3 Months In - A Study of Women Writers
January with Jane Austen. February with Brené Brown. March with the Brontë Sisters. The last three months have been filled with incredible words, stories, dialogue, characters, and things that have shaped my character! Though I haven't had the time to read everything that I wanted and hoped to (mom of 4 here!), I was able to squeeze in enough time before falling asleep at night to learn a few things and finish a few books.
Jane Austen reminded me that love is usually the driving force behind the things we do. Actually, most of what I read this first quarter of the year was centered in that fact. Austen's characters have always been some of my favorites, so much so that I have to remind myself that they are fictional! I love how intricate her characters are, how layered and raw. I love the dynamics between sisters and among friends. And l definitely enjoy the humor & wit she possessed!
Reading and studying Braving the Wilderness, Brené Brown's latest book, came at a great time in my personal life where I was really struggling with the way of the world and how I was going to raise kids in it! Again, with love all things are possible. I am better able to set my fear aside, be the person (the wife, mom, daughter, friend, sister, citizen of humanity) that I truly am - which allows me to contribute in ways only I can. I picked up a couple other books and watched as many of her TED Talks, interviews, etc. as I could! I love what she does, what she says, and how she teaches.
The Brontë Sisters were a little hard for me to read and I hate to admit that because I love their stories. Like I mentioned before, I typically read before bed which means I'm too tired to cruise through books like I want to! The language and shifting of perspectives in Wuthering Heights (Emily's only published book) made it difficult to casually read as I drifted off into dreamland. I will say Jane Eyre & The Tenant of Wildfell Hall were much easier, though I didn't finish the latter. One day I will!
I read a little bit about the personal lives of these women as I'm always intrigued to know more about creative people. It was a great first three months in this study, I only wish I had more time to soak in what they have written and shared with the world.
Three words to sum up a recurring theme: love, love, love.