have kindly sponsored
Sad news this week from my father. He wrote me to let me know my dog of 13 years had been put to sleep. J.L. had been very ill for quite awhile. He could not stand or eat properly when I left for London, so I had been preparing myself for this letter. I did not realise how sad the news would be for me. After all you say to yourself, it is just a dog, but really they are your close companion for years. It is one of those times when I really wish I was in the States to have gone with my father to the vet, and also for one last romp with my pup.
At the end of the letter he told me that he had not been thinking a lot about the wedding, but that he was considering just keeping it a family event. I would like at least my close friends to be able to attend the ceremony, so I will have to speak to him about this.
The other news, and more cheerful news as well, I would like to thank all of you have been emailing me with your own stories. I even got an email from Hong Kong! I am going to try and incorporate some of your ideas and questions in my column, so keep them coming!
To start out, I got a letter asking me how I was choosing my colours. It seems I am not the only one suffering from parents desperate to find out what the colour of the bridesmaids dresses will be. And with everything else going on - teaching in particular - it is one of the last things on my mind. What ever colours I do choose, I plan on going for more neutral and light shades, like an off-white, pale pink or blue, or silver. I think all my bridesmaids will appreciate a less extravagant colour scheme. Besides, any of these colours, because they are so neutral, will look great in any location we - finally!- decide to use. And by using lighter shades for the dresses, I can brighten up the ceremony with the bouquets and flowers without looking to ostentatious. Fortunately though I have plenty of time to linger over this subject, so I am allowed to put the parental investigations on hold, at least until Christmas.
8 November 1999,
Stacie Lewis