The Big 5-0...And Other Goode Things

Today dawned cloudy and blustery. A perfect March day. For years, as I've lived in Upstate New York, my Birthday wish would be the same.....Blue skies, green grass and 70 degrees. It's always been impossible to have all three. Now as I listen to the wind chimes by the kitchen window, I remind myself that this has been the closest ever, to having that wish come true. The skies are now all blue and the lawns green. An apple tree across the street is in full bloom along with daffodils and my very favorite....magnolia trees. Our hedges are full of tiny green leaves and the tulips don't have far to go before they bloom. I have all but the 70 degree temperature today, but you will find no complaints here. All of last week, I was able to enjoy those temperatures and even warmer...making the green grass and blue skies of today possible.


Since daylight broke, the phone has rung, texts have come in...and my Facebook!!!! I will be days, getting everyone answered! I'm so thankful to have it all.


 I look back over the past 10 years when I reached 40....how different! Single mom to two young girls, I was just beginning to feel confident enough doing shows. I had my first pattern release, making the front cover of Country Marketplace. It has been a huge journey, so many beside me all the way. Family and friends encouraging me....all knowing that this wasn't some mere hobby....this was my heart and soul. I've loved it all, taking new wee folk to school, all safety belted in the front seat, for Jesslyn to see and show her friends. Flash forward to both her and Bailey folding patterns with my Dad in what seemed like a never ending sea...... and ending in them earning a trip to Arizona.


Life has changed so much for me. My girls are quite grown and live with their Grandparents so they can finish and enjoy school among family and friends. Bailey graduated High School last year and is finishing Cosmetology school.  Jess still has another year to go. She is working for the local vet and looking at college. I live a little farther south...the mountains only minutes away. The one pattern has turned to many and Raven's Haven is now 9 years old. I miss my Dad dearly, but I have my Mom to enjoy and spoil. When she called me today to wish me a big 5-0... I told her that I didn't feel a day over 12. She said, that she expected nothing less. 


One of the best things that has happened over the past decade is Tim....my sweetheart and partner in life. He was my most unexpected surprise seven years ago. I'm fortunate to have such a supportive and loving guy. My Father thought the world of him and thought of him as a son. We have many wonderful memories of my Dad during his last years, surrounded by Tim, my Mom and my girls. My girls think highly of Tim also and they are all close. I'm not sure what the next ten years will bring, but there will be goode friends, family and creating involved.