We enjoyed some special celebrations this week.On the weekend, we brought out our STUDiO 28 signs, planted some pansies in the garden, cleaned up the studio, and opened the doors for our spring show. It's always so exciting to see who comes up the deck steps. A heartfelt thank you to those of you who were able to drop by. We always appreciate your feedback and support of our creative endeavours. It was good to see you!
As soon as the show was over, it was time to get ready for another celebration. It would have been my Mom's 83rd birthday yesterday, so Angie and I invited some of her special friends over for a birthday celebration, to get caught up on each other's lives, and to remember special times with Mom. Many of them have known me since I was a child, others since I was a teenager. We have a wonderful history together and they all have become dear friends.
Left to Right: Al and Helen, Marly, Maria, Helen E., Mim and Bill
Our times together are always filled with interesting stories and much laughter. Each one of these friends has given so much to the world. Al studied and taught at Stanford University in California and spent many years as an economics prof at King's University College in London, Ontario. His wife, Helen is an accomplished teacher, spinner and weaver. Maria, (as we found out yesterday) started her career as a secretary to the Queen of the Netherlands, emigrated from Holland and, being proficient in four languages, served as an interpreter for the Canadian government in Ottawa for many years. Helen E. has a Masters in Social Work, has worked for social agencies in KW, and has travelled and volunteered in many parts of the world. Mim taught English at the University of Waterloo and continues to be a gifted writer and poet. Bill was a music professor at both local universities and led an annual tour to Vienna, introducing many groups to the world of music and opera in that beautiful city. Besides such interesting lives, these kind and generous people are really easy to love. Their openness to life and adventure, inquisitive minds, and their continued positive outlook on life makes it uplifting to be around them. At the end of our visit, we both felt much gratitude for the wonderful people in our lives, and grateful for having had a special Mom who was also such a dear friend. Happy birthday, Mom!