In honor of the birthday of one my closest-far away friends today, I am going to show off some photos from back in December.

I met Wendy when my second child was under one month old and I was torn between going back to work or staying home with my children. She was my lifesaver back in those days, bringing her laid back midwestern personality to the DC area, which was a breath of fresh air for me.

Through Wendy I was introduced to gardening, textiles, and home repairs; although I could never keep up with her energy and determination to “fix things up.” One of my saddest moments was when Wendy told me she was leaving our neighborhood and moving out to the country to run a little farm (15 acres I think).

Despite the distance and our competing schedules we have been able to get together once in a while, and I particularly enjoy escaping from suburbia to the farm. Wendy has gone full-force with the farm. Her days revolve around chickens, ducks, sheep, goats, cows – and even a horse for a little while. She’s grown vegetables and herbs for DC restaurants, sold at farmers markets, was a part of a co-op (I am not remembering the proper term for that right now). She has spun wool from her sheep, birthed calves, nursed sick chickens and even had to figure out how to dispose of a deceased horse. I continue to be impressed with her energy and love for all that’s natural. Meanwhile my garden’s dwindled, I can’t remember how to thread a needle, make candles, form concrete planters or the many other “pioneer” crafts she taught me. I miss those days, but have gone on to express my creativity with photography. I’ve made great new friends, have gotten wrapped up in hustling my kids around and searching for my next “career.” I continue to be incredibly impressed with Wendy’s new life and have urged her to blog about it – but of course she is too busy to do that, so I am doing it for her!

Every December Wendy throws a “wreath making party” in her barn (or out in the sun such as she did on that balmy December morning) and this year I was able to make it.  Here are some photos from the day that I had been meaning to share with Wendy.

Here you go Wendy – and have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

– your friend, Melissa