The Bestest Gift!

When I made my pilgrimage up to That Original Oldgirl Serenity30's Housewarming extravaganza, I was really looking forward to seeing a couple of my favorite folks:

The LBeezy and Ms. Blackliterature.com.

Sherri, aka "Celie 2" aka Ms.Blackliterature.com, one of my favorite readers (and proud member of "Lurk City") and premiere members of the Original Oldgirl Elite Critique Team (lol), resides in Charlotte. But she called me a day earlier and said that she had a prior commitment, and would not be able to make Serenity's party. She would be in Atlanta that day.

I was sorely disappointed. She and I had broken bread at the 'Shed the last time she was in the ATL!

I told her that I would stick my hand out the window and wave at her as I traveled 85-North and she traveled 85-South. I knew we would be passing each other on the highway!

I wanted to see that chick.

*Wail, holler, screech*

Shoot, man. Sherri is one COOL chick. I've even whipped up a quick batch of chocolate chip cookies for her before we went to dinner a few weeks ago (after leaping from couch and yelling "I have to do something nice for her!" lol).

After talking to her for 2 hours over dinner, I'd felt like I had had either some really intense therapy or a very nice blunt.

LOL. (Therapy! Good therapy!)

I like smart people!

I like good people!

She is both.

*HARD SIGH*

Anyway, when I arrived at Serenity's house, there was a lovely gift awaiting me! It was from Sherri! It contained the following:

*Lee smiles hard like Miss Celie smiles*


You know, Sherri... I've been looking at this set of journals in the store, wanting one. Lo and behold, here YOU come with one for ME!

I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy!

And uh, girl... why is it that I have started reading this book, Stand the Storm by Breena Clarke, and it's about a family of slaves who are weavers, quilters, knitters, and the like?

OH JOY!!! You know what I like, don't you? OH JOY!!!

HAPPY HAPPY!!! JOY JOY JOY!!!

And to top it off, Sherri left a little note for me in the journal.

Dear "Old Girl",

Because you

-are the 1 woman PR firm of Tayari Jones
-keep it real with the old school jamz
-make a mean chocolate chip cookie
-prove that chemistry is cool
-remember School House Rocks
-are an awesome and gifted writer
-have a spirit of generosity
-can be counted on for a good book recommendation
-have inspired and been a blessing to my life

I saw these and hope one would come in handy :)
Maybe you'll start your next novel as you journal.
Seriously, you are appreciated!

Sherri.

Now, ya'll know how hardcore I am. I'm a tough Oldgirl. Really, I am.

Why in the world did this bring tears to my eyes?

Goodness gracious alive...

Somebody hand me a Martin Luther King church fan so I can fan myself. Hurry up, now.

That was the bestest gift right there!

You alright with me, Sherri. You sho nuff is, Chile....

All, I can say is... Wow.

You really surprised me. Really did. Wasn't expecting this AT ALL.

I know with you in my corner, I will do great things. Thanks for supporting the LadyLee blog since like... forever and a day. Thanks for whipping me all about my head critique-wise (lol). Thanks for all that you do!

And most of all... thanks for being the kind person you are.

You are very much appreciated!!

You really are!