Wise women off to vintage market

Kelly with one of the wise women... Julie Stokes

Some days I feel like a duck, with all this rain, which is not really conducive to smooth school drop offs for numerous children. The logistics are pretty hard going on a nice day - add in rain coats, umbrellas and trying to contend with every other parent driving their kids to school makes for a rather frazzled, damp mum turning up to work!
I had the privilege of spending the day with nine of my knitting ladies last Friday.
Off we set to the Feilding Craft and Vintage Market, hoping to top up our craft supplies and be even more inspired - if that's even possible. We had such a lovely day out. I haven't laughed so much in ages and what we didn't talk about wasn't worth talking about! I came away from our day not only slightly poorer from all my purchases, but also captivated by these wise, savvy and outspoken women. One of the many things I love about these and other women in my life, is their ability to be who they authentically are with no hang ups or expectations on being anything but themselves. I am constantly admiring their capacity to be honest and to not fall into the trap of pulling others down in order to make themselves feel better or equal.
It is such a gift to be able to appreciate and admire the qualities of others without the negativity of envy and all that that can bring and these ladies have mastered that gift. I would like to think that I have gotten to a point in my life where I was able to honestly say how I was feeling and be able to transfer any feelings of jealousy into an opportunity to learn and communicate those feelings positively. I know that when I am on the receiving end of envy it doesn't sit comfortably with me and I am sure most of you would say the same.
"Envy is the art of counting the other fellow's blessings instead of your own." - Harold Coffin.
Surrounding myself with women who are strong, vibrant and have confidence in their authentic selves has taught me so much and for that I am counting my blessings.
Cultivate some kindness in your community and surround yourself with people who enrich your life.
¦For more information please feel free to contact me kelly@whanganuilibrary.com or via my Facebook page www.facebook.com/inkedlibrarian/ or follow me on twitter @inkedbibliofilo