Monday, November 23, 2009

Beginnings and endings, they make a girl ramble. And cry. And eat.

My world has been filled with beginnings and endings lately, and no one who knows me will be surprised that I shed many tears through each one. Tears of joy. Tears of sorrow. Tears of anger. Tears because that's what happens when I try to express any god damn emotion at all.

Last weekend was my aunt Teresa's memorial service. My family and I sat together and watched a fantastic video my uncle Ken put together celebrating Teresa's life. For the last several years she had been very sick and could barely move or talk. She laid in bed most of the time. This was the last image of her for most of us.

But on the video we watched the Teresa we hadn't seen in a long time - a girl who rode horses and walked her pet pig on a leash through the streets of Rio Dell. A woman who jumped out of planes while raving about her parachuting instructor's ass. A woman who spoke out for the rights of people with disabilities and worked tirelessly to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis research.

We watched, remembered, laughed, cried and talked. And then, of course, we ate. A lot.

The day before Teresa's service, Mark and I attended a beautiful wedding on Moonstone Beach. Kim, one of my favorite human beings on the planet, married Jack, who is madly in love with her. Kim has always wanted nothing more than to simply live happily ever after, but yet it's eluded her time and again. Until now, that is.

We watched Kim and Jack, surrounded by the many people who love them, wiggle, giggle, make vows to one another and kiss and kiss and kiss. And then, of course, we ate. A lot. And drank. A lot.

Today I attended a funeral for the father of a friend. Her father was also a good friend of my dad. She and her mom sat with perfect posture at the front of the church as one by one, people told stories and shared memories about their dad and husband. He was loved and will be missed by many.

I'm always astounded by people who show such poise in the midst of great sadness. When someone close to me dies, I sob, wail, pound my fists, scream even. I wear my grief like a gigantic Carmen Miranda headdress gone sour, and everyone can smell the rotten fruit before I even enter the room.



Afterward, I hugged my sweet friend and tried not to say anything trite. And then, of course, we ate. A lot.

A little over a year ago, I moved into this tiny little funky cottage in the middle of Loleta. Unable to be seen from the street and totally surrounded by trees, I've always felt like a fat little bird here, completely safe from predators. Now there will be a new bird in the nest. A tall thin one who has a habit of leaving his clothes right in the middle of the floor where I trip on them in the dark.

Mark is deep but uncomplicated. He is smart, even-keeled and incredibly kind. He has changed my life in ways I could never have imagined. Plus, he makes me laugh. And I make him laugh. How much better can it possibly get than that? So with simultaneous excitement and trepidation, I'm making room and clearing clutter. We'll add shelves and move furniture. With some benadryl, ear plugs and luck, this beginning may ease into a comfortable middle where we'll kiss and cry and love and live happily ever after. Oh, and eat, of course. A lot.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is beautiful rambling, and I think you'd look great in a fruit hat.

Anonymous said...

Can I visit with a jar of pickled pigs feet? It's truly comfort food.

Ah yes, in the words of Country music great, Alan Jackson:

Have a little love on a little honeymoon
You got a little dish and you got a little spoon
Little bitty house and a little bitty yard
Little Bitty dog and a little bitty car

bit of sound

A good ol boy and a pretty little girl
Start all over in a little bitty world
Little bitty plan and a little bitty dream
It's all part of a little bitty scheme

Good on you two!

Anonymous said...

yikes, that totally messed up post was from me, Ekovox

Heraldo said...

Here's to endings and beginnings. And good eatin'.

Addicted to Veggies said...

I like Mark, and I like you. And I want to feed you guys my weird food. So there.
Yeah.
I may have to force myself into your sweet little home and feed you blueberry cheezecake.

xo

Sweet Vernal Zephyr said...

Your lust for life is motivating. I really enjoy reading your blog posts, and every time they strike a cord with me. Best wishes on your new beginning and fond memories of the endings.

Miranda

beachcomber said...

Tears because that's what happens when I try to express any god damn emotion at all. Man, I'm with you on that one. I cry easily but always feel compelled to hold it in, perhaps because it seems to make others uncomfortable. I long to be like those East Indian women we see on the news who WAIL in grief. How cathartic!

I'm so happy for you and your new "roomie". I don't do Alan Jackson (not that I haven't thought about it...) but Eko's words resound. Keep crying, Kristabel... just more tears of happiness.

Kristabel said...

Ah, geez, Beachcomber, there I go again! Crying, that is. Thank you.

Pickled Pig's Feet and Raw Vegan Cheezecake! That sounds like a feast. You two are totally invited over asap. Besides, Eko and Sarah, you guys would love each other. In fact, you might already know each other.

Thanks so much for reading, Miranda.

xo

Fred Mangels said...

Mark and Kristi sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First comes love. Then comes marriage. Then comes Freddy in the baby carriage.

Everybody remember that one?

Bumblebee said...

I love you my friend and when Mo makes you batty, he can come stay at my place overnight and I will shimmy my fat ass up those stairs.
You two will be amazing, I know this as I'm sure he will soon grow tired of my hey dumbass texts.

Love you both!

Kristabel said...

You kill me, Fred.

We love you too, Bumblebee! You're always welcome in our little love shack. xoxoxox

\ said...
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\ said...

if your headdress goes sour, make banana wine..

huggles,
s

Kristabel said...

Heh. Oh, Suzy. xoxoxox

crossgirl@crossgirl.com said...

The Carmen Miranda bit may be one of the most picturesque, relatable, brilliant pieces of writing I've come across.

I'm sorry for your loss, and hopeful for your future. May we all live happily ever after.

Kristabel said...

May we all live happily ever after.

Yes!!!

Indie said...

Tear running down my face as I read this. You are such a dear kind person. How lucky the world is that you share your thoughts this way! And the Carmen Miranda line is the best I've ever read too. I understand it utterly. I wish you all the best!

Anonymous said...

I like reading your blog. Thanks for sharing your feelings with us out in the unknown. I grew up with your friend Kim. She is an awesome woman. Our fathers were best friends since grade school. My dad died a little over a year ago and I discovered your blog a bit after that. Your writing has helped me and touched me in many ways. Thanks.