#2 Love Letter to mini
Dearest Mini,
I went to France and fell in love. I wasn’t expecting to, but I must admit, when I slipped into your soft leather seats, donned a wine-colored Nike baseball cap, and took off, something happened. Was it the mesmerizing aroma of wild thyme mingled with hedge roses? Or was it the way you hugged the tight roads, purring beside plane trees and vineyards? After all, I was just visiting my sister, just planning on some jaunts on the back roads in her Mini. I had no idea what was to happen! But I fell and fell hard. Ooh, la la.
Mini, you captured my heart. Back to the States and Tahoe, Au Revoir!
I’d never been a car person, really – more of a horse lover, but there were some vehicles I held dear. My first car: a Vega, sturdy little thing, purchased for $300, drove me through “salad years”; a bright blue Dodge Colt, versatile and plucky, navigated us newlyweds over D.C. potholes and into tight parking spaces; my dark green Isuzu trooper, rugged and renegade, blazed country dirt roads, and from childhood, my father’s sleek Thunderbird, something to admire, not drive. But none compare to you, my darling, Mini. You are sleek and sophisticated, adventurous and spunky, romantic, yet practical. C'est manifique!
Indulge me, Mini... Why do I love thee, Mini? Let me count the ways.
1.You make it June even in November. With just one button, down goes your canvas top and windows, and Voila! It’s summertime! The world just seems greener with you in it, Mini.
2. You are super smart. Your curious little musical scale warns of a loose gas cap, keys left in the ignition, an insecure seatbelt, low tires, and a host of little things which could become big things. A perfect quality, Mini, for we find ourselves caught up in the moment in your presence.
3. You seek adventure. It’s almost as you can drive yourself, pointing your cute round hood in the direction of Potomac ferry rides, pilgrimages to local bakeries, vineyards or orchards, or to places South, your compartments stuffed with beach supplies, suitcases, and groceries. And then there are your quiet rides on soft clear nights under stars. (Sighing, yet?)
4. Children, dogs and older people love you, too. Do you remember the time we pulled over at a rest stop in Virginia and an entire school bus of teenage girls curled around you exclaiming, “How cute!”, “I love it!?" then clapping as we roared away?
Dogs are lovers of minis. Maybe because most dogs love the outdoors and car trips, and with you, they get a bonus. My dog friend, Penny, loved her ride in the country, wrapped cozily in a fleece blanket on my lap, her ears flapping. And Mini, I know I caught her smiling.
And what about my mother? (Remember... she owns a Tahoe.) You worked your magic, and Mama and her two miniature Chihuahuas felt right at home. I guess you are just their size and speed. “A little racecar,” Mama murmured.
5. Contrary to popular opinion, you can carry a great deal, especially with the top down. What I know possible: several large bags of mulch, various perennials, shrubs, bags of groceries, but probably much more. Once we fit 5 people, 2 in one seatbelt. (But sshhh. It’s our secret.)
6. Minis love to congregate. Venture into any parking garage or lot, you'll see several Minis hanging out. You are social creatures.
Other little known facts about you, Mini:
*Men in red sports cars like to race you. (They don’t know your power...)
* Speeding tickets may be hazards. (That’s why your speedometer reads slower than your actual speed.)
*Owners miss driving their Minis when away. (This is one of the few times other family members get to experience your fun- loving nature.)
*You speak the Queen’s English: “boot”, “bonnet”, “lay-by” (cheeky , you are.)
* Minis can fly if they want to. (Notice the wings ?)
Darling Mini, I just can’t say enough about you and our love affair. Thank you for all the joy you bring me. Je t’aime.
Love,
Summer xxoo