Have I got a tale for you...hoo...hooo...
I'm sure many of you thought it was strange that Ashley gave me the dreaded Hooty bird. After all, I had mocked it, guffawed at it, and called it a mass-produced piece of junk manufactured for the gauche masses. I was thoroughly annoyed that it was the PDR that put her over the top in Round One, and cinched her eventual win. Even our friends were blown away by Hooty. Oh, Hooty, how I despised thee.
As October wore on, I was dreading the arrival of the 10th. As many of you may or may not know, my sister passed away on 10/10/10 after a long battle with lupus. Though she had been sick for many years, she wasn't sicker than usual, and her death was a huge shock. Add on the fact that I had a newborn that was less than 2 weeks old, and I was a basket case. I wasn't able to attend her funeral because of Blakely, which didn't help things. At that time, Ashley was a great friend and true cheerleader. She brought me gluten-free apple pies (she had to chase down gluten-free Bisquick!) and treats, and cute cards with exceptionally funny and touching words.
Fast forward to the 10th this year. I woke up in a sad and somber mood, trying to get up the will to leave the house for the day. It was a beautiful and warm day as I stepped outside...and saw Hooty gracing my doorstep. I laugh and cried when I saw him on my step.
The best part was the fact that she did something thoughtful and nice with an undercurrent of funny mixed in.....totally Eriika. In fact, she has stood in for Eriika so many times this year I've lost count. I've run party menus by her, gift ideas, primary questions....all of the things I would have used Eriika for. She's been a true friend and sister to me in ways I cannot describe properly in person, or on paper, but I hope she has a inkling of how much her friendship means to me.
And that is the true tale of how the Hooty bird came to my house, and how he helped me cinch a hard-fought win. I didn't want to share the tale before and tip the scales in my favor out of pity--or worse, send the votes Ashley's direction for her friendly ways! Just kidding. Kind of.
So, thank you Ashley and Hooty for brightening my sad day, and for making my September-November a hilarious time when I needed cheering up the most. I smile and think of Eriika every time I pass him on the way in and out of my house. He's even better with his adorable Pilgrim's hat. I have a consolation prize for you that I suspect would make Bob Barker proud. Naturally, I bought one for myself, so we'll be all matchy-matchy. Just like sisters should be.
9 comments:
Oh my goodness. Talk about the ultimate blow. I come over here, see Hooty's picture, and naturally build up my defenses for a braggy victory speech and instead I get this?!? Shot to the heart. You are killing me. It's the ultimate display, a display of total undeserved praise and kindness and a good measure of gracious Display-Off Champion good sportsmanship. I have been outmatched again.
You are way way too kind in your post. If I have been a decent friend this year it's only been in keeping up with your friendship to me.
I understand having an Eriika, and while I am lucky to still have Brooke I also love having a Brooke/Eriika figure just around the corner who is familiar with all the people/places/events in my life!
Okay, now this is descending into some sort of open love letter on the web, so I will go no further, but let me just say Right back at ya kid. Mean Girls is not an accurate description of us.
And I give you my sincerest congratulations on your victory. You deserve it. You out-displayed me and I lost hard (still holding out hope for that last vote!) but I don't regret a thing--okay maybe I regret not putting a pilgrim hat on Hooty but that's it.
Now, what is this consolation prize of which you speak? It better not be another scarecrow.
This post is really really sweet. I am so glad Ashley has you since I am all the way in Utah. I am even more glad that I get to dine with you and Ash and Kristine in a mere matter of days!!
And congrats on your win! You deserved it! And I do take credit for introducing the blogging world to Greg. His vote post was hilarious.
Kaari--
Thanks for sharing such a personal, poignant vignette.
It's great that you and Ashley have such a great friendship. I feel like the friendly banter between the two of you is a testament to the strength of that friendship.
Even though I've never met you outside the blogosphere, I think Eriika was blessed as well to have you as her sister. :)
This really is the sweetest thing. (However, you're not allowed to make me teary-eyed at work!) I didn't know Eriika, but knowing you and hearing you describe her, I can only imagine how fun she was. And while I'm sure Ashley would love to be living in Utah near her family, I'm glad she's out here for you. :)
That was really sweet. And here I am thinking you guys are bitter enemies after all that displaying off.
I reckon friends are lifes compensations. I am so glad you had Ashley to bring you some sunshine at this time of year.
Sweet post, Kaari. Glad that you have a friend like Ashley in your life. And congrats on winning the display off. Eriika would be proud!
Kaari--
I went back to read your posts about your sister Eriika and they were not only fun to read, but also really fun. It's awesome that her memory lives on because of you and your blog posts!
Ashley, your concession speeches are incredibly funny. I just re-read your comment and I think my favorite part was: "I've been outmatched again."
I'm sorry you didn't come out on top, but in the Display-Off, but thanks for turning your "lemons" into "lemonade" with your witty comment.
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