It's All About Your Memories Part Two

We left a naked Peewee and Fred hugging in the little cabin. Fred once again said "I'm not saying NO just not now. You need to know more about me." Fred began to fix lunch. Tuna Salad enhanced with a sweet and sour slaw, wrapped in a warm tortillas, a fresh fruit salad with blueberry yogurt as the dressing and a carrot cake with cream cheese frosting..

Over the fruit Fred says "I have Dinner and an Art Show tonight, I'd like you to go with me so you can learn another side of me and meet a few of my friends." Peewee took a deep breath and nodded. That afternoon they finished the replacement of the hydraulic system in the convertible top. Peewee then stated "I need to make a trip to town." Peewee jumped in the convertible and took off. As she sped down the drive Fred thought... "She won't be back."

Fred rambled to the barn and backed his ole pickup truck to the cabin. He loaded the few remaining finished canvases to take along that evening. After securing & covering them he headed for a shower and shave. It was a coat and tie night....at least he could wear his new jeans with the pink oxford cloth shirt, turquoise enhanced eagle string tie and the gray hearing bone coat. Shaved and curried he prepared to head to town alone. Fred took a moment to feed Bubba. He talked to his old Newfoundland guard dog as if he was listening. "If Peewee shows up tell her I'll be back about midnight."

Years ago Fred had embraced many of the Jewish traditions. Today his belief system was a blend of Judaism, Christianity, Tao, and a bit of ancient American Indian. On Fred's door frame was a Mezuzah. It was worn from touching each time he entered or left the cabin. Each time he quietly asked the God of his understanding to direct his thoughts and actions. Each time he asked for the courage and strength to face the challenges of that day. Each time he also thanked God for all his many blessings. The old Cheyenne Shaman had taught him Gratitude is Attitude.

Fred backed the old truck into a parking place in front of the art gallery restaurant. The Valet saluted him saying "Your show looks top notch Mr Ellis." Fred thanked him and said "There are four more canvases in the back would you please bring them in and them move the truck out of harms way."

Fred was met by Mike the operator and expeditor for this facility. They discussed where to place the last four paintings, the reservations for tonight, and the potential hang ups in the schedule while walking through the display of his work. The menu for tonight was Dark Red Jell-O with big Black Cherries topped with real cherry whipped cream, Beef and gravy, whipped taters, steamed green beans, fresh baked bread with real butter whipped with honey and a cherry cheesecake. All Fred's favorites....why not since he was buying dinner.

The Mayor was first at the podium. His speech was basic civic pride and of course a plug for him in the upcoming election. Fred was rising for his opening remarks when he saw from the corner of his eye a red chiffon dress floating towards him. He turned to be met with a kiss on the cheek and a whisper "Got a seat for an ole friend and lover?" Yes it was Peewee! All gussied up and lookin' like a million dollars. Fred waved to Mike and winked. Magically a chair and place setting appeared. Followed by a mug of coffee... quietly Fred sauntered to the podium.

"Ladies and Gents. Welcome to our fourth annual Art Show and Fund raiser. For those who have never been here the format is simple. The $100 ticket you all bought went into a fund. Four of my paintings have been secretly marked and the sale price of those will also go into the fund. Any other donations will go into the fund. The 100% of the fund will be divided based on the number of tickets that charity sold. I will personal absorb all the costs of this event." Suddenly there was a rumble in the room as everyone stood applauding.

"Since y'all are standing allow me to say grace, I'm getting hungry." bowing his head Fred prayed very loudly "OH GREAT SPIRIT WHOSE VOICE I HEAR IN THE WIND, WHOSE BREATH GIVES LIFE TO THE WORLD. PLEASE HEAR ME. I COME TO YOU AS ONE OF YOUR MANY CHILDREN. I AM SMALL AND WEAK, I NEED YOUR STRENGTH, COURAGE, AND WISDOM. MAY I WALK IN BEAUTY AND RELISH THIS FOOD YOU HAVE GIVEN ME. HELP ME BE GRATEFUL FOR THOSE THAT PREPARED AND SERVE THIS MEAL."

As they ate Peewee explained she needed a dress for tonight and the local gal had recommended a beauty parlor for her hair and Mary Kay makeup and some wonderful perfume. "I also got all the gossip about you. Then she giggled. They asked how I knew you and I told our story about building cars when we were teenagers. They all giggled and asked 'Are you the Peewee?' I am shocked what I learned you've been tellin' folks. I'm not that good nor that pretty"

Fred quietly finished his meal and pushed his chair back a bit to sip coffee and stare at Peewee. "This is not the place or time to discuss that topic. I think you are greater and prettier than anyone in this town knows. The plan for this evening is After dinner we will walk among the paintings to answer questions about my work. Kinda like I told you a long time ago. Smile and Nod, shake a few hands, Kiss your best friend so everyone knows how much you love her." The cheesecake arrived with refills on the coffee. Mike had doubled Fred's portion. The server slipped Fred a note....Fred smiled and handed Peewee the note. It read "You're correct she is the prettiest gal in the room. Love ya Mike"

Peewee blushed from the tip of her toes to the tip of her nose. "Who is Mike" she asked. Just then the Mayor grabbed Fred's shoulder and said "Many folks would like to know who this beautiful lady is and how she is part of your life." Fred stood and went to the podium, turned on the mic, and spoke. I understand there are questions about my best friend. Her name is Peewee and I have known her for over fifty years. Any other questions you'll have to ask her. The show is now open for you pleasure please bring your checkbook. Oh and I've been asked about Mike. He is my son from my second wife, Son Lee, she died in childbirth.. He has been educated by the Culinary Arts Institute and has a masters in business administration from Yale."

Fred led Peewee to the exhibition of his work. Each piece held your eye long enough to please. There were three topics. First row was all landscapes and seascapes. Second row was all wild animals of the area. Deer, geese, woodchucks, rabbits, even a perky mouse graced the walls in a deep lush playground. The final row was pictures of his cars. Most were dream cars but a few like Peewee's Chevy Camaro were from memory. At the end of each row was a picture of fighting men in Vietnam. (each of these were marked $555 in remembrance of Fred's unit) Behind the cashier were two paintings marked with a large sign SOLD. One was a beautiful creation that depicted Bubba as a pup. The second was a picture of Peewee dressed in a red chiffon baby doll PJ's. To be honest it looked a little naughty. Fred was astounded. He had marked these two $1500 each,. way more than they should be worth. Fred asked the cashier "Who bought those two?" Pointing over her head.

During dinner I received this note and Thirty-one $100 bills. The note said "I want the two paintings hanging over the cash register. I will contact Mike for delivery." No name or anything. Mike said He knew who sent it and it was an honest person that wanted to be anonymous. Fred just smiled Those were two of the four paintings that the sale price goes into the fund.

He show closed @ 23:00. Fred walked Peewee to the door. Calling to the Valet he asked for Peewee's car. He hugged Peewee and kissed her neck. Fred got in the passenger seat and told the Valet "Before you go home please bring my truck to the front of the store, lock it up, and give Mike the keys." Shaking his hand he palmed a $50 bill as a tip. The Valet saluted in a crisp military manner. Saying "Vaya Con Dios my friend... She is the prettiest gal here tonight"

The top was down, the breeze was warm, and the night filled with success washed over Fred's mind and body. Peewee asked "Did you know who bought the two paintings over the cash register?" Fred deep in thought said "Yaha...You know him too, his name is David Abraham Goldstein. I'm sure you remember the night we made a baby in this car. You chose for the best for him and he was adopted by a nice couple. Well he found me last month. I was setting up the show and he saw those two paintings. I would have given them to him but he never said a word. He wants to meet you. He and Mike are both coming for an early supper tomorrow. I hope you can stay another day."

Fred slept little that night. He wanted to take Peewee in his arms and profess his love in a special manner. Fred knew he must wait till after supper tomorrow. If she still wanted to be with him.

The morning dawned a beautiful day. Fred painted till he heard the shower running. He began some biscuits an sausage gravy and a few poached eggs floating in the gravy. The coffee was done before Peewee arrived in the kitchen. She looked great as always. Red and white gingham checked blouse, washed off blue jeans, enhanced with a simple Star of David and a Cross both on a bright gold chain. WOW!!

Fred went outside after they had finished the breakfast dishes. He carried the picnic table to a special spot near the door. He rolled his smoker to a place down wind from the house and table. Fred lit an apple wood and cherry wood fire. As soon as the flames had died down he placed a boneless leg of lamb on the spit and began it slowly turning over the fire. Mike was bringing a pasta Greek salad. David was bringing a vegetarian rice pilaf. Vegetarian only because he likes the recipe. Peewee was baking a PMS cake, seven kinds of chocolate...

The boys arrived just as Fred put the leg of lamb to rest. They shared hugs and stories like families often do. Mike also had brought a big thermos of Colombian coffee. It was bold and strong. The feast was also complimented with a loaf a fresh baked bread. Peewee has talents hidden. They all ate and talked till dusk. Everyone pitched in the clean up. Everything was put away and the dishes done before dark. Fred gave each boy a crudely wrapped package. Inside was a hand carved replica of Bubba. "It was my first attempt at a new venue. I hope you like it as much as I do."

The boys left with hugs and kisses all around. Peewee and Fred stood arm in arm watching their tail lights disappear into the night. Fred kissed her neck and her a moan from deep within her heart. Fred carried her to the porch. Gingerly placed her in a chair and dropped to a knee. First he handed her a carving of the Canadian Geese swimming on the pond. Fred cleared his throat and handed her a small blue box. Fred spoke softly. "I will love you the rest of my life. Will you become my wife?"

To be continued...Mizpah