TBT: The Lady In Red

Hi there!

Once again, I'm happy to join Martha at Seaside Simplicity for Throwback Thursday!

This week I'm dipping into the archives. Several of my long-time readers may recognize it ... but just pretend you haven't, okay? LOL!!!!

* * *

Mid '50's.  I remember spending Saturday afternoons with my mother at San Ildefonso where she'd go to trade with the pueblo Indians.

B-O-R-I-N-G!

Unenthusiastic, I preferred to scrunch down in the backseat with my Archie comics and coloring books.

A shy woman by nature, I've no idea what prompted mother's hobby.  A nervous driver, still she'd navigate the twisty, narrow road off 'the Hill' in all sorts of weather to barter the contents of our Buick's trunk for their wares.

Long before it became fashionable, our home began to fill with pottery, turquoise, soft leather -- even hand-crafted drums.

A few real friendships developed.  Over the years, mother was gifted with a gorgeous squash-blossom necklace and matching belt. But the greatest gift was her unlikely friendship with Lupita.

Lupita and family

Apart from a shared birth year, their differences were many. But I think each recognized the other's tendency to look for the best in others.

Why or when my mother stopped going I can't say. It was just one of those things.  Life goes on.

Then in May 2000 my impromptu suggestion turned into something neat:

To mark her 83rd birthday, we planned a trip back to New Mexico.  We never could have imagined how the devastating Cerro Grande fire would impact our plans to visit friends in Los Alamos.  Then, "Why don't we take a drive to San Ildefonso? Perhaps Lupita is still there."

Well. Instead of the almost-inconspicuous dirt road leading off the highway, here was a modern paved affair -- not far from a garish casino, leading to an equally modern gift shop.

Putting on my best game face, I explained our mission to an associate who agreed to consult his manager. Before long another gentleman beckoned: "Yes, Lupita is still here. She has agreed to see you."

Years later, I still grow teary-eyed recalling the old ladies' reunion.  Her children were summoned and soon, everyone's words tumbled over each other.  Then, after excusing herself for a moment, Lupita reappeared with a simple black plate wrapped in soft cloth.  "

That little plate today

Prior to saying good-bye Lupita's son confided to me, "I never forgot her, you know. I couldn't remember her name, but I would ask my mother, 'When is the lady in red lipstick coming back to see us?'"

Later, my mother would say seeing Lupita again was the best part of the trip.  For me, too.

* * *

As ever, thank you for spending part of your day with me!

Stay safe!

Hugs, Myra