Honestly, Natalie is truly astonishing! I believe I have never met any woman quite like her. Whether she choses to be blond or brunette, she is gorgeous. And while I have not had the privilege of seeing what she looks like as a redhead, she is certain to pull that off, as well. Exceptionally photogenic, Natalie commands the camera. She could easily be a model, but has chosen instead to be a wife and a mother ~ two of life's most glorious options!
Natalie is an adventurer, a writer, a lover of all people. She embraces her own life, her own style, her own way of being. And anyone who is privileged to be in her presence will naturally pick up the feeling of worth and value. Rarely without a smile, Natalie looks deeply into the eyes of the person with whom she is communicating, quickly summing up the depth of their character. She knows who that person is, on the inside where it truly matters. She is not dissuaded or distracted by labels or flaws or assumptions. She clearly sees the heart of another as she befriends all.
Natalie is also brilliant. She is a reader, a speaker, and an intellectual. She capitalizes on her talents by putting what she knows into the written word to share with others, to dispense wisdom and fantasy together in stories to reach all people, effectively affecting them according to their age, generation, and station in life.
However cliché-ish it may seem, to know Natalie is truly to love her. It is impossible not to love her, fully realizing the empathy and charity which exists in her soul and which is naturally extended to those around her.
Astonishing, indeed, Natalie ~ Women of all cultures, races, ages, and generations could easily learn from your fine example of womanhood. I honor you, I admire you, I appreciate the woman you are and love you for it!
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Funny how the world sees "real women. . ."
Evidenced by all the Real Housewives of. . . shows which seem to be overtaking our televisions, it appears that the world believes we should all be wealthy, pampered, enviable, catty, curvaceous, gorgeous, and more. While we may be gorgeous, most of us are not rich or spoiled or even catty. We are ~ simply put ~ real.
The idea for this blog came after watching a few of those real housewives shows and realizing just how skewed the views of everyday life can be through the eyes of these women. Particularly to those of us in the trenches, working day-in-day-out to take care of ourselves, our children, our parents, our spouses/partners. Those of us who are out there earning a living, who may be dealing with catastrophic events or troubled children or medical issues or partner concerns.
This is a call to all women everywhere who live everyday lives and who want to simply do their best as they love all, laugh often, and live fully. Let us unite with our whole heart and soul, with humanity and grace, with vigor and hope. We are women and we are thankful to be so!
From one who knows Natalie. I would have to say seeing her from your eyes has indeed been astonishing in itself. I love Natalie and feel like you have captured traits she most certainly has that I may not have acknowledged before. She is a truth seeker. She truly can sense one's character and is a great friend and most definitely loves to smile. I am amazed by her, as a mother, a writer, a woman. She is always going somewhere and doing something worthwhile. And that comment remains true even when she chooses to stay within the walls of her own home. And what a beautiful home she has now with you all up in Sitka. Hold on tight to her while she's there. You never know how long she'll be there but one thing that is certain, you will never forget her.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Alaina, for your wonderful comment, honestly validating the Natalie we love. She is an awesome woman who has already blessed so many lives in our little Sitka!
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