A... Is for Apron

There is nothing new about Aprons. They have been around for centuries.
Aprons are there to help carry the things a woman's hands cannot hold all at once. Aprons are a badge of courage and strength. Aprons remind me I am proud to be a woman, mother, grandmother, and  a homemaker.


When I think of aprons, I think of Angie. Angie wore an apron every day of her life. It was such a ritual to adorn herself with an apron that she often would wear it to town. For her it was like putting on a pair of socks and shoes for the day. Her apron completed her daily wardrobe. Angie's aprons were never fancy. They were well worn soft cotton, tied at the waist with two pockets. The pockets were of significant importance to little ones, who would often find some loose change, candied goody or a tissue to wipe little noses.

I met Angie when I was 16 years old. She became my mother-in-law when I was 17. Angie's family immigrated to the United States from Italy. Angie was born in Ithaca, New York shortly after her parents arrival here to the United States.

At first I resisted her "old fashioned" ways. It took time for me to learn from her and appreciate all she had to offer. Angie was an uncommon woman. She raised 9 children on a 30 acre farm. She lived in a time when women did not work outside of the home. She wore a dress every day of her life, she did not have a drivers license to drive, and trips to town were few and far between. She was the most frugal of women I have ever known in my entire life. Everything was made in the home...breads, cakes, pies and cookies. There was a never ending supply of fruit trees and vegetables. I am so lucky to have had her in my life. She, and her son I married,  taught me how to cook and preserve fruits and vegetables to carry over for the lean times. To waste anything was a disgrace to mother earth and all she abundantly provides.

The most basic of life necessities I learned from her. I wish I had learned more from her while I had the chance. How I wish I could make her an apron now.

That was a very long time ago. I have had the wonderful opportunity to pass along the knowledge learned form her to my three daughters. I hope that they too will pass the things learned along to their babies.

I am honored to wear an apron. I am anxious for my grand-babies to discover the magical treasures within the apron pockets.

A.... is for apron.
Gardening will come when the  sun shines brighter, and the days are longer, A is where I will begin for now.

Drawn by:

The Girasole Lady

Kindergarten-1964

Two Rock, CA.