Friday, February 08, 2008

When You Wish Upon a Star


Today after school we visited Stella, the kids' great grandma. She's fond of telling me the story about how her sister was named Eve because she was born at night. But Stella was born at dawn. Stella in Italian means "morning star." I think it's also loosely translated as "Meteor that likes to talk and drink martinis", but don't quote me.

I stretched out on her 1960's plaid couch while the kids played with the post-it notes they received from the mailman - an old mail box Stella stuck in her rock garden just for them. I was able to unwind for a few moments, as well as ponder a lamp that's slightly larger taller than Mary Kate Olsen but not as skinny. Impossible, but true.

True of Stella's style, I did not leave without pasta and nick nacks. There was the quilt by way of the hair stylist at the park beauty shop where Stella gabs... er... works... the hair stylist inherited the bedding from her daughter and her husband. Given they are newleyweds, I think I'll wash it first. I also left with magazines, some handiwipes, and what looks like a back scratcher, but it could be a plunger. I haven't investigated yet.

Word on the street is I'm missing out on the fringed white lampshade I turned down, but I think I'll live with my decision. "It's really quite stunning" she promised me. Not stunning enough for her to keep, of course, but stunning enough for me to drag home.

Let's not forget the full belly I left with: 10 Hershey kisses, a slice of raisin bread, two cups of coffee and a cracker.

If all of you were close by, I'd bring you to Stella's one Friday. We'd attempt to learn to knit and drink cocktails that could start a car. Who's in?


* Image taken of Stella a few months ago in Vegas. Her name might mean morning star, but that night, it was "86 year old hot stuff walks barefoot in the rain to avoid ruining her flats". Piece. Of. Work. Gotta love her. I do. You would, too.

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14 comments:

Steph said...

Learn to knit? Holy jeepers I've totally gotta learn to knit. I just wrote about this. When can I come over? :)

His Girl said...

When we are bff's (which i just know we will be someday) and I come visit you on a friday (cause that's my day off) we shall go and visit stella and we will laugh and I will be talked into the stunning lampshade because i can never say no to a wacky old lady. they rock. i'm glad you have each other.

Liv said...

That woman looks awesome. Cocktails must be truly medicinal. Her beautiful face is proof. I'm so glad you have her. Magic.

Gretchen said...

My Grum is 82, and I think Stella, you, Grum and I could do some damage. And they are living proof that there's very little that The Baldwin Ladies' "Recipe" can't cure. Or at least make better.

Tell me you caught my Walton's reference. Please. I wasn't the only one who watched that with my mom while we both cried and she smoked.

Evenspor said...

Definitely.

ms chica said...

I'm in. But do you really expect me to learn how to knit after cocktails.

I would like having a Stella in my life. You are a lucky woman.

Jenster said...

Oh! I'm in!! Definitely!!

I love the mailbox idea and am so snatching it for my grandkids. Hope I remember it then.

meno said...

I would love to have Martinis with Stella.

Valerie said...

i doubt i could learn to knit, but i am ALL for a cocktail that could start a car.

Stella sounds like one cool lady. we need more of people like her in the world. you're SO lucky to have her.

Susie Q said...

Oh would I love a martini and to have a Stella. You are SO Lucky. She is amazing isn't she?

Love,
Sue

Heather said...

Made me miss my Granny - who'd already passed on by the time I was legal to drink...that never stopped her from slipping me a taste!

I think a Stella-like gal is what I need to get out of my funk.

Pam said...

I just taught my granddaughter how to knit, I think there was a glass of wine involved...hmmmmm...

Monnik said...

Oh, she sounds lovely! Raise a toast to her for me, will ya?

TroyBoy said...

Very funny post! Thanks!