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The Villages
Friday, March 29, 2024

It’s always fun to reconnect

Lisa DeMarco

Recently, I reconnected with a dear old friend on Facebook. She and her husband were customers of mine for years at the Diner in Eustis. They had been regulars at the restaurant for many years before I came along, yet, I am the one waitress they kept in contact with after I no longer served them. 

Carl, a distinguished older gentleman in our community, enjoyed razzing me on Sunday mornings after church. He was the person that nicknamed me “Chatty Cathy.” A title I’ve always worn proudly. Sandy, his lovely wife, is also a retired teacher who taught for decades in Lake County. I’ll never know why this proper southern couple took this Jersey girl under their wing, but it has been my pleasure to call them my friends for over 20 years. 

Sandy messaged me that her church in Eustis is celebrating its 140th year of service. Their congregation is hosting an upcoming event, and she thought I might want to attend. They planned on having a “bazaar” the last weekend of October and were looking to fill 50 booths. She knew my new book, “Serving Up Some Funny House Special” had just come out, and she thought this would be an excellent opportunity for me to sell my wares and give us time to share a long overdue visit together. 

I was thrilled just to be invited. I didn’t realize she was aware I had moved out of Lake County last year. She said she was quite surprised when she realized I was no longer at Billy’s Cafe. Nonetheless, she said, “Even more reason for you to make an appearance. It will give me a chance to see you live and show you off,” she added. 

Knowing I wear my new poodle skirts when promoting my joke books and about my lifelong obsession with color coordination, she quickly questioned what I might wear that day. Which, of course,  immediately set a fire in me to show off while visiting my old stomping ground. The light bulb went off in my head. Within seconds of being invited,  I could already envision the entire event, including my outfit, from head to toe. I couldn’t wait to go online to see if Converse had orange Chuck Taylors in my size. Then I immediately contacted my fairy Godmother, Rose, to see what it would take to get her to conjure up an ORANGE poodle skirt for me.

“Of course,” she said, as I expected. “But don’t you think it should be a Black Cat skirt instead of a Poodle skirt?” she snickered. 

I was so excited. That is until I called my daughter, Makenzie Rae, to brag. Her response was, “Really, mom, do you think a church function is an appropriate place for you to sell your joke books?”

“Wow,” I thought.

“I was invited!” I snapped. “Why, Makenzie Rae? Do you think my jokes are too sassy for church folk?” I questioned. 

“Yes!” She quickly blurted out. “Sorry, ma, I’m just not feeling you at a church function,” she quickly added, trying to desperately back out of insulting me. 

By now, she had me questioning myself and all of my visions. I felt a deep need to contact Sandy and verify that she knew I was coming to the festival to sell my “dirty” joke books. Apparently, my 21-year-old daughter had faith that my 1950s diner-style booth would look inviting, and she would not deny how cute I would look. Still, she just wasn’t sure about my appropriateness. 

Luckily, before I could even contact Sandy, I noticed she had already messaged me regarding my attendance. She wanted me to know how excited she was to share me with her congregation. The same community that helped me create both of my first joke books. She quickly reminded me of that and reassured me that my presence was welcome and everyone she knew was eager to have me. 

Then, chuckling as she spoke, my friend told me, “Don’t listen to that kid of yours. She doesn’t realize that my lady friends and I supplied you with some of your saucy jokes back in the day. I bet she didn’t know I was one of the first to buy your books when they came out or how my husband and I used to come into the restaurant hoping to hear one of your new jokes.” 

Lisa DeMarco

“So be it,” I thought as I went back to planning my perfect Lake County cameo appearance. It’s on Halloween weekend, making it extra special, and the DeMarco Family and I plan on making our presence known. I plan to shout out to everyone I know to ensure they attend the shindig. It’s Saturday, Oct. 29 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Eustis from 8 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. I’ll be supplying HUGS and KISSES sponsored by Hershey and smiles and giggles by the mile. Come help me spread the laughter. All treats. No tricks!

Laugh on. Peace out!

Author Lisa DeMarco is a columnist for Villages-News.com.

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