Here I go a blogging.

Recently I wondered if I should blog and asked a few friends to help me decide. Those who answered me said, "sure, why not?" so here goes.

First of all the title needs some explanation: the Plaid Apron represents so much about me and mine. It is fun and plaid and adventurous and always moving forward. It loves to make or rekindle connections, doesn't mind a little grime or mess, will hold you tight when you need it and is very family oriented. It has an amazing sense of humor and somehow gets people talking. It loves to be photographed living life!! and it really loves suprises.

I never would have had some of my favorite moments of 2009 if someone had not taken the apron from my sister Lois' kitchen. But none of us would have been in the kitchen in the first place had Lois not decided that we all needed to celebrate the miraculous recovery of my nephew in the winter from Guillian-Barre Syndrome. What Stefan endured was hard and sudden and scary and made a difference in how this clan communicated. Now; we often touched base with one another at holidays, and more often at funerals, but because of wonderful (!) Facebook and e mail we were in instant touch regarding Stefan during his bout with this illness. We may be miles apart but we were always together. In June the party brought many of us face to face. Generations of cousins, with spouses and children travelled to upstate NY to rejoice and reconnect. It was two days of fun and hugs.
On that one weekend I remembered that a long time ago I told someone I am most myself when I am around my siblings and cousins. My husband and sons and my current circle of friends know the real me, but with my family I just let it be and dont worry too much about editing my comments, or holding back my emotions. They like me just the way I am and always have. At least, that is the feeling I get from them.
So the day was joyous and for some reason at the end of the day a crafty person took that plaid apron and the rest is Macaluso history in the making. So far it has traveled to sentimental places in Brooklyn, its original home, to the shores of 2 oceans and many places in between. Everytime is reveals itself again it makes people laugh and yet no one knows where or when it will show up again. Just like life--full of twists and turns and oh wow moments.

It seems Flat Stanlyish, silly and immature to some, I suppose, but I dont care. I love that I can say "hey, have you seen where the apron was today?" and the hilarity begins again.

p.s. I wish I was cooking with that apron today because it is still in HAWAII!! (or is it??)