It may sound strange, but I came to girlfriends very late in life. When I was in high school and college, I didn’t speak the same language as most girls. I wasn’t interested in clothes or make-up; I much preferred to read or be outside exploring.
And frankly, girls were a little scary. They could be mean in a way that boys never were. They demanded absolute fealty and the exclusion of newcomers. It was sort of creepy.
I was really in my early 30s before I discovered the joys of girlfriends. Today, I have the most incredible group of girlfriends, women who I know would do anything for me and for whom I would do anything. And the beauty of these women is that they are always excited and welcoming of new members of our circle of friends.
I was reminded of this over the past week when Lizzy House came to the farm for a couple of workshops. The women that spent part of Lizzy’s time here were ever so much fun! We laughed and talked and learned to create something lovely and amazing.
But mostly, we supported each other. Whenever someone said they didn’t think they could do X, they were convinced by another that they could do, in fact they were doing it.
We made quilts. We made skirts. We made wood blocks and we made fabric with them. Zac made food and food and food. But most importantly, we made friends.
You’ve heard me blog here about how important it is to find your tribe, the group of people that you can be your very best self with. This weekend has reaffirmed to me how important it is to have a tribe.
Where do you find them? If you are a maker, I would highly encourage you to sign up for a class. Whether it’s something you’ve done before or something brand new to you, taking a class is an excellent place to find your tribe.
Check with your local yarn and fabric shops. Call the community college and see what they have to offer in their continuing education program. If you are ever within 100 miles of Gather Here in Boston, sign up for one of their dozens of sewing classes. The owner, my great friend Virginia, could teach a penguin to sew!
Or come to Juniper Moon Farm for a weekend workshop. I’ll be posting our Camp JMF schedule next week but I can tell you know that the amazing Lizzy House will be making a return, as will Culinary Camp. And we will at last be offering the workshop that is most often requested, Cheese Making.
Finally, I would like to thank my friends, old and new, who shared some of their precious vacation time with Caroline, Zac and I. Amanda, Virginia, Mary, Therese, Peggy, Lisa, Amy, Erin, Andrea, Tanya, Maggi, Lisa, and Anna. You brought such joy to the farm. We can’t wait for you to come back.
\
