From silly puns to sarcastic spins on life's most ridiculous curves, I'm the queen of a quick quip. This being said, I have to give some cred to my youngest son, Nick. He's actually a pretty funny guy. Nick's always trying to out-pun me with his clever play on words.
Recently, after informing him that I'd actually received an award for my sense of humor, he challenged me to prove it. (As you'll recall, Nick is also the one who gave me the idea for Closet ClotheSure 2020 when he remarked that I could probably go the rest of the year without wearing the same outfit to work more than once).
Knowing how competitive everyone in our family is, I knew I was going to have to search for one of my old yearbooks. Incidentally, this is no easy feat because I've thrown most of them out. Why am I hanging on to these things, I remember thinking. Life is about moving forward, not backward.
There is however one old annual that I couldn't bring myself to toss—the 1976 Taylor Junior High School (Eielson A.F.B., Alaska). In addition to writing a sappy poem (along with my then-bestie, Kathy Craven), at the front of the yearbook entitled: Looking Back, yours truly is also featured on page 22. This was the year I was voted wittiest in my class—an honor my Burt-dad did not appreciate. "What kind of school encourages a student to be a smart-a@#%?" he'd asked.
Personally, I thought this was pretty cool and I guess that's why I've hung onto the silly yearbook for so long. When I showed the picture to Nick, waiting for him to be impressed, he howled with laughter. "Which one are you, Mom?" he asked. (I think he was kidding!) see photo below
Closing the yearbook so that he could examine the cover, Nick rolled his eyes. "Do you realize how many decades ago this was?" he asked pointing once more at the photo. "Look at this picture! The world wasn't even in color yet!"
"Ha, ha, ha," I said. "It wasn't that long ago!" I took a moment to review the image of fourteen-year-old Monica Bone (yes, Bone is my maiden name—a future blog just waiting to happen!), happy that the braces I'd worn all through middle school and most of high school weren't showing. For those of you who need more clarification on which one is me in the photo, that's my friend and fellow wise-cracker, Skeeter Beck on the right.
I lost myself in Taylor Junior High School memories, flipping thoughtfully through all seventy-six pages (this includes the paid-sponsored ones) until Nick cleared his throat loudly and ruined my trip down memory lane. "Nineteen seventy-six just called, Mom," he said with a sly grin. "They want their yearbook back!"
For our family, June is a time of celebrations. In addition to Father's Day, several family members have birthdays during this first month of summer. I've shared stories about my mom Franny in past blogs. Though she's been gone since 2011, Mom's never far from our minds. This year would have been her eightieth birthday.
There's no doubt that I got my quick wit from Franny. Mom loved to laugh and pull pranks. Whenever I think of her, she's always wearing a smile. Franny also loved a party—especially surprise parties. Twenty years ago, my sisters and I (with some help from our Bob-dad) pulled out all the stops and threw her a party she'd never forget. We called it: "Franny's 60th Limo Adventure!"
Here's a photo from that wild and crazy night taken outside The Mansion in Dallas:
Mom had never ridden in a limo before and she was overjoyed. We drove all over Big D, and danced, dined and laughed all night. If memory serves, The Green Thong even made a special appearance!
Before I move on, I thought I'd share a quick, funny story about my mother.
About three years before "Franny's 60th Limo Adventure" party, Mom had to have surgery. Besides my Bob-dad, I was the only sister who was able to be at the hospital that day. (This is important to the story—I have three sisters, Sandy, Brenda, and Molly)
After a few hours of waiting, a nurse finally came in and told us they were bringing Mom down from surgery. "Would one of you like to come and ride in the elevator with her while we take her to her room?" she asked.
Bob nodded in my direction and said, "She'll go. She's been worried about her mom."
I thanked Bob and ducked into the elevator and went with the nurse up to the surgical floor. She told me to wait by the door and I remember wondering if there was something they weren't telling us. After what seemed like an eternity, a couple of orderlies, along with the nurse, wheeled Franny into the elevator and I stepped closer to reach for Mom's hand. Unfortunately, she was still groggy from the anesthetic and appeared unresponsive.
Seeing my concerned face, the nurse gave me a kind smile. "Mrs. Probert," she called softly down to my sleeping mother. "It's time to wake up now. Your beautiful daughter is here to see you!"
I'll never forget the crooked grin on Franny's face as she blinked a couple of times and said, "Brenda! I didn't know you were going to be here! I'm so glad you came!"
I shook my head, smiled, and thanked God. Our Franny was back!
Closet ClotheSure Challenge 2020 - Week 21
Kicked off Monday with this two-piece navy dress and matching sheer jacket from Charming Charlie. I didn't pay a lot for this ensemble and have decided that it's time to part with it. Why? Not loving the fabric of the dress (even though it has a cute tie-back bow in the back) and it may be just a wee bit too short. Another gal will rock this outfit!
Tuesday was pretty casual with a zip-front vest top from New York and Company. (goodbye to this!) and green/gold stretch capri pants that I picked up last year. I'll keep the pants for another day! #capripants #summerfun #gottoletitgo #feelinglikeaten #closetclothesure
Wednesday has a big NO written all over this blue Ann Taylor silk blouse. The color is great and actually, if you look at the thing straight on, it's fine too.
The problem with it is that if I turn to the side, all kinds of weird stuff happens. The gathered-knot just under the bodice is the culprit. I've tried tucking it in and also wearing it out, but no dice. And, for anyone wondering, I've had this top in my closet for the better part of ten years because I like the color.
Now, the black pencil skirt (also from Ann Taylor) is one of my favs and you may see it again paired with another blouse I'm kissing goodbye.
It's all part of the fun!
And here we are with Thursday—also known as Friday Eve!
Still feelin' the love for this White House Black Market blouse with built-in off-white cami.
I dig the way the teal skirt (New York and Company) works with the colors in the flowers in the top. Going to have to keep these two pieces.
From The Garden
We've been battling it out with the snails for the past few weeks. I'm happy to report that I believe we're finally making some progress. Instead of sharing a photo from our yard, I thought it'd be fun to post a picture I took walking home from the lake this week. If you look closely, you'll spot the magnificent hawk keeping his eye out for a quick dinner.
I hope everyone has a wonderful, joy-filled Friday. Here's a great scripture to keep in mind:
Nehemiah 8:10 English Standard Version (ESV)
10 Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Think about that! The joy of the Lord is our strength!
God bless you my friends and remember: God is in control and hope is on the move!
Love, Monica
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