“You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm.” Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette
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Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, (1873-1954) was a French author, mime, actress, journalist and woman of letters. Known simply as ‘Colette”, she lived during a time of great change and through the tragic upheaval of two world wars. And yet, she stated “Be happy. It’s one way of being wise”
Even though we are nearing the 150th anniversary of her birth, Colette remains an icon and an indisputably formidable woman. Despite being positioned in the centre stage of controversy, she moved forward with determination. Colette was best known for her 1944 novella Gigi which was played by a young and then unknown, Audrey Hepburn. Unknown that is, until Colette, when she was being pushed in her wheelchair through the lobby of a hotel, happened to spot Audrey Hepburn dancing off to the side.
“To be astonished is one of the surest ways of not growing old too quickly.”
Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette
Colette’s most profound thought for me is, “What a wonderful life I’ve had! I only wish I’d realized it sooner.” It is when I look back that I am astonished by the richness of life that has come to me through my family and friends. Colette reminds me to recognize the beauty of the moments with each breath taken.
ChasingART 
A very wise lady. i especially like the first quote. i shall remember that one in future!
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I agree – she was a remarkable woman who dared to take on the status quo. Thank you so much for stopping by and for your comment, Lizzie!
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Amazing! She was a beauty, and so was her work.
The Audrey Hepburn anecdote is wonderful!
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Oh Resa, when I read about those who embrace a different direction, as did Colette, I am inspired take a deep breath and dive into the unknown.
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I understand that feeling. Word of advice; don’t take up baton twirling!
I tried turning one of the AGM adventures into an Epub, and it worked.
Of course I made a mistake, and will have to redo it. I’ll send you a copy… see what you think?
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I would LOVE to see that the copy. Thank you, Resa!!! I just read The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (you would like it) He said, “The only way to learn is to live.”
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Our Art Calendar is a source of joy each morning. The photo of this young lady is very pretty, but I think the wisest words she spoke reminds us to be careful to remember all the wonderful and outstanding things that have happened in out past experiences. Interesting that she is connected and remembered with an important person like Audrey Hepburn–both of them, who lived a long time ago.
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Colette was remarkable – she pushed the status quo boundaries and was a precursor feminist who was a catalyst for dramatic change. A free spirit in her life and in her writing, she scandalized and challenged in the same breath. When she passed in August 1954, she was given a state funeral, the first French woman of letters to be granted the honour. I agree – our art calendar is a source of joy each morning. I just received notification that the 2022 Art Calendar is being shipped and should arrive shortly.
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💕⚘🦋🌹🌹🌿💕
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💕🦋🌹🌿🌷⚘💕
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🌹🌿🌿🌷⚘🌹💕
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Wonderful quotes from an amazing woman, Rebecca. Definitely quotes to ponder. 🤔 🤗
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The more I read about Colette, the more amazed I am at her audacity and tenacity. In her later years, she continued to write and be involved in artistic projects despite being crippled by arthritis. She seemed to have the ability to transition to the next stage of life without any angst or fanfare. I’m certain that she felt the aging process as it unfolded, but that didn’t stop her from looking for opportunities to engage. Here is another quote that I appreciate: “I love my past, I love my present. I am not ashamed of what I have had, and I am not sad because I no longer have it.” Thank you so much for your visit, Sylvia – very much appreciated. Sending hugs!
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““What a wonderful life I’ve had! I only wish I’d realized it sooner” — that is indeed a quote for the ages, Rebecca. And Colette is an author for the ages. I’ve read and enjoyed about a dozen of her novels, with “The Vagabond” my favorite and “Claudine at School” SO funny.
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Dave – you never fail to give a lift to my day. I knew before I read your comment in full, that you would have read Colette! Not just one book but many books. I think the 2022 will be the Year of Colette for me. What a remarkable woman. As you wrote so eloquently- an author for the ages.
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