I knitted this hat. It looks just like one my mom made 25 years ago, except hers was navy and gray. One of my brothers ended up with that hat. It was one of the family possessions we both had our eyes on, but he won that round. We always want the same things.
My strategy in collecting stuff from our parent’s house has simply been to hang around them the most. I mix drinks for my dad and rub my mom’s feet and pretend that their dog is as cute as mine. People are more likely to part with old things after a shopping trip, so I try to get my mom to the mall at least once per visit. Then when she’s finding a place for her new purchase, I might suggest the spot on the window sill where my favorite flower pot sits. If I’m after her jewelry (which is just too easy since I don’t have my brother’s competition here) I just put on a necklace she hasn’t worn much. When she sees it on me she’ll offer it to me.
My sister’s technique is a lot more direct. She’ll just sneak whatever she wants into her suitcase. She’s smart enough to pick things that are stored in the back of closets, so by the time anyone notices the absence she’s back in California.
My other brother probably has the best approach. He never asks for anything. Years pass while three of us are piling up our little trinkets and Mom suddenly realizes she hasn’t given anything to him, so she’ll give him the dining room table or something.
3 comments:
Is this strategy going to work now that your mom knows your tricks?
Excellent post, by the way.
I think I'll just adopt my sister's technique. Then I'll be able to blame it on her when things are missing.
Okay I laughed outloud at work reading this one. Brilliant. Also, I don't care how "basic" this knitting may have been, the hat looks great. Tell your mom it's good to have friends who are easily impressed.
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