after searching for vintage clutches and coming up empty handed i decided it was a must to express the reason why i so desperately wished to find that perfect vintage clutch.
i wanted to find the perfect clutch for my best friend raya. i needed to find her the perfect clutch as sort of symbol, a symbol that represented a particular sentiment that read "You are worth spending hours looking at clutches for!"
i met raya ten years ago. i was 19 years old. we decided to be best friends the day we met. we met at a big hair party in santa cruz, ca at our pink house on 37th Ave. i teased her hair real big. the teasing ritual was akin to us pricking our fingers and becoming blood sisters. once her hair was "real big", there was no stopping us. she has been the greatest blessing in my life ever since. teasing combs and suave hairspray, never doubt their staying power. never.
its raya's birthday March 16th. born in the beginning of Spring, she is that delicate flower that withstands storms like a tall, loyal oak tree gnarled into solid ground. she is a sign of better things to come and representative of the fanciful past. raya is a reflection of who i want to be when i grow up. raya is strong and yet weak in the knees. raya is the small world ride at Disneyland and doesn't say anything when people who are too big for the boats jam themselves into the tiny boat and stop the ride. raya is the kind of friend that writers portray in romantic comedies, the friend that always gets you out of a jam and is a really good time even when the atmosphere is not optimal. but most importantly, raya desires to be like Christ and therefore raya is a beautiful artist, mother, sister, and wife.
raya is my best friend because there is no one like her in the whole world and i cannot not love her. she is my kindred spirit and my truest friend and if you do something to hurt her i will stab in the throat with a pencil, but she will probably stop me and forgive you before i have had a chance to consider the option.
raya is a pink ribbon wrapped around the whole world twice made of titanium.
there is only one of her and i am proud to know her.
thank you for inspiring me. happy birthday and happy 10 year friend-a-versary.
faithsalutes raya on her birthday.
BONUS: she also laughs at my antics.
Very sweet! Happy Birthday Raya!
Posted by: Sara | March 16, 2010 at 02:34 AM
she is amazing. i agree. so is faithy. love you both.
Posted by: acacia | March 16, 2010 at 01:37 PM
and...tears. Thank you Faith, this was beautiful. It warms my heart to think of you & the friend you have been. The crazy funny happy adventurous sad creative last 10 years have really been my most favorite ten years of life. I love you.
Posted by: Raya | March 16, 2010 at 03:23 PM
Ah. I miss the 37th Ave neighbor ladies!
Posted by: Tina Ratliff | March 16, 2010 at 03:40 PM
Very eloquent, Faith. I'm glad you kept your blog.
Katie
Posted by: Katie Baker | March 16, 2010 at 06:15 PM
You are a fabulous friend. Raya is amazing. So are you.
Posted by: Nini Lettner | March 17, 2010 at 04:57 PM
You are an excellent writer. This is BEAUTIFUL What a blessing to Raya!
Posted by: erin | March 26, 2010 at 11:18 PM