With 3 years and 37 days, and an astrological sign (whatever that may count for), separating our birthdays it is amazing the differences I see between my sister and me. In conversations I’ve had about her over the years I’ve chalked it up to the stereotypes of being the first child, astrology, being right-brained, and so on. For whatever reason she is the way she is, I am forever filled with gratitude, appreciation and admiration of the one woman on Earth I call my sister.

Hayley knew around age 3 or 4 what she wanted to be. An artist. She has always been a natural creator and nurturer. I don’t know how many hours she spent patiently teaching me every single thing she learned at school so I was three years ahead of schedule. My favorite part of playing “school” was watching her hand draw the lined paper to practice letters on or draw the outline of a picture for me to practice coloring in the lines.

Still to this day I am mesmerized by her hands and the things they effortlessly create; wreaths, bouquets, paintings, bows on packages, hand lettered cards, sketches in her inspiration notebook, perfectly frosted and decorated cakes and confections, and on and on. I couldn’t tell you what happens from her eyes to her brain to her hands, but it’s magnificent.

I only mentioned what she makes and does but it’s indicative, too, of who she is- conscientious, generous, and unconditionally loving. There isn’t a single soul out there who I could be more proud to call my partner in life, business, and maybe even crime (time will tell!). Happy Birthday, Hayley!

With all the love of your little sister, Blair

Photo taken by camp counselor extraordinaire, Lynne Risk.