A couple weeks ago, my grandmother sent me a bag of various things via my mom. Inside I found a bag of Jelly Bellies from River Street Sweets from her recent trip to Savannah, Georgia – my favorite candy from my favorite candy store in my favorite city…she knows me well. She also send a random assortment of costume jewelry pieces that had belonged to her mother, my lovely Great Grandmother (pictured with my Great Grandfather here). She was a funny, spry, fantastic lady who apparently had a very small neck because the necklaces my grandmother sent all fit – but were definitely chokers.
I don’t dress up much. I work at home. I have two toddlers. I have business meetings once every week or two that require business casual attire, and since we have church in our living room, well, I could wear sweatpants if I wanted. So when occasions come around for wearing something other than jeans or khakis and a sweater, I look forward to putting together something nice. This past week was a Christmas dinner for my oldest client, and it was at a very nice (and delicious) restaurant here in town. I knew one of the necklaces my Granny had sent would work perfectly.
It was a pretty basic costume three-strand pearl necklace, with crystal bead accents on either side of the center. And while nobody took notice of it or commented on it that evening (it is a classic design – nothing flashy), I was aware of it all evening. I kept thinking about my grandmother and wondered where she might have worn it. Church, likely – but I wondered what evenings out she might have had the chance to put it on. Probably not many – they lived the epitome of the simple life. I wondered who bought it for her, or if she bought it for herself. I wondered exactly how old it must have been. I have a beautiful silver cuff bracelet my same grandmother gave me years ago that belonged to her mother-in-law, and it’s perfectly timeless and classic. I love wearing it and feeling connected to my family.
I also love wearing vintage pieces that never go out of style, of course. But having something on that belonged to a family member who I have such fond memories of makes it much more fun to wear than something I pick up at an antique shop. It does have me wondering if my neck is disproportionately large, though. (I can turn just about anything into a neurosis, right?)
Article by Kelli. She's the primary caretaker of this here site. Hope you're enjoying your visit. 
Well, on the last statement, yes you can, but that’s what makes you so funny. That statement reminds me of the movie “The Wedding Planner” where J-Lo is in the hospital and Dr. Steve tells her she has a large neck and she starts feeling her neck. Kelli, your neck is fine as are you. Great story though and you always seem to bring back fond memories of my two grannys to me in your story telling. I am so glad you have a great memory of your childhood and family and I love to read the stories that you share with us. I’m sure you looked stunning in those pearls.
Momma Jane