How Many Wilkinson Women Does it Take?

Yesterday was our last prom. Only DA decided to go this year, and it's a good thing. it took all three of us and Auntie Jan next door to get her ready. It all started about six weeks ago when she showed me a picture and said, "Can you make this dress? But with an overlay?" I'm not one to back down from a sewing challenge so I said "Sure!" We spend $30 on fabric and a zipper, and I'm ready to go...sort of. I had some other sewing things to do, and the dress got put off - for about a month. And then DA was busy with her theatre stuff, and I don't have her body to measure when I need it. I get it done, though - with about four hours to spare!!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch (style house), DA is trying to figure out her makeup. This seems a little crazy to me because she does makeup all the time. However, I'm told that's stage makeup and this is different. (Who am I to say, I seldom wear makeup.) I suggest checking with Auntie Jan. She's able to do beautiful natural makeup. DA returns from next door with instructions and makeup. She takes all my brushes, because a friend has hers, and begins her transformation in the middle of the living room which is now dubbed "Prom Central" because her room is too small and cluttered (cluttered being the key word here). The results are beautiful!

The plan was for DB to do the hair. She knows her sister's curls and has a gift (it must come from her uncle) and is able to copy almost any hairstyle picture. DA decides to go with her "natural" hair instead of straightening it, so she's a little nervous. And since DB isn't getting home from work until about an hour before DA's date is to arrive, she's a little more nervous. She plans ahead, though, and has all the tools and products and a special snack for DB (she sometimes gets low blood sugar) all spread out and ready to go in Prom Central. The plan works perfectly. The hair is more fabulous than the picture - Grecian, just like DA wants.

The dress and shoes go on. the transformation from "one of the guys" to a gorgeous young woman is complete. Almost. She needs a purse for her ticket, phone and keys. Preferably a clutch. Well, now that's not something I would have. Neither do the girls. So another trip to Auntie Jan yields the perfect clutch to go with the shoes, earrings and necklace. Whew! She is now ready to outshine all the other girls - perfect hair and makeup, custom designed dress and perfect accessories. Just in time. The date should be here any minute. (He was actually a bit late - but she wasn't).

So in answer to the question - it takes three Wilkinson women and one super-incredible-to-the-rescue-chosen aunt to get one ready for prom.

P.S. And now I get to create a shorter version of the dress for DB to wear to graduation.

The Wreck

Puck, my cute little car, is gone. He passed away on April 1 about 4:00 in the afternoon. All because of a stupid decision on my part. I made a left turn on a busy street and was hit by a car coming over a hill. I didn't see her until it was too late to do anything. Puck was totaled. It's a sad, sad day. He gave his life to save mine. I walked away with only a few bruises and some hurt pride. There is definitely something to be said for German engineering!

If I someday get a chance to get another MINI, I will, but in light of upcoming events (see my last post) i think it's best if I go with something more modest at the moment. Thankfully, we got a good deal on Puck in the first place, and I took good care of him. The insurance company rewarded me with much more money than I expected to get (probably part of someone's room and board for next year). After some rational thought on the subject I've decided that the whole incident could be a good thing. DA doesn't plan on taking a car to UT. The parking is outrageous, and she can take a bust or ride a bike almost anywhere she'll need to go. And we will be living in the same city, after all. I can give her a ride if she really needs it. DB is currently driving John's old truck. She hates that it gets such awful gas mileage and is looking for a car to buy for herself. (She's doing very well saving her money. Yea, DB!) That means that come August we will have two vehicles sitting in our driveway. There's really no need to add a third. 

The only challenge is working out transportation for all of us from now until then. Once DB finds a car, it's easy. I drive the truck, but until then I'm at the mercy of my children. If they had wrecked their cars I would have said, "Natural consequences - you have to get around at the convenience of others." It's only fair that the same rule apply to me. So, please, sweet daughters, can I have a ride? I'll pay for your gas (and your food and your education and your insurance and your phones and your...)