Mimi & Maurice

My Mimi was the epitome of a Grand Dame.  She wore dresses or skirts, pearls around her neck, red nails as well as her lips.  She was perfectly coiffed.  My best memories as a child revolve around Mimi.  It was a different lifestyle in the '60s and early '70s.  She taught me how to live life - in a natural, loving way.  I was blessed to live "her way" when I visited.  My every day....was most normal.  Trust me.  I am blogging about it for a historical report so to speak.  Someday my family might read these posts.

One lovely day in The Hamptons, we were served lunch out on the loggia that looked similar to this picture.  It was here that I heard Mimi's love story.

Her first husband tragically killed himself...and Mimi found love in a BIG way with Eddie.  Her piece of wisdom this day:  "Don't marry for anything other than love and laughter."  I sat at her feet listening to her music and learning from it.  "Thank Heavens for Little Girls" was our theme song!  Aaaaah, we swooned to dear Maurice!  Mimi had another home in Palm Beach and I was introduced to Lily.  She was always generous, showering me with girly gifts with huge doses of love.  Those dresses of citrus hues, luscious colors were "it" in 1960.  If only I kept a few - they'd be vintage now.  Lily Pulitzer's story is fascinating. 

Her head was always in a book and I've definitely acquired that habit.  I hope perhaps a smidgen of Mimi has melded into my soul.  I don't have butlers or "help" but I can entertain.  Maurice Chevalier is not on my iPod but I NEED music.  I know by day's end if I haven't laughed.  My innards tell me so.  And, thank the Good Lord Above I am married to Love & Laughter!