You Can Do It! A Merit Badge Handbook Just for Grown - Up Girls

I was standing in our town's Little Bookshop this morning browsing for a gift when my eyes quickly set upon this book.

YOU CAN DO IT!  A Merit Badge Handbook Just for Grown - Up Girls.
Dare to Dream  Learn Something New  Do something Just for You.
Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas

I added it to my puchases, farewelled Bob the Bookshop proprieter, brought the rubbish bin from the bottom of the drive AND then when  I sat down and flipped through the pages of this book realised what a fabulous purchase I had made.

It is about 500 pages (don't let this put you off) jam packed with hands- on practical advice which is set out in a really easy to read way. So you don't read it as you would a book if this makes sense.  And then as I continued to read and make sense of it all, I  realised I have purchased an entire experience with access to mentors to support me along the way.  (I paid $34.95).  They are all US based but they are there and accessible as I now look to take on some of the "to do's" in this book.

I take a look at one of the 60 badges in the book (will explain the badge bit a little later) Number 52, Get an Inner Life, and realise that it is a complete how to and checklist ie all I need to get started.  The quote, "who looks outside dreams, who looks inside wakes" Carl Jung jumps out at me and I think this is no coincidence that I opened the book here!!  Taking a deep breath and thinking 'way to go' this is amazing, I find book and website recommendations and instantly find myself surfing across the recommended sites.    

Back to the here and now and I decide to read about th author and here is what I found....

You Can Do it! was Lauren's idea, begun a year before she died on September 11, 2001, aboard UNited Flight 93.   A former Girl Scout, she saw the book as a way for women to re-create the feelings of accomplishment and community found in Scouts.  Lauren embodied the books goals.  Personally, professionally, athletically and creatively dynamic, she is remembered by her friends and family as their personal coach and champion.  She has 15 years of marketing and sales experience, started her own consulting company, and most recently served as an account executive for Good Housekeeping.  An avid biker, hiker, runner and on her thirtieth birthday a skydiver, she lived in the San Fancisco area for many years with her husband Jack Grandcolas.  With the special help of her sisters, Lauren's dream of empowering women to "go out and do it!" will now be realised.

And you have probably made the connection now about the 60 Badges that makes up the book.  These are like Scout badges for grown up girls. So I am now off to decide which badge I will go for first!!! 

Regards
Jo