The Tapestry of my New World

 Everyone that I have met here is amazing, not gonna lie. I've had spats and hurdles to jump, and some of them may not like each other (reasons not my business), but EVERY ONE of them is important to me. Each has helped me in different ways—ways they may not even know. And they all have their own specialties.

There will probably be a lot of people by the time I feel like I've gotten everyone, and even then I'll probably continue finding more threads to add to this tapestry.

Damien gardens and builds and loves his baby so much it pours out his pores (His garden was bigger than Randy's!).

Randy gardens, makes some really badass salsa, and does this pretty cool burn technique thing to kayaks. Randy is also a boob guy, so watch out ladies!

Tony and his professorism. The School of Life. 

Travis, always being there for me when I don't know who else to turn to (like when he bailed me outta jail... lords almighty!).

Corey, well, we discussed him already—thank god his sense of humor saves the day.

Then you have Avon Roger who can think outside the box (I believe he should have a medical marijuana card...).

I can even say that Dan is the best at thinking outside the box... his line "it can all be done" opens up eyes to what is really possible (i.e., people saying "No, you can't move a gas line" —Dan would say "Why can't you?").

Amber and her vinyls and huge ass heart (her pups and grandbabies are really the way to her heart though).

Renee always popping out of the woodwork when least expected and saying "Hey, I have an engraver... let's make bottle openers" (who also gardens, cleans, and loves tools more than any man I know... that last part makes her pretty hot lol).

Mike being ok with my techno music, then bringing up Shaboozy and being extremely detailed when it comes to when and why something works or how-to's.

Josh's constant positive goodbyes to me, even though you can tell he's not feeling so very positive.

Jose and his entrepreneurship and 800 businesses.

Even the older gentleman that used to come into my last employer to get a chocolate milk with a chocolate donut and chocolate frosting—he's honestly been the most impressive.... I recently saw him and he remembered what project I had been working on and asked about it. (Most the time, people don't "hear" me...so yes, the most impressive by far.)

Then there's Lynn, who loves Japanese men but can clean up a yard like no one's business.

Char, who I've only met a few times, but has the biggest smile ever, and from what I gather is the very best extreme couponer there is known to man.

Then there is the local author whose way with words would floor the best of us.

Tami and Deb, well, they need their own post. They've never judged, they are always willing to help, and are sensitive creatures. Tami is open-minded and well-rounded with beautiful stories, and Deb has quite the musical history as well.

And Michelle. Who thinks she's alone, but is just like the rest of us—shunned by men when they don't get their way only to look in the mirror and be way overly hard on ourselves. She's super duper sweet and underestimates herself, but is one of the most amazing people here. She hunted me down just to give me insulation, and from there our relationship bloomed. She has a huge heart, wears her heart on her sleeve, and would do just about anything for everyone.

I could keep going for days, but I've got to work on my water line project I've started for the umpteenth time. I just walked home from my friend Michelle's, who did her Thanksgiving today, and thought about all these amazing people and how me discovering who I am has only happened because of them.

And that I am happy I do have them, even though I push them away, I keep to myself, and sometimes say things differently than most.... they all would still open the door, answer the phone, fill a bucket of water for me.

And that's why they have become part of my family.