A memory that needs no adjustment

We lived in a three bedroom plantation house, but dad built an extension in the back for the boys. The living room was the size of a closet. We were ten children.

It was a daily ritual after dinner. As a child, I would sit with my knees up to my chin as dad whirled and twirled mom around the tiny living room. He would lead with the tango, the cha cha, or the waltz. It all depended on the music on the radio. As usual, mom was in dad's spotlight and giggled like a little girl.

As a young girl, I thought this behavior was bizarre. Bizarre, because it was as if for those few moments we were invisible. They were in their own private ballroom. My father, a sleek gentlemen, whisked mom off her feet. As an adult, I understand the gleam in mom's eye and the smile on dad's face. Even after ten children, they still adored each other.

My parents are a year and a few months away from their 50th wedding anniversary. I am certain that I will be there on that special day when dad takes mom by the hand and sways her in his arms to the music of yesterday.

I got a phone call yesterday from my brother Neil. My father was in the hospital. Dad you are in my thoughts...

Vera Wang is the Devil

Hssss it's the she devil

I know Vera Wang is really not the devil, BUT...

I was trying my darnest to avoid her, just 'cause she has been the sought after designer by thousands of sharp tooth fang brides. I tried to avoid her at all costs. I must've tried on a hundred dresses and, if you know me, you know how picky I am. I was looking for something different, but always sexy. I was on the search for magic in the sky! Their was the tight Lazaro dress with the ostrich feathers that caught my eye. Their was the Monique Lhuillier lace dress that was just amazing on me, but it emulated a virginal sacrifice. A virgin-by any length-was not me.

I entered the doors of Saks Fifth. This was the first time I had step foot in Saks 5. I was expecting gold ceilings and diamond chandeliers with old shriveled salespeople raising their little snoots to the sky. Not at all. I headed to the Bridal Salon to meet with my consultant. I was looking for sheath, tight, princess cut dress made with a light fabric, because I was getting married in the dead of heat. So after three dresses she slipped on this silky dress that was designed for aphrodite herself. I know I didn't look like aphrodite, but god damn I felt like a goddess as soon as I slipped it on. Mind you I'm not looking at the tag which furnishes the designer and the damage.

Every woman nags me, "you will know the perfect dress as soon as you try it on!" Well, I had that ecstatic feeling. I exclaimed to the consultant that this is the one. I checked the tag for the price and it was $3,200. Okay, I know that $3,200 was not a lot for woman that have dreamed to be a princess on their wedding, since a child. I was not that female. I wanted simply sexy and sophisticated and this is the thanks that I get. The consultant advised that if I open a Saks Fifth card, it was ten percent off. The taxes would be omitted, because the wedding was in Hawaii.

My sisters and I left for coffee to think things over. Laurie and Chris suggested that this dress had been the best one yet. I was obsessed that there had to be another dress that was better and cheaper. I could not justify the cost of the dress. Yes, it's once in a lifetime, but once in my life I think I could spend money on a trip abroad, or a down payment on a new car or just plain savings account.

I had swerved to avoid the Vera Wang virus. Here I was bedazzled by one of her dresses.

Oh V. Wang why do you vex me so?

Dragging my heels

Drag master

Unlike other brides, I have been dragging my feet on getting this show on the road. I'm sure I should be devouring my wedding coordinator like godzilla did Tokyo, but I haven't acquired one just yet.

On February 27, I think is the six month mark. I think I'll get a running start than. Until than, I will savor in the eye of the storm.

Gimme the Patch

Although I have quit smoking, I have picked up a new vice. It's called Bridal Magazines! Who would've thunk that I'd spend $5-$10 on magazines with pictures. I was never one for fashion magazines, but these magazines are like nicotine! I just can't get enough of it! Slender models in gawdy dresses in extremely uncomfortable poses. I don't understand my fascination, but I like it.




I especially love the ideas for reception themes and favors. I'd like to justify my magazine purchases for those purposes.