Motivation for a Monday

I love this quote from one of my favorite authors, Louisa May Alcott. She wrote Little Women, one of my all time favorites!!

What I love best about this quote and why it is perfect for Monday is because whatever challenges you may or may not know that face you this week, you have the power to take a hold and overcome them.

It's funny this quote came up. I have been thinking about getting a car, but in this weird world we live in, I have to get a license first. Yes, I do not have a driver's license. Now let me explain, I never had the need to learn how to drive and driving school was expensive in high school so I didn't learn. As the years past by and I lived on campus, I didn't have the need either. Now that I have a job, I can feel the need becoming stronger. Wait....it doesn't stop there....say if I did get a license, I certainly do not have the money to buy a car right away. Soooo it's a long process and, quite frankly, a lot of excuses. 

I just know I need to get one to overcome a little twinge of fear. Yes, I am afraid. Drivers out there are scary! And I don't think I can handle the emotion of angry drivers. 

I should listen to Louisa and take her advice to heart. I am not afraid of highways for I am learning to drive. Thanks Louisa...because in the world of naysayers, I do need proper encouragement and not to be discouraged by already licensed drivers (who by the way are spending a TON of money on their car a year and contributing to the pollution of the air.) just saying.... 

Wait... Is that another excuse?

I'm just happy I am being environmentally friendly and economical for MY wallet. No seriously, I've done the math. Just saying! 

American Girl, Molly McIntire Retires at Age 9

It is so disappointing to come to the realization that the time you've spent believing in something so much isn't what you expected. I guess it is all apart of life, to grow out of being naive.

Some of you know of my love for American Girl. I started investing time and research into creating a capstone for my masters this fall on the American Girl company. I feel discouraged and disheartened to know that the doll that inspired me to fall in love with American Girl will no longer be produced.American Girl announced the heartbreaking news on their Facebook today. Molly McIntire is one of the first three dolls produced by Pleasant Company (now owned by Mattel) in 1986. She will now join the other two dolls and be retired permanently.

I have never owned Molly as a doll because she was too expensive. But I did read her stories. Her stories touched me and stayed with me forever as a young girl. Knowing that I could of been able to purchase the doll later for my future daughter brought hope that I could continue the legacy of love I have for Molly to another generation. Now, that dream, that wish, will NEVER happen. It just breaks my heart.

Sorry American Girl, I do not think I want to work for you anymore. You are just a company out to seek a profit instead of touching the young girls' lives before you. I thought you were different. But like I experienced with Barbie, all my investment turned out disappointing. Thanks a lot Mattel. You made a fool of me.

Happy Birthday Sonia!

Here at Girl With The Wind one of Girl's biggest role models is that of U.S Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. You can tell from previous stories/posts that I just love her story and how she grew up to be Sonia. She is an inspiration to the Latina community and to young girls and boys living in poor circumstances to achieve more in education and in their life, whatever they choose to do. 

So it is with Girl With The Wind's deepest heartfelt praise to wish Sonia a 

Very Happy Birthday!

From A Mighty Girl Facebook Page: 
Happy 59th birthday to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Maria Sotomayor, the first Latina and the third woman to serve as a Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. Born in 1954 to Puerto Rican immigrants living in the Bronx, her family had very limited financial means but placed a strong emphasis on the importance of education. 

Focused on a legal career from early on in life, Sonia Sotomayor overcame a series of challenging obstacles in order to pursue her dream. She also developed a strong sense of identity, and pride in her Nuyorican background. Sonia Sotomayor's current role as Supreme Court Justice was preceded by a lengthy and distinguished career within the judicial system. Today, she is viewed by many as a contemporary hero, and a model of what you can do with hard work and determination. 

For a wonderful bilingual picture book about Justice Sotomayor's childhood, we recommend "Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bronx / La juez que crecio en el Bronx" for ages 4 - 8 athttp://www.amightygirl.com/sonia-sotomayor

For more bilingual Spanish/English picture books, visithttp://www.amightygirl.com/books?language=10

For more stories of Mighty Girl role models, visit our "Biography" section at http://www.amightygirl.com/books/history-biography/biography

Photo credit: Kainaz Amaria/NPR