Monday, April 30, 2012

"What's So Funny?"




As talks with our book's agent heat up and queries are made, I find myself wistful about this photographic odyssey.  I spent years on an Amish project, even more time taking pictures of women and the things they carry in their bras, purses, pants, pockets, and hands, as well as several years with talented ephemeral artists. I love being a photographer.


One of the reasons I take pictures is to keep what I am photographing with me forever.  This is childish, but I got this crazy idea from losing my Dad when I was three.  His photographs breathed, gave him immortality.  I started to love Aunt Ruth with my camera in response to my oldest sister moving away from me.  It was really that simple.  I couldn't lose anyone else who watched over me.


This picture was taken at Aunt Ruth's 92nd birthday, and in two weeks, she will be 93.  I don't think she ever really thought my pictures would turn into a book, but she never laughed at me.  She did what elders are supposed to do.  She supported my idea, praised the progress, and told me I was great.  She loves me unconditionally.


And, so far, I was right about taking pictures.  She is still with me.


Photography is magic!  Aunt Ruth and I say, "Go take some pictures!"

(I would like to thank all those who love this blog and Aunt Ruth.  As she has said many times, "The will to live comes from loving people."  Happy 93rd Birthday, my always loving Aunt Ruth.)

108 comments:

  1. Great post, and fantastic photo. Aunt Ruth never looked so beautiful! ---

    Karen at Pen in Hand

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  2. Aunt Ruth, I wish you the happiest of years and just know that you will be here for the big celebration of 100 - only 7 years to go. I love more because of you and the thoughtfulness of Honey to share you with all of us! Happy, happy day.

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  3. Dear Aunt Ruth,

    We hope you have the grandest of birthdays and our wishes for many more.

    Thank you for your kindness, love, and support for our friend Honey. She is special and we can tell where that came from. You.

    Our very best,
    Riley & Karen

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  4. Happy birthday Aunt Ruth - wish you a wonderful day & a wonderful year!

    sylvia

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  5. Happy happy birthday, Aunt Ruth! You are an inspiration to all of us!

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  6. Happy and delightful Aunt Ruth, I love the photo of you on your 92nd. May the celebration of your 93rd keep you laughing and loving throughout the year to come. Thanks to both you and Honey for sharing so much. xoxo

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  7. Happy birthday, Aunt Ruth. You look stunning in this beautiful photo!

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  8. Happy Birthday Aunt Ruth - you look so beautiful inside and out - just like your niece x

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  9. The beauty of a laugh or a smile! I took a photo recently of a friend who commented that her wrinkles showed too much. I told her that I didn't notice, all I saw was her sparkly eyes and heart warming smile.

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  10. Wishing Aunt Ruth the most wonderful birthday yet!

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  11. Wishing you the Happiest of Birthdays Aunt Ruth, being a May Baby myself.

    You are so right when you say, just go out and shoot! Thank you for the advice and your words. Enjoy the day!

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  12. Happy Birthday, Aunt Ruth! You are ravishing these days!!!! And soon, the larger world will be blessed with your wisdom, kindness, and unconditional love. Thank you....and thank you, Honey, for your strength and perseverance (and AMAZING talent). You have given us a gift that will be cherished on so many levels.....and multiply as it is shared. Amazing.

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  13. Happy Birthday, dear Aunt Ruth! You always inspire!

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  14. such a beautiful post...my first visit to your lovely blog. so glad I stopped by.

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  15. Happy Birthday to Aunt Ruth! Wishing you a day filled with much love, laughter and memories!

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  16. Hey, Aunt Ruth, Have a Blast!
    How can you not with that niece o' yours around!!!
    Tessa

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  17. Happy Birthday. Make sure you get a corner piece of the cake.

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  18. Have a Blast Aunt Ruth..You Rock!!

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  19. Happy birthday to you Aunt Ruth! Taurus gals rock! I remember when I made your birthday cake a few years ago and all the words that were piped on in buttercream on those cupcakes. You are a very special lady and I wish you a very happy birthday! - Marianne (cake lady)

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  20. Have a grand day! Happy 93rd BD to you!
    Diane

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  21. Happy Birthday Aunt Ruth and thanks for the inspiration. Namaste

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  22. Dear Aunt Ruth, you and Honey are so blessed to have one another! Wishing a very happy birthday and 94 kisses (that's one for good luck). Enjoy!
    Andi

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  23. Dear Aunt Ruth,
    Happy Birthday wishes for your 93rd from a friend of Honey's and a niece of Bea Rabb. You have set the bar high for us all. Thank you!

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  24. Happy Birthday Aunt Ruth and many more!
    Nancy

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  25. Happy Birthday Aunt Ruth!!

    Love,
    Matthew

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  26. Happy happy birthday to YOU Aunt Ruth! May your day be filled with joy and beautiful memories.

    ~Sarah W.

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  27. Happy Birthday Aunt Ruth! Carry On! xo, gai and ron

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  28. Aunt Ruth, Happy birthday and many more in health and happiness! You're are an incredible woman. L'Chaim! Nita G.

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  29. CHEERS TO 93 YEARS!!

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  30. Happy 93rd birthday Aunt Ruth! I always enjoy the stories you and Honey share with us, thank you!

    Carri

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  31. Dear Aunt Ruth, a very Happy Birthday. Enjoy the celebrations. With best wishes from Penny, Edward & Jack Hickman

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  32. Happy 93rd Birthday , Aunt Ruth! Hope you have an awesome day celebrating with family and friends!

    Birthday Blessings,

    Barb Miller Bacon

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  33. there is no one like you, aunt ruth! happy birthday to the most giving,thoughtful, and caring person on earth! see you at your 100th.

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  34. Happy 93rd Birthday Aunt Ruth, May your day be filled with love and happiness and the gift of laughter your present to all of us. Enjoy getting to know you through Honey's Blog.
    Have a super day :)

    Debbie Beeson

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  35. As a friend of Connie's, she recommended that I visit this blog in light of Ruth's upcoming 93rd birthday. Honey, your words are beautiful & the picture of Ruth is stunning! So much life, fun, & love in her face! Sending warm, heartfelt birthday wishes to you Ruth as you celebrate the incredible 93rd year of your life! Seems to me that you are an incredible woman who has lots of love in your life. Congratulations & Happy Natal Anniversary dear lady! :-) Sincerely, Lara Schultz

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  36. Happy Birthday Aunt Ruth .... All the very best to you.

    Stephen Paternite

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  37. AR, thank you for being you and for being a part of my life. Happy Birthday!

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  38. Happy Birthday to you Auntie Ruth!! You are a role model for so many! Here's to many many more!

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  39. Happy birthday to Aunt Ruth. The representative for lively living in the 90's.

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  40. Happy birthday dear Aunt Ruth!! Thank you for inspiring us, always!! May you birthday be filled with friends, just like your life has been.

    You may not know this, but you are a big, wonderful part and my and my family's everyday life!

    Wishing you love and happiness for years to come! <3

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  41. Happy happy 93rd Birthday Aunt Ruth!!!! May you have many more years filled with love, laughter, and a wonderful Honey-bee!!!!! xoxo Ruth

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  42. Happiest of Birthdays, Aunt Ruth!
    Thank you for so generously sharing your LOVE with all of us in your deeds, words, and thoughts. I know you have enriched my life immeasureably, and I'm certain others have benefitted as well.
    Lots of Love to you, as we now all excitedly await 94! :-)
    -pjs

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  43. Happy birthday Aunt Ruth - I wish you all the happiness in the world today! You are loved so much by your family, it's an inspiration to me!

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  44. Happy birthday Aunt Ruth! Thanks for lighting up our lives with your smile.

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  45. Happy birthday Aunt Ruth! Thanks for lighting up our lives with your smile.

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  46. dear aunt ruth, earlier today, you had 95 wishes. blogger must have been overwhelmed by the love, because half of them vanished. happy birthday, sweet aunt ruth! i love you forever.

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  47. Dear Aunt Ruth, I want to wish you a very Happy Birthday! My life has been blessed by relatives who lived long lives and shared their perspectives with me. One splendid example was provided by my grandmother who lived in a lovely place with many nonagenarians. In describing another resident, she explained that he had told everyone he was 96 years old. Gram, herself 94, disclosed in a hushed voice, "He's 98 if he's a day!"

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  48. Happy birthday to dear Aunt Ruth!

    We're thrilled that you'll be spending your special day with us! And we can't wait to share our big day with you!

    All my love,
    Rini

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  49. to me


    GW has left a new comment on your post ""What's So Funny?"":


    And this birthday wish comes from Garie Waltzer's mother SELMA WALTZER, of North Woodmere, NY, who would love to meet you some day as she shares much of your philosophy of life. Despite her lack of an online presence like the media personality Aunt Ruth, she sends her wishes for lots more birthday celebrations, at big tables surrounded by loved ones. Enjoy the big day!

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  50. Another joyous birthday wish for you from Skip Harger, who couldn't sign in to your blog, but I signed in for him- He wishes you lots more wonderful celebratory meals- from one great cook to another! Happy Birthday!!!

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  51. lauren juratovac has left a new comment on your post ""What's So Funny?"":

    Happy 93rd Birthday Aunt Ruth!

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  52. CherryPie has left a new comment on your post ""What's So Funny?"":

    Happy 93rd Birthday I hope you have a wonderful day surrounded by family and friends :-)

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  53. Deborah Parkin Photography has left a new comment on your post ""What's So Funny?"":

    Happy Birthday Aunt Ruth - I hope it is as special as you are xx

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  54. marta moran-bishop has left a new comment on your post "What It's All About, Ruthie?":


    Aunt Ruthie is right it is all about the love. Blessings

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  55. Anonymous has left a new comment on your post ""What's So Funny?"":

    Happy birthday Aunt Ruth...you look lovely at 92, and I'll bet you're even more beautiful now. May your 93d year be happy, healthy and fun!
    Love, CC

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  56. liesericketts has left a new comment on your post ""What's So Funny?"":

    Happy Birthday!

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  57. alettertomychildren (http://alettertomychildren.wordpress.com/) has left a new comment on your post ""What's So Funny?"":


    Happy Birthday, Aunt Ruth. Thank you for showing us a fine way to walk through this world.

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  58. Puna has left a new comment on your post ""What's So Funny?"":

    Happy birthday Aunt Ruth - I wish you all the happiness in the world today! You are loved so much by your family, it's an inspiration to me!

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  59. Happy Birthday Aunt Ruth. Your life is an encouragement to many. Here's my questions: what has been the most affirming change in society during your 93 years? What have you seen happen that made you say "I knew it all along!"
    Blessings!
    Debra Stokes

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  60. Happy 93rd Birthday, Aunt Ruth! I can't believe I'm so lucky that I'll get to celebrate it with you in person in just a few days!

    Love,
    Zach

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  61. sil has left a new comment on your post ""What's So Funny?"":

    Happy 93rd Birthday, dear Aunt Ruth! Have a wonderful day! :)

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  62. Happity Hippity Boithday Aunt Ruth....God Bless!!
    Laura

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  63. Bonnie McFarland has left a new comment on your post ""What's So Funny?"":

    Happy Birthday, Aunt Ruth!

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  64. Wishing you the happiest of Birthdays dear Ruth. You are an inspiration and a treasure to those who know and love you, and to those of us who know you through your friends and loved ones.
    <3
    April

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  65. Happy Birthday Ruth, I feel like I know you from all things I get to read about you through Connie. What a wonderful ladie you must be. I hope your birthday is as wonderful as you are.
    Jean Schadle

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  66. Happy 93rd birthday Aunt Ruth! Hope you enjoy your day with friends and family. Connie has said so many nice things about you, I feel that I know you already! Have a great day:-)

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  67. Happy 93rd birthday Aunt Ruth! Hope you enjoy your day with friends and family. Connie has said so many nice things about you, I feel that I know you already! Have a great day:-)

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  68. Eliza Lamb has left a new comment on your post ""What's So Funny?"":

    happy birthday aunt ruth!

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  69. Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday...and many more...God Bless You!!

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  70. Isa Leshko has left a new comment on your post ""What's So Funny?"":

    Happy Birthday, Aunt Ruth! Sending many hugs and much love your way. xo

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  71. Carolyn has left a new comment on your post ""What's So Funny?"":

    Lots of love and hugs to Aunt Ruth on her birthday! Wishing her many many more! xo

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  72. Dear sweet Aunt Ruth, Best wishes on your fabulous 93rd birthday.Thank you for sharing so much wisdom and love. Debbie

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  73. Happy happy birthday Ms Ruth! I have so enjoyed getting to know you through the posts on facebook. I am a friend from Florida that you haven't met yet!

    Hope your day is as special as you are! Make sure and do the happy birthday dance!

    Connie's almost cousin Janie

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  74. Cindy has left a new comment on your post ""What's So Funny?"":

    Happy Birthday to dear Aunt Ruth. A remarkable woman. May your days continue to be filled with love!

    I send 93 hugs to you today!

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  75. A.T. has left a new comment on your post ""What's So Funny?"":

    Happy Birthday Aunt Ruth!

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  76. Marcie has left a new comment on your post ""What's So Funny?"":

    As someone who has been following right along with Aunt Ruth over this past year - I just wanted to wish you a Happy Happy Birthday...and a toast to many more!!!!

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  77. POBSB has left a new comment on your post ""What's So Funny?"":

    Happy birthday aunt Ruth from the Netherlands

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  78. GW has left a new comment on your post ""What's So Funny?"":

    Happy Birthday Aunt RUth from Honey's friend Garie!!!You're a gem!

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  79. Happy BIrthday to a sage and wonderful media icon!
    xoxo
    Honey's friend Garie

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  80. Dear Aunt Ruth,

    You're a joy and inspiration to us all. Love and happiness on your 93rd birthday.
    With love,
    Jimmy Kichler

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  81. Garie said it best. Media icon and wisdom-goddess extraordinaire! Happiest of birthdays and lotsa NACHES.
    Love,
    Belleruth

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  82. Lynn has left a new comment on your post ""What's So Funny?"":

    Happy 93rd Birthday Aunt Ruth!

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  83. Rebecca Palmer has left a new comment on your post ""What's So Funny?"":

    I send you wishes for continued joy and happiness! Happy Birthday, Aunt Ruth!

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  84. Frida has left a new comment on your post ""What's So Funny?"":

    Happy Birthday Aunt Ruth from Frida in Sweden. I hope you'll have a gorgeous day!!

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  85. Happy BIrthday RUth You are an amazing lady and a wonderful friend! Love,Linda Ciarlillo xo

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  86. Rose Marie has left a new comment on your post ""What's So Funny?"":

    Happy Birthday Aunt Ruth. you are a gorgeous lady soon to be 93. When your birthday partying is over, please shae with us your secret.

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  87. Sending birthday greetings from Nashville, Tennessee and wishes for a very, very happy day! Happy Birthday Aunt Ruth!

    Sue

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  88. Dear aunt ruth
    I have heard all about you from my mom's friend, Honey.
    In fact I follow Honey's blog and love looking at the pictures..
    I heard that you are about to have a special birthday. That's in 13 dog years. Wow!
    I should live and thrive so long!
    Have a great day
    Lots of licks
    Woof!

    Fletcher Frootko Gordon

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  89. Chuck Mintz has left a new comment on your post ""What's So Funny?"":

    Happy Birthday. Make sure you get a corner piece of the cake.

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  90. tessa has left a new comment on your post ""What's So Funny?"":

    Have a Blast Aunt Ruth..You Rock!!

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  91. Sending birthday greetings from Nashville, Tennessee and wishes for a very, very happy day! Happy Birthday Aunt Ruth!

    Sue

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  92. CherryPie has left a new comment on your post ""What's So Funny?"":

    Happy 93rd Birthday I hope you have a wonderful day surrounded by family and friends :-)

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  93. Happy 93rd Birthday to my best friend,Ruth,looking forward to 100 :-) I love you
    connie

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  94. Dear Aunt Ruth,
    Blogger can't accidentally erase my post from here. I want you and Honey to know I'm sending you tons of love for your 93rd Birthday, and enough to last you allll year. (just as she and you have so generously done for me and so many others.)
    I KNOW the meaning of LOVE and great hugs, and caring, and the healing effects of sharing love; not withholding it, ever.
    Smile Honey; it's gonna be just fine! xoxox

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  95. Elizabeth Glorioso
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Enjoy your day!

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  96. Happy birthday and a kiss for aunt Ruth.Enjoy all of you happy family.Rene

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  97. Dear Aunt Ruth: As interesting as the past 93 years have been, I'm positive that the NEXT 93 will prove to be REALLY amazing. God Bless... Alan Nyiri

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  98. Happy 93rd Birthday Aunt Ruth, giving you hugs all the way from Vancouver, BC :-)

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  99. Happy 93rd Birthday Aunt Ruth :-)

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  100. Happy Birthday, Auntie Ruth. You look marvelous. xoxo

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  101. Happy Birthday Aunt Ruth - we are all blessed to know you and learn from you... in love and wisdom!

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  102. Happy Birthday ,wishing you the best day ever.
    Lory

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  103. Dear Aunt Ruth,

    I have your recipe for banana bread. It's amazing and so are you! Have a wonderful birthday.


    Susan from Chicago

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  104. Dear Aunt Ruth,

    I have your banana bread recipe. It's amazing and so are you!

    Happy Birthday!

    Susan from Chicago

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  105. Hope it was a spectacular birthday!

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  106. I hope you all are doing well. I hate that I missed it. Happy Bbbbbbb-lated birthday Aunt Ruth

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