These 10 things that I am about to share with you have nothing to do with orchids. I just wanted you to get to know me a bit better. I also wanted to say thank you for letting me help you care for your orchids.
10 Things You Might Not Know About Me
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1. I’m Learning to Play the Piano
A few years ago, as I approached 40 years, I thought, it won’t be long before my kids will all have flown the nest and we will still have the giant piano with no one to play it.
So, I started taking lessons. It has been 4 years since then. And, I love it! No, that does not mean that I’m an amazing pianist. But, I still love it. I’ve decided if the only person I’m ever good enough to play for is myself (and family because they can’t escape me) that’s okay. I love practicing and I love my sweet 89 year-old-teacher. Playing the piano has made my life is richer.
I’ve learned you’re never too old to try something new. Life is not about winning or being the best. It’s time to enjoy the journey.
2. I Once Ran a Marathon
As a freshman in college, my roommate approached me with the idea of running a marathon. We had both packed on those freshman 15 pounds and were desperate to shed the extra weight.
We met with a trainer and planned our training schedule. We trained all summer and by fall we were ready. I felt like I was in top physical condition. It was hard and it was amazing. And, I got my butt kicked by people twice my age (my age now).
As a 40+-year-old, I love it that those people passed my 20-year-old self!
3. I Love Period/Costume Dramas
Some people geek out over SciFi, I geek out over the Bronte sisters, Jane Austen, George Eliot, and Anthony Trollope. First, read the book, then watch the movie is my motto.
One summer my sister and I read The Count of Monte Cristo, then watched every version we could get a hold of – there are lots. It’s fun because every version has a different ending. For whatever reason, the book is great, but the ending is terrible and every movie director does their best to right that wrong.
Another fun one is Elizabeth Gaskell’s Wives and Daughters because she died before she finished the book, so watching the movie provides closure.
4. Kayaking in the Summer
Every summer I love taking my kids kayaking. There is a lake near my house, so it’s super convenient. Kayaking is good, clean fun – no licensing or gas – just a State Park Pass. I hitch the trailer up to the back of my trusty minivan and away we go.
5. I’m a Desert Rat
I love trees and green, but in my heart of hearts, nothing is more beautiful than sandstone and mesas. If I had grown up around trees or near the beach, that is how I would feel about forests and the ocean. There is just something nostalgic about where we experienced our childhoods that tie us to those places.
6. Did Anyone Say, Knitting?
My grandma taught me to knit, so every piece I knit is a tribute to her. I love choosing patterns and yarn. Knitting is why I don’t mind waiting at doctor appointments, layovers at the airport, or traveling in the car. Give me my needles and my yarn, oh, and an audiobook, and I’m set.
7. I Lived in Chile
For over a year I lived in southern Chile as a missionary. It is a beautiful country with even more wonderful people.
In southern Chile, you can see penguins, glaciers, waterfalls, and, if you’re lucky, flamingos. I crossed the Strait of Magellan and saw the rise of Tierra de Fuego from the shoreline of Punta Arenas and fell in love with Puerto Natales.
8. Favorite Books
When I was a kid, my favorite book was A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. It’s just a special book.
Here are some of my recent favorites: Helene Wecker’s debut novel, The Golem and the Jinni, Dodie Smith’s little-known gem I Capture the Castle (she’s also the author of 101 Dalmations), and, I love anything by Kate Morton. If you prefer listening to books, she has an amazing reader.
9. Weekend Pancakes
Every weekend I eat either pancakes or waffles for breakfast made for me by my awesome husband. Saturday mornings I’m so grateful he worked his way through college as a short-order cook. That job has blessed our marriage. His other specialties are poached eggs and the best omelets EVER!
10. …By Any Other Name Would Smell as Sweet
And, finally!
Indoors I grow orchids, but outdoors, I grow roses in my backyard. I’m a huge fan of David Austen and Canadian roses.
Thank You!
That’s a little about me.
I love sharing everything I learn about orchids with you, so thanks for letting me do what I love!
Watering Orchids: No More Guesswork
Learn how to water correctly and you'll avoid the #1 cause of orchid death
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