Thursday, July 22, 2010

Aunt Bertha

I found the cutest child's apron at the antique mall on my way to visit my daughter this past Monday. It was quite yellowed with age. I found a product named Bluing Agent at the grocery store that seemed to be just the thing to try.

Filling my sink well with cold water, I perused the label. "Good for keeping white hair white." Oh my gosh! Aunt Bertha! She always talked about bluing her beautiful white hair.

Bertha was my father-in-law's oldest sister. She had married Eddie, a very handsome ne'er-do-well who was crazy about her but was more crazy about the bottle. Many was the night of family socializing that other newlywed in-laws would help put her husband to bed in the bathtub to "dry out".

Although Bertha was was from a large Catholic family, her home on the East side of Detroit was located doors down from a Baptist church whose tenants restrict any form of alcohol. An ultimatum was given to Eddie. "Either come to this church with me, or loose me and your two fine infant boys."

A favorite story recalled many times when our large family now gathers and our hearts are missing our loved ones passed. When we speak of Aunt Bertha, we always speak of the miracle of Uncle Eddie who after stepping foot over the threshold of God's house fell to his knees in prayer and never took another drink in his life.

Further down the label on my bluing agent in fine print, "Send for instructions on using this product to grow your own crystal garden." Oh, Aunt Bertha! Your faith in this product was as strong as your faith in God!

21 comments:

  1. Beautiful post. Blueing your hair...so that's what that means. Aunt Bertha would be proud! Blessings, Patty

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  2. I love reading your sweet stories of your family!!

    There was a lady in our church when I was little that got too much blue in here hair!! She came sometimes with pink tint even!

    bee blessed
    mary

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  3. Beautiful story, Elizabeth! I need to try some bluing on some of our old whites...sounds like just the thing!

    What a wonderful story of faith--so glad you shared that with us!

    Julie

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  4. Well, glory!! I'm glad Uncle Eddie found the Lord! and I love your new apron too.

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  5. I have never heard of Blueing agent. It surely worked on your sweet apron. Hmmm going to have to try it.:) I remember when you saw a lot of women with beautiful white hair. Is it Arizona? I don't see it as much. Kind of sad! Love your family stories!!:)

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  6. I've heard of this mysterious agent named bluing! How fun! Your apron is as cute as can be! ♥

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  7. Adorable apron (I've done that little doggie in the window on a tea towel) and such a nice story.

    My first introduction to Mrs. Stewarts liquid blueing was from my 4-H fair days. People showing their hogs used it to make their yorkshire hogs to look nice and white! These days I just use it on the vintage linens I can't stop myslef from buying. :)

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  8. I adore your charming and well-told stories and memories of your family! This one especially! Your new apron is adorable! Looks so cute hung on the red rack with you other cute things! I really love that floral covered paper lantern!

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  9. p.s. thanks for the tip about the bluing agent- who would have thought you could use that on linens? I'll have to give it a try!

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  10. Hi Elizabeth,
    It's a happy story that Aunt Bertha's hubby found the Lord!
    Very sweet child's apron and I think I should pick up some of the bluing.
    That is so cool how you added my blog with my header! Thank you!
    Warmly,
    deb :)

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  11. This explains all of the little old ladies I remember at my grandma's church who had bluish hair :).
    That little apron is darling and your story about dear Aunt Bertha was delightful.

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  12. love that apron, elizabeth. i must get some blueing agent.

    hugs,
    suz

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  13. Hey, we're a button! Oh, what an adorable apron! I loved the story of Aunt Bertha. It seems you have the most wonderful family members. Such an inspiring story too, how God can transform lives. My heart is singing. Have a wonderful weekend! Twyla

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  14. Bluing!!!! My Mom used a shampoo that kept her grey/white hair silver.....it was purple I think....LOL My grandmother must have used this bluing product, her hair was pure white and like cotton!!!!! I love the apron....I see some subtle changes on your blog....what is happening?????
    That apron is so perfect! I just love photos of your room!!!!!!!

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  15. OK...just saw the October AFternoon link.....EEEKKK!!!!!!!!
    I am in love!!!!!!!! LOL

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  16. The apron is adorable and is a perfect addition to your craft room!!
    I love the story about Aunt Bertha and Unle Eddie. Isn't it amazing what God can do???

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  17. Does it ever stop over here my friend. So glad to have stopped by.

    Toodles,
    Kate

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  18. Hmm, I need to find this miracle bluing agent. :)
    I have the same doggie embroidered kitchen towels (I embroidered them from my vintage pattern)...too cute.

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Your kind words mean so very much to me. Thank you for your visit! Elizabeth