Marlene "Kick Ass" Lee
Day 24 of the #mystylephotochallenge on Instagram. "Someone Inspirational".
I chose Marlene from Chocolate Cookies and Candies blog. I didn't go for one of the big history guys or anything like that, I just wanted to choose someone a bit closer to home and was inspirational to me.
Marlene has one of the most beautiful blogs out there and from day one when I discovered it I was hooked. I pored over the beautiful images (she's a bit good with the old camera) and read her entire back catalogue of posts which were written so eloquently and with a healthy dose of girl power humour.
She found my blog in the early days and supported me with the comments she left when I had virtually no followers and promoted me in her first "Pass it Forward" series where she chose three blogs which she enjoyed and wanted to share with her readers. I have never forgotten this and am so grateful that someone believed that I had a blog worth taking a look at. Incidentally her blog photos have inspired me no end and made me develop my own picture taking skills - who knew that it could be so much fun behind the camera (you're right Marlene). Sure I still use a point and click camera set on auto mode (I'm a lost and lazy cause and besides which, who reads a manual anyway?) but that's just who I am and I will never be a true shutterbug.
And she wants to make a difference and set out to do so. Her Sisterhood of the Travelling Jacket was a project close to her heart and she travelled all over to speak to ladies who had a personal story to tell and who were willing to share with others to help them through similar experiences. Oh yes, and she wants ladies to recognise their own personal beauty because being behind a camera, she has heard all the hangups and little insecurities about ourselves which no one else can see. Guilty as charged.
Incidentally, she is also one of the most gracious, humble, funny kick ass ladies out there and I'm not just talking about that picture at the top there and the fact that she can kick butt literally (she does Taekwondo) . She tells it like it is and isn't afraid to say so. And one of the things I totally identify with her on ... be polite and gracious at all times and to treat others as you yourself would wish to be treated.
Besides, I always love meeting up with her. Especially when she treats me to a McDonalds Happy Meal. But she doesn't let me have the toy :(
Thank you Marlene. End of rambly gush.
x
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Last Note :
- The Sisterhood of the Travelling Jacket project can be found here.
I beg to differ re: shutterbug. Your IG account has become a real powerhouse in the last six months, auto-mode or not. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Kristina - I'm just having fun with my little point and shoot camera and it's a crime really that I don't use the other functions on it as it's quite a little powerhouse. I do try every now and then but whatever it is that I do, everything comes out the wrong colour and fuzzy and wrong so I revert back to auto mode. I really need to read that manual! Your pics are always really interesting - I think it's the subject matter - it's very different to my every day life.
DeleteI am looking forward to having a good read! .. Marlene sounds wonderful, and no one really needs the toy from a Happy Meal after all...
ReplyDeleteThey do if it's a Minion which is what they are doing currently! We got Bob this week :) Might have to go for another Happy Meal next week to see who comes up next!
DeleteBut yes, have a look at Marlene's blog - it's varied and interesting and the pics are dreamy.
Great post Sue. Even though I've only met Marlene once, I think I kind of fell in love with her a little bit - she really is an inspiration in many ways, and hilarious with it :-D And don't be so modest lady, your photos are always fabulous. I wish I had your eye for a great shot xx
ReplyDeleteAww, I love the way you put that "I think I kind of fell in love with her a little bit". She is a really lovely person - a go getter as well. Quite the opposite of me actually - I live in a little suburban bubble.
DeleteAnd thank you re the photos. If they are clear - that's good enough for me :)
How lovely and I agree with you, totally, about Marlene. A beautiful person indeed and one very smart cookie. ;) xx
ReplyDeleteHa - brilliant description of Marlene. A smart cookie.
DeleteI couldn't have written this better - what a wonderful article about an amazing woman. Hear hear....and you're pretty inspirational yourself Sue - both you and Marlene have enriched this blogging journey immensely. I just wish I lived a bit closer xx
ReplyDeleteAvril, you too have been an inspiration - yours was one of the first blogs I picked up on and went back to read as you were so relatable. I know I was terribly shy in the beginning and you asked me if you could use a couple of my pics and I think a lot of my readers have come through on your recommendation - thank you too. Yes it's a shame you don't live closer to Marlene and I - it would be nice to catch up more often rather than once a year.
DeleteWhat a nice post - the world needs a little more nice-ness at times!
ReplyDeleteIt does. We're all really quick to tear someone down these days but quite often to forget those few kind words which can mean so much.
DeleteOh this is so lovely & I couldn't agree more! Marlene is amazing & so are you Sue! x
ReplyDeleteAww thank you Andrea. I can say the same for you too Andrea - you are a strong and kind lady. One of a kind.
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