Gypsy Janet

When I was sixteen years old, I was working the Rag Shop, a fabric store in New City. One day, in walked two women, tall, loud, with wonderfully big energy and were identical in looks. They were on a mission to buy felt. Lots of felt. I had to ask what they hell they were going to do with all of that felt. They were going to make hats for the Renaissance Fair. At that time I had no idea what a Renaissance Fair was.

I saw them a few times after that and each time I did I was touched by their energy and the joyful, lightness that emanated from them. I eventually left the Rag Shop and that was the end of seeing those interesting twins.

Fast forward about six years. I had returned to New York after college and living in Jamaica. I was hanging out with my friend Thomas who was living at the Hindu temple in Spring Valley when in walked his roommate, Jeffery. After introductions, we all sat down and started conversing about all kinds of things. Then Jeffery started talking about his twin friends Joyce and Janet and the festivals they sell at.  All I needed to hear was that one sentence and I knew immediately who he was talking about. Jeffery and I ended up becoming friends (to this day) and shortly after that initial conversation he introduced me to Janet.

As Janet and I got to know each other I discovered we are both monkeys (Chinese zodiac) and that playful spirit is what I love the most about her. Her eyes sparkle when her good natured mischievous self is about to do something silly.  Janet is also extremely creative. She knits, sews, beads and more. Because she is such a people person, selling at festivals is right up her alley. You can’t help but fall in love with Janet or her work.

And she used to through some serious parties.

When Janet was living in Phoenicia, she would cook these enormous feasts. The food would be served on a table set up full on Renaissance style (goblets for drinking and candles and the works). After dinner we would hang out and then dance until all hours of the night. All of us finding a spot to crash somewhere in her house. The mornings would bring more food and conversation of a spiritual nature. I met some very interesting people at Janet’s house and always had awesome times.

But Janet is just light and playful. She is a strong and brave woman. When her daughter Corrine was just a toddler her father died. Janet had to raise her daughter alone. I can’t even imagine what that must have been like but Janet did everything she needed to do to raise an independent, conscious and strong woman.

When Don and I came to New York before Amara was born, I made sure he got to meet her (he is a moneky too!).

A few years ago, Janet got sick. Multiple myeloma. She underwent a bone marrow transplant down in the City. I was so distraught about her and even more so when I learned she would have days when she would be alone, recovering at the Hope House. I asked Don if he would be okay with me going to help. He was. So I left the girls for the first time and headed to New York for a few days so I could help take care of my Monkey Girl. I am so thankful that two years later she is clear. Give thanks!

And now here we are visiting with Janet. She came for dinner at our friends house (Anita and Janet used to work together; small world!) and when we headed up to Woodstock, where she now calls home, we spent the day at the river and in town. We had a blast. 

I couldn't help but laugh out loud when we pulled into town and I had to make a stop at CVS. In I walked and who was there….Gypsy Janet. I don’t know much but I do know that when people are meant to be in your life they appear in all types of places. It’s a joy knowing Janet and her getting to know the girls was great too.

Jeffrey joined us at the river. Per her request he is showing Amara how to skip rocks.

Jeffrey

Jared, Jeffrey's 8 year old son.

Robyn T.

At the Beacon River Front.

Many years ago, I was introduced to a woman named Robyn.  The person who did the introductions had a feeling we would connect because we shared similar interests and lived similar life styles.  At that time, we both lived in Southern Dutchess County and in those days (before gentrification) there weren’t many people who lived outside the box in our area.  It was refreshing to meet someone whom I could talk with that spoke a similar language.

Robyn and I became fast friends. We both enjoyed hiking, making meals together and we both were seekers on the path.  Inner-work as a means for healing, transformation and freedom were at the top of our priorities.

One of my favorite memories with Robyn is when she had returned home from her sister’s house in Maine. I got a call close to 8 o’clock in the evening asking if I wanted to join her for dinner. She had with her several fresh Maine lobsters that a friend had given to her. Off I went to her place where we feasted on some of the most scrumptious lobsters I had ever tasted. (and of course, I made sure to give thanks to the lobsters for giving up their lives for us.)

After I moved to California, Robyn and I stayed in close contact. Up until Amara was born we would talk on the phone once a week. After I became a mother our phone calls became less frequent but we still don’t go more than a month without checking in. Robyn is an extremely loyal person, which means a great deal to me. She is also thoughtful and giving. She flew out to California to witness my graduation from Grad School and she always remembers birthdays. Whenever I travel, I enjoy finding some artistic and/or spiritual knickknack for her. It's always fun listening for that one thing that feels like Robyn. It's  a good feeling sending someone you love a physical token of the feelings of love and gratitude you have for them.

The only thing missing in our friendship was that she has not yet met the girls. Although, thanks to my blog she has felt like she knows them. (I am glad the blog is fulfilling part of it’s purpose, which is to help family/friends stay connected.) So this trip to New York was especially special because some of the people who I hold dearest in my heart (like Robyn) would get to meet my gals.

Robyn is an artist who works mostly in clay but also does some stunning and moving photograph. She has a studio in her lovely townhouse. When I told Amara about it she asked if she could do some work in there (Amara just completed three weeks of art camp where she discovered clay.) Robyn was more than happy to oblige and she gave the girls a lesson in making pinch pots. Both Amara and Havana made some pieces.  And when they were done with clay they painted with the art supplies she gifted them. We also got to spend some time down at the Beacon riverfront, playing at a quaint park along the magnificent Hudson River.

We said goodbye to Robyn after a sweet afternoon together and the girls were happy to learn we would see Robyn again the next day when she would join us for dinner at Vincenza and Anita’s. Seeing those whom I feel close to, like Robyn, has been food for my heart and soul.

Beacon Riverfront

Newburgh Beacon Bridge

Checking out the Metro North train line.

I have always enjoyed spending time down at the Beacon Riverfront. It's a quaint spot along the Hudson River. The girls and I went down there for a picnic and playtime with our friend Robyn. There was a gentle breeze which was a great relief during the current heat wave.

Lake Minnewaska