A Sweet & Sassy Toast to Isabel* – A Real Book Buddy Beauty
Posted on November 7, 2009 in the Real Beauty category
Can you believe I have another farewell post for my Real Beauty book? I do – and as sad as I am to have to write these posts, I’m happy to share a special lady with you.
A couple years ago, we moved to the beach and I volunteered to deliver books to people. That’s how I met Isabel* – and she changed my life.
Isobel was beautiful because she was…Adventurous & Brave. She was one of the first female foreign correspondents during the war. She also founded and ran her own media firm in California for many years – I know she paved the way for many women in Media – and having a Journalism degree myself, she was an inspiration to me.
I enjoyed our time together – it was only for a few years, but I grew to care for her. Even though I brought books to Isobel, I got so much out of our visits. She amazed and amused me with her stories of the war, of her childhood and her career. And we always enjoyed a little cocktail during our chats.
It seemed she was never backed down from a new experience. Even when she moved to a new retirement community in her 90′s, she continued to look for fun. She played Bingo, attended the ice cream socials & movie nights, and attempted to start a newsletter. She didn’t become complacent and hide in her room – she kept active and alert – always on the lookout for a little fun.
I know she was part of the reason I was so excited move to Australia. And as sad as I was to leave her, I was proud to go on an international adventure like Isabel.
Thank you, Isabel – for all the fun and lovely chats (and the yummy cocktails). Thank you for your stories and for sharing your life with me. Thank you for inspiring me to be more adventurous – I think of you during my travels and hope you know you touched my life.
Cheers, darling – I raise my glass to you!
*named changed to protect the innocent
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There’s such a wealth of treasure tucked away in retirement villages… glad you had the chance to discover one such treasure.
Kristin, you are such a wonderful, warm and genuine person!
Thank you for sharing such a gorgeous story and honouring Isabel like this.
I strive to be taking all that life offers and enjoy it all just like you both.
kisses :-)x
Hi K
Thats a sweet write up. I just read the Real Beauty synopsis … need to find out more from you. I like your manifesto.
xe