Womanly arts can be described as those feminine wiles, skills, and studies that come to shroud a woman in mystique. Women acquire these esoteric attributes instinctively and purposefully. Any woman reading these words now can probably pinpoint some wonderful traits she possesses that set her apart and endear her to others.

Specifically, womanly arts are as varied as women of every race, culture, age, and walk of life. So, it's probably a matter of pride to pen one article on the subject. That's why this article serves only as an introduction. Although I'm far from the clandestine authority on the subject, I am in fact one woman. And with that single criteria met, I've learned a thing or two along the way which I'm willing and able to share.

Now that we see how wonderful and mystical the womanly arts truly are, I hope that I may shock you. The womanly arts are simple, and most of them are ancient. Besides that, they are easy although if we remember the admonitions of our mothers, "Practice makes perfect."

As a general blueprint of a few "mystical" secrets, I hope this short list whets your appetite for further research and study. Future articles will be appearing soon featuring many of the subjects here:

*Tea-- History of various teas; benefits of teas.

*Etiquette-- general etiquette; etiquette and the tea party.

*Chocolate-- history of chocolate; in search of the best chocolate.
Primitive Chocolate-- History of Chocolate Part One explains why eating chocolate may release our most primal senses.

*Gifting-- the art of gifting; unique and beautiful gifts.

*Aromatherapy-- history, benefits, common uses, and cautions.

*Herbs-- history, benefits, common uses, and cautions.

*Green Earth Responsibility-- It's not new, but today's approach is new.

*Art, music, and culture-- discovering a personal style.

*Style and Fashion-- what's in; what's out; what's just for you.

*Cultivating a voice-- spoken and written word.

*Interior design-- historic and modern trends; Feng Shui; personal style.

*Cooking-- recipes; creating ambiance; parties; table setting.

I invite feedback from all the wonderful women out there (and any guys that might be reading). We all possess our secrets and our skills. If any find their lives to be somewhat deficient in these womanly arts, I offer a possible theory as to why.

The feminist movement in America, although unarguably improving the lot of women in every social and economic segment of life, may have exacted its price in some of the more ladylike traditions. While scrambling through new open venues in career and relationship arenas that were closed to women in decades past, it may be that we found ourselves with little time to devote to certain diversions that were once considered valuable.

For certain, these womanly arts aren't lost forever. And in fact many women (rebellious to the tenets of feminism) hold dearly to their feminine wiles. I for one have enjoyed the strides women have made in our cultural advancement. Still, for my part, I determined some years ago to rediscover certain areas of expertise and tradition that may be considered whimsical, but are in fact valuable.

To date, this is the most wonderful time in history to be female. We are allowed the benefits of battling suffragettes past, and we may bask in the wonder of the ancient as well as the modern cultured woman. Finally, a woman is free to be everything and to have everything she wants. The best news is that any of these special arts may be learned at any time.

The womanly arts have been with us all along and are nothing to fight for at all. They simply make life more pleasant for a woman, her family, loved ones, and friends.