Ida Bell

"Ida Bell" was my first renovation in Pine Bluff.  Ida Bella was my great aunt.  She was the sweetest person. Quiet, resourceful, genuine.  My favorite memory is sitting in my great-grandparents kitchen and watching her cook.  One hot summer day Aunt Ida Bell was mixing butter and sugar to make a cake.  She went outside to tend to something.  I put my finger in the bowl to sneak a taste.  After eating the entire bowl, yes the entire bowl, I quickly went to the living room and watched TV intently.   My aunt came in and asked in the most gentle way if I had eaten what was in the bowl .  I responded "yes" she said "why would you do that?"  I shrugged.  She never yelled, never fussed. 

To this day please do not leave a bowl of butter and sugar unattended in my presence.