Who are Viragos

I feel that the very first virago to have made an impact on my life is my name-sake, Mary Magdalene. When I was young, I resented my mom for naming me after such a scandalous saint! I mean, what was she thinking? Naming me after the most infamous prostitute? It was only more recently, and thanks to Mr. Brown’s “Da Vinci Code” that Mary Magdalene’s representation has been questioned. Turns out that men of her day painted her in a totally wrong light. She was a very independent woman, and Christ’s right hand “man”, a real disciple. Perhaps even a wife? http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/02/0225_040225_davincicode.html

Finding this out has been somewhat liberating, I now cherish my name and its significance.

Who are some of the other viragos that have inspired me over the last 40-some years? Well those are friends and family members, as well as historical figures and women involved in current events. The list for now (because it may change over time) includes the following – and keep in mind, these are women that I personally find inspirational:

My two grandmothers
My step-mom, Zosia
My step-daughter Virginia
My sister-in-law, Angela

My college room-mates and long-time friends Julie and Susan
Jesse, Susan’s mom

Cleopatra
Eleanor of Aquitaine
Saint Queen Jadwiga (Polish queen and saint)
Queen Elizabeth I
Dr. Marie Curie
Ayn Rand
Kathryn Hepburn
Jane Fonda
Gloria Steinem
Ariana Huffington
Sally Ride
Madonna
Sharon Stone
Hillary Clinton
Carly Fiorina, HP
Carol Bartz, Autodesk
Martha Dennis
Patti Smith