when I was thirteen in junior high we had a designated time during school to read a book for thirty minutes.
I chose to read “Cat’s Eye” by Margaret Atwood, a story about a mature woman remembering her youth.
up to that point I had been a reader of fluffy teen books like the sweet valley high series.
“Cat’s Eye” had a profound influence on all the books I chose to read after.
I never knew how artful story telling could be.
on Valentine’s day this year Margaret Atwood was to appear at the University of Calgary for a reading and book signing.
this was going to be a big day for me . . . meeting the woman I greatly admired for most of my life.
during the reading Ms. Atwood chose a poem about her cat entering heaven,
whom she was extremely close to, that had passed away.
it was both humourous and touching and
I felt her sense of loss.
so when we caught a glimpse of her . . .
. . . I had butterflies in anticipation of meeting such a beautiful soul.
she had a depth of kindness in her eyes . . .
. . . and the hands of a prolific writer.
when I found out that she wrote children’s books I couldn’t stop myself from making a purchase for two young girls who may one day grow up being inspired by Margaret Atwood.
in honour of International Women’s Day I thought
what better time to share my story
of how one woman can
profoundly influence
a life.
🙂