…and a Happy (Belated) International Women’s Day to You!

I had no idea there even was an International Women’s Day until my friend Tasha posted about it over at The Voracious Vegan. According to this article in the New York Times, the U.S. didn’t really pay much attention to this holiday until recently, which is probably why I and many of the local ladies I know haven’t heard of it.

A little googling turned up this video from Girls Making Media, a program that helps teen girls learn video production:

Another friend sent me this page that talks about what a big impact even a tiny amount of support can make for a woman in poverty.

So since yesterday was all about honoring women, I thought I’d talk about some women who I really admire:

Of course, I’ve got to list my mom. She taught me to play and to craft. Any crafty skills I have now are rooted in glitter paintings made with mom on the patio.

My best friends from back home, Sam and Jia, are two of the smartest, kindest ladies I know, and so much of who I am was shaped by hanging out with them. These are the gals who showed me how to laugh and that I could learn or accomplish anything I wanted to.

Granny Daniele (to the left there) inspires me to this day. This is a woman who teaches online French classes and travels to the U.S. every year to visit folks she’s met through her lessons. I hope I’m as busy and tech savvy when I grow up as she is.

There’s a special spot in my heart for my crafty gal pals. Their endless creativity and optimism is energizing, and I feel blessed to have so many smart, supportive ladies in my life.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve been fortunate enough to meet a slough of fantastical women through blogging. Whether they’re vegan foodies who are changing the world one cupcake at a time or environmentally-focused bloggers that spread the word about sustainable living, these ladies remind me that individuals can make a huge difference.

I’m sure there are amazing women that I’m leaving out…really I can’t think of a woman in my life that hasn’t inspired me in one way or another. Who inspires you?