Hi friends, Anastasia & Mare here (aka the sisters who coordinate shenanigans with Kula Cloth)... with a VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:
Our mom, Kathleen, is the OG Kula fan... from DAY 1.
And she's turning 70 today (May 18th!).
True story: our mom backpacks and hikes more than we do... I (Anastasia) took her snowshoeing last year... and on a backpacking trip that was so challenging I likely wouldn't have taken ANY of my friends on it. Our mom went on her very first backpacking trip when she was in her mid-50s... and since she started, she's hiked through Iceland... the Grand Canyon... and completed the Wonderland Trail (and MANY, MANY more).
She was recently interviewed by Jason from the Texas Trailblazing Podcast... talking about aging, and hiking -- and it's a super inspiring interview:
It's safe to say that some of you are probably here today because you met our mom on a trail, where she gave you a Kula Cloth. I have (literally) seen her chase down a person with a 'knock off' Kula on their backpack... just to introduce herself as the mother of the founder of the, 'real' Kula Cloth company... and to give that person a real Kula.
Needless to say, she's a pretty dedicated and amazing mom -- and while we know she is feeling some anxiety about turning 70 years old -- to be honest, she could leave most people in the dust while hiking.
When we were kids, my mom encouraged us to spend as much time outside as possible -- she planned a 5 week camping trip when I was 13 years old, that sealed the deal for me (Anastasia): I knew that I was going to become a park ranger. When I was only 12 years old, she tirelessly drove me to violin lessons and to my volunteer 'job' for the National Park Service. Just over a decade later, I actually did become a Park Ranger, in large part due to the opportunities I had as a child. We don't take any of these experiences for granted and we credit my mom, in large part, to cultivating our deep love for nature and stewardship.
But, hiking and Kula fan-girling aside: let's mention the important things... she is a kind human, a loyal friend, a wonderful mother, and a devoted grandmother.
So, PLEASE join us in wishing her a happy birthday... and leave an inspirational comment, story, quote or uplifting thought BELOW (in the comment section!). She will read all of them, and I know it would mean a lot to her.
Love,
Anastasia (Kathleen's Daughter) and the Founder of Kula Cloth + Mare (Kathleen's other daughter) and the person who does marketing for Kula all the weird social media stuff that makes you laugh)
P.S.
Mom, looking forward to our backpacking trip this year and I promise, it'll be on trail this time (mostly). - A
101 comments
Happy Birthday Kathy. I’m sure any day Hiking is time well spent and that 70 is only a number. I want to know where you’ll be hiking on your 100th? That’s a lot of trails to come! Love ya sis
Happy Birthday aunt Kathy!!! You are an inspiration to all and bring so much light into the world! Thank you for being the coolest aunt, and for giving me and Tim the coolest cousins! I love you <3
Happy Birthday! I hope it’s filled with lots of love, a ton of laughter, even more friends, and enough family to keep it entertaining… may you be surrounded by good food, nice weather and basically all the things that really matter… oh… and remember 70 isn’t a very big number at all. But it is a testament to your strength and endurance!
Happy Birthday🎉🎉🎉
Kathy!!! Happy birthday to a lady I’m so lucky to know and look up to as #goals! Thank you for being such a light, an inspiration, an icon, a FABULOUS WOMAN, mother, client, friend, the list goes on and on. Your light shines through in such a profound way and your love of life is infectious! Wishing you the happiest birthday! Hope this next decade is full of giggles, nature, flowers, music, family, and joy. Big hugs! Xoxox
Hey Kathy
I’m in Dublin! Happy Birthday! Sorry we couldn’t be there to celebrate with you. You & your family have certainly been a blessing in our lives! Hope to see you soon!