TheBanyanTree: Rounding a Curve and Shameless Plug

[Jena Norton]

Your scarves are beautiful--and I look forward to seeing more "stuff."

As for sisters, I can understand. I have one and she's the reason God lets
me choose my friends. It was not until I was older that I understood how she
had gone out of her way to put me down and hurt me. For many years, I was
almost estranged from my parents because I believed what she told me. And
they believed what she told them. But as things have a way of doing, the
truth came out and my parents did many things in their later years to try to
undo what she had done.

Sidda, you have to do what you need to do for yourself. Otherwise, you're no
good for anyone else. It's not holding a grudge, as I see it, or saying no
to bad behavior. I see it as self-preservation. We work hard to get past
some of the hurts of the past, so why would we willingly subject ourselves
to more of the same?

Yes, the tree is our spiritual home and the folks our spiritual family. Even
when we don't post regularly, it's good to know they're there.

Good luck with the business. Sometimes it's good to be shameless ;)

Jena Norton

-----Original Message-----
From: thebanyantree-bounces at lists.remsset.com
[mailto:thebanyantree-bounces at lists.remsset.com] On Behalf Of TLW
Sent: Friday, December 05, 2008 3:04 PM
To: thebanyantree at lists.remsset.com
Subject: TheBanyanTree: Rounding a Curve and Shameless Plug

It's always feast or famine.  LOTS going on, or little going on.
Actually, since I hit the half-century mark, it's been much more
balanced.  Or perhaps I just don't freak out at the excess of activity
or grieve the lack of it.  Yes.  That's it.  I'm better at Life now.

I am headed to Texas for Xmas -- the first time in 20+ years.  To see
my Dad in the nursing home, to visit with cousins.  I won't see either
of my crazy, bitter, brittle sisters.  Which is (part of) what has
kept me away for so long.

Extended family is still family.  But, I admit, you have to behave
yourself to make the cut in my life.  The sisters would sniff and I
say I hold a grudge too long.  I would smile, nod, and say, "I can
understand that you might see it that way.  For my part, I believe in
holding people responsible for their actions.  And unless and until I
see different behavior on their part, I'm fine(r) without them."

Note the signature.  I've started a new business, which is great fun
and great art and practical, too.  The website and etsy site both get
additions nearly every day, so for those who want to watch a thing
grow, please stop by regularly.  If you see something you want, let me
know.  You all get discounts.  For helping me keep my sanity during
the loneliest times. . .

We are quite the bunch, being together so long.  And so intimately and
honestly.  Are we more sensitive because we are writers?  Is it in our
DNA?  is our group more prone to drama or trauma or hardship or
conquests?  Or do we just tend to write about them?

I'll think about this as I earn my health insurance checking groceries
at the local Trader Joe's this weekend.   I am so lucky to have that
job, which is fun, active, social, challenging, and secure.  And who
could have predicted such a thing?  that I'd like a blue-collar job
like that that much?  Sometimes you just have to keep trying things.
And stop and enjoy it when you find yourself a little bit happy.  :->

xoxo
Sidda

-- 
Tender Loving Work
astonishing handmade gifts

tenderlovingwork.com
&
tenderlovingwork.etsy.com