Gertrude's Commonplace Book

My day is always brightened when I see an image like this circulated around London. The people around here need to be constantly reminded of their responsibility to embrace the fact that women can do anything that a man can do in this world if given the time and education to realize their dreams. The fact that we make up half of the people in this country and still do not have any say on what goes on in the governing seems as unjust as anything that I can imagine. That someone like me can create a successful business from the ground up with nothing but the knowledge I’ve gained in my life…

Why is it that I am both eager and afraid to read this letter? Is it cowardice to have such excitement when I see the flourish of Watergates seal on the envelope? I have always thought of women who fawn over men and their words as foolish and conceited, yet here I am, blushing at the thoughtful words of this man. I have honestly spent too much time thinking over the possibilities with Watergate, when I should be focusing that energy on my sisters and our shop. I don’t have time to fret over something so frivolous as love, yet why do I keep pondering over it? There is nothing to be gained…

I always tend to find myself coming back to this poem. Ever since I found the courage to pick up the book and regain my love of reading, I’ve begun to remember those novels, stories, and poems that were the catalyst for all my endeavors. This specific poem resonates within me, drawing out that fiery side of myself that I always seem to forget exists until it had bubbled up to the surface, unable to be kept down any longer. Judith’s fire that she writes with is something that I’ve always wanted to be able to emulate and bring into my own life. It is a passion that seeps through every word…