April.23.2026 In the beginning: Into the Weeds

I am often asked by clients, co-workers, employees and friends~ How did you start working in this business anyway? Sheepishly and curiously, they ask with reticence. Carefully, as if the mere question may offend.

But it is of no offense. I understand. For you see, even in these modern times, it is quite an accomplishment, and I admit, an atypical career for a woman.

I mean, how did this lady who started out studying biology and later architecture at university end up working in the landscape, design and residential and commercial construction industry. How did she get her Builders License, passing the test at first crack when many others fail so many times they give up. This is an unusual situation.

And now that I am in my 60s... how, and more importantly, why, did this same lady start hand-dyeing yarn & open a new creative fiber arts company?

These same friends, colleagues and clients that inquire about my career path in construction are simultaneously bemused & intrigued by the seemingly disconnected career pathway of construction and then yarn.

And as I get raised eyebrows with a quick look of, what is the story here, I smile. Because I know the path. And believe it or not there are many common threads interwoven within one another that create this tapestry.

It appears on the surface as if it started during a conversation at a Family Christmas table in 1981. I was asked by my Uncle what job I had lined up for the summer when I was home for break from college.

Without even awaiting an answer from me, my Uncle continued on...I was to report to his Garden Center the day after I returned home from school for summer break.

I stammered a thank you and a request for 1 day off between the school schedule and work start date. My request shattered immediately as my Uncle boldly stated I did not need a day off. I needed to get to work.

I was, of course, thankful for the job opportunity. It was a time when so many college age kids were not able to get jobs. So I quickly accepted the fact that I would have no day off in between school and work. I nodded to my Uncle and told him I would be at the Garden Center promptly at 8a sharp the day after I returned home from school.

Of course my next question was ...How much money do I get paid for this job? His clear and speedy response... We will see what you're worth when you get there....

And so it was. The beginnings of a career that at the time I had no idea would be my career. But in retrospect, I'm not so sure neither my wise Mother nor I would agree with this Christmas Dinner as a starting point.

I think if we look clearly, we must turn back the pages to many years prior to that Christmas Dinner conversation. And so we shall. Because the beginning actually starts many years, even decades, before...