Valentine’s Day is around the corner. I went to the dollar store yesterday and almost left with 30 dollars worth of Valentine’s Day stuff I did not need in the slightest, but fortunately D was having a bit of a meltdown, so we left.  I like Valentine’s Day as much as the next guy, but this year, I thought I’d take a moment to to acknowledge a person I actually love, like very much, my grandma Charlotte.  She probably wouldn’t want me to say her age, but Gram, I’m sorry, I have to.  Anyone pumping out quilts and skirts and leg warmers of this quality at the age of 90 needs to be recognized.  My grandma is a master crafter.  She knows every craft I can think of.  She infuses her work with tradition, nods to our Jewish heritage, and most of all, love.  I’m so proud of my grandma.  She teaches me compassion, empathy, kindness and respect in all that she does.  I couldn’t have this blog if it wasn’t for her.  I couldn’t sew a button onto a shirt if she hadn’t showed her daughter (1 of 4 incredible artists and crafters in their own right), who showed me.  I only hope I can pass on the love of art and craft to my own children the way my grandma has passed it onto me.  I do know that my girls LOVE seeing their grandma.  Every time we visit she’s made something new for them.  This is just a small, small taste of the incredible work she has done.   And this is only in the past few weeks!!!

This is my grandma, Charlotte.  On February 14, I’ll be thinking of you gram.  I’m so proud to call you my role model.  Thank you for all the love and craft you bring into our lives.  Happy Valentine’s Day!