Dear Readers,
How many of us have a similar sensory memory?
I hope you’ll enjoy mine while keeping cozy. Here in New Jersey, we’re contentedly snowed in.
Much love and warmth,
Mel
Simple Exotics: A Reverie
A 15-watt glow across her fine fingers on fabric. Red fez is ready to smooth her Singer’s fine stitches. Tang of the tiny citronella oil can.
Spilling from her hinged tin button box, a herd of white elephants. (I don’t yet know they once lived on an ivory silk blouse sewn on this cabinet model.)
A whiff of mid-century Bakelite, yellow and orange, from a tropical print cotton sundress. One, two, and four-holed buttons — tarnished brass, diamonds of glass.
The gentle machinery of Nana’s industry, the rhythm of her bobbing needle, and I’m drowsy on her sisal carpet, corduroy cushion under my head.
Mary Ellen Gambutti
Very nice!
I was reminded of my grandmother sewing on her Singer, too.