This week I finished the absolutely last, final, only remaining, the conclusive task left for me to do for Juliette Gordon Low: The Remarkable Life of the Founder of the Girl Scouts—the index. Indexes matter a lot to many readers, and so I labored long and hard over it, as I happen to be one of those readers who loves a useful index. At any rate, I have sent it off to Viking, and everything is in their hands now. The next time I see the project, it will be mid-February when it will really and truly be a book.
Phew!
All this is to say that I am just now beginning to catch up on the rest of my life, which includes getting ready to attend the exciting 52nd biennial Girl Scout convention in Houston next week. I have been asked to speak on the morning of November 10, 2011, to the Girl Scout historians and archivists. I can’t wait! I hope many of you will be there and introduce yourselves to me as blog readers.
However, in the interest of time this week, I present you with two great Daisy quotes that did not make the book.
First: to her good sister Eleanor Gordon Parker, who was wading through a very tough time, Daisy wrote compassionately:
“Dearest Nell, Your troubles are simply overwhelming, really all you need are one or two boils to perfectly resemble Job.” (1)
One of the things that struck me overwhelmingly as I researched Daisy Low’s life was her familiarity with the Bible. If you are not quite so familiar, click here or here to learn more about Job and his trials and tribulations and why Daisy’s turn of phrase is so neat.
And second: while in her late teens, squabbling as many young women do with their mothers, Daisy puckishly wrote this about hers:
“Mama seems in excellent spirits. I can usually gauge the rise and fall of her spirits by her capacity to scold or her depression. At present she is indefatigable in her powers to correct her children, therefore I argue that the barometer is high.” (2)
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(1) Juliette Gordon Low to Eleanor Gordon Parker, 1 September 1892, Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace and National Historic Site.
(2) Juliette Gordon to Mary Gale Carter, September 8, n.y., George Hyde Clarke Family Papers, Cornell University, Undated: JGL, September-October, MS2800/22/4.
Stacy, after reading these two wonderful Daisy-isms, I just have to add her to my list of historical figures I’d like to meet if I ever happen to acquire a time machine. I would love to have the chance to explore with her or just listen to Daisy talk! I truly can’t wait to read your book. And, congratulations again on finishing the index! Bring out the champagne!
Paige–thanks so much! I hope you find more Daisy-isms in the book that make you similarly happy!
Thanks for writing–
Job 38
6 On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone-
7 while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?
Job fits her so well, Stacy : )
I feel Juliette saw God in nature and that was part of her wanting the first Troop to be naturalists.
Do you know if BP’s 2nd wife, Charlotte Pope, was related to Juliette’s cousin, Nina?
Nina–Thanks for reading my blog and taking the time to comment!
Daisy’s cousin was Nina Pape with an “a” and Robert Baden-Powell’s father’s second wife Charlotte was a Pope with an “o.” So I assume they were not related in any way.
Stranger things have happened, though!
Stacy,
Look forward to seeing you next week at the History conference. I looked at your book signings…will the DC and VA book signings and talks be for the JGLow book? Really wanting a signed copy and was sad when the book wouldn’t be out by next week.
Hi, Sylvia-
Yes, all the talks in February and March will be about _Juliette Gordon Low: The Remarkable Founder of the Girl Scouts_, including the talks in Washington, D.C. and Virginia. I will be adding to the Appearances page on this blog as I know more about where I’ll be when. I will also post those dates on my facebook page, Stacy Cordery, Author.
And Sylvia, I am just as sad as you that the book can’t come out until February–you have no idea…but we are making the best of it. I’m so grateful to Pamela Cruz for inviting me to speak in Houston. I look forward to meeting you!
I wish I could be at the History conference! Stacy, I hope you can do a reading in the New York area. It seems only right as the headquarters of GS is here. I am going to Savannah to be with other Gordon family members on March 12. Can’t wait to see the book!
Hi, Margaret–I am certain there will be a book signing and talk in New York during the book tour this February. I don’t know where I’ll be on 12 March 2012 yet, but I know you will have a glorious time in Savannah. What a gathering!