For a moment, I didn't know what introduction will be the best for today's post. Why? Because the book I will introduce you in a minute is just so special! Its name is "Girls of the First Czechoslovak Republic" and it will take you back in time immediately. Back in time to the era of the President Masaryk, dancing Charleston, drinking Gin or Whiskey, wearing short hair and short skirts...to the era between two world wars and freedom. In this book, the Czech author Jana Poncarova spoke with eight wonderful ladies, who are now in over their 90 and will disclose their life stories to you...
Are you ready?
I made myself cup of delicious mint tea, sat on my comfortable sofa and took the book into both hands. What caught my eye is its unique design. It's paperback and the book itself looks quite modern, but when you open it and turn the first page, an amazing print (it reminds me our historical blueprint that was very popular in the past but even now is still very popular) will suddenly appear, together with a quote I have in my mind till today:
"Enjoy every second of your life. Don't wait and keep telling to yourself:
I am happy now.
Now.
Now.
Now.
At this moment."
These words belongs to one of the mentioned ladies and every time I think of them, it gives me hope and I believe that everything is in our hands. You are creating your future and nothing is lost. It's never too late to start to live your dreams.
Except for brilliant thoughts and such incredible life stories (I've decided to not spoil them as I think you will get the best experience while reading it and going through it for the very first time), this book is also enriched with beautiful photos of the ladies and backgrounds by photographer Dita Pepe. I just adore them. They tell you so much, even without words...
Every story is unique. Because its author is the life itself. I admire how all eight ladies was thinking of their past with such an ease and positive attitude, even though not every moment was the happy one...I admire all eight ladies because of their unbelievable energy even in their 90s (!). I still have the opinion of the age being just a number. I love how thanks to the text but also pictures you have an amazing opportunity to know these outstanding women closer and become their friends. Many times during reading I got speechless. How is it possible to stay calm, with smile on your face and elegant attitude even in such a high age? Everything is in your head. You need to start think differently. Positively. What can I say more? I was really amazed by their statements and courage! (one lady run away from Czech Republic to Australia because of the man, the other one lost its son but still found the power to live on). There were some parts I read several times as they were terrific.
What can I add to the end? I want to say big THANK YOU to the author Jana Poncarova, photographer Dita Pepe and Publisher Wo-men for their hard work to create such a masterpiece. I want to say big THANK YOU to all eight ladies for their lovely comments, thoughts and courage to show even the saddest moments of their lives. I am so proud of them. I am so proud of being a woman.
We are now living such a crazy time. It gave me some space to think and realize what really matters in my life. Start to appreciate small things. Start to not follow "celebrities" which are famous because of their money. Start to follow people who become your celebrities because of their actions and thoughts. Start to support local artists, writers, designers, photographers. It's not easy to be successful in this creative field, and pandemic doesn't make it easier, either. It was a pleasure for me to had this book in my hands. I enjoyed it very much!
Don't look away from the past. History is not dead. Learn from it and take the best from it. Live your present the best you can and create the dreamy future. You can do it. Where to start? Here :)
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