Cate the Great, not Catherine the Great Sept. 2005
My stepsister, Cate, has worked in our shop off and on for years. Family businesses test all family relationships but I am happy to say that, at least from my perspective, my relationship with Cate has only grown stronger. She is a very pretty young woman who also happens to be a graduate student on the Dean's List. (She's taken so don't ask me for her phone number.)
When she sold her first original design she did a dance of joy, in front of the client no less. While it was a bit unorthodox, her pure joy meant 2 things; it wouldn't be returned-the client would be too embarrassed, and we all shared in her joy as she danced a sort of Snoopy, ear twirling, feet twitching, few inches above the ground celebration. See why's she's great?
Sometimes I want to pull my hair out because she can give you a discourse on the theatrical aspects of the costuming of the subjects of Rembrandt paintings, but she cannot translate that to simple common sense activities. Of course, that only makes her more charming and endearing. I can't help but smile as I listen to why she had so much trouble getting a cashier's check from the bank.
Every time I get ready to make a piece of jewelry for her or buy gemstones for her, I always splurge. She's worth it. After all, this is the person who used to brag that she was named after Catherine the Great. For years she told everyone, with pride, that she was named for a Queen. In college, some spoilsport told her that Catherine the Great was known for some unseemly equine activities. She was shocked and has stopped telling people that she is a Catherine the Great. To me that is a shame. So I say that she is Cate the Great.
Sometimes she tries my patience as I'm sure I try hers, but whenever I think about her I smile and that is great.
She is Cate the Great!