When lots is swirling in my world, it's important for me to do something that I feel I might have some iota of control over. One of those things is getting my house in order. I look around. I pitch. I sort. I straighten. I rearrange and, sometimes add. Looking around from my big red chair, I spied Nannie's blue suitcase. I have her blue suitcase and Papa's brown leather one. Both have been wonderful storage over these years when there is not a closet to be had in my space on Columbus Street.
Nannie's suitcase holds some special treasures. There was a series of fancy dolls that Mom had purchased with cloth bodies and china legs, hands and faces. Each was a famous woman or character, but I have no idea who is who now. Mom sewed the outfits for each one with great love and detail. Three of them live at the Chatette. The rest have been living in Nannie's suitcase here on Columbus Street...that was until this past weekend.
I decided it was time that they all came up for air. I too, struggle with too much stuff, but these ladies are so special that they needed to be seen. Each found a perfect spot that matched the decor in my much reduced space. I marveled at the detail: reversible jackets; necklaces; special jewels; ties; bows; pantaloons; and, lots of lace. They each have a different expression, but one thing they all have in common at the moment is that they are all smiling now.
They are happy to be out. They are another reminder of Mom and her loves and talents. Some of their outfits are made out of material from my own dresses that I had made for myself long ago.
As if playing Moon River isn't enough of a Mom Reminder for me...I now have one of her dolls sitting on the piano too. I tease that it takes at least three years to really feel home in any place. We are there on Columbus Street.
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