Women's History Month

March is Women’s History Month, the theme this year is “Writing Women Back into History” And it is true when you look through history books in our educational system there are kings, generals, presidents, explorers… that are for the most part men. Thinking back the only women's names that stand out to me from my school days were women such as Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth, Marie Curie, Anne Frank and Helen Keller. There are so many more whose names and contributions should be acknowledged.

I am glad March has been named the month to highlight them. I have an 8 year old daughter. I want her to know how women have contributed to the human race. I found a few interesting ways to share with her what women have done and to hopefully inspire her to know there is so much she can do.

The poster above is available at DiversityStore.com and has some amazing women represented. Women who have made their mark in history and to many are heroes. The Women’s History Month Organization has been working hard to recognize women’s contribution to society, science, the arts, and many other categories over the past 30 years. At their web site they are offering a gazette that honors the women they have distinguished as heroes who’ve earned their place in history. It’s free, except for shipping and handling, I just ordered a bundle of 25 for the girls in my Girl Scout troop.

And Marvel Comics is jumping on the bandwagon this year by releasing the first-ever comic book written, penciled, inked, colored, and lettered entirely by women! So cool! (Yes, I am a geek) It’s a limited edition three issue mini-series. Just plug in your zip code at Marvel.com to find a store near you selling it. (Hmmm, The Easter bunny might have to leave that in my daughter’s basket.)

Leaving you with quotes from the women in the poster, I had to narrow it down to just them or I’d be listing quotes from many women!

“I stand on the shoulders of countless people, yet there is one extraordinary person who is my life aspiration - that person is my mother, Celina Sotomayor.” Judge Sonia Sotomayor

“I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.” Rosa Parks

“Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.” Mother Teresa

“I paint my own reality. The only thing I know is that I paint because I need to, and I paint whatever passes through my head without any other consideration.” Frida Kahlo

“It isn't where you came from, its where you're going that counts. Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong.” Ella Fitzgerald
“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” Audrey Hepburn

“The brain is wider than the sky.” Emily Dickinson

“All adventures, especially into new territory, are scary.” Sally Ride

“When I first skated here, I definitely felt small out there because it is such a big surface." Kristi Yamaguchi

And

“I used to complain that I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet” My Mom. I’m not sure who originally said this but it was a favorite of my mom’s. She instilled in me the ability to find blessings in my life no matter how rough it gets. I miss her but am making sure her grandchildren know her history and how much a hero she was to me.

I hope you all have women, in history, in books and/or in your lives who give you inspiration and the courage to forge your own special history!
Mari