Monday, October 17, 2011

Aunt Joanie



Aunt Joan is our family's cheek pincher. There is always one per family who at first thought seems to be the one to avoid. Her arrivals at family occasions become an event in themselves. Arms loaded down with a little something for everyone, glasses fogged from the cold, coat and scarf and gloves to be removed, mid-sentence before the thresh hold is passed. "Oh darling, you wouldn't believe the traffic. Help Aunt Joan with her packages."



Free of encumbrances, aware of her audience, Kleenex in hand, ready to greet. "Oh sweetheart, I am so happy to see you. Give Aunt Joan a kiss." Shoulders held to better remember, "Dear, how are you? You know I just haven't been sleeping well. Let me tell you."



Settling in close to give you the scoop, interruptions for each new cheek to kiss. Threads of conversation held by the listener, "Where was I darling, you wouldn't believe!"


Aunt Joan has always been this way. A career spent in the accessories department of Lohman's attending societies bargain hunters has created a woman who will fawn over anyone. "Of course you look stunning in that leopard print hat, it's you!" "Oh honey, I just want to squeeze that adorable face of yours."


A little of Aunt Joan can go a long way! Her solicitations can become over bearing at times. My husband; however, has a soft spot in his heart for his Aunt Joan that for years I just couldn't fathom the reason. How many countless times she would lean in to me to whisper, "He always looks like he has just stepped out of a band box. Neat as a pin, and always the penny loafers."



12 comments:

Debby said...

Is this the one in Springfield or in Reynoldsburg?
Wonder where Kitty is now adays.
ALl new people now it seems.
Have a good week.

Cindy said...

Oh how charming. I see my little collection in there...the one with the gingham and umbrella.

I had forgotton about Kitty...shame on me...I use to watch her shows...with big eyes and drooling...lol

Hugs Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham

Cheryl said...

OH my goodness... those are beautiful. I never knew that they made so many different ones. The price tags are shocking..lol... next time I see one being sold for $5...I'm not going to roll my eyes, I am going to buy it LOL

Thanks for sharing!!

vivian said...

OH My~ they are so lovely arent they E? I have a friend that used to make them! did you buy one?
lol!
thanks for sharing!
xoxo
vivian

Celestial Charms said...

I have never seen such a large collection like that. Fabulous. I love the ones with the pearl necklaces and earrings. How beautiful. So glad these caused such happy memories for you!
Maureen

Nan said...

Oh E I love head vases too and do not have a single one. I would have to buy off Ebay if I got one as there are no shops here. I have never ever seen this many in one spot I'm overwhelmed. That Kitty B. sure had some talent for decorating, years ago I used to see her on TV.

My Vintage Mending said...

I loved Kitty. Her cute little bob and perky personality. I long for those sweet headvases myself and have only the one that I splurged on at a meager $14 that I recall. These are beautiful altogether and a wonderful reason to visit the mall. Smiles...Renee

Ina said...

BEAUTIFUL!! I want one, too! ;0

Unknown said...

What memories I have of those vases. I had completely forgotten about them. Thanks for the reminder.

schmidt1016 said...

Oh, Elizabeth! I love head vases, too. I only have one which I got after my dad died 2 years ago. I didn't see it in your photos of the other ones. I wish I lived closer to Ohio so I could see them in person. Thanks for the great wave of nostalgia!

Leslie S. in MN
esclante at comcast dot net

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