Stephenson Family Ties

Taking joy in life is a woman's best cosmetic. 

-Rosalind Russell

Dearest Lois,
You've just had a birthday..and if I were a bet'in lady..I'd wager a huge pile of cash that NOBODY could   accurately guess your age...due to that darling face!!  For a woman who's visited deaths door and back...you could and do fool us all!!
Always a hip hair style, a closet full of cute shoes, the latest fashions adorning your trim bod, and an ever present smile, plus that contagious laugh, with the wit of a well paid comedian, all lend to your youthful appearance. I doubt we'll ever see a time that you'll be found just standing on the sidelines of life.  You're creative, resilient and enjoy a  feisty spirit that will forever keep you young my kindred spirit friend.
Your gift is seeing and building a life full of inspiring and fulfilling adventures. You are full of love and you spread that love wherever you go. When you're in a room full of people, EVERYONE  feels of your love and your exuberance for life.Your radiance is contagious...and all that speak to you come away feeling happier and appreciated. What a gift you have my friend. What a gift.
This one is for you Lois!!
May you always be your luscious self with a cherry on top!!!
Love you!!

MORE WHIPPED CREAM PLEASE

I have a new delightful friend, 

I'm almost in awe of her.

 When we first met I was impressed, 

By her bizarre behavior.

 That day I had a date with friends, 

We met to have some lunch.

 Mae had come along with them, 

All in all - a pleasant bunch.

 When the menus were presented, 

We ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups. 

Except for Mae who circumvented,

 And said, "Ice cream, please. Two scoops."

 I was not sure my ears heard right, 

And the others were aghast.

 "Along with heated apple pie,"

 Mae smiled, completely unabashed.

 We tried to act quite nonchalant,

 As if people did this all the time. 

But when our orders were brought out,

 I did not enjoy mine.

 I could not take my eyes off Mae, 

As her pie ala-mode went down.

 The other ladies showed dismay, 

They ate their lunches, and they frowned.

 Well, the next time I went out to eat, 

I called and invited Mae. 

My lunch contained white tuna meat, 

She ordered a parfait.

 I smiled when her dish I viewed, 

She asked if she amused me.

 I answered, "Yes, you do,

 And you also do confuse me."

 "How come you order rich desserts 

When I feel I must be sensible?" 

She laughed and said, with wanton mirth,

 "I am tasting all that's possible."

 "I try to eat the food I need, 

And do the things I should. 

But life's so short, my friend, indeed, 

I hate missing out on something good."

 "This year I realized I was old," 

She grinned, "I've not been this old before. 

So, before I die, I've got to try, 

Those things for years I have ignored.

 "I've not smelled all the flowers yet, 

And too many books I have not read. 

There're more fudge sundaes to woof down, 

And kites to be flown overhead."

 "There're many malls I have not shopped, 

I've not laughed at all the jokes.

 I've missed a lot of Broadway Hits,

 And potato chips and cokes."

 "I want to wade again in water,

 And feel ocean spray upon my face. 

Sit in a country church once more, 

And thank God for His grace."

 "I want peanut butter every day, 

Spread on my morning toast,

 I want un-timed long distance calls, 

To the folks I love the most."

 "I've not cried at all the movies yet, 

Nor walked in the morning rain.

 I need to feel wind in my hair,

 I want to fall in love again."

 "So, if I choose to have dessert, 

Instead of having dinner,

 If I should die before nightfall, 

You'd have to say I died a winner."

 "That I missed out on nothing, 

That I had my heart's desire. 

That I had that final chocolate mousse, 

Before my life expired."

 With that, I called the waitress over, 

"I've changed my mind, it seems." I said, 

"I want what she is having, 

Only add some more whipped cream." 

 Virginia (Ginny) Ellis Copyright, 2000