Women

Edith Wharton: Beyond Downton Abbey

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Edith Wharton published her first book at age 35, a decorating guide for the rich. A quarter century later, she became the first woman to win the Pulitzer.

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Grandma Moses: The Importance of Keeping Busy

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“Painting’s not important. The important thing is keeping busy.” Words of wisdom from 101 years of living. Grandma Moses painted to the end, but didn’t start until age 76!

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Mrs. Somerville: First Scientist

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The United Kingdom’s first recognized scientist was a self-educated Scots woman who lived during the 19th century!

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The Secret Life of Late Bloomer Sue Monk Kidd

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Sue Monk Kidd published The Secret Life Of Bees at age 53. Her spiritual journey took her from traditional Baptist wife to writer of the sacred feminine.

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A Liz Smith Magic Package

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Liz Smith always knew she wanted to be an actress. Four tough decades passed before she made that dream come true.

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Ruth Flowers: Rockin’ Retirement

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One of Europe’s best loved DJs is an English granny who ran a fabric store! In case you’re wondering, she prefers electro rock to house music.

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Ina Garten: The Barefoot Late Bloomer

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She’s neither barefoot, nor a contessa, nor even Italian for that matter. But she was a nuclear power analyst. Ina Garten’s delicious story.

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Julia Child: Eat Well, Live Big, Bloom Late!

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How can you not love Julia Child? She was 6′ of bonhomie, exuberant passion, in love with food and with life. And she waited until age 36 to find it!

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Sharon Penman Takes On William Shakespeare

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Why, with that name, did Penman considered anything other than writing? A dastardly deed derailed her, but she finally bested Shakespeare!

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P.D. James: From Civil Servant to Literary Royalty

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PD James retired from the Home Office after writing eight successful mysteries. Today, at age 90, she’s a baroness and still going strong!

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Mrs. Benz Borrows The Car

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The next time you see a Mercedes on the highway, think of Bertha Benz, the daring gal who took the very first test drive at age 39!

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Penelope Fitzgerald: Saved By A Sinking Houseboat

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Fitzgerald may be Britain’s most famous unknown writer. She started writing in her late 50s and won the Booker Prize at age 63.

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