Guest Blogging: (Aunt) Mary

Hope’s note: today’s post comes from a family friend that my sisters and I have adopted as our very own aunt. I’m not sure why, with a family as big as ours, we feel the need to keep adding extra family members. Maybe because our family is so amazing, we think that everyone should be a part of it. Maybe it’s because we have a lot of love to go around. I suspect that a lot of it has to do with how awesome Mary (along with all of our other honorary relatives) is. Whatever the reason, we’ve dubbed Mary an Aunt and she definitely lives up to the title. And I’m not just saying that because she makes the best brownies in the whole entire world.

Mary has a fantastic blog, located here, and she also writes romance novels. I have read both of her published books and they are chock full of naughty (I keep wanting to say bits or parts, but that just sounds bad) sections. Maybe one of these days I’ll feature her during Book Report Friday. 

I’m very flattered that Hope invited me to guest blog during NaBloPoMo along
with the women to whom she’s related by blood.  Although I sometimes sign my
comments “Aunt” Mary Stella, she and I aren’t actually related.  This
doesn’t mean that we aren’t family.  I believe that family encompasses more
than the people with whom you share DNA.  Each of us also gets to expand our
families with good friends. Our mutual connection goes wayyyy back.  Her
father (Hi, Ricky!) and my older brother Joe (You bet I want everyone to
know he’s older!) met and became friends in college in the 70s.  (The
geezers!)

I’ve known the family for many years.  Rick, Patricia and Melissa came down
for Joe and Perri’s wedding.  I remember when Hope and then Christina and
Allison were born.

Over the years, our families have gathered every August for a weekend of
togetherness, camaraderie, music, and spaghetti sauce. (Wish I’d been to all
of them, but I’ve made it to many.) One of the things I like most about
these get-togethers is the that, as a group, we spend a lot of time talking
and sharing quality time — playing music and games, singing, cooking large
meals in the kitchen, and gathering around the big oval table to share the
delicious food.

I have to say, it’s been fun watching the second generation grow up and
experiencing you in various stages (blue or pink hair!) as you’ve matured.
I’ve always been struck by the equality between the generations.  All of you
“youngsters” were welcomed to participate in any of the conversations and
encouraged to share your opinions.  Interesting, thoughtful discussions
ensued.  I’ve never picked up a vibe from any of you that you thought we
older folks were terminally uncool or woefully out-of-touch.  A mutual
respect exists and reinforces the bonds we share.

Several years ago, I told my brother Joe that I was really impressed with
all of the second generation Pastafarians.  You were neat kids and you’ve
grown up to become a terrific group of intelligent, interesting individuals
who give a damn about our planet and its people.  Not to make a pun on your
name, but this gives me hope.  If all of you are a good representation of
your generation, it bodes well for our collective future.

It strengthens me to see that you’re willing to stand up and speak against
human rights atrocities, and work for a healthier, cleaner environment.
Hope, I think it matters that you finished your new CD.  It’s important for
others to see someone have a dream and commit the energy, time, talent and
money to make it come true.

I’m proud to be an honorary aunt and look forward to a lot more years of
Pastafarian Family Reunions.

Thanks again for inviting me to blog!