Leslie's Surprise

So now that the cat's out of the bag, I can tell you the original reason I was in Chicago: for my dear friend Leslie's surprise [40th!] birthday party. Her husband Geoffrey called us a couple of months ago and asked if we could come. Thanks to Delta Miles, Hilton Honors points and Grandma, we were able to be there. I saw people I hadn't seen in a bajillion years.

Leslie's late parents were the subject of this tile back in January, and became the centerpiece of Leslie's present.

The "M" is for Marra, their surname, and is mounted on an antique door hinge. The "D" is for David and "S" is for Sharon, whom I knew well and miss dearly.

I added weathered erector set pieces embellished with copper brads to the sides of the canvas.

Happy Birthday, Leslie.

If you guys don't come to Atlanta to visit WITH the kids, you're in BIG trouble. Geoffrey promised me. I have it in writing.