In 2009 when my friend went back home to Ecuador, she came back with something for me. She didn’t tell me what it was. I was surprised when I pulled out a wide brim hat.

I remember  complaining to another friend that I got a hat that I was never, ever going to wear. I did not see the beauty in the hat and never wore it until, Heidi, my supervisor,  assigned me garden duty for the summer. I finally got an opportunity to wear the hat.

It quickly drew compliments out of people. Strangers, family and friends a like. Most of all, the kids adored the hat saying it is the best hat I have in my collection.

The only thing I tell them is about my friend from Ecuador who has great taste.