Monday, July 12, 2010

Fifty and Fabulous

My sister is my favorite girlfriend in the whole world.
 We’re only 17 months apart, and I don’t know a world without her.
I don't want to.

I'm the one with her mouth open...

We’re told that we look alike, but we don’t see it.
She’s tall; I’m short.
She’s thin and maintains a consistant weight.
I’m not, and I        't...           
                      d   n

                         o

She’s brunette; I’m rather blond.

She always looks “just so”; I always look just so…disheveled.
Yet we are constantly being confused.

One day, she walked into a local department store and was accosted by the annoying Clinique girl who gushed and raved about the sister’s wonderful transformation. She had lost weight! Her skin was amazing! And that hair color and style? Why… it did wonders for her. Yes, indeed, my sister had undergone The Great Makeover Miracle Adventure.

Only she hadn’t.
Annoying Clinique Girl just thought that she was talking… to me.
You know… the short, dumpy, washed out, wrinkly one.
(How she also thought that I had grown five inches and two good eyebrows is beyond me. I should worry what this woman thinks?)

I only know this story because my sister could hardly wait to tell me. That’s the kind of relationship that we have. She knew that it would make me laugh, and that I would retell it for years embellished with a little decoration.

I did. I do. And I just decorated.

Did I remember to mention that she’s turning fifty today …
…and I’m not?

Her daughters surprised her with a birthday party on Saturday with her closest friends. 


The theme was Fifty and Fabulous, and she celebrated with her three favorite things:
Family
Friends
And chocolate.
Guests were asked to bring that last item.
 She will be Sister on Speed for the next month and a half.

This could present a problem because she inherited the Duchess’s do more gene. She is the most ambitious person that I know, and I don’t think there is a thing she isn’t willing to attempt.

Except blogging.

Family, faith, and home are more important to her than anything. She walked away from a very successful career over twenty years ago to play house with me. I say with no decoration that she is one of the most gifted homemakers I have ever known.


So in celebration of her birthday, I thought I would share just a bit of her heart. Did I mention that she is a farmer’s wife?

So if you look out her front door today, you would see this.

 As high as an elephant's eye...

Or from the back


She also inherited the Duchess's green thumb...
Oh, how I wish the shiny red Kodak did it justice....
 
Her gardens border the entire lawn.
 
 
They separate it from the fields...

Which in other seasons are filled with cows.


Who are currently pasturing with the newlywed niece


Myrtles and jasmine from her laundry room window...


And that's the outside...
and only a peek.
It's even more lovely on the inside.

Just like her...

Happy 5OTH dear sister!

I want to grow up to be just like you...

only younger.  


15 comments:

Linda W said...

Wishing your dear sister a fantastic and fun-filled birthday and Birthday Week! And, wishing you a week to celebrate with her, as the younger sis!

PS And, yes, her gardens and yard are absolutely breathtaking!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much. What a beautiful, yet undeserving post. Could I go on record and say I want to grow up and be you, too? (Especially the younger part). You're a grand little sister and I love you. A little birdie told me you helped with that surprise party...and I could tell. Your special touches were everywhere.

Hugs,
Denise

PS I only wish my yard had more in bloom--it's been a LOT hot and dry here lately.

Debbie said...

I'm laughing.
I just KNEW that you would think it wasn't colorful enough. I can't help it that your birthday is in July, Miss Perfectionist.

I promise to post beautiful spring garden pictures.

Renée said...

Well "Happy 50th Birthday" Denise! Your home and gardens are bee-utiful and it looks like your party was a smashing success. You are extra lucky to have such a sweet little sis that many of us adore too! All of you have a fun week, and Denise, (from a 56 year old), want to maintain the fit part? Share the chocolate...after 50 it's not the same...:D

Unknown said...

How fun!! What a great relationship you share with your sister-one to be treasured.
Even though all the genes seem lopsided, it's always the best to be the little sisiter!!!
xoxo
lynn

southerninspiration said...

Oh how fun...and how nice to have a sister to be close to. I'm just a little older, so I could be the older sister....the bossy one! :D

Suzanne
Sister's yard is amazing...tell her I said so...please.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

This is a fabulous tribute to your sister, Debbie! You had me hanging on every word. Totally enjoyable and heartfelt. And this line had me just screaming with laughter...

(How she also thought that I had grown five inches and two good eyebrows is beyond me. I should worry what this woman thinks?)

Love it! And I love your sister's yard, too. It is beautiful. I adore crape myrtles, and hers are perfect.

Please let me wish your sister a very Happy Birthday and all the best in the year to come. I know one wish that has come true and that is having the world's best little sister!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Ann said...

What a beautifully said post to honor your sister on her birthday. And I am envious of her gardens! Even in this heat and dry weather they look absolutely gorgeous!

~Ann

FrouFrouBritches said...

You were such a pretty little thing! That is so sweet...and hysterical. Her yard is beautiful! I'm so jealous of anyone who doesn't kill plants with one look, like I do. Love the theme of her party. I need to throw one for my 40th next year and make sure everyone brings me chocolate!! HA!

Have a great Monday!

Jennie said...

You have such a beautiful family, inside & out! (Even if you do make me feel INCREDIBLY inadequate when it comes to all things home, interior and exterior!) I'm blessed to know you all! Happy Birthday to your (just barely) older sis! ;)

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Happy birthday Sis! I have a brother I am very close to that is 13 months older than me, I love that I will never be as old as him!!!

Thanks for stopping by
Carol

Gayle said...

What a cute duo you two made, and how nice to have a sister so close in age. (This from an identical twin, of course.) Her place looks so peaceful and is so beautiful. I've always wanted a pretty backyard. Sounds simple, but I've not had one yet...and time is marching on.

Tell you sister happy birthday from your new Texas friend.

Tracy F. said...

A sweet, fun story and pretty pictures. "There is no friend like a sister."

Manda said...

I loved this post.... I like how you rubbed in the SHE'S 50 and you are not (yet). It gave me a good little chuckle that was much needed today.
Thank you, Debbie. I hope you enjoyed a fair piece of that cake... I wouldn't have even wanted to share (it looked so delicious).

Leslie {Goodbye, house. Hello, home!} said...

How blessed you are to have a relationship with your sister like you do!
I was happily reading along, and expected the next pictures with the shiny red Kodak to be inside her house!
Waaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!
Tell sissy to perfect the inside (I read your discourse with her above in the comments), and let you take pictures--her fans are awaiting the tour!!
I can say that you are also my sister.
In the Lord!
You are my big sister, though.
;)
HUGS!
~me

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