Labyrinth, Ideas, and Wanderings

I always enjoy learning little tidbits about famous people, especially authors whom I admire. Ms. Alcott is no exception. As a youngster, I was not a tomboy by a long stretch. But Jo was the character I identified with the most in Little Women. She was passionate about her beliefs, loved her family fiercely, and secretly I longed to be as strong as she was. Well, I’m still working on that. I can be fierce when it comes to my cubs, and have been accused of being a bit too impassioned when dealing with stressful situations at work.
Another similarity: Jo cut her hair in order to obtain funds for her family, a rash decision for a woman at the time. Two years ago, I also made a rash decision to cut 13 inches from my hair–by myself. Parted it in two ponytails and whacked. I was having a particularly difficult day, and for some reason, something set me off and I decided that was the night. My oldest daughter shrieked when I entered the family room holding the 2 pelts like a trophy: “Is that my birthday present???” (I think we were arguing over something she wanted, and it was shortly before midnight on the eve of her 18th birthday). It did become a present of sorts; I mailed it to Locks of Love and then a few days later slunk into the hair salon and had it trimmed up professionally. I also have kept it short since then;I was 6 months past 50 at the time, and it seemed like a rite of passage into my golden years. (No gray yet–I’m sure my time is coming!)

In this season of thankfulness, I am thankful for many things. But Deborah’s post reminded me of an author that I need to revisit–I’m thankful to have an appreciation for good reads!