March is Women’s History Month. What? Why? Why do we need a month dedicated to women’s stuff? After all, isn’t women’s history a part of all history? Yes, of course it is but that hasn’t kept us from ignoring much of it.
Quick – name five historically significant women. No googling allowed. Okay, maybe that was too easy.
Now, do it again and then some. Name five historic women who have made key contributions to society, science, the arts, sports and business. That’s right, five names for each category. Oh, and feel free to add a few more categories if you like. Of course, the arts are probably pretty easy. The list of amazing legends of stage and screen is long. Now, is it just as easy to name five visual artists? As for the rest, after Eleanor Roosevelt, Madame Curie, the Williams sisters and the Spanx lady, how soon do you run out of names?
Depending on your personal interests, you may be able to go on and on for hours, or at least minutes, listing remarkable women in one and another achievement category. As girls and as women, we seek them out. The reason is simple, we want to know and be inspired by people who look like us.
Oh sure, outstanding people of all genders, races, religions, shapes and sizes can and do inspire. But it’s different when you can see a glimpse of yourself in someone you admire. Somehow, that glimpse seems to make a big, audacious goal a bit more attainable.
Don’t believe me? Then, I’m guessing you’ve never sat down in a classroom, walked into a meeting or arrived at a conference and, after looking around, realized you were the only woman in the room. It makes even the most confident among us wonder, “Do I belong with this crowd?” One thing’s for sure, you know you stick out.
So, you look around. Is it possible, you’re the first ever to be here? At this point, it’s more likely that you’re one of a few. Take inspiration from the stories of women who came before you. Gather strength from their fortitude and persistence. Not interested in the past? Let the latest generation of groundbreaking women motivate you.
Past or present, choose your heroes; the list is long – Maya Angelou, Mary Barra, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Kamala Harris, Hedy Lamarr, Martina Navratilova, Georgia O’Keefe, Gilda Radner, Megan Rapinoe, J.K. Rowling, Margaret Chase Smith, Julie Sweet, Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousafzai and a whole lot more.
Or maybe you’re inspired by someone not quite so famous and closer to home. She could be a faculty member in your chosen major, part of the executive management team at your company, a local artist, a nearby rabble-rousing activist or an elected official in your state. Whether you meet or not, her very presence tells you that your goal, no matter how difficult, is not impossible.
This month, let’s raise a glass to the great women of our collective pasts and presents. Bon appétit!
Oatmeal Squares
These old-fashioned treats remind me of the kind of cookies my grandmother used to bake. Although, I’m not sure she would have included the chocolate chips. Enjoy!
Makes 24 squares
1 1/2 cups oatmeal
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1 cup (2 sticks) butter at room temperature
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups chocolate chips
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Put the oatmeal, flour, baking soda, salt and spices in a bowl and whisk to combine.
With an electric mixer, beat the butter and brown sugar on medium-high speed until creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat until smooth.
Reduce the mixer speed to low, slowly add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips, raisins and nuts.
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees until the edges begin to pull away from the s of pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached, about 25 minutes.
Cool in the pan, cut and serve.
Download or print my recipe for Oatmeal Squares.
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Four Years Ago – Shrimp Curry with Spinach
Five Years Ago – Mini Tarte Tatin
Six Years Ago – Lemon Roasted Chicken
Seven Years Ago – Panna Cotta with Strawberries
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Twelve Years Ago – Swimming Pool Jello
Or Click Here! for a complete list of and links to all the recipes on this blog!
Living or dead, within your personal circle, famous or infamous – who are the women that inspire you? Feel free to share!
Want more? I’ve got links to lots more to read, see & cook. © Susan W. Nye, 2021