My oldest daughter, Kelsey, thought it would be fun for us to interview each other. She’s on the brink of turning 36, which is slightly alarming considering I’m fairly certain I was 36 just last week!
We decided to ask each other a few questions about personal style, passions, faith and what us feel loved.
I had no idea where the conversation would take us, but as it turns out, you can learn a few things about someone you’ve known their entire life.
And apparently I’ve raised a coastal cowgirl.
How would you describe your personal style?
Kelsey: My personal style, like your Substack “The Nine Women Living in my Closet”, is special and unique to me! And of course it’s changed a lot over the years of moving and living and figuring out who I want to be.
Cowgirl Kelsey
This has been me and my style for 6 years now. Did I beat the trend, Mommy?
When I left Nebraska, I was stepping into country music, going to Karla’s acreage of horses/ chickens/ wide open spaces, and wearing boots.
I was not raised on land nor near agriculture! I didn’t touch a horse until my late 20s!
So when moving to California I wanted to make it my own... and wouldn’t you know it, the ‘coastal cowgirl’ became a trend.
But I don’t think it’s a fad for me.. I’ll always be a midwest girlie in my heart!
Cozy Kelsey
I wear a uniform at work and I’m on my feet all day.
Three years ago I learned the term HSP for “highly sensitive person”. This helped explain how and why itchy tags, tight pants, or a sock seam can ruin my whole mood.
My skin needs softness to heal my tender heart.
You’ll find me cuddled up with my dog Vivi reading on the couch, in between naps, and soaking in peacefulness.
This looks like high-waisted too big jeans, tucked-in tees so it doesn’t bother me, and tall socks so my shoes don’t rub.
A repeated outfit, a worn-too- many- times- needs- washed- hoodie. It is a small amount of creativity inside of big comfortable clothes.
Kim: My personal style can best be described as however I’m feeling in the moment.
My cozy, everyday self is probably the most common version. She’s wearing Vuori joggers and a sweatshirt or jorts and a t-shirt.
My going out me is a little more elevated. I’d describe her as coastal with a little rocker attitude. Elevated casual, if you will.
Lately, I’m loving button downs with a pair of jeans and slides.
Apparently, the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree when it comes to dressing for comfort.
What gets you riled up and passionate?
Kelsey: Oh gosh.. my passion is all about animals.
Adopt don’t shop!
At one point in my working life I was at the humane society and learned so much.
Why do people pay so much money for designer dogs and doodles when so many furry friends are waiting at the shelter to be adopted? It breaks my heart.
I’ve also had a house full of animals... Foster dogs, rats, bottle fed goats, rabbits, and so many guinea pigs. Eight at one point!
I learned just because I COULD take care of them doesn’t mean I should.
My biggest passion is, of course, my two girls- Vivi Pig and Maddux.
Vivi is a rescued lil white mixed-breed dog, about ten pounds, from the humane society in Lincoln, NE. She just turned 11 in October and has been with me her whole life.
She IS my whole life.
Through all my moves, phases, highs and lows this girl has been by my side. I often call her my boss and my baby.
Maddux is my 4 year old house rabbit. (Also about 10 lbs!)
She came from a hoarding house with over 100 bunnies, went to the humane society in KC, was returned, then rescued by a foster group.
Poor girl.
I named her after a family friend who loved nature and animals.
She is growly, hungry, smart, and loves her routine.
Vivi and Bun sometimes play but mostly keep an eye on each others’ snacks!
These two make my life go round. Giving them the best life possible brings me so much happiness and my house would be so empty without them.
Kim: Family. Without question.
I want to travel to see them, have them travel to me, or better yet, travel together.
I love spending time with our kids and with our extended family too. As everyone gets older and life takes us in different directions, that time together becomes even more important to me.
What is your favorite bible verse? What makes you feel seen, loved or appreciated?
Kelsey: This one is easy!
My most favorite bible verse is also Grandma’s favorite.. Matthew 6v34 ‘Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.’
I also picked a favorite verse for my birthday and I hope to follow it wisely through the year.. Matthew 5v16 ‘Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven.’
My quiet time every morning helps me feel grounded, centered, and ready for whatever the day holds.
Writing my gratitudes, sending some friend texts, and catching up on letters makes my days feel fully ME.
God’s plan is already written.. the best is yet to come!
I feel loved when I get snail mail or handwritten notes! That is totally my love language.
I have a big heart and I really love my people. When they acknowledge that and show it back to me I feel seen.
Cuddling Vivi really helps me feel loved, too.
Kim: My favorite bible verses are:
Psalm 139:1–4:
O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I stand; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word in on my tongue, you know it completely, O Lord.
Psalm 118:24:
This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
I also love my morning rituals of Bible meditation and journaling. I’m a huge believer in gratitude journaling.
I feel seen, loved and appreciated when my kids or Cory take time to ask how I’m doing.
I love getting a random text from my kids or friends and a letter is even better.
There’s something special about knowing someone was thinking of you and took a moment to let you know.
A little mother-daughter reflection
I started this thinking we’d have a fun little Q & A, and we did.
But reading our answers, side by side, I was struck by how many things we share.
Our love of comfortable clothes. Our morning rituals. Our gratitude journals. Our appreciation for handwritten letters. And our desire to feel connected to the people we love.
Kelsey has made a life that is distinctly her own, complete with cowboy boots, a beloved little dog and a rather opinionated rabbit.
And at nearly 36, she’s still teaching me things about herself.
I think that’s one of the lovely surprises of having adult children. You get to keep discovering who they’re becoming.
And sometimes, you discover a little more about yourself along the way.
Happy Birthday Kels!