Finally, and with great ado, Maxi herself has arrived. Yes, she really has. I can attest to her being right here in North Carolina!
After much fanfare at the airport, in was inevitable that we would require assistance just getting from the runway to the Lincoln Towne Car we had waiting directly outside the entrance.
Just as soon as she was in the car, she pulled off that gorgeous glazed hat of hers to reveal the most beautiful blond hair you could ever imagine. Off came the hat, her earrings and diamonds. Wow, was I impressed. Here's the real Maxi in my very own car, just being who she is ... a lovely sweet french canadian woman of high standardx and unparalleled intelligence.
From there, we immediately sped home post haste.
She was warmly greeted by our Murphy O. Ryan, the world's greatest golden retrieiver. Without hesitation, she gracefully bent down and met him at his level. Instantly, they became fsst friends. I wish you could have seen this introduction. Never did she once mind all his kisses and tugging at her hand. Gracious is not the word for our sweet Maxi and her kind and generous acknowledgment of Murphy O. Ryan.
Once we got Murph all settled down, which was a task in and of itself, she and I simply decided to have a glass of merlot to recount her day and to prepare for the ones ahead. Yes, she and I had become fast friends, too.
Maxi may look like a million dollars, but underneath all that pomp and circumstance is a richly deserving woman of unsurpassed kindness. Together, she and I planned our next day together.
We started off at the Museum of Natural Art, where she and I were mesmerized by the intrinsic beauty of the Dead Sea Scrolls. She was captivated with their antiquity and perservation. Over lunch at the Waldorf, she disclosed her real of love of all things old and sacred. Our afternoon was walking the aisles of Nordstrom's where, I might add, she managed to fit so beautifully in a number of Eileen Fisher designs. It was so fortunate for me that I mentioned I would love to sew some designer suits for her return trip. Without hesitation, she said yes! You just cannot appreciate my sheer delight in hearing her say those words "Anne, I think that would be truly generous of you to create something by which I can long remember our meeting here in NC".
The days seemed to linger as we lunched together and talked about our travels, our disappointments and our loves. Together, we quickly realized we were kindred spirits: She of another world made rich by media and the world's runways. Me, of another world altogether different, yet strikingly similar.
Oh, my life was made happy by Maxi humbling herself to join me for a few days. She so enjoyed the moutains, all the magnificent christmas tree farms in NC, the starbucks we often delighted in, and all the wonderful countryside our part of the world presents those unfamiliar with the south.
Yes, as quickly as she arrived, she departed. Again, to the airport, but this time it was so different. Rather than being intimidated by her wealth and her beauty, I realized I was saying goodbye to a very dear friend. I know she needs to go so many other places, but no matter where she goes, she and I will remain friends.
Yes, Maxi did arrive! And with her, she brought so much joy and love and fun into my life. It was a sense of renewal that she left with me: a renewal to enjoy who I am; to enjoy the beauty of my surroundings, and most of all, to enjoy all the many blessings each of us has as we journey through our lives.
Yes, Maxi did arrive.
Date: Sunday, November 16, 2008 GMT Views: 844
Favorited:6
Registered: July 1, 2007 Location: small town near montreal, quebec Posts: 26677
Sun, Nov 16, 2008 @ 2:10 PM
WOW! I can only say WOW! Maxie is looking gooooooooooood! I knew she was going to be looking good but this is something else Anne Ryan! You sure do know how to get around. Maxie is known to be a flexible type lady, so I knew you both would hit it off, so happy to find out by reading your story that I was right to let her go travel the world.
All those place you visited from the Museum to Nordstrom, let's not forget Waldorf and Starbucks, Terri initiated her to hers in Washington, she's a coffee lover for life now. Seems she enjoyed Murphy, who wouldn't isn't he the greatest golden retriever in the world.
I know she will cherish this special time with you and all the other stampers that were kind enough to take time to make her feel at home wherever she is.
Anne, I really enjoy this card, you made our Maxie in a way we've never seen her before and it is clear that your heart was in this one, for sure. Thanks for playing.
Astonishing work as alway, the mojo is flying high!!!
Registered: April 15, 2008 Location: Seattle Area Posts: 25018
Sun, Nov 16, 2008 @ 3:22 PM
WOWEEE! Maxie is looking so sofisticated and gorgeous! Only Anne and her prison people could pull something this classy off! I am so VERY impressed. I would not be surprised if Maxie not only gets a popcorn machine for movie night, I'll bet she'll get the film rights to Anne's prison story!
She'll probably even get to tell how a lot of those women will be employed as either Makeover Mavins or Anne's people when they get out!
Beautiful Job from the Slammer!
------------------------------ Twisted SistahCoping without Copics and Blogless in Seattle
Registered: June 10, 2007 Location: BC Posts: 44872
Sun, Nov 16, 2008 @ 3:52 PM
Oh my Heavens!! Though Anne and I are mortal enemies, even I must confess that those cons in prison did quite a fabulous job on Maxie! She was looking so fresh faced her in Vancouver -and became involved in the outdoors, and the many causes and protests here in Vancouver - I can only say that this is quite the turn around! So - you melted down false teeth to get that gold for Maxi's earrings, didja Anne! Now, that's a trick only a con would know how to pull!
She's looking gorgeous and sophisticated - even I must admit! My gracious,but your knowledge of how to survive in prison abounds, dear Ms Anne! Red shoe polish mixed with pearlized salt - those are only cosmetic ideas that the truly desperate and long incarcerated can come up with! Kudos to you Anne, for coming this far so quickly as you spend time in prison!
Even I wish you a popcorn machine for movie night in prison - my heart is that big, dearest Anne!
Did Maxie bring you in a file or some other sort of contraband in that everpresent headscarf of hers???
Registered: June 14, 2008 Location: Canberra, Australia Posts: 6675
Sun, Nov 16, 2008 @ 4:47 PM
What can we day to this latest chapter in the 'Times and Travels of Maxi' each chapter has been full of wonderous tales of adventure and shown us yet another facet of the gem that has become known as Maxi. You dear Anne, although behind those unsightly, not to mention unflattering bars, have managed to make that gem shine even brighter....Prison has definately developed resources in you that are to be credited to you with highest honours. As for those gold teeth being melted down and made into earrings, and the red shoe dye and pearlized salt for eyeshadow...dare I ask what you used for her blood red lipstick?!?!?
Well done Anne, I too hope you get popcorn with your movie, I am sure that you will manage to 'hide some away' and maybe one day further down the track we will see it feature on one of your creations from the 'inside!' Thanks for extending to us on the 'outside' the thrill of this chapter, that we have all been waiting for eagerly!!
Just for your ears Anne, and maybe Peggy's if she's listening carefully...I have heard a rumour thaty Maxi may be sneaking back down under for a special, although fleeting, appearance on Australia Day....or was I dreaming - it can be hard to tell these days...shhhh..you might wake me!!
------------------------------ My BlogSpellbinders Intl Ambassador for Australia; Designer for Australian Simply Cards; Snr Designer for Flourishes LC; Designer for Want2Scrap; Ambassador for Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L
Registered: November 3, 2007 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 10333
Sun, Nov 16, 2008 @ 5:23 PM
WOOOOOOW! Now THIS is the perfect Anne Ryan image! It is just screaming for doodads, and you doodaded this one up to the MAX...earrings check, AWESOME hat check, beautiful bow check, glitzy polka dots check....I LOVE THIS!
Registered: February 12, 2007 Location: Aurora, Colorado Posts: 13642
Sun, Nov 16, 2008 @ 6:17 PM
Wow. It will take me a long time to catch up on everyone's awesome cards but could not resist starting here. This is beautiful. There are so many gaps in this dialogue so could you please write a book and send me a copy. I bet it would be really informative reading. I have time to read now!!! I recently went to a move theater (hadn't been there in about 8 years!!!) and did you know people our age get a discount and a free bag of popcorn!! A cheap place to take Maxi while she is in town!! However, the pop to wash down the popcorn ain't cheap!!! Great card and story Annie Jo!!!
hugs,
sputnik
------------------------------ Connie Jo / Sputnik / RSS / Con-Air
Proud Fan Club Member Proud Member of Schirmcat's Naughty List Member of Send Love Today
Registered: June 28, 2007 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 26692
Sun, Nov 16, 2008 @ 7:11 PM
WOW, Anne! Maxie is lookin' hot! I am sure that she will never be the same, after a visit with THE Anne Ryan! Her life is forever changed...for the good, of course!
Registered: January 5, 2008 Location: My happy place - stampin' on the beautiful west coast of Canada Posts: 5251
Sun, Nov 16, 2008 @ 10:22 PM
Stunning Anne! Love this fabulous card (all the detail is amazing) and the story too - sorry I've been away for a while. I see you have been creating some beauties... we must catch up soon. Take care friend - G
------------------------------ ~Glenda J. Wyatt~ 'Being creative is not a hobby, it's a way of life' ~ unknown Check out my blog
Registered: June 10, 2007 Location: BC Posts: 44872
Mon, Nov 17, 2008 @ 2:45 AM
I see that the delight that Maxie exhibited with regards to the natural and cultural wonders so wonderfully apparent in my fair city of Vancouver got to you - and thus you had to do a rewrite so as to highlight your wee town of Wake Forest - outside Raleigh, I do believe! I found Maxie to be a delightful companion also - but as Lovely Linda pointed out to me after Maxie visited me, the words flow like honey from her mouth - and seems to be a creature of the moment - much given to whims and fancies . Beware Anne - oh, yes - Maxie is enchantee as I am certain Peggy would say - but beware her shallow and ever changing personality! Friends today - forgotten tommorow .