I have  wanted to create a blog for quite some time now; however, I put it off.  Mostly due to ignorance on my part.  I have never blogged before and I'm quickly approaching 60.  I have been retired for a few years so new technology is swiftly in my rear view mirror.  What has inspired me to take this plunge is the strong female presence in my family.  Don't get me wrong, the men in my family are strong, loving, and quite amazing to include my husband (Brad), our son (Ryan 29), son in law (Harry 31) and our nephews (Ethan 26 and Joey 15) but this is really going to be for all of the women.  You see, my mom (Sue 83), and her sister, (my aunt Cindy 77), and Cindy's daughter, (my cousin Jessica) and I have been going on girls trips together for about 30 years.  We meet once or twice annually to bond, shop, laugh, eat and just enjoy each other.  It's our safe place:  where we can share, cry, love, dance, sing, and play games together.  Jessica and I no longer live near our moms (nor near each other) so we cherish the precious time that we get on these trips.  In the past few years, the nieces, daughters, and daughers-in-law are joining us on this journey.  Let me give you a little visual to get things straight here.  


                                        Sue (83)                                                    Cindy (77)

KIDS:          Doug       Gregg     Amy      Jeff                    Jennifer            Jessica

G-KIDS     Nicole        Ella        Casey    Sadie                Hayley              Maddison

                   Ethan        Maggie    Ryan                              Allison              Carissa

                    Addy                                                               Cole

                                                                                            Tatum

As I look back on our travels, I realize how this time has helped to shape my life.  The wisdom that I have gained from these women is invaluable. As I grow older, it becomes clearer to me how much they and the time we have spent together has enriched my life.  Now, as my daughter, daughter-in-law, and my nieces begin to join us on this journey, I just want to share this experience with all of the females in our families.  Our nieces range from age 10 to age 31 so some of the shared notes will be for the younger ones as well.  My hope is that this tradition of bonding, and making time for each other continues on through all of their adult lives.

We recently went on a trip together to Berkeley Springs, WV.  There were eight of us all together.  One evening, we made a fire out back and the four younger women (ages 21 - 31) had the opportunity to ask the four older women (ages 52-83) advice for their future.  Here are a few tips I'd like to share today:

  • Plan financially for your future - start young and make sure that you can support yourself
  • Pause and take in all of the tiny moments - don't rush life
  • Moisturize everyday and use sunscreen
  • Enjoy the little moments with your spouse and nurture your relationship
  • Find faith
  • Listen to "The Dance" by G. Brooks.  If we knew what was ahead of us we would not always move forward and we would miss out on so much
  • Wear gloves, garter belts, and slips - just stay classy
  • Listen to others and be kind
  • It's okay to have regrets; it's how you learn
I'm not quite sure what this will lead to but my hope is that all of the women in our families take the time to read and to listen to the words.  It's hard to emphasize to the younger generation how precious relationships are - true relationships.  Not social media posts that can be quick, bitter, bitey, and fake but real life family and friends who have your best interest in mind and give loving, caring, real advice.

I cannot wait to get this started and to share with all of you!

Love, 

Aunt Amy (also known as Mom or just Amy). xoxo







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