homage

today is my mother-in-law's birthday.  she is now, officially (in the eyes of the powers that be) a senior.  but i say NO! 
so, an homage to your youth dear Beverly Anderson.  here are some reasons why my mother-in-law (forthwith referred to as 'mom') is in her prime.

she's still in love with her husband, who affectionately refers to her as "Bezerly" and gets misty-eyed when he gives her presents.

when out for a walk she doesn't just stop to smell the flowers, she refers to their Latin names, and their nutritional (or poisonous properties).  then, she'll notice a bird or the way a vine whimsically wraps around a branch or a new bud and she'll be lost in wonder.  going for a walk with my mom is like going for a walk with a genius and a child at the same time - her heart is continually open to wonder and she inspires this wonder in others.

she's still learning and trying new things.  her newest project is helping A Rosha, a Christian conservation society, monitor bird populations in the parks of south surrey.  her last was learning as much as she could about the history of the Mennonite peoples and their various exodus' (exodii?  exodum?).  making jewelry, designing purses, mastering the gluten-free cookie...her repertoire is always expanding.

she giggles.  and also has a delightful full-bellied-pink-cheeks-can't-breath-raucous laugh.

she takes a wicked photograph.  somewhere along her journeys my mom has mastered how to look in a camera.  she does this thing with her smile and eyes, and pretty much her entire demeanor, and she always comes across beautifully.  sometimes when scott points the camera at me i'll think "what would mom do?".  maybe i should make a WWMD? bracelet for myself, or some sort of dangly thing for the tripod.

she enjoys buying me lingerie, and has great taste (praise the Lord!).  "pastors need sexy wives" she'll say, and i couldn't agree more :)

so, to you mom.  here's to many more years of youth.  i love you.

and, in the spirit or encouragement, can i tell you the best compliment i've received recently?  my friend stopped me a week ago in the church foyer and said "i looked at you across the room and i thought 'janet looks great today.....she looks like she's been turned into a vampire'".   the pale skin's working for me folks!!