It Takes A Woman~

Ahh... Mother's Day Weekend. 

 My party started last night when the kids began handing out the presents.  They had a *sweet*  little beverage theme going.  Cool hand painted wine glass and glass coasters with pictures of each child from when they were toddlers.  (Loved that!)

This morning it was a basket of relaxation goodies:  candles, journal, chocolates, squooshy polka dot blanket (in honor of my love of all things polka dot)  &  more.  It was so wonderful.  I love gifts that say, "I see you."   And these days, if you  see me, r-e-a-l-l-y  see me you know candles  and a quiet moment would do wonders.  :)

But today I realized its not all about me.  I am reminded of how challenging it is to be a Mom.   And to that extent, Mother's Day is in large part a nod to all women.   How we connect, how we interact, how we support and inspire each other.   You don't have to be a Mom to own a piece of this very special day.  After all if it takes a village to a raise a child then it takes a woman...women  actually to  sustain a mom.

And in my fabulous, hectic, silly, sad, amazing, frustrating, awesome, challenging world I have many women who help sustain me.  Women who hold me up, keep me going, teach me, encourage me, inspire me and reach out with a hug when I need one.   So,  today, I bow to them:  

Grace ~ My personal cheerleader.   My life compass who has guided me through dark days and light.  Always reminding me of who I am and what I am capable of.    The wisest person & at the same time most unconventional thinker I know.  I am blessed to have traveled this life with you as my friend.

Michelle ~ Quite possibly the best Mom I know.   She is smart, grounded in reality and decisive.  Caring and supportive with a rock solid definition of family.  I listen, I watch and I always learn from her.  Always.

Joan & Nancy ~ My comfort zones.    The shop has been the lucky recipient of their time and talents.  For me personally they listen, they ask questions, and they boost me up.   They are also honest and  willing to say it  like it is.   They never hesitate to offer  their experience and their wisdom.  All the while assuring  me everything will be just fine. 

Irene~ Balanced and patient.  She has taken care of our books at the shop and put up with my piles of papers, my "Oh yeah, I guess I entered that wrong..." for years.  Everyone needs someone behind the scenes keeping them on track and looking good.   Thank  goodness I have Irene.

Jeannine & Jeanne ~ One of my goals for the shop from day #1 was to teach people.   To instruct and to create an atmosphere where learning was key.   With Jeanne & Jeannine, I lucked out and found not one but two people who shared this philosophy.  Their skill, their ability to teach and the integrity they bring to the process makes all the difference.

Ruth~ Ruth is my role model when it comes to adversity and strength.  Her humor is  what grabbed me at first.  Probably because I so love to laugh.  However, it was her insight and her outlook that held my attention.   And later it was her ability to use her own life experience to help guide me that has been her greatest gift.

Ida~ My 80-something friend.   I rarely see Ida now that we relocated the shop.   Ida taught me that while everyone looks all nicely put together, no one gets through life without their share of difficulties.   Ida is all about the reality of living.  You are given a life...its good or maybe not so good.  You live it.  Maybe you make some mistakes.  Maybe other people make mistakes.  Its still just your life.  And how are you feeling today?  Well, you say Great.  You say Wonderful  because you have a choice.  And Ida taught me to choose wisely.

Barbara ~ My traveling friend from Maryland.  We met when Barbara was in Rochester tending to her Mom who was hospice.   She instantly brought this sense of calm and understanding to my world.  Her unwavering  faith in life, God and our ability to simply journey on with an open heart has been an inspiration to me.

Theresa H. ~    Again - don't see Theresa as much now that we relocated to Brighton, but I hear she's "Preggers".   And we are so thrilled for her.  Theresa is this whirlwind of light and energy.  The best thing about running into Theresa is her smile.  You instantly feel better when you see it.   And again, she has taught me about  challenges  and moving forward.  All the while smiling that smile...

The Gang - Cheri, Lynn, Amy, Laurie, Dorothy, Connie B. Ellie, Linda Bella Bead, Margi, Kathy Woj, Susie B. , Becky, Linda, Brenda, Jodie, Karen, Donna, Cathy, Debbie, Michelle E. and all the people who have supported the shop, my family and our move to Brighton.    In this world, you gotta have friends.  Each of you have taught me that while the world may give & take at different times, we always have the opportunity to build  & renew friendships.  You  just have to be present to the possibility.

Marsha~ My unexpected friendship.    The woman who may have left this planet but not my heart.  Her gifts of courage and creativity.  Of  strength and hope are with me each and every day.  And whenever I see a yarn I love, recognizing this combination of color and texture is making my heart race, I remember Marsha.   The lady who taught me that bad things are all around us.  Yes they are.  But those things  vanish the moment you hold a lovely skein of peachy orange yarn. 

Happy Mother's Day to you and all the  special women in your life.  Cheers!

Comments

[Jeannine]

Thank you for the thoughts! it truly does take all of us pulling together to get through this life and sometimes even just the day! We appreciate Spirit Work and you! Enjoy your day! Jeannine (j9knits)

[Jeanne]

How generous you are, Pam! You are such a delight to work with. Looking forward to another great year.

[laurie]

Call me or write me at laureln@rochester.rr.com just would like to catch up a bit and say hello....
miss you all.