June Cleaver

 I just found out that our dear Barbara Billingsley died a few days ago. I have to admit my surprise, after all, the woman that played the role of June Cleaver had to be so perfect that even death couldn't hold a candle to her. Silly I know, but it's true.

June hangs out at the 17th Street Farmers Market 2006-2007

I thought that this would be the time to tell you the story about how I came up with the name "Modern June." Four years ago, in June 2006, I was preparing to sell my vintage apron collection and my new Oilcloth Totes at the 17th Street Farmers Market. I decided I wanted a needed  a mannequin to dress-up to show off my aprons. I took my then 9 and 6 year old children shopping for a mannequin. After visiting a couple of funky shops that specialized in reselling retail fixtures and other crazy items, we found our girl, a very odd, and silly, mannequin. She had no arms, and cost way too much, but I bought her nonetheless. The kids and I hoisted her into our mini van and set about picking a name--at the time Maddie insisted that every inanimate object we owned have a proper name. So there, in the parking lot, trying to find a name, I suggested "June" as in June Cleaver. After I told them who June Cleaver was, everyone agreed--especially when I told them that I wanted to be a Modern June Cleaver. So it was decided, and Modern June was born--in the 10 minutes it took us to drive home, a business brand was born. And there I was, CEO--I mean housewife--looking for a creative outlet, hanging out with her kids 24/7, trying to be the best mom she could be. Does it get more June Cleaver than that?

Rest in peace Barbara Billingsley. As for dear June Cleaver, she will never die.