what a wise and powerful woman she was.

I must admit that I have not yet watched this in it's entirety, but I will.

Thank you again, Scarlet. 

Plays well with others

 http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/07/us/07mankiller.html?ref=obituaries

She was an amazing woman who accomplished a great deal of good, both for women and for the "Indian nations".

She was written up a lot in magazines like Ms. back in the day, and was such a mover and shaker -- all of it for good causes. Very compassionate, without anger.

And in this video, she speaks such strong, quiet wisdom. The video isn't flashy, like we are used to in entertainment. It's solid.

And, she has my eyebrows (LOL), so I have to like her.

“Optimistic, hopeful people view barriers and obstacles as problems to be solved and not as the reason to give up or turn back,” she said. “Positive people never, ever give up.”

“The happiest people I’ve ever met, regardless of their profession, their social standing, or their economic status, are people that are fully engaged in the world around them. The most fulfilled people are those who get up every morning and stand for something larger than themselves. They are people who care about others, people who will extend a helping hand to someone in need or will speak up about an injustice when they see it,” Wilma said.

"The question I am asked most frequently is why I remain such a positive person, after surviving breast cancer, lymphoma, dialysis, two kidney transplants, and systemic myasthenia gravis. The answer is simple: I am Cherokee, and I am a woman. No one knows better than I that every day is indeed a good day. How can I be anything but positive when I come from a tenacious, resilient people who keep moving forward with an eye toward the future even after enduring unspeakable hardship? " http://www.wilmamankiller.com/thewayhome.html

Statement from President Barack Obama on the Passing of Wilma Mankiller

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Wilma Mankiller today. As the
Cherokee Nation’s first female chief, she transformed the Nation-to-Nation relationship
between the Cherokee Nation and the Federal Government, and served as an inspiration
to women in Indian Country and across America. A recipient of the Presidential Medal
of Freedom, she was recognized for her vision and commitment to a brighter future for all
Americans. Her legacy will continue to encourage and motivate all who carry on her
work. Michelle and I offer our condolences to Wilma’s family, especially her husband
Charlie and two daughters, Gina and Felicia, as well as the Cherokee Nation and all those
who knew her and were touched by her good works.”

Wilma Mankiller: Womanhood

http://www.wilmamankiller.com/womanhood.html

From Every Day is a Good Day

"Then there were the "bless-your-little-heart" ladies. They were white Christian women who made our family one of their charities by bringing used clothing and other gifts to our small wood frame home. When I saw their big car approaching our house, I ran and hid. While walking to and from school, they would sometimes stop and offer us a ride, murmuring, 'Bless your little hearts.' Even at a very early age, I understood that these women thought they were better than us and that they would accept us if only we were more like them. Many years later, a white woman raising money to give college scholarships to indigenous students told me she wanted to 'give pride back to the Indians.' She had such a staggering sense of entitlement; she didn't know the highly insulting and patronizing nature of that statement. "

NSU mourns the passing of Wilma Mankiller

  http://www.nsuok.edu/News/Story/1082/Default.aspx  

  “We are so blessed to have had the privilege to work alongside Wilma Mankiller as part of the NSU community. Her contributions as an advocate for Native American and indigenous peoples worldwide, and her commitment to the role of women in leadership, will continue to inspire individuals in all walks of life and have impact beyond our lifetimes,” Betz said.

  Totally Committed

I give thanks for unknown blessings already on the way

May I ask why you are totally committed. I assume it is to life? but that would be an assumption. And is giving thanks for unknown blessings already on the way mean you don't have to give thanks when they do arrive. Are they coming by UPS or Fed Ex?

Keep us posted dear Scarlet.

 I suppose that is very "clever" of you.

Not everything needs to be explained.

Totally Committed

I give thanks for unknown blessings already on the way