it takes a village

I talked last week about my photographer friend, Kati, and what building up my photography pack this past year has meant to me, both professionally and personally. But I wouldn't be able to get anything done if it weren't for my village. I have got one seriously kick ass team of mamas on my side (and a few papas too!)  and I owe much of the credit to this one, Mama Dre, for creating a space and community that has saved me as a parent. Saved me. Somewhere around four years ago Dre realized that what this community of ours in St Johns needed was a co-operative sharing space for families, so she made it happen by opening the St Johns Swap n Play (you can learn more about swaps here and here). Because that's just who she is. She gets shiz done, this woman. Dre is one of those people who you realize is missing from the party, and then you find her in your kitchen washing your dishes. Not because she thinks she should, but because she genuinely wants to help. She might be the only person I know who is actually living the life she strides to lead. Do you know what I mean? We all want to be better, do better, etc., but Dre actually is better every day. And she comes by it authentically. She is the most genuinely good person I know. Period. And although she is just one of the many friends who keep me sane, she is responsible for connecting me with many others who make up my village, not to mention creating a space for us to breather. She is a Super Woman and I strive to be more like her.  Oh, and she makes cute kids too!