born August 19, 1985. For a permanent one-year-old, she’s quite a dancer and a hell of a marksman. My kinda gal.
Today is my sister’s birthday. The only celebration of the event, however, will be in our thoughts. There will be tears shed, too, even though she has been gone now for almost 16 years. There will be tears of sadness, tears of pity — for ourselves and how much we’ve missed by not having her here. There will be tears of laughter as we imagine what she’d have to say if she were here, fussing over her birthday cake, opening gifts, chatting about the events of the day. One of her favorite sayings was that retro 60’s slogan: “Never trust anyone over 30.” At 36, she wouldn’t be able to trust herself and she’d be the first to get a kick out of that.
Now, we mostly imagine her chuckling as we make comments like: “Wouldn’t Connie just love that? Look, another Star Wars movie! Did you see the Lego movie on YouTube video with the…”
I’m sure what she’s enjoying now makes the best this world can offer pale into stupidity. I’m glad she’s safe. I’m so grateful she’s happy. I know she’s waiting for us. And that makes it all bearable.
Most days.
Happy Birthday, Connie.
Continuing with my goal of a book a week:
Last week’s book was: The Design of Sites by Duyne, Landay and Hong. Okay, granted it’s required reading for a class, it was still worth the read. Great ideas and insight if you’re developing websites.
This week’s read was Virginia Ironside’s No , I Don’t Want to Join a Book Club
Imagine Bridget Jones as a Golden Girl and you have the gist of it. Can woman who swung a few out of the park in London’s Swingin’ Sixties find happiness in her “golden years”? Our protagonist is not content to follow the lead of her contemporaries and quietly retire to bridge clubs and pining over “neglectful” children.
She’s not a curmudgeon. She’s opinionated, and still has the gall to believe that her opinion matters even if she is sixty. I like people with a spine. They’re such a rarity these days.
Recommended.
From the Stuff that Never Happened Dept: On August 15, 1792, Charles Darnay leaves England for Paris. Bad move, Chuck… (Charles Dickens: A Tale of Two Cities)
About a year ago, our cockatiel, Data, died after having been with us over twenty years. Data literally delivered himself, flying out of the sky and landing on my sister’s head and refusing to leave. Although pushy about being invited in, he was the perfect house companion: he loved to be petted and danced to rock and country alike — except for Willie Nelson. For some odd reason, just saying “Willie Nelson” in his presence would set off a fit of screeching. ::shrug:: To each his own, I suppose.
Data’s death left a surprisingly large hole for such a small critter, but Sunday, my brother and his wife brought my mom a new cockatiel. Being the quintessential Sopranos fan, Mom promptly dubbed the youngster Tony. Since his arrival, Tony has been socializing and singing like a… well, like a cockatiel. Mom might as well be Dr. Melfi. Thank God, there are no Feds in the house. Sorry, DJ.
Welcome to your new home, Tony. We’re glad to have you in the family.
Gillian Anderson born August 9, 1968 in Chicago.
David Duchovny born August 7 1960, New York City.
Photo courtesy of Duchovney Net
Tom McRae’s Karaoke Soul – song of the day.
Waiting out tropical storm Edouard. Not a hurricane, thank God, but pissed off nonetheless.
