On this day in 1937, Margaret Mitchell won the Pulitzer prize for her first, and only, novel: Gone with the Wind. She wrote the book while recovering from an ankle injury and only showed it to a publisher's talent scout after initially saying she didn't have anything worth showing him. Second thoughts can be valuable.

Being born and raised primarily in Atlanta, I understood its cultural implications and, still, despite its dated, even racist, and inaccurate, depictions feel rather fondly about the film.

Who can ignore the passion and beauty of Katie Scarlett O'Hara?

The attractiveness of Rhett Butler?

The kindness of Melanie Hamilton?

My vision for myself is to learn to have the kindness of Melanie. When I first saw the film, about a hundred years ago, I thought she was one dull woman. Today I think she is the greatest person in the film. She continually counteracts direct hostility, insult and thoughtlessness with kindness. She doesn't seem to take anything personally. She is filled with gratitude and generosity for all the people she sees.

She would be a terrific Gotham member.

Scarlett's passion and determination are formidable and appealing, but Melanie's warmheartedness takes the prize.

Who do you admire? Ashley? Rhett? Mammy? Prissy?

There ain't nothing from the outside that can lick any of us. - Margaret Mitchell