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 to the women who gave us Anastasia
Her products are changing the way we hike
Her pocket poems are my favorite part of Monday
But it’s your birthday so please go out and enjoy your birthday and celebrate what you have given this world
Happiest of birthdays mama Kula! I always love seeing you on a zoom call or at a Kula event and hope you’re having the most wonderful time celebrating your special day!!
What an awesome mom you are! Happy birthday! As someone who just ordered three Kula cloths to give to friends for our Yosemite trip later this summer, I want to thank you for being so supportive!
Happy 70th Birthday, Kathy!
I just wanted to take a minute today and wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Getting to sit down with you was something I really enjoyed and appreciated. Your story, your humor, your strength, and the way you keep showing up for adventure is something that stuck with me.
You are proof that age does not have to be the thing that slows us down or tells us we are done chasing the things we love.
As a dad, your story means a lot to me. These are the kinds of conversations I want my daughter, and so many others, to hear. Stories from strong women who are still getting out there, still pushing themselves, still laughing through the hard parts, and still making memories.
I hope your 70th birthday is a great one, and I hope there are a whole lot more miles, laughs, and trail stories ahead.
P.S. I hope you received a life time supply of Kula Clothes!
Happy Birthday, Kathy! (To camp chairs and a dark roast)
Happy Birthday!! My Daddy’s birthday was also May 18! It’s a day great people were born. I don’t know you, but you must be awesome because you raised such a lovely and brilliant daughter who has dramatically improved the lives of all of us outdoors loving ladies! Thank you for sharing your daughter with the world and I wish you a happy happy birthday!