Adela is a lovely reader I have had the pleasure of getting to know  from just outside Chicago in the USA.
She writes a blog called “Once a Little Girl” which is a fascinating insight into her life and the wisdom she has collected along the way.
The catch-phrase on her blog is “be like a child”, and I understand now why she likes my Monte-isms, the wisdom of children is something that she carries with her through life.
Apparently I am her only Australian reader to date, but I said I’d love to send some more her way. Truly worth a read. Please Drop by and say “Hi” after I introduce you…
Adela
Even though I’m getting close to 60, I’m still figuring that one out, probably because I’m still growing and changing.
I’m a daughter, a sister, a mother, a wife, a confidante, a quality professional, a gardener, a grandmother, a student. Â And oh yeah, a writer!
I’ve been a grown up since I was eight years old, and I’m still a little girl.
One thread through it all: Â I am the most responsible person.
Where do you live and why do you love it?
I live in the Midwest of the USA, not too far from Chicago, and just a half a days journey from the farm where I was born and raised.
I love the excitement of the city:  the variety of people, the theatre, the museums, the parks, the ever-changing nature of it all.
Yet, I am far enough out in the country that I feel the tug of my roots in Mother Earth: I hear coyote mothers teaching their pups to howl in the spring, I witness an owl steel a rabbit  from a fox, and I admire the elegance of the deer even though I battle with them over my garden.
It’s great to be not-to-far from my family of origin where I rest in acceptance and gather strength.
My own brood is all right here nearby; it has  grown to 22:  8 kids (4 which I gave birth to and 4 who my kids picked out for me), and 12 grandchildren.
My family of origin could make up a small village: Â five sister, 3 brothers, all with families, we are over 50 strong now, and still get together for holidays and a summer camping trip.
The midwest has beautiful changing seasons, which serve as a constant great reminder of the wonders of life.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were younger?
Life is a whole lot more fun than it is work, if you just let it be, and hard physical and mental work is darned good for the soul.
How do you keep your grass green?
Revel in the abundance that life has to offer.
I just watched the movie, Born into Brothels, and one of the phrases that struck me was from  one of the children:  ”If I were really poor I would…” she said, more than once.
She so obviously was really poor!
Yet, even in the poorest of situations, that child saw abundance.
I try to live each day with a focus on all that I have, rather than long for something more.
I meditate and pray, practice yoga to keep spiritually centered.
I heard once that the human brain is wired so we immediately believe what we hear; we must work at convincing ourselves of the untruths.
For that reason, I try to stay away from snarky stuff, Â and reality TV which seems to exploit the negativity people can get toward each other.
I spend as much time with my grandchildren, down on their level as I can. Â Such lovely people, all 12 of them.
Children know what’s important.
What makes you laugh more than anything in the world?
Oh that’s an easy one: Â the wild abandon of a toddlers laughter; it’s just plain infectious, and toddlers laugh with their whole body and soul.
We all should laugh like that.
What change do you want to see in the world?
On an individual and collective basis I wish people would remember that everyone has a soul that is worthy of respect. Â We really are our brothers’ keepers.
Who would you have for dinner tonight if you could have anyone, and what would you cook?
I’d invite someone like that child from the brothel over, and I’d cook her a little bit of everything I know how to cook. Â I think she has a lot to teach me.
Finish this sentence……. Always remember that…
Love is the most important thing of all. Â Love carries you, nourishes you, protects you, and challenges you. Â It can leave you vulnerable and broken, giving you an opportunity to grow strong and wise.
Give it freely and with open arms!
Thanks for the tip about the movie “Born into Brothels” it is on my must-see list, check out the link to the trailer above if you missed it. Looks like one worth seeing.
Thanks for being reader of the week Adela!
3 Comments
Great interview Adela-what a big family you have! Amen to the bad influence of TV! I’ll be checking out your blog soon :)
I look forward to meeting new friends. Sharni, You’re the best.
Adela, beautiful, wise words!