International Women's Day

I discovered a little late in the game that yesterday was International Women's Day.  I know I'm a day behind, but I'd really like to take the opportunity to give a shout-out to some amazing women in my life.

• MY MOM   If I had to describe her in one word, I would use "artistic".  Give her a piece of cardboard, an old shoe lace, and some paint, and she could make practically anything.  She played several musical instruments, painted and sketched, created props and costumes, and always seemed to be rearranging words and notes for her many musical programs.  She loved to get a group of people together to fulfil her efforts.  For good or for bad, my mom was definitely not a "blender".  She did and said whatever struck her fancy, sometimes embarrassing me in the process.  She was energetic, loyal, hard-working and goofy.  I'm so thankful she could be my mom, and I miss her to pieces.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• MY MOTHER-IN-LAW   The first thing that comes to mind when I think of her is what a great homemaker she is.  Her home is always tidy and organized, and she possesses so many skills.  Sewing, quilting, crocheting, knitting, cooking, baking, filing, cleaning, gardening, and working on genealogy and family histories is all part of her skill set.  She works really hard at keeping her family strong and close-knit.  She is definitely an inspiration!  As a daughter-in-law, I've always felt loved and well-treated.   And on top of all that, she raised a wonderful son!

• MY SISTER   She was my only sister, and six years older than me.  I don't know whether it was because of the age difference, or in spite of it, but I always felt like we were quite close.  Sometimes she carried out the role of a mother/teacher, and other times she felt more like a best friend.  Her only fault is that she married and American (haha!) and moved too far away.  
  
  
  
  
  

• MY MATERNAL GRANDMA   She passed away when I was only four years old, so I don't really remember her, but I know about her.  She was gentle, musical and hard-working with a sense of humour and devotion to her religious faith.  In a small way, I think I might be a little like her.  Except for the "hard-working" part.  My natural tendency is to be a little lazy.  But I look forward to meeting her in heaven some day.  (Unless my laziness keeps me out.)

• MY PATERNAL GRANDMA   I grew up only a few blocks from this grandma, so I knew her a little better.   She did a lot of travelling with her husband when he was still living, and had a china cabinet full of trinkets from around the world.  She loved doing crossword puzzles, and abhorred cats.  (I definitely took after her in both those regards.)  She was really big into genealogy, and spent a lot of time talking to me about it.  She demonstrated a real love for her ancestors, and I knew she wanted me to develop a love for them as well. 

Well, I'm in a hurry to get somewhere.  (Hot date with The Mr.)   I'll post this for now so it's only one day late, but I hope to add a few more in the next day or two.  After all, I haven't even talked about what great women my daughters have become!

Dixie