I was given my address book back in 1996. It was a gift from my sister and the theme of the book was "Victorian Flowers". She found it amusing to give me a book with a giant "Victoria" on the front since this is her name. For years I have filled it up with family and friends. I also use a Christmas card book to make little check marks near the names included in the annual tradition of the holiday card. The last few years grew complicated. My mother was no longer feeling well enough to sit and write out her list of cards. My Dad was growing sad at how many names had been scratched off. He is 85 and the youngest of his tribe of nine so there were lots of beloved friends and family with black lines through them. Writing out the holiday cards got even more complicated this past year. Not only did I have to write out the cards for all of us because Mom was ill in the hospital for weeks but halfway through the completion of the stack...she passed away. I also had to edit my list as my own separation made it even more complex. The piles of photo cards, envelopes, stamps and lists sat there frozen on the dining table for weeks. Time had stopped. If you got a card of my adorable children and pooch this past year consider yourself lucky. If you didn't please forgive me for it was complicated to say the least.
After analyzing my own book I realized that it had saddened me as well. Divorces, deaths and long lost pals no longer needed cards but were still there as reminders of a time gone by. Somewhere in the back of my mind for what seems like years was the need for a new book. A fresh one. No crossed out addresses. Fresh lines where the rule of "pencil only" could apply. At least that way it just takes the swipe of an eraser to clean out the cobwebs.
On my recent NY trip I found the perfect new addy book. It is The Metropolitan Museum of Art New York book and it features gorgeous art work from many different artists and styles while all honoring my city. Tonight I will transfer the information.
Here are some interesting things that have been stored within the pages:
· I found a sealed envelope tucked away. it was an invite to Ethan's 1st bday party. He's five.
· Address change card from niece and nephew...when they only had a cat named Pandora. Now they have a pooch named Potato and two gorgeous baby girls. RIP, Pandora.
· A card for my friend Colleen that was returned for incorrect address. It had my old address from several years ago. I opened it and it was a congrats card for the birth of Aidan. I wonder how old he is now.
· A family newsletter from a friend of mine from 2003.
· A business card from Emmy Josephs: Licensed Massage Therapist (one of you will get a kick out of this)
· The number from a midwife I never used
· Phone number for Tina @ Penney's
·Business card from my friend Chris...three jobs ago
· Directions to somewhere...maybe I should drive to see where it takes me
·Business card from Chris' wife, Nicole...two jobs ago
And a few other tidbits:
·Matt Arnold (aka Balti) I wonder where you are these days
·there are two people for which I have no recollection
·I have completely lost touch with some old co-workers
·In Memoriam: Aunt Rose & Uncle Paul, Jeff Broxterman, Jay & Deanie Peck, Uncle Tony, Annabell Rice, Giorgio Tavani, Annette, Courtney, Hans and Pop Pop Ed (that does not include my Mom's book)
I will move the names and addresses. Some of you have moved quite a bit. Some are divorced. Others are married. There are new last names. There are tiny names added to margins. Some are ghosts completely forgotten until this moment. Maybe I should have left well enough alone. Maybe we should write in black ink as to never forget. I mean...if you have earned a space in the book you must be pretty special, right? Maybe I can transfer a few honorary members but it is time to change out the old with the new. Goodbye, cover laced with Victorian flowers...hello, Spring in Central Park.
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