A Tribute to One of the Finest First Ladies

To commemorate today, the 22 year mark of Jacqueline Kennedy's passing, enjoy this tribute.

There was no one like her. In every way, she epitomized grace, elegance, and beauty.

https://www.facebook.com/AmericanExperience/videos/10154189432454122/

Happy Birthday, Jackie!

Hard to believe, but if she were still alive, our favorite First Lady, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, would've been 86 today. It's not a stretch to imagine what her life might've been like: reading, spending time at Martha's Vineyard, traveling to Paris to visit with her sister, Lee; enjoying dinners and walks in Central Park with Maurice Templesman. Maybe she'd be retired from editing, or only taking on that rare, occasional project that she was passionate about.

What's most difficult is picturing her without John Jr. Would his fate had been any different, if Jackie had lived longer? Impossible to say.

But in Jackie's memory, enjoy a few of my favorite pictures.

A Drive-by of the Kennedys' Palm Beach Home

Hi Everyone! I'm just returning from a family vacation in Palm Beach, FL, and I couldn't resist doing a drive-by of the Kennedys' former home. Wanted to share my (somewhat 'ehh') pictures with the group. The first three were taken from inside the car. This was as 'close' as we could get driving by. I didn't realize until later that the picture of the door (pic #3) was the same location where the family paused for pictures for Easter Sunday 62 and 63 (pic #4 & 6). How fun! Pic #5 shows the door from the curb. The other pics (#1 & 2) show what you can see from the road, but this is not the main house. Sadly, the Kennedys no longer own the home, and it does give the impression that it's in need of TLC. Amazing to think of the history that home represents.

Readers' Club

For those who have enjoyed (or will after reading this!) my series of short stories, The Kennedy Chronicles, I have good news. You can get all FIVE stories for FREE when you sign up and join my Readers' Club. Only four of the stories are available online. The newest addition, "Bouvier Afternoon" is meant as a special thank you gift for new members to the club.

In case you aren't familiar with the stories yet :) , here's a brief description of each:

"Encounter"--short, short story where JFK and Jackie cross paths on a train.

"Party Favors"--you're invited to attend the dinner party where JFK and Jackie officially met through mutual friends.

"Before the Proposal"--both JFK and Jackie face their doubts about marriage and consider what they'll sacrifice in exchanging 'I Dos'.

"Arrangements"--Joe and Rose Kennedy join Janet and Hugh Auchincloss for dinner to discuss each family's 'expectations' for the pending nuptials.

"Bouvier Afternoon"--Jackie is at the final fitting for he wedding gown and is determined to wear a dress she loves, but can she convince her mother?

Visit mercedesking.com to find out more or click HERE to join the club.

Thank you!

Still not sure? You can read Encounter for FREE.

 

Thanks!