Real-Life Rosie the Riveter

I recently visited my 92 year old maternal grandmother at her home, our pioneer family homestead ranch, in the remote Eastern Arizona mountains.

Every time I visit the ranch I simultaneously feel a little silly at how automatic (I don't have to drive an hour just to get milk) and easy (I don't ride horses for 8 hours a day or perform manual labor 7 days a week) my lifestyle is, but also feel a bit of inner strength stirred up by the surroundings and the spirits of my pioneer and native ancestors.

My grandma is a quiet but sharp-witted woman, who was a WWII factory worker in CA, a real-life Rosie the Riveter. She (and my mom) promoted a "this too shall pass" and "grin and bear it" attitude to life that I didn't like too much growing up, but that has now helped me put life's foils in perspective.

Grandma was also an accomplished dabbler in the visual arts and crafts, so I think that some of that passion in me comes from her through my mother (also a lovely painter, weaver, quilter). My mom was able to send me some old family photos, and these are spectacular in my opinion. The hair alone is magnificent!

That hair must have taken hours.

So beautiful!

 

With a pal in California

 

With my grandpa, who I didn't get the pleasure of meeting, but who I definitely resemble.