Wildflower

One of my favorite reads from last year was Drew Barrymore's memoir, Wildflower.  A former boss of mine just so happened to share a housekeeper with Drew (the Upper East Side is such a small place), and got a personal copy signed directly from Barrymore.   The book is both fascinating and heartwarming, as Drew discusses her troubled upbringing as well as her work in the film industry and her journey becoming a mother.   I found myself oddly tearing up here and there while reading- Drew's stories and writing style are both so heartfelt. There are so many great quotes from this book that I thought I'd share a few of my favorites...

“I love my life and it takes every step to get to where you are, and if you are happy, then God bless the hard times it took you to get there. No life is without them, so what are yours, and what did you do with the lessons? That is the only way to live.” 

{designlovefest}

"I am not someone who is ashamed of my past. I'm actually really proud.  I know I made a lot of mistakes, but they, in turn, were my life lessons."

“My dad. I don’t really know where to begin other than to say he simply wasn’t a “dad.” He was this mythical creature. Part unicorn, part violent storm. And although he separated from my mom when she was pregnant, I somehow knew to forgive him. It’s as if I could grasp as a kid that this horse was so wild, he couldn’t be pinned down, and even if he could I am not sure you would want him around. This was the kind of man you saw in small doses. They were memorable. Sometimes dark, sometimes humorous, sometimes quotable.” 

“It's ironic that we rush through being "single" as if it's some disease or malady to get rid of or overcome. The truth is, most likely, one day you will meet someone and it will be gone. And once it's gone, it's really gone! Why does no one tell us how important it is to enjoy being single and being by yourself? That time is defining and amazing and nothing to "sure". It is being alone that will actually set you up the best for being with someone else.” 

{cece barfield thompson}

“I was so struck by the magnificent beauty of the sunset as I sat there, quiet. The silence allowed me to ask myself: What if I did get the chance at life all over again? What would I do differently? What would I keep and what would I leave??? My older self was welcoming my younger self into an early womanhood.”

{soane britain}

"You can't live your life blaming your failures on your parents and what they did or didn't do for you.  You're dealt the cards that you're dealt. I realized it was a waste of time to be angry at my parents and feel sorry for myself."

“I feel like I was born the day my kids were and that my life before was only there to gain wisdom for them. The point is you do your best. Your very best every day. You do it- and you do it for them!” 

I adore Drew.  You can read more about Wildflower here.