Women who inspire

One of my all-time favorite books is being adapted for the big screen. Well, on Amazon, so I guess it depends on how large your screen is at home. Eva Longoria is producing a series from the novel “House of the Spirits” by Isabel Allende.

As I read about this in the newspaper (yup, aging myself, I still read the newspaper), I felt excitement over seeing the interpretation of a story I fell in love with at age 21. But then I realized part of my excitement was the pride knowing that a story featuring women, a story that needed telling when it was written and needs telling again now, would be seen because of two powerhouse women.

Powerhouses, determined, creative forces, inspiring. Women are all of these things. We take the difficulties we face and turn them into opportunities for ourselves, our families, and our communities. A few come to mind.

Allende herself grew up in the shadow of the Pinochet dictatorship in Chile, after her father’s cousin was assassinated during a military coup. For years, she helped people persecuted by the regime to flee safely to other countries and eventually had to leave herself because of death threats (her books were not such subtle criticisms of the regime).

She inspired many a young woman, including myself, as we wondered if we could be as courageous and resilient as her heroines.

A couple of years ago, I saw an art exhibit featuring Nadya Tolokonnikova, the lead singer of Pussy Riot, the all-woman band that has protested Vladimir Putin’s repressive regime for more than a decade. She even ended up in jail for her beliefs, but that only magnified her creativity, and she has since produced more music, paintings, and sculptures, several films, and even books (“Speaking Punk to Power”).

In 2012, I met Michelle Obama, and I think my perspective on humility and fortitude was forever changed. This woman fielded criticism (and sometimes worse) with grace and a commitment to helping others and to representing her country magnificently.

When she walked into the room, the space seemed filled with a positive energy of kindness and strength, and later, when we spoke with her, she was funny and engaging, taking time to speak to everyone, no matter who they were.

Who else? Princess Leia may be fictional, but her persona was the first I coveted. Evita Peron had her challenges, but talk about a woman pulling herself out of brutal childhood circumstances. I think my cousin, Justin Phillips, is utterly inspiring, creating a nonprofit to prevent overdoses after she lost her own son that way.

And even right here in Edmonds, we have small-business owners who are trying new things and choosing their own paths. Like Whitney Popa, a marketing and media specialist, author, online presence, mom, and all-around nice person.

Or Ellen Whitlock Baker, a coach and podcaster, writer and presenter, mom and wife, and does it all in a kind and giving way.

The list is long, and I am grateful for it: the remarkable Marjie Bowker, a teacher and food blogger. Michelle VanTassell and her daughter, Katrina, are amazing humans and real estate agents. My dear friends, Ruth and Michelle, who ran successful businesses and continue to challenge themselves, and me – encouraging me to climb mountains and visit places I did not imagine I would ever get to.

There are so many women who inspire me, and yet, when I think of powerhouse women, my mom is at the forefront of my mind. It is hard to believe this will be the second Mother’s Day of my life without her.

She, too, loved Isabelle Allende and took me to see her speak many years ago. My mom would have loved to see “House of the Spirits,” so I will be celebrating the most inspiring woman in my life as I watch it.