Tuesday, February 21, 2006

Bare naked ladies ... and gents

Now, about that photo … three generations of estrogen bubbles afloat in a Victorian tub. Dare you ask, "Who took the picture?" Dare I tell you? Oh Canada. My beloved son-in-law, David, was quite discreet and kept his distance from the rim of the tub.

"This is the mater speaking, ‘step back from the tub, step away from the tub’!"

It was New Year’s eve and seemed like a good idea at the time. Well, almost New Year’s eve, Christmas week and I had settled myself into a rather posh inn near Jenn’s house for two nights of blissful decadence sans kiddies. There was a king-sized bed (unfortunately I had no king in tow) decked out with way too many pillows and a sinfully rich down comforter which was so plush that we nearly lost Sophie when she came to visit. Yes, my personal space, my pleasure palace was invaded by the clan!

Jenn got an idea. When Jenn gets an idea, it’s usually far from mainstream and involves some type of "mother, stretch yourself, try a new experience". Dragging hubby, Sophie, and newborn Hannah, Jenn showed up and promptly announced that there would be a photoshoot in my rather large, elegant bathroom. She knew of the Victorian tub and she had dibs on it. Why not make it a family event? I, safely wrapped in my rather dowdy chenille bathrobe and sporting my flannel pj’s, tentatively gave it my okay. What the heck? Holiday spirit and all that. I didn’t want to be the Grinch that destroyed Christmas in a Victorian Bath. It seemed so Norman Rockwell.

David had brought all his photo equipment, and I would take some pictures of their little family unit in the tub. Canadian men are quite laissez-faire about things like that. Stripping in front of your momma-in-law down to your colorful tartan-plaid boxers was no big deal. Jenn adjusted herself likewise and into the tub they went, bare from the waist up and holding their progeny. The effect of course was delightful. Splish, splash, the element of illusion – no one would know that there was no water in the tub and modesty prevailed. Yes, I soon found myself enjoying every moment of my new role as official photographer. See Jenn?! Mom is stretching herself and learning a new hobby at the same time. I shot one angle and then another, running around the tub like the paparazzi on speed. My son-in-law’s SLR and he trusted me to get some really good shots. Needless to say, I rose to the challenge! Can’t say the mater was not spontaneous. End of deal. Until, Jenn got another idea.

“Mom, why don’t you hop in here and let David take your picture with me and the girls?”

You grow up; you grow older. You think that life will settle down and your adult kids will no longer be creating pressure on you, challenging you to step out of your nice warm bathrobe and get your feet wet. So here I am, coaching them to paint in broad strokes and suddenly I’m a part of the canvas! (You’ve already been warned about the metaphors.)

Sometimes, if you talk the talk, you just gotta walk the walk.

David, indeed, did keep his distance and we laughed and held the girls tightly and I’m so glad I did it!

A couple months later, one of these memorable photos showed up on the cover of my surprise-birthday invitation card to family, friends and co-workers.

Moral of the story: no matter what the age, your children will continue to find clever ways to surprise and embarrass you.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

How did you get so good at this so fast! Great post.

But for the record, uh, tartan-plaid? Must have been some other visitor you're thinking of.

Anonymous said...

I am jealous that I don't have a Jenn in my life to try and get me to push my boundaries. (But I'm also secretly relieved!) You two are a great combination.

moxiemomma said...

how did i miss this yesterday?!? the mater, she is blogging!! woot! and shall be blogrolled immediately!

go mater go!

Anonymous said...

Love the title- love the story.
Yes, we all need a little "Jenn" and Mater in our lives.

The Mater said...

from the Dotter: "How did you get so good at this so fast! Great post.

But for the record, uh, tartan-plaid? Must have been some other visitor you're thinking of."

I'm learning from the best!

As to the boxer shorts, remember family Rule #1: "Don't let truth get in the way of a good story". And, no, I'm not thinking of some other encounter with a half-naked man in my bedroom! That's the stuff of dreams :>)

Diana said...

Here to welcome you, long-time reader of Jenn, long-time enjoyer of your comments. Congrats on the blog, you ARE doing a great job already...
The pic is great.
I'm going to link you, and can't wait to read the stories of Jenn!

David said...

quote:And, no, I'm not thinking of some other encounter with a half-naked man in my bedroom! That's the stuff of dreams :>)

But when will we hear about the steak and ale encounter!?! ;-)

Great stuff so far, Elaine!

love,

SIL

Anonymous said...

Darn, I thought you said we all need a little GIN in our lives...

Kelli said...

Welcome Mater! I am so looking forward to reading your posts.
And I loved the post -- now I know where those lovely photos on Jenn's blog came from too!

Diamond said...

Already linked you Mater! Love your site. Are you sure they weren't tartan-plaid?

The Mater said...

Let's see, we'd rather have gin than Jenn and who was wearing those tartan plaid shorts anyhow?

And what happened at the steak and ale? hehehehe Be careful of what you wish for.

Anonymous said...

Maybe Norman could wear some of those tartan plaid boxers for ya. ;)

You have been linked to, m'dear. I'm certain you will be an instant sensation. In fact, it would seem you already are.

Go Mater, go Mater, get your blog on!

Anonymous said...

Umm. C2 in the comments would be me, because I am a dork and also the keyboard hates me. Which is fine, because I'm not loving it, either.

Anonymous said...

Great post, Mater! I'm so glad you're blogging! And I STILL have that birthday invitation up on my refrigerator!

Anonymous said...

Welcome, Mater! It's great to see you've joined the blog world!

Anonymous said...

It's like the soft porn version of Bedknobs and Broomsticks.

Jennifer T. said...

LOL! And the dance entry! And the dating! If you had a million dollars you might not be here being so funny, not that I wish Kraft dinner for you... Just glad you're here.