(no subject)

[beachlass]

37 Reasons to Celebrate eshala

1. She is an entirely fabulous cook and makes the yummiest food.
2. She is terrific with kids of all ages: from newborns to teens.
3. She is the person who was at the births of both of my children.
4. She is an amazing singer.
5. She has a whole sets of laughs: from breathless giggles to deep throated belly laughs.
6. She is the snuggliest person to sleep with… big cuddles and a very comfy bed.
7. She has a great sense of humour: full of wit and snark and is a gifted contributor to inside jokes… sometimes even the rat kind.
8. She has a fierce and passionate commitment to justice for those who are being marginalized
9. She is patient with her friends while we figure out things that are obvious to her, especially around racism.
10. She is a fantastic listener, and while listening is a great clarifier… “So, on the one hand, you have a $500 vet bill, and on the other hand a new dog-proof garbage can for $35… let’s think about that for a minute….”
11. She has a very well behaved dog… and that has taken a lot of work.
12. Her love for family runs deep.
13. She tells stories so very well… especially the crazy, crazy ones.
14. She keeps excellent boundaries, even when they aren’t knitted.
15. She is beautiful. Breathtakingly beautiful.
16. Not to mention her keen fashion sense.
17. And her fabulous boots.
18. She is the kind of friend who will take you back in after years apart.
19. She is a gifted and prolific knitter, who designs much of what she makes.
20. And her quilting is stunning. Absolutely stunning.
21. Watching movies with her is always fun… from Ghost Rider (because, hello… Nick Cage on Fire!) to Jane Austen. With a detour for Bones and Carnivale.
22. She can always think of a set of options… even if all the other person can see is a brick wall.
23. She has built a youth shelter that has saved lives… built it with other staff, and from the depths of her own convictions and courage and strength.
24. And, still has the courage to walk away and try something new.
25. And do it keeping the organization needs front and centre, not sabotaging as she goes.
26. She is living without a map, and encourages me to look up from my maps, and see what is actually around me.
27. She does comfort food so well…. from aloo gobi to veggie dogs in crescent wraps.
28. She is an amazing dancer.
29. And a great game player.
30. She is incredibly generous: with her time, affection, food, attention, knitting…. very, very generous.
31. We share a brain, apparently.
32. And also the same sense of humour.
33. And a love of very odd cookbooks.
34. She knows so much of my history, and faults and deep running character flaws – and loves me anyway.
35. My kids adore her.
36. Probably for their own sets of 37 reasons.
37. After reconnecting over the last year, I feel like a piece of my own soul has been restored.



Happy Birthday, dear.

Comments

[eshala.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the wonder-full thoughts, my love!
And thank you once again for being such an important part of my life. The wisdom I keep gathering up has so much to do with the folks who are a part of my heart.
You teach me a lot about my self, and about how to see things slightly differently - for that I am grateful.
I love you.

[eshala.livejournal.com]

I am going to be able to spend time with the kids today!!!
Yay for family - however it is defined, and however it grows.
My father even called me from India and sang to me -- for the first time in my life. Huh. Guess things really are changing!
*loves you*

[(Anonymous)]

Hooray! Give the kids a hug from me.

[beachlass.livejournal.com]

*sigh* That would be me.

[eshala.livejournal.com]

I kinda figured that was you -- I just got back from lunch with them - they are so entirely cute!
I have decided to agree to drive the kids back up home on Sunday, cause I *need* more time with them!!!!!!