My Nanna

I can't think of yesterday, and the big Easter we had, without remembering my Nanna......she was the creator of Easter magic for many years.....Easter at her house.....with all the cousins together, to play and revel in egg hunts, chocolate, and delicious food......and she and I had the same birthday, and she was one of my people in this life.....you know the ones I am talking about....the people that touch us just a little more deeply....and I loved her so very much.....and as I wake up this morning tired.....but with my heart so full.....I feel proud of the job I did in hosting my family here yesterday.....and feel I did my Nanna proud.....feeling her smile down on us all......every bit of the preparation, and time, and energy I put in was worth it.....it brings me GREAT joy to host people in my home.....a joy I had forgotten some in my divorced life, forgetting how much I love it and how much it feels like me....my not having the opportunity as often....and I suppose it was just a matter of extending the invite, and getting myself back in the game again:) And having my new kitchen makes that all the more clear too.....wanting to host in my new space.....my family would have come to my place before, and I did host an Easter after my ex left here that was lovely...sans kitchen......but yesterday was extra special for so many reasons....and magic was in the air....and gosh I love when that happens......My Nanna was a fierce and strong woman....her faith guided her life.....and she always loved her family so deeply....she had candy containers on her island when I was growing up....gumdrops there just waiting on a little hand to need one.....and she loved to cook, and cooked beautiful meals for our family over the years......all of us packed into her tiny dining room, and her breezeway....sitting around and listening to the older folks tell wonderful stories about their lives......and as I ate my lasagna and meatballs yesterday, and sat back and watched my house a buzz with littles, and my grown cousins, and their families, I felt her there......right there.....she was a tough customer sometimes, and said it like it was, not mincing words, with anybody....but her heart was equally as big.....just so big and loving.......and willing to do anything for anybody....and I loved being around her......she cared about so many of the things I do......caring for people, feeding them, making them feel cozy and welcome.....she loved all of that too.....and perhaps yesterday begins a new tradition....one where I take the helm and begin my own Easter tradition here.......it certainly felt like it all came together exactly as it should.....and watching all the kids play together made my heart happy......We love you Nanna, and miss you fiercely, and are so grateful for all the Easters we got to have you! xoxo