Saturday GLOWcase: The Glow of Friendship: Vanessa Bello's Journey with GLOW

In February 2017, the vibrant city of New Orleans was the starting point of a remarkable adventure—a cruise with the ladies of GLOW. It was on this neon-lit journey that I first met Vanessa Bello. Amid the excitement and celebration of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW), our shared passion for the 1980's wrestling show ignited a friendship that would endure the years. From that initial encounter, our bond grew stronger, culminating in another exhilarating cruise in March 2024 from Miami, where we, along with stars of GLOW and fellow fans, created memories that will last a lifetime. GLOW isn’t just a show to us; it’s a community, a connection, a shared passion.

Vanessa (in white) at dinner with Tina Ferarri, MTV & Lightning

Vanessa grew up on the quiet side of a very churchy town in central Massachusetts. Her street wound its way between two busy highways—one leading to Sterling, the home of "Mary Had A Little Lamb," and the other to Clinton, a once-thriving industrial city now more known for its abundance of bars. Her childhood home was an old, mossy green, single-level house nestled amidst rolling, thickly forested hills, next to a decaying red dairy barn. The barn, owned by neighbors living in a house built in 1776, had seen better decades but was still operational. Vanessa's house, constructed in 1830, was originally a sheep farmer's residence, complete with a large, spacious barn.

A young Vanessa, on the right, with her sister and dad

In this serene neighborhood, traffic was rare, and life was peaceful. Vanessa's parents were very conservative and deeply devoted to the Catholic Church at the center of town. They sang in the choir, and her father often read the gospel from the pulpit on Sundays. Television, with its perceived smut and violence, was frowned upon in their household.

Young Vanessa watching the TV she discovered GLOW on

Despite this, Vanessa found fascination in the world of wrestling. Rare were the times she could see women actually wrestle on their old TV with its rabbit ear antenna. Wrestling became a rare treat, a luxury she savored whenever she could. The arrival of cable television in 1989, after a neighborhood lawsuit, opened up new possibilities, but women's wrestling remained a rare gem. Her exposure was limited to wrestling magazines at grocery stores, where she eagerly flipped through pages to catch glimpses of her favorite wrestlers.

Vanessa in 2009, a time she struggled with her identity

As Vanessa grew older, she grappled with her identity. Her fascination with women's clothing and femininity clashed with her parents' conservative beliefs. Dressing up in glamorous dresses and frilly gowns as a child was initially seen as cute but quickly became unacceptable. Vanessa learned to hide her true self, living a lie and harboring resentment towards her situation. The Sears and JCPenney catalogs that arrived in the mail became both a source of excitement and depression, as she dreamt of a future where she could wear those outfits openly.

Vanessa with Melody Trouble Vixen MTV & Roxy Astor

Amidst these personal struggles, the debut of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW) offered Vanessa a ray of hope. The all-women wrestling program became a symbol of empowerment and a connection to a community that celebrated strong, fierce women. GLOW represented more than just entertainment; it was a lifeline for Vanessa, offering a sense of belonging and identity.

When asked what does G.L.O.W. mean to her, Vanessa's answer: Everything!

For Vanessa, GLOW is not just a wrestling show—it's a testament to resilience and self-discovery. It represents a world where she can embrace her true self, free from judgment and societal constraints. Through the highs and lows of her journey, GLOW has been a constant source of inspiration, reminding her that she is not alone. The friendships forged on those cruises, including ours, are a testament to the power of community and the indomitable spirit of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling.

Tina Ferarri, Vanessa, Sunny, me, Ashley Cartier & Natalia in Cozumel

As we celebrate these incredible memories, I invite you to share your own stories and experiences of G.L.O.W. Whether you met any of the wrestlers in person, watched their mesmerizing performances, or were inspired by their strength and charisma, I would love to hear from you. Feel free to leave comments and share your memories of GLOW. Let's honor these incredible women, crew and fans together! If you feel inspired to support our efforts in keeping the spirit of G.L.O.W. alive, your contributions in any form are greatly appreciated. Every little bit helps me continue sharing these stories and celebrating the legacy of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful community!

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When Friendship Collides with Politics: A Personal Reflection

Let me take you back to a moment that left me both baffled and reflective. It all started with a Facebook status update—a simple post that spiraled into something much bigger.

“You are dumb and I am tired of your nonsense.”

That’s what he wrote. A status update aimed squarely at me after I dared to challenge his political views with what I thought were valid, well-reasoned points. This wasn’t just anyone; this was someone I grew up with, someone I never imagined would fall into the trap of blind faith and wishful thinking when it came to politics.

We grew up in a community that was, let’s be honest, a breeding ground for bigotry. It was a place where self-proclaimed Christians wielded their values like weapons, shaming anyone who didn’t conform. Somehow, he became part of that crowd—a crowd I never thought he’d join.

I don’t usually talk about politics or religion because, let’s face it, it’s tacky. But I will always speak up when I see people being taken advantage of or when I sense something isn’t right. That’s just who I am.

The whole thing started when a mutual friend posted about losing a government benefit she and her hardworking husband relied on—not welfare, just to be clear. When this guy, my childhood friend, chimed in with an insult, I couldn’t stay silent. My comment must’ve struck a nerve because instead of engaging in a civil discussion, he resorted to personal attacks. He called me a “lefty” and a “snowflake,” then unfriended me.

But he didn’t stop there. He posted that infamous status—“You are dumb and I am tired of your nonsense”—knowing I wouldn’t see it. Mutual friends, however, made sure I did by sending me screenshots. The irony? His defensive, cowardly behavior seemed like the very definition of “snowflake.”

What hurt (though not really) the most wasn’t the political disagreement; it was the personal attack. This man knew my history—the abuse I endured as a child, the circumstances that led me to hustling as a teenager just to survive. Yet, he weaponized that knowledge against me, using it to demean me when I shared a personal story about Lindsey Graham from 30 years ago.

Back then, hustling wasn’t a choice; it was survival. While I eventually found success, it wasn’t something I would’ve done for fun—not at first, anyway. For him to twist that part of my life into an insult was a low blow I didn’t see coming.

This man embodies the values of an archetypal MAGA supporter. When faced with questions or challenges, he deflects, making the other person seem unreasonable. It’s frustrating, but it’s also somehow fascinating.

I’ve done some digging into the psychology behind unwavering Tr*mp support, and here’s what I’ve found:

1. Narrative Resonance: Tr*mp tells stories that resonate with people’s identities, even if they’re not entirely factual.

2. Cognitive Dissonance: Supporters often dismiss accusations against him to avoid the discomfort of conflicting beliefs.

3. Distrust in Institutions: By undermining mainstream media and science, Tr*mp has fostered a reliance on alternative narratives.

4. Emotional Connection: His emotional, rather than logical, communication style creates a strong bond with his base.

5. Group Identity: Supporting Tr*mp becomes part of one’s social identity, making it hard to break away.

This experience taught me a lot about the fragility of friendships and the power of deeply held beliefs. It’s easy to feel hurt and betrayed, but it’s also a reminder of the importance of standing by your values, even when it’s uncomfortable. Now, I’d love to hear from you. Have you ever had a friendship tested by politics or differing beliefs? How did you handle it? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d genuinely love to connect and learn from your experiences.

And hey, if this story resonated with you and you’d like to support more content, your kindness would mean the world to me. 💜

Here’s to navigating life’s complexities with grace and understanding.

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Embracing the Magic of "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White

Ah, "Charlotte's Web"—a book that holds a special place in my heart. It's one of those timeless classics that has touched so many lives, including mine. I still remember my 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Priscilla Herring, reading it to our class over the course of a week. Each day, I eagerly anticipated the next chapter, falling more and more in love with the characters.

For those who haven't had the pleasure, "Charlotte's Web" is the heartwarming story of a pig named Wilbur and his extraordinary friendship with a clever spider named Charlotte. E.B. White weaves a tale of friendship, loyalty, and the circle of life in a way that is both enchanting and deeply moving.

I became so attached to Wilbur, Charlotte, and the rest of the barnyard crew. By the time we reached the end of the book, I was unconsolable. I cried for hours, even after I got home from school. My mom had to call Mrs. Herring at home to ask her to please not read any more books about animals dying to me because I love all animals—including snakes and rats. I've even found Black Widow spiders in my garage that, even though I don't have reactions to their venom, I relocate because I don't want them to bite anyone in my house, but I also don't want the spider to die. That's how much this book impacted my love for all creatures.

E.B. White is a masterful storyteller, known not just for "Charlotte's Web," but also for other beloved classics like "Stuart Little" and "The Trumpet of the Swan." His ability to create such vivid, memorable characters and imbue his stories with profound life lessons is truly remarkable.

Over the years, "Charlotte's Web" has seen numerous special editions, including beautifully illustrated versions and anniversary editions that make lovely additions to any collection. The story has also been adapted into several movies, including the charming 1973 animated film and the more recent 2006 live-action/animated hybrid featuring the voices of Julia Roberts and Dakota Fanning. Each adaptation brings its own unique touch to this beloved story.

"Charlotte's Web" has left an indelible mark on me, and I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences with this book. Please feel free to share your memories and reflections in the comments below. And hey, if you have a special edition that you're willing to part with, I'd be thrilled to give it a new home. Your support and comments mean the world to me.

Thank you for joining me on this nostalgic journey. Let's keep the love for timeless stories like "Charlotte's Web" alive!

A Night with William Weekly: WrestleMania, Roaches, and Childhood Bonds

When I was a kid, my social interactions were limited to a small group of friends. Calling it a "circle" might be a bit misleading, as most of them had their own separate cliques, and I often found myself navigating these friendships alone. One particularly memorable friend was William Weekly, a boy a few years my junior, whom I met at a summer camp. This day camp was a haven of fun-filled activities and adventures. We spent our summer days basking in the sun at the beach, laughing through thrilling waterslides on Pensacola Beach, gliding effortlessly on roller skates, and enjoying the exhilaration of tubing down the Blackwater River. These shared experiences created a bond between us.

William’s mom worked for the sheriff's office, though I never knew her specific role. She was usually really tired when she got home, so cleaning wasn't high on her agenda. Their house was probably the most chaotic house I'd ever been in. They didn't have a garbage can in the kitchen; instead, there was a pile of garbage with pizza boxes and soda cans, and the sink was always full of dirty dishes. If they offered you something to drink, you had better make sure it was in a can or a sealed bottle.

Despite the mess, William and I bonded over our shared love of wrestling. Though GLOW (Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling) had ended in our area by the time we started hanging out, William's favorite wrestlers were Hollywood and Tina Ferrari. He had fond memories of them, and we often talked about the show. William had a penchant for the movie "Elvira, Mistress of the Dark," and almost every time I visited him, we would watch it, rewind the parts that cracked us up, and then reenact those scenes ourselves. William was a blast to be friends with. He even accompanied me to the fair one year and scared the life out of me on the Skywheel, my favorite ride, by rocking the seat despite the "Don't rock the seat" signage. Though we never fell out, I was terrified.

One night, William asked if I wanted to spend the night so we could rent Nintendo games and play them until we passed out. We went to the video store next to the Piggly Wiggly and rented his favorite, "The Legend of Zelda," which I never got into, and "WrestleMania."

WrestleMania was my absolute favorite Nintendo game. Eventually, my parents bought it for me just to stop me from renting it every time we went to the video store. The game featured six wrestlers: Hulk Hogan, André the Giant, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase, Bam Bam Bigelow, and The Honky Tonk Man. Each wrestler had a limited number of moves, such as standing punches, kicks, headbutts, and unique running attacks. For example, Randy Savage used elbow smashes, Bam Bam Bigelow had two running attacks, and Ted DiBiase used eye gouges. Only Hulk Hogan could bodyslam the massive André the Giant.

You could play single exhibition matches or tournaments. In the single-player tournament, you’d choose one wrestler and defeat the other five to win the championship. In multiplayer tournaments, up to six players could compete, each facing every other wrestler once. The wrestler with the best record at the end of the tournament would be declared the champion.

William was always Bam Bam Bigelow or Hulk Hogan, while I was Macho Man or Honky Tonk Man. We played the multiplayer tournament matches almost the entire night. If one of us started to fall asleep, the other would make the most of the dozing off and cheat on the game as best we could. We loved playing games together, and often ended up bumping into each other, trying out real wrestling moves we saw in the game. His mom would bring us microwaved popcorn, then sit down to play "Super Mario Brothers" herself while we munched on our snack.

William was straight but very supportive of me being gay. He was a good counterpart to my friend TK, who was my friend with benefits. I only spent the night with William once because of the breakfast incident. His mom brought out cereal, and though I loved Raisin Bran, hers had something extra—roaches. I kid you not, she poured a bowl for me and what looked like raisins were moving. I wrote a song about it and might share it one day, perhaps as a fun tribute to my friend William, who tragically died in a motorcycle accident the year he graduated high school.

Despite never staying over again, we continued to hang out a lot. Every time I thought I had the courage to spend the night again, I ended up calling my dad to pick me up because I was afraid the roaches would get me. I wish I could say my friendship with William had continued throughout high school, but we drifted apart once I started the 9th grade.

I hope you enjoyed this nostalgic trip down memory lane with my friend William Weekly. If you have any similar stories or experiences, please share them in the comments below. Your feedback and shared memories help build our wonderful community of readers. If you feel inclined to support this ongoing effort, your contributions are greatly appreciated. Additionally, if you'd like to show some love and support in other ways, feel free to do so—every little bit helps in continuing this journey of storytelling and connection. Thank you! ❤️