Happy Zombie

I got a text message from Mimi this morning that she was on-board Oceanic Flight 815 headed towards LAX. Funny… because I thought she was going on a UPS fligt. Very Odd. She was to have landed hours ago, but got word the plane never arrived. Just as I’m about to go into a full blown panic attact - I get an email…

Hello Mum!

Crazy, crazy day. I’m leaving Sydney for Los Angeles, when all of a sudden I’m grabbed off the UPS truck and shoved into the trunk of a car. I immediately thought I was being kidnapped by quilty gang bangers, when all of sudden there’s a big commotion and lot of arguing. Next thing I know… I’m headed on to a plane, but not a UPS plane. I’m on a fancy plane (Oceanic Airlines), seats and all. Not in cargo either! And there’s even a movie playing. And food and snacks and drinks oh my.

BANG - POP - SNAP - KABOOM - RIP - SMASH - PLOP - SIZZLE… next thing I know - I’m on a beach. My Box all busted and torn. I don’t know what happened, but there I was. On a beach. There were other people on the beach too. Everyone looked lost and confused.

I met this nice guy named Hugo. Oh and Mum… he even had that Izro hair just like you! I just KNEW he’d take good care of me. Anyhoo… Hugo said he’d help me find my way back to you. Hugo took me for many miles through a jungle and found me a secret way to get off this island. I’m not supposed to say how I got off the island, but I’ll tell you in private when I get home to you.

I couldn’t go straight from the island to the US mainland… I had a little stop-over in Honolulu. I know you lived here for many years and wanted to spend a little time in the place you love so much. I ate at all the places you loved so much… Ted’s Bakery, Masa’s, Kam Bowl for the onolicious Oxtail soup, malasadas, fried poi-mochi, spam musubi (DB’s will be so jealous) and even went to Micky D’s and had a Sprunch. I thought I’d give my try at surfing… and look Ma - no hands! Well… since I don’t have hands, I guess it’s no big deal. I’m getting closer and closer to home. I can’t wait to be in your arms, though I’ve become so fond of traveling. Do you think when I get home you’ll let me do occasional weekend travel trips?

Aloha nui loa,
Mimi

Whoo-hooo… an email from Mimi! Now I’m really pumped - as she’s visited her brother and his family on the New South Wales coast.

G’Day Mum,

I’m now in Sydney, Australia. So much to see, so much to do, so little time. It was a long trip here and those pesky OZ customs workers had to check my Box, inside and out. Not to mention they undressed me and checked all my parts. As least one of the men had nice warm hands (and made my bobbin tingle). I know this happens to you every time you mail a package here (the inspection, not the tingle), I just didn’t think it would happen to me. Your name must be flagged on some hot-list here.

Anyhoo… I went to see my dear brother and his wonderful family. We had a great time and DB told me I was going to be in for a wild ride once I got home to you in Oregon (I hope that’s not code for “I’ll be working my popo off”). Oh, and DB wanted to know why you didn’t send any Spam Musubi in The Box with me - and says yours is the best ever!

After much laughing and hugging (and DB’s killer meatloaf), we went to the Sydney Opera House and tooted around the harbour. One guy in a sailboat asked me if I’d hop on board and help him fix his torn sail, but told him I was saving myself for you. I know, you can thank me later.

I asked if we could go to IKEA in Sydney, but on the way there… I got swept up in a huge peace piece march. It was fun, loud and very passionate. I can’t tell you how many times I got tripped over, but I’m ok… no scratches or smudges. This one nice mate said I could be Rosey Ruiz (whoever that is) and be at the front of the march. I’m just minding my own business when all of a sudden there’s trouble… police, tear gas, zip ties… and the next thing I know - I’m in the slammer.

I pretended to be starving (I have to admit, I was looking rather thin after all that marching), and asked my nice guard if I could have a meat pie. When he left to get it (and forgot to close my cell door)… I made a dash for it and skedaddled outa there, fast! Not to worry, I have no police record. I told them my name was Pipi Von Aquapüff - a German diplomat on a top secret mission by order of the German and Australian governments.

Just outside of the jail, a hot OZ UPS driver (another hot UPS guy in shorts!) scooped me up and put me back in The Box and said it was time to head east across the Pacific. Where am I heading to next??? 

xoxoxo,
Mimi

I’ve been on pins and needles waiting for Mimi’s correspondence. Worrying and wondering, fretting over her safety and possible STD’s. I can breathe a sigh of relief, I think.

My dear Mum,

I’m sorry I made you worry about my little sojourn in Amsterdam. You’ll be happy to know that as I was leaving the cafe with Deiter - my UPS man saw me and whisked me away to safety and back into The Box I went. The hot UPS guy (in his cute shorts no less) suggested I see another side of what the world has to offer and sent me to some lovely museums in Paris. I did go to some flea markets in Paris and seeing all the beautiful fabrics really knocked my presser foot off. Oh Mum, I wanted to buy them all for you… but there’s no room in The Box (even less room now after all the delicious food I ate in Paris). We’ll just have to come back together, k.

After my time in Paris, I needed a little sun and surf, so I headed down to the French Rivera. Here I am in Saint Tropez on a “bathing-suit optional” beach getting a little sun (and fun, moo ahh haa ha). Oh, and can you please tell Auntie E that I took her advise to get some sunscreen - thanks Auntie E… as you can see I needed it ALL OVER me (no tan lines for moi ;)!

I hope you are more relaxed about my vacation. I’m trying my best to behave! I think I’m off to a new continent next. I picked up an iBook so now I can read your blog as I travel (it gives me something to do while I’m in The Box). Can you please thank all your wonderful friends for their great comments and travel suggestions? I hope they keep the suggestions coming! Thanks!

With love,
Mimi

I don’t know how she travels so fast… but my little Mimi is now in Amsterdam!

Dear Mum,

I made it to Amsterdam, and while it was a fast trip here - I’m still in one piece and my travel box is still in great shape. Those UPS guys are great!

So much to see, so many places to go. I rented a bike because it’s the best way to travel here in Amsterdam. Everyone rides a bike or rides on a boat. Lots of interesting shops here, as well as some of the career choices. Everyone here is so nice and friendly, and lots of great little cafes. Here I am waiting for my espresso. Ahh… it’s so lovely to sit outside in this nice weather. I made a new friend, Deiter Van Puffmystuff. He’s inside getting my espresso. I wonder what’s taking him so long?

Deiter suggested we go inside so I could try something new. Deiter said my bobbin was wound too tight and said he has something to take care of that.

What was I saying? Dude, where’s my box! Man… I’m suddenly craving Cheez-It’s and Easy Mac. What’s happening to me? Hmmm… I’m really liking Amsterdam! I think Paris is my next destination. Or maybe it will be to Deiter’s flat… (I just can’t seem to take my eyes off his seam ripper)

I got an email from my little Mimi. Apparently she found an internet cafe. Who knew she could type!

Dearest Mum,

I’m now in London. I’ve been told you’ve always wanted to go here and I feel kinda bad that I got to come before you did. Anyhoo… I found this lovely park and I decided to strech out and relax a bit. There’s a big clock behind me (I overheard someone call it by name… Big BOB I think). Dang thing is loud! How am I supposed to nap?

After my so called nap, my quest to meet The Queen began. I looked, and I looked, and I looked. No luck. Maybe she was busy vacuuming and queening the palace. I danno. I did find this guy, Mr. Pincushion Head. He wasn’t too friendly and didn’t answer me when I spoke to him. I even offerd to fix a busted seem in his pants that I saw from my vantage point (um, more like a DISadvantage point). Not even a “thank you” from the guy. I guess he figured his snazzy red jacket would keep his bangers and mash hidden.

I hope this email finds you well. My next stop is Amsterdam.
With love,
Mimi

I got an email from Target.com telling me Mimi was on her way. And then I get a postcard from Mimi telling me as happy as she is to meet her new Mum… she’s taking a little detour on her way to Oregon. Something about “wanting to see the world”.

Dear Mum,

I’m so happy to be coming home to you. I’ve been told you will love me very much and take good care of me. I’m also very excited to be meeting my two new sisters - Elna and Lil Elna. I know you’re antisipating my arrival with excitement, but I do hope you will be understanding when I tell you I’m going to see the world first. I’ve been cooped up in a box for so long, and would really like to spread my wings a bit before coming home.

My first stop is not far from where I was born. Here I am in a little park in Bejing. As you can see, I’m being well cared for. Next stop - London! See you soon!

Love,
Mimi

PS… do you think this photo might have something to do with your blog being blocked here? Hmmm….

PKM sent me the most beautiful fabric (mailbox love), and unbeknownst to each other - were each making the same quilt from a little Japanese quilt book called “Square Patchwork”. Twins separated at birth. Check out PamKittyMorning to see her work of art!

If the fabic Pam sent me isn’t beautiful enough… look how it’s JUST MADE for the Hello Kitty sewing machine! A match made in heaven (or at least at Target and Windham fabrics). I think this little quilt will HAVE to be my new machine’s “blankie” when it comes. Oh yes… I’ve already adopted her from Target.com - last night as soon as I got home. Now I have to wait. And wait. And wait. I’m still thinking of a name for her. I’m leaning towards Mimi (HK’s twin sister - so few know about her and I think it’s high time she gets some props). That’s it… Mimi! Very fitting!

I’ve died and gone to heaven. I don’t need it… I must have it! I found out about it here.

How did Target slip this Janome past me?

Love.

Love.

Bliss.

photo credit: Target