A Woman's Woman

If there can be a "man's" man, then certainly the gender reversal holds true. For me, that woman is Katharine Hepburn. Born on May 12, 1907, Kate would be 99 years old today.



My girls were introduced to Hepburn's films at an early age, and we delighted in watching them over and over. "The Lion in Winter" was (and remains) a particular favorite, quoted and role-mimicked with great flourish around our house.

Once while rummaging in an antique store in Santa Anna, my youngest and I came upon a small 5 x 7 frame of Kate in a soft sepia-toned studio shot. It now graces my bookshelves, shoulder to shoulder with great grandfather Joe Gus and great grandmother Missouri Belle. Sometimes visitors to our house get wide-eyed upon recognition, and ask if we are related to the famous actress. With my best theatrical face, I smile a less than truthful acquiescence and Kate winks back at me conspiratorially.

Happy birthday, Kate, we miss ya.