this one goes out to a very special lady...

I have three sisters. Have I told you that? I know I've mentioned my sisters here before, but not nearly enough. And if I'm going to have any sort of relationship with you guys, my readers, then we're going to have to talk about three of the best ladies I know. So I've decided I'm going to introduce you to each one, on their birthday. Today we're starting with Liesl, the cutie on the left.

Yes, that's right! Liesl, as in Sound of Music, as in You Are Sixteen Going on Seventeen. Once, in grade school, a boy in my class was like, "You have a sister named Liesl? Like diesel? Like the gas?" And I was like, "Well when you put it THAT way, I guess." It's not the most common name, and I love it. Ever since I was a little girl, when I picture the name Liesl in my head, I see flowers.

Liesl is my third oldest sister. I'm the youngest, and she is three years older than me. She's got beautiful, thick brown hair, and gorgeous brown eyes. And, out of all the sisters, has always had the best skin and nail beds. It ain't fair.

I'm pretty sure we shared a room until I was in high school, which of course means I fought with her the most. :) But we loved each other hard. She was a senior in high school when I was a freshman, and whenever we passed each other in the halls we would high-five, which was probably the dorkiest thing ever, but it made us both feel good about ourselves. High school was rough, man.

One of the best things about Liesl is that she remembers everything. She soaks up information like a sponge, and is ready to spit it all back out at you at any moment, if you need it. Want to know what channel and time the so and so show is on? Text Liesl. Can't remember the name of the girl you took violin lessons with back in 4th grade? Liesl will remember! Want to know somethng about another sister? The quickest way to find out will be to call Liesl. The woman is amazing, and pretty handy to have around.

AND I am mostly sure that I have her to thank for my love of books. To this day, I can't remember anyone but Liesl reading to me when I was little. I'm sure my parents did, and my other sisters too, but I have no recollection of it. I just picture Liesl, sitting in a chair and holding a Berenstein Bear book in front of her like a school teacher would, while I sat on the floor listening.

Of course, she has so many other wonderful qualities about her, too. She's sweet and feisty and quick to forgive. Her heart holds so much love for her family. I think she's a pretty cool cat.

So there you have it. That's Liesl in a very small nutshell. Happy birthday to you, sister friend!

I meant to find a pretty picture of the two of us, but it's late and I'm tired. So please enjoy this photo of us from 1992 that I happened to have saved to my desktop: