"We look into mirrors but we only
see the effects of our time on us--
not our effects on others."
~Pearl Bailey

Miriam Berry Whitcher, born this
day in 1811. An Amercian humorist
whose satirical poems and sketches of
small-town life made very popular
with newspapers. "The Widow Bedott",
was turned into a book and into a play
1855 three years after Ms. Whitcher died.

This day in 1848, The Boston Female Medical
College opened it's doors. Enrollment of
twelve women who graduated in 1850. Of,
course there was great outrage- Dr. Samual
Gregory (the dean) replied, "...the fact of being
one of the stronger sex does not render one
conpetent." And this was the first medicial
college for women.

"Art is not a study of positive
reality, it is the seeking for
ideal truth."
~George Sand

Mercy Lavinia Statton, born this day
in 1841. Better known as, "Mrs. Tom
Thumb", she worked with her husband
for P.T. Barum- when they married Mr.
Barnum sold tickets to the recieption
for 75$ to the first five thousand. A
very popular couple.

Mary Wilkins Freeman, born this day
in 1852. A novelist and early feminist
who used ghost stories as a vehicle to
explore the social, personal and economic
pressures of women and their concerns that
were often,"devalued, silenced", by the man.
"Luella Miller"and "The Wind in the Rose Bush"
are a lovely read for Halloween!

Juliette Gordon Low, born this day in
1860. Founder of the Girl Scouts of
America on March 12, 1912. Meeting
Sir Robert Baden-Powell, who founded
the Boy Scouts, inspired Ms. Low to do
something for the girls.

Indira Gandhi was assassinated this day
in 1984, by Sikh bodyguards; she was the
Prime Minster of India.

"Ability is sexless."
~Christabel Pankhurst

Janet Scudder, born this day in 1869.
She studied at Cincinnati Academy of Art.
A wood carver for furniture company in
Chicago and invited to join the "White
Rabbits", to complete the work for the
World Columbian Exposition. Scudder, then
studied under the sculptor, Frederick
MacMonnies in Paris, France. Returning to
America to create her own work- the
commissions for garden and water fountains-
her sculpture took the form of children, animals,
pixies, and fairies. Ms. Scudder is one of America's
most well-known sculptors.

Emily Post, born this day in 1872. In 1922, Ms. Post
published her book:"Etiquette, in Society, in Business
in Politics, and at Home". It was a best seller and
continues to be popular to this day. In 1931, Ms. Post
began a radio show and newspaper colume. In 1946,
Ms. Post, created "The Emily Post Institute". The
current spokes person is Peggy Post; Ms. Post's
great-granddaughter-in-law.

Maxine Hong Kingston, born this day in 1940.
Ms. Kingston is currently Professor Emeritus
at University of California. A Chinese American
writer, awarded the National Book Critics
Award for Nonfiction in 1976 for "The Woman
Warrior". Arrested in 2003, for crossing a police
line while protesting the Iraq War in Washington,
D.C. Her latest book, "The Fifth Book of Peace".

"We can always choose to percieve
things differently. You can focus on
what's wrong in your life, or you
can focus on what's right."
~Marianne Williamson

On this day in 1764, Abigail Smith married
John Adams.

On this day in 1782, Robert Shurtleff was
honorably discharged from the Continental
Army when it was found that he was indeed
Ms.Deborah Samson. A tall, blonde, female-
school teacher who joined in Massachetts on
May 20th of the same year. Reason? A
love of adventure and very patriotic.

On this day in 1939, nylon stockings were
first sold in the United States.

Happy Birthday, Anne Tyler! A writer
whose art of storytelling reveals a
celebration of human nature in gently
heartbraking, and humourous way.
Awarded the Pulitzer Prize for her
novel, "Breathing Lessons" in 1989.
Other novels include: "The Accidental
Tourist", "The Patchwork Planet" and
her latest , "Digging to America".

"If we would build on a sure foundation
in friendship, we must love friends for
their sake rather than our own."
~Charlotte Bronte

Sarah Joespha Buell Hale, born this day
in 1788. Windowed and left with five children-
Ms. Hale turned her hand to writing. "The
Genius of Oblivion", a book of poetry, followed
by the novel,"Northwood" , published in 1827.
In her lifetime, she wrote almost fifty volumes
of poetry, novels, and children's literture. BUT,
Ms. Hale's most important work in literture was
as an editor. For over fifty years she reigned
over first "Ladies Magazine", then "Godey's
Lady's Book". And Ms. Hale published, and
supported the major writers of her time. She
protected their work by copyright, setting the
example- the rest followed. A little short sighted
in women's rights, (thinking women were best as
mothers, doctors or writers and nothing else) this
great businesswoman did make the careers of
many writers male and female and for this we
thank her.

On this day in 1901, Anna Edson Taylor," went over
Niagara Falls in a barrel, and became the first
person to survive such a stunt."