Almost Wordless Wednesday - 180

This was our rockin Christmas Day karaoke party, courtesy of my brother-in-law Jeff, pictured at center. He's a karaoke DJ and brought his gear for us to sing to, one Christmas in the 90s.

Groovin to the tunes is my sister-in-law Karen and my husband Brad.

Poetry Train Monday - 169 - Drawing You In

This poem was written during the 3:15 Experiment last month, just after my sister's second wedding shower, hosted by her new family-in-law.
















Drawing You In


Your in-two-weeks sister-in-law
Had tears sparkling in her eyes
As you held up the
Handmade
Cooking apron

All the women
In your new family
Have a handmade apron

With her thread
She draws you in
With her stitches
She binds you to her
And to all of them
Even before you say

"I do"

© Julia Smith, Aug. 30, 2010














My sister with her husband and his brothers and sisters. The sister who made the apron is second from left.

There will be lots of wedding pix for Thursday Thirteen - never fear!

For more poetry, Ride the Poetry Train!

Thursday Thirteen - 174 - 13 Ways to Enjoy Two Wedding Showers

1 - Last weekend was a bridal shower double bill for my sister.

The first was a city shower hosted by my mom and my cousin, and was held at my cousin's house.


























2 - Above, Julianne MacLean and her cousin/bestest friend/critique partner, the bride-to-be, Michelle.

My sister with our mom, Paulette.



























3 - Tasty shower delectables.



























4 - Catching up with friends and family.































5 - Time to open prezzies. Including lovely confections like this lingerie.














6 - And this collection of recipes from my sister's friends at the office.


















7 - A new day, a new shower! This time at the cottage.



























8 - This shower was hosted by Michelle's new family-in-law-to-be. Above, her fiance's mother Joan chats with her lifelong friend.

My sister's new family-in-law has sisters, step-daughters, cousins, nieces and a step-granddaughter.































9 - More delish dishes of yumminess.












































10 - More fun - above, my mom nabs her gift back during a Yankee gift exchange.

The photographer informs Michelle what she'll be saying to Newt on the wedding night. These are taken from all of the bride-to-be's remarks as she opens her gifts. Hilarious!












































11 - More frothy confections!














12 - Newt's sister bestows a handmade cooking apron to Michelle. Now she's in like Flynn.

















13 - A lifetime of happiness is wished for Michelle and Newt!

Join me next week to hear what my sister's shower predicted would be her wedding night words.

Janet says I can't wait to read the 'wedding night vows' next week - I've been to showers that have played that game and it always turns out to be hilarious :)

Anne MacFarlane says Julia, it looks like so much fun. Hope Michelle's big day is just as wonderful.

Kelly Boyce says Congratulations to Michelle and Newt! I'm so happy for them.

Summer Stock Sunday - 7

Seventeen years ago today, I got ready for my wedding along with my best friend, another lifelong friend, my cousin, my sister, new sister-in-law-to-be and my husband's very dear friend from acting school - Andrea. She got to hang with both groups of the wedding party - the ones getting a French twist, which my mom did up (she was a hair dresser, once upon a time) and the ones getting dressed in tuxedoes.












My best friend Connie and my cousin Julianne flank Andrea and her completed French twist.












My cousin and my sister use hot rollers to give their hair more body before going up in the twist.


My mom gives my sister Michelle her 'do.







Doesn't Andrea look fabulous? She stood up for Brad as his 'best man', which we renamed as 'attendant of honour.'

That's Dave, our old roommate, one of Brad's groomsmen and the MC for the reception.






The wedding party assembles at the church.


My best friend - and matron of honour - hands out the bouquets.


I stand at the threshhold of my new life with my dad's hand embracing mine.


The exchange of rings.


Our hands joined in marriage. New beginnings still seem fresh to Brad and me all these years later.


For more Summer Stock Sunday, visit Robin at Around the Island.

Robin says I don't have any photos of people getting ready for our wedding, just the traditional album.

Bim says The photos are fab.

Michelle Johnson says What tender memories you've shared.

Thursday Thirteen - 106 - 13 Paintings By My Sister-in-Law, Violetta Smith

Oh look - there she is waiting for us. Hi, Violetta! ((hug))

Happy Birthday!

"Thank you Julia," she says as we head over to the gallery. I'm celebrating my sister-in-law's birthday today by having a showing of her work in my cyber gallery. "That is very nice of you," Violetta says. "That will make me feel very special."




Her husband Jeff meets us on the balcony before we head into the art show. "Hey bro," Jeff says to my husband Brad.

"Hey, Jeff," says Brad.

"Hey, Big Guy!" Violetta says, hugging Brad.



"Happy Birthday!" Brad says, giving her a big hug.

"I hope I don't have to make any speeches," Violetta says, laughing.

"Nah," I scoff. We're almost at the door. She turns and looks at Jeff, takes his hand and walks into the gallery.


















As I watch her walk in and look around at her paintings, I squeeze my husband's hand and feel so lucky to have Violetta as my sister-in-law.

Those Smith men really are magnetic - my husband pulled me from the Maritimes across three provinces to Ontario so we could meet. Jeff pulled Violetta all the way from Poland. It's probably why Violetta and I get along so well. We both fell under the same Smith spell.

I've always admired her adventurous spirit, coming to Canada and seizing life with both hands. I love her no-nonsense style, her easy laughter and her get-on-with-it manner.

I'm so glad you've come to my art show today, so we can enjoy the world as Violetta sees it.

Well, here we go.


- 1
















- 2














- 3














- 4














- 5














- 6
















- 7














- 8














- 9

















- 10

















- 11

















- 12
















- 13














Ha! Ha! Here comes Violetta, bobbing through the crowd with food for us.

"What are you doing?" I ask. "I should be getting it for you!"

"Just sit down and eat it!" she says.










Who can argue with that?

Happy Birthday, Violetta.


And thanks to you for joining us at her art show.





Marcia says Wow. I am so impressed. I do love her art work.

Jen says They are all amazing.... I love 7 and 12!!

Adelle Laudan says Those are fabulous. What a talented lady.