The Mirror and Light
Saturday- March 6, 2021
Dear Marion,
As of Monday, the first of March, your granddaughter and I have been discussing women that have had an impact on history and pop culture. It is Women’s History Month and there have been many barriers that have been knocked down in my lifetime alone but much more need to be addressed and accomplished for all daughters and their daughters' futures. You and I often had conversations about women’s choices and society. The first time we discussed what I wanted to do when I grew up did not include an asterisk as to what options you had as a young girl. My memory is not serving me well as when I first thought to ask you what you had wanted to do when you were a young girl but I’m thinking it was in high school as I prepared to research colleges for my future. First of all, you were a product of the Depression, your parents were immigrants, a 15-year-old when WW11 ended, you were a twin and your book smart brother was the more obvious choice for college(money was tight and he was a boy). While you were raised in Brooklyn, the options for a young woman’s career seemed to be a fairly shortlist, and of course, getting married and having children were often deemed the focus.
I don’t remember thinking I had many barriers before but that’s because you didn’t point them out to me or I wasn’t listening. Mothering us as young children did not include much tv and when cable was introduced dad did not see the value, we didn’t yet have a VCR for movies, and there wasn’t internet or social media. We didn’t have any connections into the world I wanted to venture into but I don’t remember too much focus on that being a setback. Nevertheless, I do think there is much power in the phrase “See it to be it” that we are hearing through news, political and non-political speeches, magazines, and social media regarding our young girls and boys and particularly those of color. If you see someone who looks like you doing something interesting to you, there is no question that you could attain those goals too in your future.
Hmm...See it to be it...Reflection from time to time of both life and home is important for growth and practicality. I look around spaces and think about light and the importance for both your room and your lifestyle. One way to achieve this is through the use of a mirror. If you recall, I didn’t like mirrors very much except in the bathroom for necessities and even then I would avoid looking in one after I was dressed and ready for the day. That changed when we took a trip to New Orleans, soaked up sightseeing, historical home tours, antique shops, and ….discovered the power of the mirror to space. Mirrors were positioned and used in homes to create light and open the space particularly prior to the invention of electricity. To see the grandest display of how mirrors and light can create drama for space, indulge in the breathtaking view of Versailles. Louis XIV, both enamored and jealous of his Superintendent of Finances, Nicolas Fouguet’s new and opulent château at Vaux-le-Vicomte took on the immense project of creating a palace equal to no other. There are 17 glass windows along the west side of The Hall of Mirrors with 17 arches directly across composed of 357 large mirror panels. Multiple crystal chandeliers reflecting light throughout share the reflection of the outdoor opulent gardens. The designers of Versailles achieved Louis XIV's goal to mesmerize and overwhelm their guests and foreign powers in large part due to their use of mirrors, reflection, and light.
The power of light for restorative personal care is as important as the need for practical daily task lighting. I have been walking on a local path all year long and have enjoyed how the area changes with each season. This week I felt like spring was right around the corner and not because of the temperature as it was 24 degrees one morning. It was the light and its reflection on the lake. The shadows were a little softer and the colors from the sun's reflection appeared a little warmer. Despite the cold temperatures, after my walk, I noticed some new green shoots that sprouted in our garden. I love the seasons changing and encouraging creative thought, the light and its reflection encouraging me to open the blinds and maybe a window. Moving away from the desire to make our home a warm and cozy cave and toward an open and airy extension of our outdoors.
During some of my walks, I leave an earbud in my ear so that I can hear what’s going on around me and bonus some really insightful podcasts. This week I listened to Armchair Expert hosted by Dax Shepherd with this week's guest...Amy Poehler. I watched Amy Poehler co-host the Golden Globes last week with Tina Fey and she is not only smart, creative, and hilarious but glowing from the inside out… actually so was Tina Fey. What amazing women for our girls and boys to see ...what the result of hard work and a strong friendship can become. We watched her new movie Moxie last night, she directed and co-starred, and we loved it. During the podcast, Dax Shepard and Amy Poehler shared their long-lasting friendship filled with humor and heartfelt topics… it was a great way to welcome my day. Another morning, I listened to Renegades: Born in the USA, Bruce Springsteen and President Barack Obama’s first two episodes(there are a total of 8) and they did not disappoint. I have heard mixed reviews, but you know I am a Jersey girl down to my toes, I thoroughly enjoyed what I heard as an open conversation between two smart and creative people who are both very different and surprisingly not so different.
I attended a zoom lecture this week through Thrivent Pioneer Series hosting Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American woman astronaut. Her life is fascinating and clearly she was born with a fierce personality but also supported along the way by her family. As a child attending kindergarten in an integrated school in Chicago, she told her teacher she wanted to be a scientist and her teacher's response was honey, I think you mean a nurse. To which she replied, no I want to be a scientist. Dr. Jemison reminded us this took place in the ’60s, her teacher (she thought) meant well but maybe didn’t have the vision that young women could have a broader scope and vision going forward. In closing the lecture, she said we all have a right and responsibility to contribute in whatever way we choose...this became clear to Dr. Jemison while she was literally in space.
As I finish this letter, your granddaughter has branched out and begun creating a delicious meal for us to share tonight- homemade fettuccine pasta with her own special sauce, broccoli, and skirt steak. The process is taking longer than originally expected but we had an interesting conversation about her interests and desires for her college education and eventual career.
Talk soon,
Forever Yours
Quote:
“Watching great people do what you love is a good way to start learning how to do it yourself.”
Amy Poehler
American actress, comedian, writer, producer, and director
Born 1971