Gramma's Shoes

The other day Kate texted: "Do you want to go to IKEA with us?" I'd been cleaning house and was still in my sweats, but that sounded fun. Kate said she looked a mess, so no big deal. (She did NOT look a mess, btw.) So I said I would throw on some jeans and a decent tee, and we arranged to meet so we wouldn't take two cars across the bridge.

We arrive and as I'm helping Sophie, newly three years old, out of the car, she looks at my walking shoes and says, "Gwamma, why are you wearing those shoes?" (Such a fashionista, particularly when it comes to shoes. She has entertained many circles of women as they notice her examining all their shoes.) I make some lame excuse about being in a hurry.

We had success at IKEA and Crate and Barrel, load the car and head back across the bridge when I hear from the back seat, "Gwamma, I don't like your shoes." 

I look straight ahead keeping my laughter silent as Katie, mortified, says, "Sophie Merette, that is not a nice thing to say," and goes on about people's feelings and not saying ever that you don't like what someone is wearing... OK? .... OK?  ... OK Sophie?

"I'm eating my sandwich and my mouth is full so I can't say OK." Says the 3-year-old in the back seat. 

Lesson: be careful what you wear to hang out with a 3-year-old fashionista!


[They came over this morning and as I helped Sophie out of her carseat, she looks down at my boots and says, "See, much better." ]


that little girl makes me laugh!

On being thankful

Thanksgiving is past, but before the swap from pumpkins to lights and ornaments around our house, I want to take a sec and reflect on my blessings. I could list 100, but you’d get bored pretty quickly. So here are 5 things I am SO thankful for:

1. My dear husband, who loves me and is such a support in my crazy endeavors. (Maybe it’s because I keep him well-fed!)

2. Our daughters and their families. They married great guys, and we now have 2 grandchildren. 

3. My education. I got to go back to school and study graphic design. I think I missed my calling the first time around.

4. My home. I get to live in the San Francisco Bay Area. I was born in the City, and I haven’t travelled far. I sure love it here and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else (except for a visit, of course!).

5. This one’s kinda crazy, but I’m so thankful for my sewing machine. It’s about 60 years old (waaay older than me), and has kept the kids and me clothed, stitched many bridesmaids dresses, curtains and tablecloths, and helped me be creative for the past 34 years. 

Did you have a chance to consider your blessings the past week? It’s a fun exercise before we rush into the Christmas season. What are you thankful for?

miss monroe

she was my favorite teacher. second grade. we had just moved across town and did NOT want to go to the new school. but i was blessed with miss monroe. she was kind, gentle, organized (i thrive in those conditions) and beautiful! she lived on lake street in the City, and drove a pale yellow ford fairlane 500.


i grew up, got married, moved away, we moved back, had kids and they went to school. mandy was referred to the gate program, which was held at miss monroe's school. i couldn't resist. i had to talk to her and tell her of my year in her class being a favorite. she was the same sweet, gentle woman who i loved as a second grader.


our kids grew up, we moved out of the district, miss monroe retired. but the day david was diagnosed with bone cancer, i saw her again! she was the pink lady volunteer at the hospital. how special to see her again. her kind gentleness made that terrible day just a little easier.


that was 17 years ago! 


i saw miss monroe again recently at trader joe's (my favorite grocery store) and i had to introduce myself one more time. yep; she remembered me and our family. she is, of course, getting quite old now. but miss monroe is still beautiful. i am blessed to have known her.


do you have a miss monroe in your life?

c'mon! post something already!

there are a bunch of blogs i read, or at least check, every day. it's something i look forward to, and am disappointed when there's nothing new for a significant period of time. i want to write to those authors and say, "c'mon. it's been awhile and i want to read what you have to write." then i think about blogging myself, and decide i don't feel like it right now. i'll do it a little later, or tomorrow. 


as i was doing the dishes tonight, and looking forward to checking my favorite blogs, i thought, "i guess it's time i post something myself. it's been awhile." so i log in and... it's been since august 2010! how the time flies when we procrastinate.


so i decided i'll promise to post once a week. not that anyone is reading. maybe if i post something someone will actually read it. or maybe not. but i'm just gonna do it.


watch out, blogosphere!