July 16, 2010

An open letter to Marija

The blissfully married Cory and Marija 


"Grief is the price we pay for love"
Queen Elizabeth II

Dearest Marija;

We found each other via blogging, communicating in cyberspace..........then we finally met, what was it, only 5 weeks ago?

Then you left............it wasn't supposed to be this way, we had plans, we did your BFF "pinky promise"



How often in life does an initial meeting turn into a mutual "WE WANT TO BE BFF'S FOREVER!" chant? In adulthood that is....rememberances of such utterances at 12 was not uncommon. At this age....... rarely. I am blessed with many wonderful friends; "sister" reigns as a "bestest", long time friends with shared histories,  new friends with a shared liking, unbelivable/always there friends like Joyce   ...........but you Marija were my first "everything" friend.


We planned your move to Wayne when the children finished school teasing Cory,  "we'll find another Greek Revival" to which Cory in good natured fashion replied "OK, I suppose we can do that", shrugging and raising an eyebrow of amusement, we were going to travel together to all antiquing events, meet your "precocious" Olivija and your "charmer" Nigel, work together on your landscaping


Our most immediate plans to go to Eddie and Jaithans  had us giggling with anticipation, "quick we need to get a flight!", your casualness on how I too could stay at your nearby clients "Come! She won't mind", delighted me. Then onto Washington, D.C. to see Michele of My Notting Hill, our other new friend, even plans to introduce Croatia your beloved heritage. And the THIS IS FUN!!! Let's keep meeting bloggers everywhere we go!

The twelve hour drive home was highly anticipated with so many "oh that story is too long, let's wait for the car trip"

The last Starbucks caffeine injection where you excitedly ran back to get your 'ATLANTA' mug. My watching you in awe; "how can someone be simultaneously childlike and elegant at the same time?"

Then the accident.....................



Marija...........I am haunted by the shared tragedy..........haunted that I lived and you did not.

Marija............. Grief stricken beyond belief that I asked you to drive, that I was too tired to keep going.

Marija.............questioning GOD, remembering and re-playing every detail, asking dear GOD WHY?! Why YOU!

Do know Marija that you left me with so much to learn. I may never get there friend but your example set a permanent guidepost.
     Discard jealousies and pre-conceived notions
     Give everyone a chance
     Try to be everyone's friend "it's easy and really natural, why not!"   
     Humility and intelligence is very attractive
     Self-deprecating humor is a gift bestowed upon others 
     Approach life with a child-like wonder 
     Share of yourself, be vocal about your thoughts, your feelings your life

And lastly dearest girlfriend to keep one's promises. We were and always will be BFF's, I just wanted it to go on

With all my heart and soul, loving you Marija, always
Debra






July 5, 2010

Eight days of Madness

                                                                photo courtesy of Pearachute Media      
We all have internal gifts, be it the gift of gab, of charm, of good looks, or humor (that's a good trait), others a natural sense of style, an ease for entertaining, the skills of a master chef or maybe the "eye" for seeing the possibilities in everyday objects.  Eddie Ross possesses all of the above and shares his knowledge engagingly.

We could not wait................the anticipation and prep was challenging but fun



The brilliant team of Eddie and partner Jaithan Kochar came for eight days and yes, did stay at my home and yes, that guest room did get cleaned..........and yes, we now miss them terribly 
NOTE; CAN ANYONE POSTING IN BLOGGER TELL ME HOW TO CORRECT THE BLURRING OF A NAME/WORD THAT IS NOT IN THEIR DICTIONARY?

Even Cooper seemed to know the party  was over. But let's look back.................




First was the WOW party, Without the Work, a how-to for easy entertaining that Eddie and I co-hosted. But, when you are hosting an event for 100, it takes many hands. See how fortunate we were, just like one on-going party!
Michele came from Washington, D.C. and is the blogger of 'My Notting Hill' (a long time favorite)

Albert from Pennsylvania, a professional event coordinator; The Chicago opening was flawless with Albert at the helm.

The effervescent Joyce from Nashville

Marija, my new BFF and brilliant (yes.......I choose well ) designer and blogger of 'Holding Court'



Richard, the genius concrete artist, from Atlanta surrounded by the Scentimental Gardens "family". Sarah, Sister, Vicky and Susan.

 Eddie introduced the Fresca/Vodka/lime summer refresher our sustenance through out.

Why 8 days of madness?
  • getting my home ready for guests.........major
  • preparing for the WOW event
  • trying to open the new shop in Chicago SG Grand (take a tour!)
  • Hosting the Grand Opening party for 300!
  • Day after the party join Eddie and Jaithan at the Randolph Flea market for a Chicago Tribune story
  • Next day, set-up, cook and host a garden party on my grounds.........the day after a mini tornado (read downed trees) for the Chicago Tribune story.
  • Off to Dallas for the gift mart
  • Currently setting off for my southern 8 day antiquing trip with my new friends Marija and Joyce.
  • Dinner in Atlanta with Eddie and Jaithan, a happy reunion.
                     W H E W!



Next posts...........The how to's of the WOW party
                          The opening of SG GRAND with a surprise, think Ellen Degeneres and Oprah!

                                 s t a y    t u n e d

xo
Debra






















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