6th February 2012

Dear Handbag,

Thank you for carrying my stuff.  You are a loyal friend who endures so much. 

I don't blame you for bursting at the seams that day and projectile vomiting your contents across the pavement and onto the bike path.  Your blowout was justified.  I acknowledge the final straw. I pushed you too far. 

For months on end I stuffed you with notebooks and sunglasses, (two pairs: one novelty pair, slightly dysfunctional, and one mildly sensible pair, fully operational) a coin purse and wallet, an A4 diary, a work phone and a private phone (with flat battery), a phone battery charger, five pens, (three still actually containing ink) a lipstick, a lip gloss, an empty lipstick, some international stamps, a tube of sunscreen, a 50ml Evian spray (empty), a compact, a compact camera, another pair of sunglasses, (functional apart from the international stamp adhered to the left lens) a ribbon (stained with pen ink), plenty of tissues (one unopened pack and four used, scrunched individuals with potential for a second use) and a straw (the final one).

I'm reminded of the amazing adventures into my Mother's handbag.  A friend and I once delved in and found enough snacks to keep a small army well fed for weeks.  We also uncovered an afro comb, a shower cap, some shoe polish, a pot of Vick's Vapour Rub, a small selection of drugs, several single serve condiment packs of vegemite, three French hens, four calling birds and a half eaten cheese and cucumber sandwich. 

I often wonder what else lurks in the dark and crumby depths of my Mum's capacious handbag...after all, the Beaumont children are still missing...

jojobee

2 comments:

  1. I was only relaying " the handbag story" recently to friends, that was a wild bus ride.

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    Replies
    1. Oh San, I never laughed so hard as that day! What a fond memory.

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