Another Trip Around the Sun

I woke up this morning full of hope and sunshine. It's my birthday, but instead of telling you how old I am, I want to share a little bit of who I come from.



My family is very matriarchal. The men matter, don't get me wrong, but the women are closely linked on every level. This picture was taken shortly before I was born (I think). Nana, Mom, and Grandma are beautiful, don't you think?

My great-grandmother, my Nana, was spunky and artistic. She loved feeding the birds, and hummers held a special place in her heart.

My grandma sews (right now she's making adorable dog coats), and she kept me clothed in unique beauty while I was growing up. She, too, is creative and has a soft spot for hummingbirds.

My mom taught me to be a writer, and continues to show me how to live gracefully and joyously. Her hummer feeder is always out in the spring.

For a long time, I had difficulty differentiating myself from these amazing women. Now I understand: they shaped me, and I will always carry a piece of them with me.

I can't wait for it to get warm enough to put out my feeder!