On the day Nancy was born.
Happy Birthday to my dear Aunt Nancy, who is 80 today. Which, on my mom's side of the family, makes her young. Those women live well into their 90's and I don't expect Nancy to be any different.
I was the first grandchild born on both sides of the family. You know what that means...I was the favorite.
Nancy is a woman to look up to. She worked full time while putting herself through law school; not something a lot of women did many years ago. She never married. She is the keeper of the family lore. She needs to write that stuff all down. She loves to drive...fast. She had a Volkswagen Diesel Rabbit way before it was cool. She had an awesome studio apartment on West End Avenue in NYC that was the bomb. She worked in communications for many years. She lives in Vermont, a place of millions of memories for me, and I would guess my siblings and cousins. That is where she built her dream home and I might add, cared for her mom, my Nana, who lived until she was 98. She is obsessed with any and all gadgets and loves all things technical. She WILL read a manual. She is generous. She is fair.
I was the first grandchild born on both sides of the family. You know what that means...I was the favorite.
Nancy is a woman to look up to. She worked full time while putting herself through law school; not something a lot of women did many years ago. She never married. She is the keeper of the family lore. She needs to write that stuff all down. She loves to drive...fast. She had a Volkswagen Diesel Rabbit way before it was cool. She had an awesome studio apartment on West End Avenue in NYC that was the bomb. She worked in communications for many years. She lives in Vermont, a place of millions of memories for me, and I would guess my siblings and cousins. That is where she built her dream home and I might add, cared for her mom, my Nana, who lived until she was 98. She is obsessed with any and all gadgets and loves all things technical. She WILL read a manual. She is generous. She is fair.
Nancy gives outstanding gifts. She has given me gifts that fill my house and my heart because I know when I look at them or touch them or wear them, I can proudly say, "Aunt Nancy gave me that."
In 4th grade, a box arrived in the mail addressed to ME. From Bergdorf's. (Or, it might have been Bloomingdale's.) In it was THE perfect outfit. JUST FOR ME. I wore it for my class picture. Best guess is my sister Jane has that picture somewhere. Ivory turtleneck and a brown jumper. My hair is in pigtails.
When I was 13 I learned to navigate the Long Island Rail Road and the bus system in NYC when I took a multi-week course on pattern making on Madison Avenue. I don't sew anymore, but I could probably rock something out if I was asked to. Because I was going through Penn Station one weekend, I bought my first ever album, Fleetwood Mac "Rumors."
When I was 16 I received my first piece of Tiffany jewelry - the Elsa Peretti sterling silver "m" ~ of course I still have it.
When I graduated high school I received a Cartier Battersea Box - it's the four seasons, something that plays a massive part in TGHR.
Nancy is terrified of dogs. And yet, she gave us all the cutest, easiest dogs any of us have ever owned!
Paintings. Sculptures. Blown Glass. Bookends.
Everything is well thought out.
In 4th grade, a box arrived in the mail addressed to ME. From Bergdorf's. (Or, it might have been Bloomingdale's.) In it was THE perfect outfit. JUST FOR ME. I wore it for my class picture. Best guess is my sister Jane has that picture somewhere. Ivory turtleneck and a brown jumper. My hair is in pigtails.
When I was 13 I learned to navigate the Long Island Rail Road and the bus system in NYC when I took a multi-week course on pattern making on Madison Avenue. I don't sew anymore, but I could probably rock something out if I was asked to. Because I was going through Penn Station one weekend, I bought my first ever album, Fleetwood Mac "Rumors."
When I was 16 I received my first piece of Tiffany jewelry - the Elsa Peretti sterling silver "m" ~ of course I still have it.
When I graduated high school I received a Cartier Battersea Box - it's the four seasons, something that plays a massive part in TGHR.
Nancy is terrified of dogs. And yet, she gave us all the cutest, easiest dogs any of us have ever owned!
Paintings. Sculptures. Blown Glass. Bookends.
Everything is well thought out.
Nancy took me to see my first Broadway show at Lincoln Center in 1966. I was five! She took me to see Ethel Merman in "Annie Get Your Gun." Legend has it I came home and sang my heart out. Hands on hips and all.
And so, I say with all the love in my heart:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANCY!
Have a magical, wonderful, warm, know you are loved kind of day!
xoxo
And so, I say with all the love in my heart:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANCY!
Have a magical, wonderful, warm, know you are loved kind of day!
xoxo
I will send her this link in email. I would love it if you are a family member if you will add your thoughts in the comments and if you are a reader, please, join in the fun!
