Making Memories

I'm not a big "shopper." My aunt Sonja could shop all day every day and never tire of it. I can hang for a few hours but then I'm done. However, I do love spending time with those I love while they shop and if I happen upon a great deal then that's even better.  Last weekend Kristen and I went shopping at the Tanger Outlets in Mebane.  She needed a few items and I went along just for the ride and really to just spend time with her. I had to laugh as I watched her shop.  She is a unique shopper in that she goes in the store and knows within seconds if there is anything in there for her.  She was like a speed demon in that store. I kid you not, we left Winston Salem at 4:00, drove to Mebane, shopped and we were eating dinner at 6pm.  Done, finished and on our way.  No need to touch every item in the store. She knew what she wanted. We went in. We conquered and were victorious and home at 8:30. It is a little over an hour drive from our home to the outlets. Honestly, I hardly knew we had even been shopping. We laughed, had fun, experienced a random act of kindness, which was very cool by the way, and conquered Tanger Outlets in less than an hour.  Most importantly though, we spent time together and made new memories. Memories that will hopefully last a lifetime.

My Aunt Sonja, me and my daughter, Kristen

Memories...I remember shopping many times with my Mawmaw Polly.  That lady could shop like no other and could outlast me any day of the week.  I called her one night, after having spent all day shopping with her,  and asked her if she was o.k.  She said yes, why?  I told her my feet and legs were killing me and I could barely walk. She just giggled in that shy little giggle of hers.  She had walked the mall all day long in heels and stockings. I had worn tennis shoes and sweats.  I'm telling you she was a seasoned shopper. Me, well not so much.  I laugh when I remember her accidentally knocking things off the rack and walking away like nothing happened. What? I would pick the items up and put them back on the shelf.  She was so smooth. Or the endless shoes that she would try on.  Did I mention endless shoes.  She could give Imelda Marcos a run for her money. She would finally purchase the "perfect" pair and wouldn't you know it, the next week we would go back to the mall to return them. Yes, that's right, return them.  She was the best returner ever. You couldn't give me a million dollars for those memories. They are priceless to me.  Especially this time of year.  I can't go in a store decorated for Christmas and not think about her. I look at ornaments and think that she would have liked this one or that one. She absolutely loved Christmas. I always felt privileged to decorate her tree on Thanksgiving day after we finished lunch.  It was a special time and a memory that is very special and dear to me and I miss her dearly.

 "Me and my Mawmaw Polly"

I have a new daughter in law this year and she and our son will be spending Thanksgiving with her family. We've been talking about new traditions that we can begin that will be special to our family since they will miss most holidays here. Since they will be traveling, we've decided that us girls will get together on the Monday after Thanksgiving and decorate the tree here at my house. I will have dinner ready when they get home from work and then we will start decorating. Remembering and reflecting on the old and making new.   

What are your favorite Thanksgiving or Christmas memories or traditions?  Will you be making any new traditions this year?  I would love to hear from you.  Leave a comment at the bottom and tell me a favorite memory or a new tradition.

Until we meet again,

Fifi

I have been delayed in publishing this post because I couldn't find this picture of me and my precious Mawmaw. I had packed up all framed pictures when we remodeled earlier in the year. Mawmaw Polly passed away in November 2009 and this is the last picture of the two of us together.  I couldn't publish this post without this picture. I just couldn't.  James was diligent in searching until he found it. Thank you honey for being patient and for looking behind me in the same box that I had looked in five times and finding this precious photo. I love you!