With love,
Today is my Mema's birthday and of course you should know because if you knew her you'd want to call her and sing to her too.
You see she's quite frankly one of the most amazing women I've ever known and she will safely hold the title of one of my heroes for my lifetime. I often talk about writing down all the things she teaches me so today I thought I'd give it a start in honor of her very special birthday.
20 things I've learned from my Mema:
1. Love is family. Family is love.
2. Fortune cookies are best by the dozen.
3. Good shoes. One must have good comfy shoes.
4. Pat don't rub. That goes for your face and stains alike.
5. Save. Save for a rainy day. It will rain.
6. Seashells and sandcastles are to be much loved.
7. You can do almost anything with vinegar and baking soda.
8. Veggies are best when chopped up in thin little sticks (they actually get eaten that way).
9. Bins. When organizing one always needs bins!
10. A bargain is something to be proud of. **I must tell you that Mema lost a contest when she was a teenager b/c when asked if she would buy the beans that were on sale even if they were not on the shopping list she said YES she would. She stands by her answer to this day and I am certain those beans on sale saved the day more than once.
11. Water and patience can grow almost anything.
12. Buy one really nice piece of furniture for each room in your home and grow around it.
13. Cards signed XOXO mean more than you could ever imagine.
14. The best gift is time spent together.
15. Flowers can be princess crowns when strung together just right.
16. When you have nothing else you always have your sister.
17. One always needs postage stamps.
18. A woman can do anything she sets her mind to. Anything.
19. Your intuition is one of the most powerful tools you have. Listen to it. Use it.
20. Always celebrate birthdays! Birthdays are very special!
Happy Birthday Mema! I love you oh so very much! I celebrate you today and always. I am so grateful that you are my Mema. Thank you for all you've taught me and continue to teach me.
XOXO
Lacy
I said:
Sometimes I feel like I'm on an island.
She said:
You are and I'm right there with you. We're drinking Miami Vices.
I said:
Miami Vices?
She said:
You know 1/2 pina colada 1/2 strawberry daiquiri.
Irony is that my little bro is actually on an island, like one of the best islands around, Hawaii. Heartbroken. And what I wouldn't give to hug him. Missing my sisters and little brother extra lately. The world feels very big today and I feel very small.
I hope this finds you feeling mighty. Mighty indeed.
Looking forward to a day soon with umbrella drinks.
Lacy
An old lamp at Cliff's folks house. I'm always amazed at little pieces of furniture that fade into the background of life...things we have for years that are really nothing special. This just caught my eye for some reason on this day. I am in awe of how sturdy and substantial things used to be made. This is definately a lamp that says- hey I WILL LIGHT UP YOUR WORLD much unlike some of the lamps we'd run out and buy at Target today.
In a burger joint bathroom of all places. LOVED. IT. Yeap I almost always have my camera... even in the bathroom. In all fairness it was in my purse (ok really big purse bag thingie).
p.s. if you are Bay Area Local we are offering 2 free days of yoga on the 1st and 2nd at Breathe! C'mon down!
Thank you all so much for the sweet notes and thoughts about Cliff's dad. He's lived a long and full life at 88 years old but it's still overwhelming to see the transition in progress. No matter how prepared you say you are the reality of life and death (especially at this time of year) feels extra tough. The strokes took most his right side and most of his speech but he still lights up when he sees Cliff and attempts a crooked smile when I try to make him laugh. We totally get each others sense of humor.
Cliff and his mom have started reminiscing and telling funny family stories from when Cliff and his older brother were little. They are laughing and joking and remembering happy times but I can't help but cry because I see it all unfolding before me.
I took a photo of Cliff's dad while there (I keep calling him Cliff's dad b/c his name is Cliff too and I don't want it to get too confusing). Cliffs mom was mortified that I'd take a photo of someone in the hospital but of course it didn't stop me. I find the moment beautiful.
Cliff is handling all of this with such strength and grace. Once again a difficult situation is bringing us closer together and I'm seeing all the things I fell in love with shine through. He is calm, capable and moves with purpose. He's the guy who makes you feel safe by just being there. He is thoughtful and considerate. He patiently works to communicate in a way that his mother can understand. He's losing his father and he keeps checking in on me to see how I'm doing with all of this.
So thank you. Thank you all for your love and support. I know it gets harder from here but I'm grateful to have a place to speak truth and receive love.
Lacy