yes those girls need to lay off slade, he seems so good to you, and you guys can have fun together...the other girls are just jelous they dont have what you have

Gretchen, you seem to be very focused on watching your caloric intake and staying thin & fit. I just wondered how you keep such strong willpower 24/7. I vary from day to day. Curious to know how you stay so focused w/o falling off the low cal wagon,,,,

Gretchen, you are so lovely and talented. I don't particularly dislike any of the ladies on the RHOC (they're all decent people with cares and concerns like the rest of us), but I see YOU, Gretchen, as having the most potential. Yet, when you trash-talk others and joke about your bedroom private matters (and use the bedroom as the excuse for keeping Slade around), you demean yourself. Be a role model for other women. When women behave gracefully and with sophistication and self-respect, they are so beautiful. You deserve a fabulous life with a successful, ethical, and classy partner. You are a gem - I hope your products are wildly successful!

I saw the episode at Peggy's house -- the dinner. You were the first one to trash talk Eddie so maybe the trash talking needs to stop with you too.

You are a beautiful, intelligent woman but you get way too caught up in the drama. Who cares what Tamara or anyone else thinks or says about Slade or anything else in your life? All that matters is that you are happy so I think you should stop swapping insults and wise cracks with Tamara. She's just a 40 year old woman who is acting like a 16 year old girl. Rise above all that crap and continue with your positive outlook!

Gretchen,

I think YOU need to lay off Slade a litlle bit. I must say that I have NEVER liked the man but I see a different side of him this season. As he struggles with his situation I believe you NEED to be more supportive. And he is spending WAY too much time being your "gopher". Are you paying him for his time? Or are you one of those people that feel that he just owes it ot you??

Hmmm?

Gretchen, Did you ever think of getting off the show and living your life with Slade or whoever you like. You obviously don't like these women,they don't care for you .............don't let the almighty buck rule you life with negativity....just saying......

Gretchen- love your post this week. I was gladdened to see Slade spend time with his ill son. I think Slade was brave in owning up to his financial problems and that he was arrogant and spent too much. At least he admits it and was very honest about it-- that takes alot of guts to do that on national TV! I think he was a true example of the economy crap we are going thru! But- Tamara and Simon were not so open about losing their home and their income. Simon made an arrogant decision to leave his job to "own his own business" or whatever but not much has been said about what he is doing now. Slade may be down and out right now but you are right-- you don't leave a man for that reason alone. Good Luck in your new career and looks like Slade can be a big help to you!

Gretchen,

you are my favorite OC housewife. You're smart and witty. I find it interesting that Tamra can dish it out but can't take it. Just keep pursuing your business and living your life and ignore what the rest have to say. You're a good person and that is all that matters. Tamra is not a good person and one day it will come back to haunt her. It is quite true that Tamra relishes the misfortune of others. The look on her face said it all when Vicki told her that she read that Alexis' and Jim's house was in foreclosure/short sale. She couldn't have been happier. People who enjoy the misfortune of others are evil. She has no compassion for anyone but herself. I hope that Simon realizes that he is better off without her. Just keep being the good person that you are.

Gretchen,
Who cares what "any of this mean unclassy people think!" Hold your head up high and live your life! They are so unhappy in thier own lives that they what to make everyone as misrable as they are.....F that ...........they are so Not worth it!

Gretchen,

You are so beautiful! For the love of St. Michael, what do you see in Slade???... You could do so much better...Please watch the episode were Slade's Mother is talking to him about doing someing with his life and not living off of you!!! You know you don't have a prize catch when your mates own mother thinks her son is a user!!!!!

Gretchen, while the girls' trash talk is wrong, the fact is that you engage them and also enjoy making comments about them. I honestly don't think you are that much better than them. They have hurt in their lives too and are only human. Stop fighting a war with them, you have higher priorities! Personally, I just think they are annoyed by your youth and beauty. Also, I think they were jealous of your past marriage, financially and romantically (which both of them seemed to lack in a partner).

I think you should be wary of Slade. He has been married to other housewives, and I think he likes the air time. Expand your horizons.

Gretchen, You are truly a great friend. I understand you wanting to stick up for Slade. I don't think you should have to. But I get it. There are a lot of people who are in the same boat. Slade and you seem two be the only ones who are honest about you situation. Everyone else hems and ahs about theie fianacial matters. No one has really lost to foreclosure when they talk about it. Maybe they have had to limit their spending. Even Tamra does not really want to talk about her life-stylke. But I remember her getting into everyones face who was having a bad time. Laughing, as she did to Alexis when she was in the bathroom. What if ALexis was upset because she had a fight with JIm, do you really think she could share that with Vicki and Tamra,

I have one question and maybe you can address it on your blog. Tamara keeps talking about Michelle and their phone calls. How did they become friends. I thought that Tamra did not know Slade really until she came on the show. And Slade was not really on the show the first year that Tamra was on. So how did she become best buds with Slades wife. It sounds like she looked up Michelle to get to you. Could you explain it to the watchers why Tamara seems to know Michelle.

You are so beautiful and funny. I wish when you were laughfing I was around. Its a great fealing. Mwaaaaaaah, much love and you keep going girl.

You Strong and Confident I love you and wish you success!

Gretch you have changed from last season. You have guarded your heart by burying it deep inside and covering it up with a sharp tongued kinda mean girl with Slade. I know he is going through a difficult time, but I don't think you are inlove with him anymore. If you were you think of him more than of yourself (having been dealt a hard hand). By the way, I agree it is a hard hand, but it shows how you don't love him enough to marry him and share his life. Let him go. You are used to his constant companionship and support, but that is not fair to him. He will not always be going through these difficulties. And if you love him and hang in there and believe he will turn things around again. But he is not getting the love and support he needs from you, so do the right thing and let him go. You are "using" him. Don't worry what he is doing for you now, will come back to him through some one else if you let him go.

Hey Gretchen, you are a lovely woman. I love the way you jumped right in and painted. It showed Slade a lot of love. That man is crazy about you. You are a great individual and don't let those catty bitches bring you down. They are just jealous. I truly believe Vicki is the real jealous one because she wants to be carefree and doesn't know how to relax. She wants to be a little bit of Gretchen and so does Tamara. You just keep being the cute one and smile and be a duck. Let the water roll off of your back and keep swimming. Keep standing by your man if that is what you want to do. Also don't make him a kept man. He helps you with your bags and makeup so he is helping you to become and better woman. It's not all about the money. It's about what you both get out of the relationship. You have the money and he has the wonderful support for your line. Put his ass on the payroll and give the job of being your go to person for setting up your shows. Keep it up Slade. Just pray and good things will happen for you. Don't become a dead beat dad. Do what you can for your children. If you sell some paintings then put the money in an account for your children. Tell the baby mama don't be jealous because you are with Gretchen. Just chill and let you do your thang. But do get a job. Men are suppose to take care of their children. Bring them over to spend time with you more.

gretchen , you r a beautiful woman and i love watching you. you go girl and hold your pretty head up high.

Gretchen, you used to be my favorite OC housewife last season. This season I am bored with the amount of time and energy you spend on Tamra. If she is really that trivial of a person - stop investing in her! Come back as the best OC housewife. This has to be tiring for you. It sure is exhausting for me. Get over it! If not for you... for me (and the rest of your fans!) Work on the makeup, make it available to everyone, do YOU!

I was blown away by how caddy this episode was and Tamra's participation. This season was suppose to be about Tamra moving on with her life and getting happy and all she can do is talk about others. I was uncomfortable watching the dinner party and can't believe Eddy doesn't find that ANNOYING. To me, people that act like that show their weakness and I feel sorry for them. How can you say you aren't jealous of Gretchen when all you do is focus all your energy good or bad on her. Why do you care what Slade pays or doesn't pay and how awful to make fun of him spending time with his kids. I was shocked that Donn made those comments and for him I hope they edited it wrong because he looked petty and desperate to join in the "fun". Vicki, you say you are above this pettiness yet you are caught partaking on every episode.

Gretchen, build your brand, enjoy your life, love who you want.....Bethenney did it and look where she is...successful, happy and with her own spin off!!

I don't know if Grayson's family has been in contact with St. Jude, but if not you should have them make contact. St. Jude, aside from absolutely phenomenal care, will not turn away anyone as a result of not being able to afford medical care. Hundreds of thousands of people donate every year to St. Jude to help maintain what St. Judes offers to families. They can also assist with travel, issues with the family, etc. My prayers to Grayson and his loved ones and friends. I wish him absolutely the best. (and the photo was great; yu can see the love between a father and his son!)

Gretchen, when I read your blogs, I see that maybe you really do have your head on straight. It's just a shame that you ever had to meet someone like Tamra who will stop at nothing to try and make others look bad to make herself feel the bigger person. You know, similar to one Jill Zarin of NYC.

Gretchen,

You have been one of my favorite cast members on this show..but this season, it seems like you're becoming one of them. You've been doing a lot of trash talking, etc. and while it may be justified when you're face to face with women who obviously want to tear you down, I wish you wouldn't spend your private interview time talking trash about others because then you're no better than they are. I wish you the best!

I am a Gretchen fan and totally agree with everything you said. That women is too concerned with you and it's pathetic to see talk so much garbage about everyone. I do feel though that this season maybe your being too silly , in most of your interviews it feels like everything is made into a joke. perhaps your trying to show your funny which I think you are but I just feel like it's starting to be a bit much. Good luck to you with your business and continued success.

HI Gretchen, I think you are great and I hate that you have to explain your and Slade's situation week after week. You shouldn't have to do that. Just watching the show tells me who is happy and who isnt. I pray God's healing for Grayson and your family as he is going through this tough time. Hang in there and don't sweat Tamara, she will get hers.
Hugs from Texas

Gretchen,

I have loved you since you first came on the show. You are real, funny, and beautiful. But, this season you seem to be so unhappy. You are smiling on the outside, but making barbs and jabs constantly to others that are hurtful. Especially the thing with the "Tubba-Wubba." It's one thing to tell Slade in private how you feel, it's another to continuously embarrass him in public and on television. The comments you made to Tamera at Eddie's house and the comments you made about Eddie during Peg's dinner party were mean and hurtful. Just be happy and figure out what is really at the bottom of these jabs. Because they make you look bad and that's not who you really are, is it?
God bless you, Slade, and Greyson.

i have to say that...you couldnt have said it better!!! i agree with you more.....

you a real deal from head to toe you have sence of humor slade lucky man, don't borther paytention to Tamra she way millions year no way compare to you. she low life no wonder who she dating now... he used to be my gardener... 1-999-salsa that where i hire him. you the best

Gretchen, i have watched the other "ladies" attack you for years. they are just spiteful and mean spirited. You were always my favorite and you are lovely inside and out. I'm praying for Grayson and wish you and Slade the best!

i feel bad for Slade now but even you gotta admit on the first season of RHOC he was the ULTIMATE TOOL. Anyway have you all thought of taking Grayson to St. Judes? Its a childrens cancer hospital that takes every sick child and money isnt any issue. Consider it Please!

God bless Slade and his adorable son.

"The bitches are here", is not trash talk?

Gretchen,
Your blog is very well-written and thanks for sharing your side of Slade's story. However, I think that part of being a mature adult is recognizing that you can only control yourself. What others choose to do is their choice. Lowering yourself to their level is your choice. And Gretchen, you choose to give as good as you get.

Truly and finally: just look the other way and stop commenting on Tamra and Vicki. Tamra seems really happy. On the flip side, you seem very frustrated that Slade is not where you'd like him to be financially or professionally. Your actions indicate that you are bitter. Focus on you, Slade and your life together and good things will come to you. Don't waste energy on them.

Wishing you all the best....

I really like you and you are right that it is no one's business what Slade does. On the other hand, your comments toward the other 2 women were not necessary and you should really refrain from being unkind. Let them be sharks and stay out of the frey.

Hi Gretchen-
Since it's May, I was wondering if you could share with all your fans that it's Brain Tumor Awareness Month. As you well know, brain tumors are some of the most the most insidious of all pediatric cancers, and many of them have very low survival rates (particularly DIPG's). I'll be wearing Grey For the Kids all month; I hope you'll join me. Thanks so much!

Why do you have to explain all the timE???? aRE you feeling better noW????

What Slade is or is not doing is beside the point. The point is that both of you have a very sick child you both love and the LAST thing this little boy needs is for him or his friends hear trash talk about his father who I am sure he loves very much. This woman lacks any human empathy. Is she so afraid that yours and Slades situation will overshadow her empty shallow selfish story line that she is willing to cross the line of human decency. Every little boy loves his daddy. What kind of woman would do this to a child especially a very sick child ? Her behavior and lack of human empathy and decency during this trying time and towards this little boy are repulsive. My heart goes out to both of you for having to deal with this vicious trivial and shallow person. I use to think she was just stupid, but as time goes by it is evident she is a mean, evil, vindictive, shallow, self serving, selfish, and heartless person.

".....standing by someone in good times and bad, that what love is....." Hmmmmm. Sounds like what marriage vows are all about yet you won't marry Slade. You just stated he gives you everything BUT money, yet you refuse to marry him, so we DO all know the real reason. It's why you wanted to marry Jeff and the reason you won't marry Slade. You are a gold-digger. Plain and simple.

My heart goes out to Grayson, and I wish him a speedy recovery and a long healthy life. No parent should go through this...Not even Slade.

As for the dinner party, you and your guest started it, so don't be surprised if Tamra, Donn or Vicki finish it. You had it coming.

You are the best! Your are super funny and it clear the other women are jealous...y else would they talk crap? "just sayin"

It was really glad to see you on Slade's side for the first time this whole season. It's nice to hear you say other things about him besides, "Tubba Wubba," and the other not-so-nice things you've said. You have always been a favorite, but this season somethings kinda changed, and not for the better. In tonight's episode the old Gretchen was back, the fan-favorite version. Welcome back!!!

Hey Gretchen......well written.....anyone who reads it and then says/thinks anything negative about it are Looking to make anything out of nothing or ugly out of pretty.....it's called 'tamaraism'.

I just wrote Alexis that I stopped watching the show and am now only reading yours and Alexis' blog....I like you two and like to see what you're up to! If they post my post under her blog.....great! I go into my reasons at length. If they don't then know I tried to watch but can't anymore. Too much negative and not just negatives but mean/evil/bitchy/ulgy negatives. You and Alexis should team up with the 'some' of the ladies on other shows.....but, only the fun loving ones.....go on vacation a couple of times a year together.......they could probably do an entire season on one vacation!

My cast wish list are as follows......
You and Alexis
Alex and Ramona - New York
Lisa, Kyle, Kim, and the other cute blond whose boys break their dad's nose - Beveryly Hills
Caroline and her sister in law....I really like her but STILL can't remember her name.....the one married to Caroline's brother - New Jersey
Can't forget Tardy for the Party, Kim and Kandi! Gotta have Kandi.....AND her mom too! - Atlanta

I might have forgotten someone......but, I think you get the idea.........these are the ladies I truly enjoy.

I think the above would make a great show! Go on some crazy vacation....maybe a river boat trip with loads of stops. Bethenny could catch up with you guys too! Heck, why not bring the kids along too.....and a good babysitter!!!!

Am I asking too much?

Are you friends with Grey's mom? I was wondering if she allowed you to post that pic of her son? The entire story is sad, plus you always date someone that is ill or has an ill loved one. What a hard situation for you to be in. I feel bad for Slade. I hope everything works out for all of you and God bless little Greyson from the top of his head, to the soles of the bottom of his little feet, mind, soul and body, in Jesus name AMEN!