The Posse

I'm not sure how we became a posse. Heaven knows we're different enough from each other. But yet, it seems to work. It all started with the kids. We all had 3 year olds and didn't want to pay the high cost of preschool, so we started a co-op. Then Swiss Miss moved into town and she had a kid that age too, and we all just sort of fit. We started getting together with all of our kids for park days, swim lessons, scrapbooking, etc. Three of us didn't have family nearby, and we became family to fill that need--babysitting swaps, getting together for Easter, Thanksgiving...our kids became like cousins. Over the next 7-8 years, the posse developed some traditions. We take each other out to dinner on our birthdays, we have a moms-only beach trip every year, and an annual family campout. We all have great friends outside of the posse, of course, but these ladies have been a real source of comfort and inspiration to me. They are good, good women--top notch, A-one, impressive ladies. How I came to run with such a crowd is a bit of a mystery, but I think Providence had a hand in it. Scratch has seen how they have loved me and supported me through the good and bad, and sometimes downright ugly, and he thinks the world of them too.

So here they are, my posse (in alphabetical order):

Note: These pictures were taken while camping in 109 degree weather. I'll upload better pictures later.

Aloe--I call her that because there's something very calming and soothing about her. She's a ball of energy, though, and definitely go, go, go. She's one of those people who likes to be busy, and as a consequence, gets a great deal done. She was born to be a mother, and I get a lot of great ideas from her. She's a farm girl, through and through, and taught me how to can. If you've eaten something really yummy that I've made--yeah, that was Aloe's recipe. Her strengths are my weaknesses, and I could resent that, but she's just so open and non-judgemental, and well, NICE, that it's impossible to do so. She competed in gymnastics when younger, and even after 5 kids, can still do a back handspring. Very impressive!

What Aloe says we have in common: "We both like to do little projects, but never find the time to finish them." Only too true.

Red--Red is one of the most spiritual people I've ever met. No, I take that back. She IS the most spiritual person I've ever met. Her capacity for compassion and Christlike service is astounding. She's a good storyteller, too; she does a hilarious impression of her 5-year-old daughter. Red and I have had many, many deep discussions over the years about religion, politics, parenting, mental health, you name it, and even though we don't always agree, we can arrive at a place where we understand WHY the other person thinks the way she does. Right, Red? I love the way she dresses and decorates her home--her style is understated and classy. She also makes beautiful jewelry.

What Red says we have in common: "We both think a lot [overthink, more like it--my note] and we both have strong feelings about many different subjects. We both are empathetic people."

Shady--I call her that not as a commentary on her character, but because she keeps her cool, like a shady backyard in the heat of summer. On the surface, I have more in common with Shady than with the others: we're both from the east, brunettes, and return missionaries from Latin American countries (go Hermanas!). We both gobble up books like candy. Both of us agree that it would be great fun to live in Europe for a year or two with our families. How we're different: when she sets to work on something, she gets it done; and when she wants to buy something, anything, she'll do a crazy amount of research and then patiently wait for the best bargain to come along.

What Shady says we have in common: "We both like to read, but you like to analyze and I like a happy ending." (For the record: I like a happy ending, too!)

Swiss Miss--I call her that because, well, just look at her. Swiss is a talented gal, a singer and a dancer. In fact, she toured internationally with a dancing team while in college. We have a lot of common interests: we both love musicals and Broadway, we were both English majors in college and are in the same book club now. One thing about Swiss Miss--I have never seen her lose her composure. Ever. Not that she's one of those women who feels she must always be viewed as perfect (you know the kind). Not at all--she's secure enough with herself to let her flaws show. She just does it with grace and humor. There's something to be said for that. We are all college grads, but Swiss Miss is the only one of us with a Master's Degree.

What Swiss Miss says we have in common: "We share an appreciation for culture (like theatre) and a love of all things literary!"

There is a sixth member of the posse: Aloe's sister-in-law, who lived here for a few years. She's one of the kindest, calmest people I know. She doesn't live too far away now, and we all hope she can join us for a beach trip or campout soon!

Coming soon: 6th Annual Posse Campout