The story of The Red Alien

I have always been an admirer of the cosmos. Equally fascinated with the science that explores our universe, as well as what may or may not be myth or just science fiction. In my mind Carl Sagan, Neil deGrasse Tyson and well... the X-files all are pure wonder. 

At a point in my life that I felt the need to prove my self sufficiency, I also needed to purchase a new car. My confidence at the time was not what it is today, and I thought a wise choice would be to purchase a car that did not allow for haggling. A straightforward purchase without the anxiety was just what I needed.  Perfect, I thought, I shall buy a Saturn. (Coupe, of course. I was trying to maintain the illusion of cool.)

As if the stars had aligned, pun - most definitely intended  - I also had a love of any planet that came fully accessorized with a ring. And, I purchased a Saturn necklace. 

My car and that necklace might have identified me for a stint, and this did not go unnoticed to my young nephew. Quizzically, one day, Seth asked me, "Why is everything Saturn?"  I could have said it was just a coincidence, which it was, but where's the fun in that? Instead, as I am the fun aunt, I knelt down to be at eye level, leaned in to whisper in his ear and said, "Because, Seth, I hope to go home some day."

Well, he took that in for a moment, and smiled. I won't ever really know what he thought. But, he was satisfied with my answer and from that day forward, I became Aunt Alien. As he got older, just The Alien. 

Seth was taken from us at the age of 18. I think of him daily, miss him terribly, and wonder often, if maybe he is nearby. 

Historically, I have gone by the nickname Red, among my friends for over 30 years. When the time came to come up with a name for what might become a business, and at the very least a page to share pictures and stories, I had first toyed with many ideas involving the word, 'Red'.  It was my best friend, who devised this brilliant homage to my nephew while maintaining my moniker. 

The Red Alien was born.