Locks...

Lots of things in this world change but theres one thing I want my kids and grandkids to know-

Our love is locked forever! Theres nothing they can do to make me UN love them.

One day a customer returning from a trip to  Italy showed me some pictures and told me the story of the garden gate 

filled with locks ,placed by people who wanted to dedicate their love to someone else ,very special . 

I was immediately impressed and chill bumps covered my body as I thought about all the people I loved and wanted to express that too.

.Our home and property have long been a special place to our family-both in good and bad times. Its a place of safety and acceptance and also a place of truth and expression. 

These locks were the perfect expression of that  "forever love" that I have always wanted my family to experience.

This weekend, while part of our family was visiting I decided to start this project. As a family we have been fractured by death,divorce and distance - but without fail we remain faithful to each other and continue to be a family-skinned knees and mashed fingers- but still a family. 

This weekend, 4 little girls decorated their very own lock(a vintage lock) to hang on our forever post. I wanted to keep it simple  so I grabbed nail polish and one girl at a time so I could explain that this lock represented their family's love-it was locked-forever! 

There was no key to unlock these locks and once placed on the post it was their link to forever in this family. They know where their lock is and can touch and feel their very own place and remember ...eternal love.

"Evidence confirms woman's claim to genetic legacy"

In an earlier post I mentioned my aunt and grandmother and their employment at Marilyn's Belts and Bags- suggesting(humbly and yet a bit comically)that somehow there was a genetic pre-disposition to needle arts and the fashion world that I was privileged  to be subject to.

A childhood friend scratched around and sent me some pictures of the factory!

This was taken in 1963

Her aunt(who I remembered) also worked there! 

WHO KNEW???

 The two ladies in the front left (one sitting and one standing) are the two aunts!!! 

My friend's Aunt Josephine(seated) and MY Aunt Dorothy(standing) !!!! 

It was 1966-and I was 8 years old!!!!

 This picture was taken in 1969 -in the factory

I just wish I knew who these women were.

And finally this shot in 1972 -and there's my Aunt Dorothy again!! Or should I say STILL????

She may look harsh and stern,but she was a happy, light-hearted, hard working woman. 

When I was small I always looked forward to a visit with Aunt Dorothy. 

She walked with a limp and had a "special shoe" that captured my attention as a child.

 As an adult I learned that she had survived polio as a child,was widowed  fairly young  and yet maintained a positive happy demeanor as she raised a son alone in a world with not many single mothers-and worked well past retirement age at Marilyn's. 

Oh the questions I would ask if these old aunts were still here-so many questions!

Every evidence of the factory is long gone but the legacy of hard work and craftsmanship in domestic products made it's mark on our nation,our towns and our families.

I likely didn't  learn much sewing skill from these women but the character and work ethic they upheld teaches me ,still, though they are long gone like the old red brick building  that housed

Marilyn's Belts and Bags 

in Ferris ,Texas.

Super Granny...

WHAT?

You've never heard of SUPER GRANNY?

She hobbles along ,in bloomers and long tattered tops searching for lace bits and fabric to fill her day, UNTIL..............

she gets word(on the social network,of course!) that tragedy has struck!!!

A five year old's birthday party is cancelled due to a viral illness that must not be spread to the rest of the family!

 Super Granny bolts into action,buying special cupcakes,shopping for toys for that 5 yr old (and her brother who is quarantined to the house as well) , and searching for fun stuff to do at home cause ya can't leave and your birthday party is cancelled!

BAM!

Delivered the make-do" party in a bag" to the plastic high heeled victim and her side-kick . 

Super granny has done it again...

but wait- another disaster???

 This time it's a 2 year old  that has had enough of this "new sister" role! 

She's desperate and threatens to unlearn all her sweet ways as her mother reaches for the wooden spoon to remind her of them!

Super Granny arrives on the scene  with a special cupcake for the frantic 2 yr old( and nothing for the frazzled momma-what was I thinking?)  hoping to diffuse the situation.

In a desperate move,   I coax the 2 year old to fight crime and crying with me for a couple of hours in the city of Providence.

It's a big job,but she whining and crying accepts the challenge and the brave mom shoves us out the door smiling a suspicious smile.

Could this be a plot? 

This frazzled mom has been seen with some very suspicious characters lately......and that baby?

 He could be in disguise.......

 

 Super Granny and crying 2 yr old take to the dirt road and head for snacks to make it better for both of them.

After all,they were supposed to get to have birthday cake today too!

With no cake in sight, a banana,apple and good dose of Tom & Jerry  the 2 yr old reverts to pre- potty training days and has to have a bath-but no fear!!!

 Super Granny is here!!!!

Suddenly the world of crime shuts down and all is well in the Providence! 

The 2 yr old is returned to her undercover life as a big sister and happily accepts her mission ...until the next great disaster.

 Who knows- it could be a lost pacifier, a nasty mosquito bite or even ....a nasty encounter with a boring day!!!

Whatever it is-you can be sure that SUPER GRANNY will be there -armed with her smart phone for pictures  and a little cash to make it all better!!!!

****Actually-I just wanted to show you some pictures of the kids from this week.