Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: PICNIC (07/14/22)
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TITLE: The Bridal Shower | Previous Challenge Entry
By Marilyn Meiners
07/21/22 -
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Sadly, no “prince charming” was found.
In 1959 my cousin and I were roller skating at our local skating rink. I had my eye on a tall, blond haired, blue eyed, guy who looked dashing In his Khaki pants and red polo shirt. I said to my cousin, “Who is that guy?” To my surprise she answered, “Paul. I used to date him.”
What?? How did I not know this.
I noticed she said “used” to date him. By evenings end, he asked me out.
“Yesssss!”
He was the “guy of my dreams” and if there was such a thing as “love at first sight” this was it.
My “prince charming” had come.
We dated seven months. A city girl and her farmer guy. There was much to learn, and appreciate, about the lifestyle of each. I realized I hated milking dirty, smelly cows but loved to drive the tractor as we baled hay together. Paul didn’t understand why anyone would want to sit in the sun, on a beach, getting a tan, when you could accomplish all that through working outside, and get work done in the process.
Christmas Eve Paul proposed. We were no longer boyfriend/girlfriend hanging out together. We were an engaged couple planning our future.
As we drew closer to our September wedding, many bridal showers were planned and enjoyed. I say many because in 1960 a bride-to-be did not just have one big bridal shower. Everyone got involved. Paul’s relatives gave me a shower. My girlfriends planned another. My co-workers also “shower” me. Not to be outdone, my bridal party hosted one.
I had a kitchen shower, a linen shower, a general shower, a personal shower. But the best bridal shower I had was planned by my mom and her sisters.
It was a surprise - in more ways than one.
Monday morning, mom said to me, “Marilyn, we are going on a picnic Saturday with your cousins.”
No big deal. We often got together in this way.
Saturday morning arrived. I dressed, ready to attend a picnic. Arriving at the picnic shelter at Krape Park I noticed lots of cars parked in the parking lot.
“Hmmmm,” I thought. “Lots of people here today.”
But I kept the thought to myself. Mom and I entered the shelter and three dozen ladies yelled “SURPRISE!”.
I stood there in stunned disbelief. What was this? Then I noticed the decorations, the balloons, the crepe paper streamers, and I realized this was a party for me. I also noticed the centerpiece was a picnic basket filled with all the necessary items for a “picnic for two”.
What I didn’t see was presents. Where were the presents that came with every bridal shower? Was this part of the surprise?
For the next hour we enjoyed a delicious picnic meal. Hot casseroles, jello salads made in fancy bowls, platters with fancy sandwiches. Pretty baskets filled with muffins and breads. Everything looked beautiful and tasted wonderful.
After our time of eating and playing a few table games, Mom made the announcement that left me stunned.
“Marilyn, you probably wonder where all your presents are, right?”
I shook my head yes.
“They are all around you.”
Huh? I didn’t see anything around me.
No presents.
Nothing.
Nada.
I could see the gleam in the eyes of everyone present. It seemed they all wanted to burst out laughing, but because they were refined women, they kept that little gesture hidden inside themselves.
“Honey, this is your picnic shower. Everyone was asked to bring their item for our picnic prepared in a new dish for you to take home.”
You have got to be kidding, I thought to myself while managing a warm smile.
“Yes, you heard me. We will take all these dishes home with us, wash them, then they will be yours to move into your new home.”
My mom sounded excited.
I was flabbergasted.
My shower presents were a bunch of dirty dishes??
I did my best to sound excited as I thanked everyone for their “yummy” present.
We packed up a table full of dirty dishes, then took them home to wash.
Once washed, they were sparkling!
This wasn’t such a disaster after all.
Exceptionally creative, and I loved it.
Story is Non-Fiction
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I love this! I may have to do this for one of my family members. I think each dish should have come with a recipe for what was served in it. A new bride needs lots of ideas!!
Your writing is good. And I am so thankful you shared this story.
Thank you!