Ever since she was small, Julie has had a keen interest in the world around her and in relating what she observes as honestly as possible. She is a strong runner, and a trophy she won when she was younger declares that she is the Goddess of Speed. I may have two speeds, but Julie has only one: FAST. She is one of the most dedicated and hard-working people I know, and she is always pushing herself -- not just physically, but mentally as she expands her life in new directions. A year ago, she gave up a job at a prestigious university to return to graduate school so she could pursue dreams of becoming a film producer.
Although Julie adores film -- especially silent film and Golden Age musicals -- it is not her only passion. She also works in collage, making elaborate and beautiful images with paper cutouts. Julie writes well and expressively, with keen observation, and has taken a writing course to improve her abilities. She is well versed in music and listens to a diverse range of styles, and often makes mix CDs for family and friends.
I have continually been amazed at the kinds of things Julie has done for her friends. She will go to great lengths in the effort to make sure they are happy and having a good time. She has invited friends home to share Christmas with our family, knowing that they will be welcomed at our house. Often she wears herself out for their sakes.
Julie does some of these things because she wants very much to be admired. Sometimes, when she is feeling depressed, she allows herself to believe that her friends only like her for the things she's done, not for who she is inside. I wanted to remind her of something, and I think Fred Rogers put it simplest and best, so I'll use his words.
It's you I like,
It's not the things you wear,
It's not the way you do your hair--
But it's you I like
The way you are right now,
The way down deep inside you--
Not the things that hide you,
Not your jobs--
They're just beside you.
But it's you I like--
Every part of you,
Your skin, your eyes, your feelings
Whether old or new.
I hope that you'll remember
Even when you're feeling blue
That it's you I like,
It's you yourself,
It's you,
It's you I like.
I love you, Julescat.
6 comments:
That was well said (and sung!) In case Julie is reading this she should also know that she is admired by someone she has never done anything for, someone whom she hasn't seen or spoken to in over a decade, and someone whoo has to keep up with her vicariously through her darling sister.
Julie - I have always thought you were completely amazing and I wish I had the drive and creativity that you do. {{{hugs}}}
One of my favorite memories of Julie:
Christmas Day 1980 something. This occurred a couple of years. Julie and I were downstairs in my home in the family room. We had these oversized mathematics flash cards. Julie and I would make card houses with such a wide base and so tall that we would run out of cards (and we had hundreds of them). They were wonderful times I remember fondly as part of my Christmas memories.
Greetings from India....right now out on Road...so will be coming later ...!
Warm regards
That's beautiful : )
Hello again, what lovely words.
Penny.
x
I love you. Thanks for the lovely words Sooz!
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