Happy Birthday to my Mom!

Today was my mom's birthday. I won't say her age, because that is only up to her to divulge, but I will say that she's every bit as lovely as she's ever been.

She's very silly, very creative, wildly thoughtful, and has never met a stranger. She can talk to anyone, about anything, anywhere. It used to kind of embarrass me when I was a kid (sorry mom!), but now I realise what a gift it is--and how rare it is for people to express such a talent, even if they have it. On a related note, she makes friends so easily, a talent of which I'm very envious--but also that I'm thankful she has. She has moved around with my dad and I so many times--and now she's out in the boonies of Missouri, far away from family and old friends. But since moving there, she's made a whole new batch of amazing friends. They have parties for each other and have their own little adventures; she has a better social life than I do at this point, honestly! It's always fun to hear what she's been up to, whether it be a garage sale excursion, or a neighbourhood fish fry.

She's creative and talented--a fiendish knitter and a connoisseur of all things crafty. She has made me beautiful afghans, gorgeous little hand towels, fun funky boho-bags, and she once fashioned the most amazing angel out of embroidery floss, lace, and beads (it currently serves as our Christmas Tree-Topper). She loves learning new things, and like me, always has some sort of project going.

She's also a great cook and, for better or for worse, I have inherited her willingness to improvise and/or "make do" with the ingredients at hand. This doesn't always turn out as well for me as it does for her, but it does make for some interesting kitchen adventures (I think R might have another name for the results of *my* concoctions!).

I could go on. And on... and on...but it's already past my bedtime. Suffice it to say that my mom ROCKS! Happy Birthday Mom. I LOVE YOU!! <3!!1one!11!1!!1!!!