A cousin reunion

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Yesterday, I had the pleasure of getting together with my first cousin, who was in Denver on business.  I haven't seen her in about 10 years.
I drove up the highway just in time to meet her for dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, Willie Gs.  We started with crab cakes, moved on to steak, and finished off with...
a little pineapple upside down cake, served warm with coconut topped ice cream (we shared.)  It was special because it's really the most time I ever remember spending with her.  When we were kids, her parents divorced and after that we saw little of each other -- you know how that can happen in families.  It was great to have this special time with her, getting to know her, really.  I am happy to know we share a lot (besides DNA)!
Since I knew she was bringing me some family photos from our aunt who passed away a couple of years ago, I brought her a gift as well.
I made this mixed media collage for her, using a photo of our grandmother as the focal point.  Included in the background is an image of the Golden Gate Bridge Fiesta -- when they opened the bridge to pedestrian traffic during its debut in the 1930s.  It's special to me because my father remembers walking across it that day, as a child.
We think our grandmother was beautiful.  I added color to her shirt, gave her a skirt of a 1910 ledger page from a general store, and added a Dresden foil belt.  I gave her faux hand and bouquet taken from antique calling card scrap.
She really enjoyed the gift -- I'm so glad!  It was special to make it for her, and think about our grandmother and how happy she would be to know her two granddaughters made the effort to get together.
It was lovely to be in downtown Denver, too, on a rare Spring night where we didn't even need jackets!  The town (and its people) were decked out in green to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
...Did you notice the little decoration in one of the photos above -- the one that looks like a man in the moon?  It was made for me by Terri and was a gift for this past holiday.  Isn't it spectacular?  Terri is so talented and I'm ueber excited to know I'll be seeing her in June at Birdsong 3!

Comments

Unknown said…
Such a lovely collage. I'm sure she will treasure it always. It is really fun to me to create something with an object or point from my family or some part of my own history. Glad you had a great time.
March 17, 2013 at 6:35 AM
Veronica Roth said…
Hi Laurie, it looks like you had a lovely visit with your cousin and I bet she loved her collage and will cherish it. I love how thoughtfully you've incorporated the relevant and important memories from your grandmother's life. Hope it isn't another 10 year before you see each other again.
March 17, 2013 at 9:03 AM
Kathy said…
Your collage is just wonderful and yes, your Grandmother would be very happy!!
March 17, 2013 at 9:40 AM
Thistle Cove Farm said…
I dang near punched a hole through my screen trying to grab that pineapple upside down cake with coconut ice cream. For a second, almost had it!
March 17, 2013 at 12:07 PM
Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said…
How lovely that you were able to get together with your cousin after so long. I have cousins that I've not seen in forever. The collage you made is so very special! Have a wonderful day. Tammy
March 17, 2013 at 1:40 PM
Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said…
What a fun time, I'm sure you two could have talked all night. Hopefully it will be the first of many visits. The collage you created is so special!! Thanks for sharing Laurie.
March 18, 2013 at 5:32 PM
Lani Robertson said…
I love the art that you created for your cousin! Your Grandma was a very beautiful woman. Hope you had a great time catching up with her! :)
March 19, 2013 at 8:14 AM
Ana said…
Hi Laurie,
Sounds like your cousin and you had a wonderful get together. What a sweet and thoughtful gift you made her.

Thank you for stopping by for a visit. I had so much fun at the Dress Form Ball I can't wait til next year. Looking forward to seeing you there. Wishing you a wonderful day.

❤Ana
March 19, 2013 at 9:13 AM
Linda said…
the collage is such fun! bet your grandmother would have gotten a kick out of it. cute clown box.
March 19, 2013 at 9:47 AM
The Junque Seeker said…
The collage you created is amazing. Something about the colors and elements really spoke to me. I know your cousin will treasure it. I love the way you've displayed your little pixie box, too! XO
March 22, 2013 at 6:25 PM
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