During her twenty-five years in New Mexico,
MARY LOU COOK has contributed immensely as a major creative force
and model of citizen activism. She has been called the "conscience
of the city" and has received numerous international, national and
community honors and awards as a distinguished leader. One such
honor was being named "Santa Fe Living Treasure," the community's
fond affection for a beloved elder.
Mary Lou Cook makes a profound difference in
the many lives she touches. As a teacher of calligraphy,
bookbinding, basketmaking, writing books, performing weddings,
planting trees, teaching creativity workshops, lecturing and
counseling, Mary Lou (called MLC by her friends) imparts
magnificent wisdom by revealing the joy and miracles in life. As a
citizen activist in nuclear waste and environmental issues,
women's issues, global networking, Peace Corps, politics, and
peace, MLC makes a difference to her community and the world by
showing us all how to live with depth and commitment and yet to be
laughing much of the time.
MLC has been an inspiration to many people.
She lives one of her favorite mottoes, a quote from Gandhi: "You
must be the change you wish to see in the world." She serves as a
mentor for young people: encouraging, giving hope, self- esteem,
motivating, pointing out choices, nourishing the creative in
everyone, helping others deal with fear, empowering, networking
and opening doors.
Mary Lou Cook is an example to follow, for
women as well as men. The process has taken a lifetime, as it
entails taking risks, making mistakes, learning to be honest,
letting go of fear, trusting one's intuition (rather than the
rigid rules we were taught), following one's heart's interest,
keeping a positive attitude, showing appreciation, having fun,
practicing forgiveness, and believing in the connectedness of
mankind. She is a woman of warmth, kindness, and simplicity who
has exhibited courage in accepting and living with leukemia for
many years.
She is a true Renaissance woman, a genius in
the art of communication, who sees listening, creativity,
mediation. respect, honesty, trusting and being spontaneous as
keys to resolving the complex problems confronting us in the world
today.
