remarkable women

while i was on vacation i read a great book. i don't know if it was great because i had no worries, no deadlines, no work. OR was it just great because (to the author) it was about a great person. it was by jeanette walls. i had previously read the glass castle, a book that i found triumphant but heart-breaking. this book,  half broke horses, was a true-life novel about her grandmother. a woman who lived a HUGE life.

i like books that make me feel good, that show me how people live extraordinary, yet ordinary lives. this women was probably like many in her time, BUT she took chances like flying a plane, breaking horses, playing poker and getting her teaching certificate in an unconventional way. she lived her life as it was her only life so she made ever moment count. i love that message!

this made me think of my grandmother. her desire more than anything was to go to university not a common sentiment at that time (even within her family). her determination brought her to the university of new brunswick where she graduated with a degree in entomology. she substitute taught in the states and when she later came back to canada (air force wife) she did research in her passion of bugs. love it. not only that but she managed to travel to far places and had (what i think is one of her greatest achievements) my mom, my aunt and uncle. simple things, yet so extraordinary all the same.

one does not have to be in a position of power, receive a pulitzer prize, a grammy or nobel peace prize to be remarkable. just to live a life of both hard work and HAPPINESS (and take advantage of any opportunity that comes your way) can leave an imprint on the lives around you. it did for jeanette walls and me. the ordinary done day in and day out, when looking back in time will seem extraordinary to others. at least it will to me!

love