have kindly sponsored

This past weekend when I was at Gareth's home in Wales, my stepmom called the house to speak with me and as a result spoke with Gareth's mom as well. And as that seemed to go well, I think that subsequent meetings might turn out well too. Gareth's mom had seemed very amused by this conversation, especially considering that I had prepped her ahead of time with a genealogy chart of my family and exactly the words my stepmom would use down to their inflection.

The big meeting between both sides of my family is meant to happen this week and once again I can not help but be a little pleased I am out of the country. Having my mom, stepdad, father and stepmom all in one room along with myself just scares me. I wonder sometimes how my parents ever married considering how different they are. They divorced when I was very young and have since married people who I must admit seem more suited to the both of them. This is not any criticism of them or their partners what so ever. I love them all. I just do not want to be there when they gather together for the first time since I graduated from college five years ago.

On the phone my stepmom informed me of her meeting this coming week with the best florist in town (her words). Everyone knows him apparently. I would not know the best florist in town if threatened with bodily harm. It is a good thing I have parents who do.

In the meantime, I have been instructed to figure out how many people will need flowers and to finally settle out my colours. Maybe I should scare them by announcing I am in love with deep brown and maroon.

27 September 1999, Stacie Lewis