Velvet Steel

This is My lady, my soul mate and my woman.



That which does not kill us makes us stronger.....Nietsche. If it may please my Lords and Ladies. The philospher stated the obvious in his most simple style. But be it known, this simple pronouncement is truth. The humble lady who stands before you is the embodiement of this. Study and reflect upon her, note her carriage, and notice closely the strength in her eyes. The lady is fair of skin, elegant of carriage and tasteful in dress. But the eyes, yes the windows to the soul, reveal the strength inside. The lady is indeed steel presented in velvet.
She was raised in the most trying of circumstances with only her own determination and strength to sustain her. She was fortunate in at last becoming a part of a family where this strenth ws focused and directed. She had mentors that never attempted to corrupt the steel, but allowed it to grow and harden in the crucible of youth and adolesence. She learned her weaknesses and her gifts. The one she controled and the other she harnessed. She placed her temper under bonds of resolve and patience. And she found her gift of art. She promoted and nurtured this and allowed it to bloom. She has become a model of creativity and passion in her art.
And, my Lords and Ladies, she also became a mother. She concieved, bore and has raised 3 children. More often than not, this most intimidating of lifes trials, she faced alone. She faced it with little or no support, but never without love for her children. She sacrificed and toiled to provide for and teach her children. She showed by example how to take the best that life may offer and to endure those trials we encounter, always with optimism, always with determination and always with hope for the future.
Her steel has been forged in trial and with decades of tempering in adversity. Here stands a Lady of passion, of elegance, of beauty and of deep pride, well earned. Here stands a lady who can gaze directly into the eyes of any person and hold her chin level and tell you by her gaze "I am me and I will never be less". Yes, good friends, she has prevailed and has gained a pride and selfknowledge that many in this world will never attain. When you embrace her, the velvet is warm and sensual, but the steel is passion and all consuming love. This is the Lady Irena.