Gertie

'Turning away from the privileged world of the "eminent Vicotrians," Gertrude Bell (1868-1926) explored, mapped, and excavated the world of the Arabs. Recruited by British intelligence during World War I, she played a crucial role in obtaining the loyalty of Arab leaders, and her connections and information provided the brains to match T.E. Lawrence's brawn. After the war, she played a major role in creating the modern Middle East and was, at the time, considered the most powerful woman in the British Empire.'

The above is a backcover description of the book Desert Queen, a biography of Gertrude Bell. My mom bought it for me last year and I decided to reread it. It's a great book. While I was reading it (on the way to Utah last fall, mostly), I found myself thinking, 'Uh! That's what I want to do! That's where I want to work! Those are the kind of people I want to meet! No fair!' Of course, my path of life has taken a turn from back then, but still. I found myself really coming to admire Gertrude. She was an amazing woman, especially for her time of living and the society she was raised in. Her life was truly one grandiose adventure. Magnificent, magnificent woman.