What Would Peets Do

This week we will celebrate Peets Buffett’s 97th birthday.

My mother was a remarkable lady. She worked for nearly 30 years at the ship yard while being a devoted wife and mother to three crazy kids. She loved a strong gin and tonic, a good party, big band music, live theatre, weekly manicures, and costume jewelry.

She was well-read in the classics and modern literature, keeping company with some of the finest writers of her time. She could impress you with the latest football and baseball statistics, and she absolutely loved her weekly People magazine.

She knew the reality of hard work in the gritty world and encouraged magical thinking in her children and grandchildren… much to the benefit of us all.

My mother had a way of choosing the good life in everyday things. With a penchant for having dessert first and a life-long pursuit of joie de vivre, I often channel her when pondering life’s meaning or if I’m at a crossroads. “What would Peets do?” has become a mantra of sorts that guides me through my own journey and keeps my compass pointing in the right direction.

I miss her every day and am grateful I had her for as long as I did. She left us with lots of wisdom. One of my favorite pieces is her philosophy on life which I hold dear and share often.

Here it is for you all today…

Peets’ Philosophy

1. Read often, including the classics.

2. Accept everyone for who they are, not what they do.

3. Be well-travelled.

4. Learn to be a listener.

5. Live by the sea.

6. Listen to your spirit and find joy.

7. Education, like money, doesn’t make you happy ~ but it sure helps.

8. Love and Family are the best things we have.

Wishing you all a peaceful and easy Sunday. I think I will eat dessert first today in honor of my mama. I hope you might do the same!