My mother Ricki Stahl and her buddy Ginger.
I’m always grateful when I have a few moments to slow down and enjoy some of the simple pleasures of summer. Like sitting outdoors on a warm evening with my mother Ricki, watching the freighters glide by. We reminisced about times when she had to make do with only 35 cents a week for the family to live on, (luckily this was not a long term trend, but it did happen!) or when our family relied on vegetables from the garden for practically an entire summer. I’ll never forget the different ways you can eat zucchini and I must credit my mother for always finding ways to make it palatable. She has always been a driving force in both the family and the family business. Even today, her tenacity to contiually overcome her various health problems is symbolic of the perserverance of our company. She has always been a role model and I continue to learn things from her on a daily basis. Here’s wishing you the time to take advantage of life’s simple summer pleasures, like fresh picked corn, vine-ripened tomatoes, bird-watching or whatever it is you like to do to when you’re doing nothing except enjoying the moment.
Spending time with family outdoors is one of life's simple pleasures that doesn't cost anything. It's truly priceless.
I love this post. It’s been a long while since I’ve had the opportunity to see Ricki. I was honored to be part of the development in the Stahls’ history video. Ricki is a lovely person inside and out. It is obvious why Stahls’ is such a family driven, committed company. Being in the “personalization” business touches many lives in many positive ways. It’s very rewarding. Thank you Ricki, Ted, and family for the values you instill in us all here!