Celebrating Stella

Times are tough here at the Jonesy household this week. We had to replace the pool vacuum, our water service pipe, our car battery, and our garage door. Money becomes tighter every week and easily I can sit here and complain about it (which I have), but Gracie (a wise friend of mine) reminded me tonight on Facebook that all is well. As she said "All living things are OK; material things can be replaced." So true, so true. I bet my mom would give anything to be in the midst of my life and helping me in every way. So I sit here tonight dwelling on my mom and the joyful spirit she always tried to share with everyone. As I look back at this picture taken in Athens, Greece (isn't she stunning?) I remember all the parties our house hosted for friends and family. You wonder why I love to be the hostess of parties? Well I blame my mother! I found this old picture in the house on Madison where we grew up. My birthday is the day before Halloween and I just love the details captured in this photo of my party table. If you look closely you can see the effort my mom put into it to make it special and memorable. We always had her lady finger cake which was layered with peaches and whipped cream. And on my birthday she would always add some spider rings...to be festive. Look at the napkins and plates and paper cups...all layed out strategically, with purpose. Even the gold plated spoons. Yes those are real, from her china set. The table cloth, the candles, and behind that flash spot were my cousins nuts, ART nuts. I think those were everyone's favors! Love it! And let's not forget the orange balloons hanging from the kitchen chandelier. My parents didn't have much when they came from Greece. My dad came here with 200.00 in his pocket and I wonder if my mother ever worried about that like I do tonight. As a child I never wanted, I always had and those memories fill my heart as I type away tonight. Somehow all those material items that keep breaking down around us and those bills that keep accumulating slowly fade from the front of my list. Love you mom. Thanks for all my beautiful parties and your smile! You always made me feel better, you still do tonight:)