Angel Pins & Mardi Gras Beads

I'm all over the place today. I actually allowed myself to flop back into bed this morning thinking, eh... I've got a post topic or two rattling around in my bean, I'm fine. Psssht.

Then I went to the gym and had my ass kicked by one cheerful instructor who likes it when we silently curse her.

When I came home I had an email from my mother, my aunt passed away at 4:45 a.m. She was 94. We knew it was coming, in fact, I said a silent prayer this morning asking that my aunt be made at peace. By the time I said it, it was already done. So allow me a moment to regroup and greeve a bit.

She made a mean martini.

She wore Mardi Gras beads all year long, no matter what the occassion.

She drove a white, zippy little car with a red racing stripe and a spoiler on the back for extra edge.

Her cat, Charlie, was so obsessed with I-C-E C-R-E-A-M you couldn't even spell it out unless you were ready to witness the insanity that would ensue as he bounced around the kitchen meowing for his cold treat. It delighted her to no end.

Last Christmas she sent T.D. a card reading, "To Baby M, you can hardly expect a 93 year old woman to remember all these names can you?" I kept the card as it made me laugh. She didn't have to send T.D. a card let alone a check.

This Christmas my mother came bearing jewelry. Seems my aunt no longer had use for her festive beads, kitchy cocktail rings, angel pins, and other assorted costume jewlery. She passed it on to us. I am now the proud owner of bronze pop-beads and yes, I wore them last week. They are divine. T.D. is quite the sight as she cruises around the house in the high style that only those big, glossy ropes of pearls can instill.

Artwork from her home and husband adorns the walls of my house. I owe my art supplies to her, easels and all.

She was funny, smart, generous, a little bit wild and full of charm and love.

I loved her and she will be missed.