness to thriving in a place of joy and self-love to give other women hope that they too can overcome anything and see beauty in themselves.

On June 30th, she was crowned Miss Plus Canada 2014 in Toronto, Ontario. Sarah was also awarded People’s Choice and the Talent Award where she shared her journey from abuse, self-hatred and sadness to a place of joy and self-love.

The couple of years have been full of exciting events, modelling, appearances, speaking engagements and encouraging others to love themselves, just the way they are. She has also ripped the runway in several local and international shows including Full Figured Fashion Week, Montreal Plus Fashion week, and Caribbean Plus Fashion Week.

Giving back is important for Sarah because in her darkest hour, the love and support from those around her helped her to see her true worth and push her forward.

Sarah lives in Toronto, Ontario and currently works in the non profit sector at Frontstream – a software company that works with non profits who fundraise online. Sarah is passionate about working with some of North America’s top charities as they develop their online strategy and implementation plans to grow their fundraising efforts.

She also volunteers at WINGS Maternity Home in Ajax as the Executive Assistant, Event & Fundraising Manger and as a mentor to the young moms who live in the home as well as the 50 community moms WINGS supports. WINGS is a very big part of Sarah’s life and considers it her second home. Be sure to check out the W.I.N.G.S. Maternity Home Website for more information about what they do (www.wingsmaternityhome.com). Please consider making a donation to this amazing cause!

Although Sarah models fashion, her heart’s desire is to be a woman clothed with strength and dignity and laugh at the future with no fear – no fear of what if’s and what next.”

Visit her website

Älter werden…

Ich werde dieses Jahr 30! Also genau der richtige Zeitpunkt, um über das Thema Alter nachzudenken. Man ist so alt wie man sich fühlt?! Oder wie war das? Na ja leicht gesagt, aber in der Realität oft anders. Ältere Frauen in peinlich kurzen Gürteln als Rock oder Kinder in sexy Outfits, das passt einfach nicht.

Siezen? Duzen?

Woran merkt man, dass man richtig erwachsen ist? Wenn man auf einmal von Jugendlichen und Kindern draußen gesiezt wird. Am Anfang seltsam und eher einem Affront nahekommend, ertappe ich mich jetzt sogar manchmal - je nach Situation - bei dem Gedanken „Wie unhöflich!“, wenn mich ein vorlauter Teenager einfach duzt. Dabei bin ich von Natur aus eher der Duzer - allein schon durch das Internet und die ganzen Social Media, da ist das oft üblich.

Ich finde sowieso, dass man sich je nach Situation auch unterschiedlich alt fühlen kann. Es kommt halt immer auf die Leute und die Umgebung an. Seit ich selbständig bin, ist es mit dem „nicht-so-erwachsen-fühlen“ schlagartig vorbei. Bei mir ist es das Schuhbaby, bei anderen das richtige Baby. Plötzlich hat man Verantwortung, die man zuvor in dieser Schlagkraft nicht hatte. Dennoch kommt der "Ach, ich bin doch noch gar nicht so alt“-Gedanke immer mal wieder kurz zum Vorschein. Wenn ich mit meinen jüngeren - oft noch Studenten - Freunden unterwegs bin zum Beispiel. Da gehöre ich ganz normal dazu und bin für einen Augenblick wieder ein bisschen zurückgesetzt in alte Zeiten. Das man das überhaupt schon so sagen kann. „Alte Zeiten…“

Früher war das mit dem Alter eh noch etwas ganz anderes. Da freut man sich und ist stolz auf jedes Jahr, das man älter wird. Wenn man dann aus den Wachstums- und Entwicklungsjahren raus ist, denkt man sich „Waaas? Schon wieder ein Jahr um?“. Panik.

Wie schnell die Zeit vergeht...

Als kleines Kind wollte ich den Erwachsenen nie glauben, dass die Zeit später schneller vorbeizugehen scheint. Aber sie hatten Recht, von Jahr zu Jahr geht die Zeit gefühlt schneller um. Klar, Kinder erleben viel intensiver, lernen noch viel und entwickeln sich - da kommt einem alles langsamer vor. Wir dagegen nehmen so viel auf einmal wahr und denken in ganz anderen Zeiteinheiten. Manchmal sollte man sich vielleicht doch noch einmal ein Beispiel an den Kindern nehmen, entschleunigen, Zeit anders wahrnehmen und einfach mal einen Tag die Käfer beobachten oder so. Könnte mir auch nicht schaden.

Wir Selbständigen haben ja in der Regel eines nicht: Zeit. Und trotzdem jede Menge zu tun und Termine über Termine. Und weil es noch nicht genug ist, nimmt man sich noch ein paar Projekte dazu. Wie zum Beispiel Blogbeiträge zu schreiben. Hihi, verrückt. Statt Käfer zu beobachten, könnte ich vielleicht auch einfach mal wieder ein bisschen drauflos malen. Das macht mir nämlich auch Spaß, schon immer. Auch als ich jünger war.

Ach, jaaa. Damals, als man als großes Mädchen einfach immer für älter und verantwortungsbewusster als gleichaltrige, kleinere gehalten und auch so behandelt wurde. Als man als Kleinkind von Erwachsenen diskriminiert und blöd angemacht worden ist. Weil man noch auf Mamas Arm war oder einen Schnuller im Mund hatte. Als man bei Spielen bei Stadt-, Kirchen- und Siedlungsfesten von Erwachsenen angemeckert und des Lügens bezichtigt wurde, weil man angeblich schon älter war und deswegen verschärftere Regeln gelten würden. Als man beim Kindergartenfest als Einzige nicht im Zirkuskarussell aus kleinen Schubkarren mitfahren durfte, weil man schon zu groß sei. Als Leistungen und Vernunft immer erwartet und als selbstverständlich angesehen worden sind und man im Gegensatz zu den Kleineren nicht dauernd gelobt worden ist. Als die Kleineren aufgrund des Niedlichkeitsfaktors bevorzugt und teilweise für gleiche Leistungen besser benotet worden sind. Klein und niedlich, das ist wie bei Katzenbabies oder Hundewelpen. Das weckt den Beschützer- und Helferinstinkt.

Mit zwölf wurde ich schon gesiezt

Es wird automatisch versucht, es den Kleinen einfacher zu machen und sie zu bestärken. Die Größeren, die eh schon durch ihre Andersartigkeit aus der Masse stechen, könnten das aber auch mal ganz gut gebrauchen. Zumal diese doch in der Regel vor allem im Jugendalter bedeutend zurückhaltender und sanfter sind - ich wurde ja mal als Schaf im Wolfspelz bezeichnet. Und bin oft wegen meiner zurückhaltenden Art (man denkt ja, als Große sticht man eh immer so hervor, ob man es will oder nicht) eher übersehen worden.

Die Kleinen dagegen drängen sich manchmal gerne in den Mittelpunkt, damit sie eben nicht übersehen werden. Das ist ein bisschen wie bei den kleinen, wild bellenden Hunden. Aber es gab natürlich auch lustige Seiten: Als ich mit zwölf im Restaurant gesiezt wurde und mir ein Schnaps nach dem Essen angeboten wurde und sich mein älterer Bruder “Und du? Willst du einen Lutscher?“ anhören durfte. Ich lache noch heute darüber. Damals, als man einfach nie nach einem Ausweis gefragt worden ist. Nirgendwo. Während kleinere Mädchen es oft hassten, mit 18 noch ausgepickt und nach dem Ausweis gefragt zu werden, fand ich das ganz witzig. Underage-Stempel gab es für mich nicht.

Als ich Anfang oder Mitte zwanzig war, kam dann der plötzliche Umschwung. Auf einmal hielten mich alle für jünger! Crazy. Kannte ich so gar nicht. Und ich musste das allererste Mal meinen Ausweis in einer Bar zeigen - für ein Bier! Ich habe mich kaputt gelacht. Und so ging es weiter. Meistens hält man mich für Mitte zwanzig. Bei Businesstreffen ist das eher andersherum - die meisten gehen nicht davon aus, dass man sich so jung schon selbständig macht. Im Schnitt bin ich dann also wieder so alt, wie ich wirklich bin. Prima, dann passt es doch!

Ich finde es aber teilweise auch schwierig, das Alter abzuschätzen. Je nach Sonnenbank- und/oder Schminkstand und Umgebung kann man sich da schon einmal vertun. Und wenn ältere Menschen versuchen einen auf „jung“ zu machen, geht das oft eher nach hinten los. Ich halte auch nichts von diesem Jungend- und Schönheitswahn. Schrecklich, wenn diese operierten Gesichter alle ähnlich gruselig verzerrt und ohne richtige Mimik sind. Ich finde ja Lachfältchen bei vielen ganz bezaubernd. Das gibt dem Gesicht so einen sympathischen Ausdruck. Falten zeigen einfach wer wir sind und was wir erlebt haben. Und ich sage ja auch immer „Lieber alt werden, als früh sterben“. Veränderungen gehören da nun einmal dazu.

…aaah, ich muss mal eben in die Drogerie flitzen! Ich habe eben eine neue, krasse „bald-bist-du-30-Falte“ entdeckt… Vielleicht sollte ich so eine Hy-aal-o-glatt-Creme oder wie die heißen doch mal ausprobieren! ;)

6'1 1/2" Sarah is the owner of Schuhe Grossartig, a German footwear company dedicated to women with larger feet.

Visit the Schuhe Grossartig website

Big girl, you are beautiful…

Weihnachtszeit ist Essens- und somit Kilozeit. Sprich, man ist froh über kaschierende XL-Pullis, lange streckende Strickjacken und bauschige Mäntel. Herrlich, einfach wild drauflosfuttern, was das Zeug hält und die Zeit mit Lebkuchen, Weihnachtsplätzchen, Adventskalenderschokolade und Glühwein genießen.

Ich kann nicht mehr richtig atmen...

Aber von wegen, Pustekuchen. Mein supertoller streckender Mantel geht fast nicht mehr zu. Und es ist erst Anfang Dezember. Schock. Alarmstufe rot. Mein Kleiderschranksortiment enthält generell ein breites Größenspektrum, denn Frau schwankt gewichtsmäßig. Viele kennen das. Aber wenn die größten Sachen, die man hat, so richtig eng sitzen und man sich weder traut tief ein- noch auszuatmen und man sich in diesen nicht mehr so ganz wohl fühlt, dann ist es höchste Zeit die Reißleine zu ziehen und etwas zu tun. Denn nackt herumlaufen ist auch keine Lösung. Back to nature ist in diesem Fall nichts für mich.

Als 1,60 Meter großer Mensch schnappst du dir einfach eine Kleidergröße größer. Sitzt, passt, wackelt, hat Luft, weiter geht es. Als große Frau, die sich generell schon am Rande des normalen Größenspektrums bewegt, gestaltet sich das Ganze etwas komplizierter. Spezialläden für Dicke oder Curvy Girls bieten leider selbst heutzutage eher das Modell bunter Sack an. So zumindest meine Erfahrungen. Wenn ich mir aber was Weites, Untailliertes, was auch noch zu kurz ist anziehe, kaschiert das nix, sondern macht mich zur unförmigen Tonne. Von curvy siehste da nichts mehr. Das ist also alles Mist.

Am besten ist es natürlich, es erst gar nicht so weit kommen zu lassen. Aber was willst du machen, wenn du nicht als langbeiniges Topmodel, sondern als kräftiges Curvy Girl mit Veranlagung zum Overcurvy Girl und Liebe zum Essen geboren worden bist? Ich kann echt einfach immer essen. Ob es mir gut geht oder schlecht. Man kann mich mit Essen sogar richtig glücklich machen. Das ist schon fast ein bisschen krank. Aber Hallo?! Lecker essen?! Was für ein Genuss! Ja, wie bei allen Sachen, kommt es natürlich auf die Menge an. Das hat momentan leider etwas Überhand genommen –Stress und so, Ihr kennt das. Deswegen kommt man dann leider auch nicht mehr zum Sport.

Gut, dass es Fitnessstudios gibt!

Gut, dass man im Fitnessstudio angemeldet ist. Die Geräte freuen sich auch so richtig, wenn sie endlich mal jemand verschont und fernbleibt… Zack, bist du im Teufelskreis drin! Aber nicht mit mir. Ich habe die Reißleine gezogen! Essen ist keine Lösung. Essen ist keine Lösung. Essen ist keine Lösung. Und Sport ist kein Mord!

Der Plan: Wieder „nur“ drei ordentliche Mahlzeiten am Tag, nichts zwischendurch und möglichst wenig Kohlehydrate abends. Ist natürlich zu dieser Jahreszeit besonders schwierig. Deswegen hatte ich nach ersten Erfolgen auch schon wieder einen Mega-Rückfall. Wenn es mit dem Weglassen des „Zwischendurchgeknuspers“ schon nicht klappt, wäre regelmäßiger Sport ja immerhin ein Anfang. Aber das ist natürlich gar nicht so einfach mit all den Terminen. Und der Überwindung. Egal, wir haben schon ganz was anderes geschafft. Also, auf in die Muckibude zum Hulken. She-Hulk, ich komme! Naja, demnächst irgendwann zumindest.

Wenn das an den Geräten wenigstens richtig Spaß machen würde. So wie Tischtennis oder Handball oder Volleyball. Ihr seht schon, ich entspreche dem „Große-Menschen-Klischee“ und mag Ballsportarten. Aber entgegen der Frage, die immer alle große Menschen zu hören bekommen, habe ich noch nie Basketball im Verein gespielt. Damals, damals als ich noch jung war, habe ich Tischtennis gespielt, kurz parallel Volleyball und nachher Handball. Als ich mein Studienjahr in Spanien war, war ich sogar mit lauter kleinen Spanierinnen im Uniauswahlteam. Das ist alles Sport, der richtig Spaß macht! Tja, leider ging dann erst das Knie kaputt, dann der Rücken und schließlich die Schulter. Für so ein lädiertes Ding fallen dann die coolen Sportarten also leider weg. Und dieses bissl Gymnastik, was man immer macht, kann man ja nicht als Sport zählen.

Also, auf in die Muckibude

Tanzen macht mir ansonsten noch Spaß, schön zur Musik auspowern! Heftige Sprunggeschichten und so lässt man dann halt einfach weg. Leider sind solche Kurse oft etwas zu früh für im Einzelhandel arbeitende Menschen und als Selbstständige fehlt mir da auch einfach die benötigte terminliche Flexibilität.

Mir bleibt also nur das Hulken in der Muckibude.

Apropros -kennt Ihr das, wenn Ihr Euch zwischen all den gestylten, zwei Köpfen kleineren Trainingshäschen wie ein Fremdkörper vorkommt? Wie jemand, der verrückterweise wirklich nur zum Sport herkommt und nicht zum Flirten oder Muskelpakete aufreißen? Wie jemand, der aus diesem Grund auch ungeschminkt in Sportbuchse mit langem Schlabbershirt drüber erscheint? Ich kenne das nur zu gut! Und Mädels, macht mal Eure Haare zusammen! Sport mit offenen Haaren geht gar nicht. Das finde ich auch immer in Action-Filmen so witzig. Die Heldin turnt und kämpft da immer mit offenen Haaren und meistert alles perfekt. Dabei stören offene Haare total – sie schränken das Sichtfeld ein, sind immer im Weg und können leicht irgendwo hängenbleiben. Mal davon abgesehen, wie verdammt warm das mit offenen Haaren ist. Schwitz... Also wenn Ihr mal auf der Flucht seid, denkt immer an ein Haargummi.

Die Trainingshäschen-Ausrede kann ich auf jeden Fall nicht mehr verwenden, in meinem aktuellen Studio sind zu meinen Zeiten eher ältere Leute da. Herrlich, ich sage es Euch. Alles total entspannt. Da fallen mir meine Größe und meine unstylishe, etwas zu kurze Trainingshose gar nicht mehr so auf.

Ihr seht schon, ich kriege das hin. Anfang des Jahres bin ich wieder voll in Form. Und bis dahin tänzele ich einfach noch eine Runde weiter zu Mikas "Big girl, you are beautiful".

6'1 1/2" Sarah is the owner of Schuhe Grossartig, a German footwear company dedicated to women with larger feet.

Visit the Schuhe Grossartig website

"Helena has always avoid wearing high heels because everybody told her that she was too tall anyway. Then she tried on a pair of Louboutins and doesn't want to take them off". I found this quote on Facebook and shared it immediately because I could sympathise.

I know this from my youth

Somehow it reminds me of my past... and it reminds me of other tall gals und women I know. I noticed that I am not the only one because there was a lot of agreement. It's probably got something to do the fact that a lot of tall women were lacking self-confidence when they were young... and some are still lacking it today and are not at peace with their height. Why is that so? What can I say? When you as a child are approached aggressively by adults who claim you are too old to be in Mum's arms... or are generally treated like a much older child you suffer to a degree. It's not productive.

When you are taller than your teacher at elementary school and your feet are big enough for you to wear Mum's shoes it's party funny - but not all the time. Tall always meant that you had to behave "older", more sensible, more grown up. Teacher's treated what your achievements as not worth mentioning whereas the smaller, cuter kids enjoyed all kinds of protection and received a lot of praise.

Clothing - a pain in the backside

When you are tall you stand out. Especially when you are surrounded by short and tender people - and you feel it even more. Don't get me started on boys. They often just reached your belly button and because of societal norms you rarely felt at ease around shorter guys. Another important factor that makes life difficult for tall girls is the fashion industry. Every woman knows what it's like to wear something beautiful and sexy. She feels desirable, beautiful and, of course confident. I know it's not only tall women who have problems finding clothes that fit but pants that are too short can't be easily lengthened and the "I'm a little too cuddly here" or "too small there" problems others have just add to the dilemma.

I'm really pleased that tops have become longer (especially the sleeves). Even when shorter clothes were fashionable they were always a little too short on me. They weren't exactly comfortable and - considering my physique - they didn't look too good on me. Apart from the length of tops their cut often caused me problems as well. And when I was recently complimented on wearing a "great top" I had to laugh while thanking the person. It was - and many of you may know it - actually a dress... but short enough to fit like a top.

The topic: shoes

Even worse are the problems tall women encounter when looking for shoes that are large enough. Ever since I was a teenager I had a love-hate relationship with shoes. You wanted to love them but in fact you hated them since you couldn't find a nice pair that you really liked. I could never find a nice pair of shoes when I wanted to go dancing as a teen. Sure, you could find shoes in your size but they looked like your granny would wear them. And you would never feel comfortable when wearing them. My Mum once bought me a pair of shiny men's shoes with a buckle which I wore with my dress. You can imagine that I didn't enjoy putting them on. And I didn't wear them very often either.

You may say that is not really ideal but then tall women stand out positively... and are pretty much treated like goddesses. And how many short women would love to be tall and want to stand out from the crowd. Indeed, that is the case. But first you need to realize that there are positive aspects to being tall. After all you have mainly experienced the negatives. You need to enjoy standing out and not think "Oh no. Everyone is watching me because I'm not normal but trampling along like a giant."

We need to be comfortable in our skins

How does this work? When we feel good... when we wear the clothes we like. When we can find feminine shoes that are fitting for the occassion, suit our type and our mood. I often talk to women in my store who never wore a pair of beautiful women's shoes before. Their faces light up, they start smiling. They feel like a different person. Beautiful shoes are a symbol for femininity and add to your self-confidence. That way women can finally get past comments like "Wow, she is huge. Is that a guy?" and finally clearly hear compliments like "Wow, what a woman!".

So love yourselves the way you are... don't allow society or the fashion industry to bring you down. Embrace being different and make it a positive in your life. We are grand.

About the author: Sarah Brabender lives in Essen, Germany, is 6'1 1/2" and is the owner of the recommended footwear store Schuhe Grossartig

This one is from 2012 but still makes for an interesting read

Today show bosses have reportedly demanded that new host Savannah Guthrie wear smaller heels and lower her anchor chair so she does not tower over co-host Matt Lauer.

'Guthrie's height has become an issue,' sources told the New York Post.

Guthrie, who started hosting alongside Lauer in early July to replace the diminutive Ann Curry, admits she towers over 5ft 11 Lauer when she puts on heels.

Read the full article

In an essay for The Cut, Ann Friedman paints a pretty off-putting picture of what it’s like to be a 6'2" woman: fielding daily comments and personal questions (“How tall is your boyfriend?” “Do you ever wear heels?”), getting gawked at by strangers and children. “My height is something I discuss every day,” she writes. Sounds exhausting.

Being a very tall woman is assumed to be such an undesirable condition that one-third of pediatric endocrinologists in the U.S. offer growth-suppression treatments for girls on track to reach 6' or above. But are all tall women really dissatisfied with their height? In a 2007 paper for the Journal of Adolescent Health, a team of sociologists and psychologists, led by Janet Lever of California State University, explored women’s feelings about their height.

Lever and her colleagues conducted an online survey (on MSNBC.com and Elle.com) of over 30,000 women of varying heights, and found that the women who were happiest with their height were between 5'7" and 5'11": 80 percent of the women in this range said they were content with their stature. Even among women 6' tall, over three-quarters -77 percent - said they "felt okay about their height"; among women 6'1" to 6'3", that figure dropped to around 60 percent. Feeling too short was a far more common complaint: only 37 percent of 5'1" women reported feeling satisfied with their height, and even among women 5'6" to 5'8" - solidly above average - a large majority of those who are dissatisfied want to be taller, not shorter. “Our data indicate that dissatisfaction with tall stature is not nearly as widespread as is commonly assumed,” they conclude.

Read the original New Republic article

See Just How Drastically Women's Heights Differ Around the World

Where do you stand?

By Christina Heiser, February 11, 2016

Chances are, your girlfriends run the gamut of heights (we all have that barely 5' pal and also one who towers over everyone else). So what's the norm?

The average woman in the U.S. is 5'4", according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And heights totally vary around the globe, as you can see from the image above. The shortest ladies come from Bolivia — they stack up at just 4'8" on average — while the tallest hail from the Netherlands, at 5'7" on average.

Then there are the extremes.

Read the full article (incl. graphics and pictures)