Mom.Fishing.Happy.

Where did Mom get her charm? Grandma.

Here's grandma with her sisters Mary and Nina.

Grandma & Grandpa - whence Mommie came

Ro & Vic - Denver, CO

These two little snappies are from the late 90's in Denver. The first one is in our garden on Irvington and the other is in front of a little shop on South Broadway. Both pictures are with Victoria. A friend mom made and, knowing my penchant for all things Russian, collected her for me ;-) This connection, by the way, is how I got to NYC since Victoria's daughter is the person I work for here. Mom was always doing what she could to make her kids' dreams come true.

Mom and Aunt Mae

Here are three photos of Rose Marie and her big sister, Mae:

The first one is circa 1945 and has the DeBella clan all dolled up and celebrating some event. Mom's in the front seated next to Rita, then Grandma, (unknown kid), Aunt Winnie, Aunt Aggie, Aunt Mae, (4 unknown people), grandpa, (and unknown woman). Look at this group... no wonder I'm so cute...















Then there's middle-age. I don't know, circa 197? Look how adorable these gals are au natural in their black hipster wear. There's probably Moody Blues playing in the background.

Florida with the Vallones. Braving the waves (okay, so they're not that far out) and laughing their asses off trying ot to let the riptide drag them in.