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Since my first introduction to Maxine sometime in the mid 80's, she reminded of my mother. Cranky, unapologetic, cigarette dangling from her lip, she made me laugh as she spouted epithets and opinions while her faithful dog was never far from her side. Later on, just like Mom, she became a nonsmoker, but she remained just as acerbic, never mincing a single word. Thank you, John Wagner, for creating Maxine. She allows each of us a self-indulgent, laughable look at what we hope we don't, but often inevitably do, become. Our mothers.
I will miss you. We were together for one entire wonderful month. I can hardly bear to give you up. But it is most definitely time to trim the nails. If only I didn't have to wear closed toe shoes for work, I could get by for perhaps one more week. So I bid you adieu, my very first professional pedi. 
And welcome in a home nail painting effort. I must say, all that buffing, moisturizing and massage is a pampering I shall never forget. Sigh.
I'd heard about them before, but had never seen one. Supposedly they show up, during certain astrological alignments, at a certain cigar bar in downtown Sioux Falls. Without visual evidence, I had exiled them to the mythological realm occupied by other alleged beasts. Sasquatch. Nessy. The Phoenix, Roc, Jabberwock. But then, Saturday evening, minding my own business and enjoying the music of Hank Harris, he appeared and asked if he could share my table. I said, sure, just don't block my view of Hank. He sat down, placing his drink and cell phone on the table before him. It was. The dreaded. Stogeez-er!! In a Hawaiian print shirt, lavender socks, blue loafers, and enough cologne to alter the taste of my Fat Tire beer even though we were outside and it was breezy and there were people smoking cigars nearby. He stayed for one drink, checking his cell phone at least three times, then disappeared into the night. I didn't take a picture. Though, according to Stogeezer legend, they cannot be photographed. Did other patrons see him, or was it just me?
*Something Red: The cotton nightie I'm still wearing despite that we are well into the afternoon. Hey, it's a holiday! It actually translates very well into daywear when I pull on denim shorts under it!
*Something White: Me. I'm an American of Norwegian and Scottish extraction. Meaning that I fry to a crisp with as little as 20 minutes of sun exposure. Hence my addiction to 40 spf sunscreen. Freckles optional.
*Something Blue: The luscious blueberries tucked into the double batch of muffins I baked this morning. Find the recipe here.
According to Sex and the City, each of us experiences two great loves. I'm not entirely sure that I agree with this theory of twos, but I like the idea. On a purely selfish level, this would mean there is another one on the way for me! On a more serious note, the two lovely ladies in the photo at left are a shining and positive example of the premise of pairs. They are the two loves of my brother Cullen's life. Pam, of the green eyes and red hair, was married to Cullen for nearly sixteen years. Until the day that he died just over a year ago, she was his love and partner in life. Sara, of the brown eyes and beautiful smile, was the first love of Cullen's life. They dated off and on during high school and college. When Cullen and Sara parted ways, I think I was nearly as heartbroken as they were. And Cullen, until he found Pam, seemed to just be biding his time. He had found his second great love, there could be no doubt to anyone who saw them together. Sara and Pam did not meet until six months after Cullen died. It seemed to me when I snapped this photo of them, that they were kindred spirits right down to their souls. Cullen had an enviable talent for making friends, a way of bringing people together. Even after he was gone this legacy continued. And this gives me hope. Sara is with the second love of her life. His name is Mark, and they have a beautiful daughter together. And even though it is nearly unthinkable to me, and probably even more so for Pam, according to the theory of two great loves, she is due one more. As much as I loved my brother, life is for the living, and he would be the last one to begrudge her that gift. I don't envy the man that might try to win Pam's heart, he has a tough act to follow. But as Pam says, life is long. I can only hope that there will be time for so many more good things.
Just for fun, I thought I'd see if I could post something every single day in July! That would mean that I have to start today. Does this count? As well as taking up more space, therefore legitimising this post, this is a photo of my alter-ego, Tinker Bell. The photo is courtesy of son Michael, who snapped this image of Topiary Tink earlier this year at Disney World. One down, thirty to go!
