As I mentioned in my previous post, I was hoping to catch up with some of the Splitcoast challenges today. As usually happens, though, the one card I made went through such an evolutionary process that I only did the one. What a sweet experience, though!
The challenge was to make a card inspired by one of our memories, or an item that brought back a memory. I present this:
That humble, worn shaker on the right is the beginning of my love affair with the color red. It represents everything "virtuous, lovely, of good report, or praiseworthy" - most notably HOME in the truest and best sense of that word!
Alice Jean Shumway raised womanhood in general - and motherhood in particular - to a high art. She could have been anything, and done anything, as she was an incredibly intelligent, creative, accomplished woman. However, she always considered "Mother" to be her truest and highest calling, and executed it with the excellence and love that she always put into everything she did. She taught us a love of reading and learning, encouraged us to be creative and resourceful, fostered self-esteem and respect for others, sang us lullabies and played the piano and allowed us to blast our chosen music at full volume and a million, billion other amazing, wonderful things!
That little shaker was one of the most often-used items in her kitchen. It always had cinnamon and sugar in it - for toast and for the little leftover bits of pastry when she baked pies. Just looking at or holding this shaker gets me all misty-eyed and lumpy-throated and nostalgic - it represents comfort for the body and the soul, and makes me realize all over again how truly blessed I was to have been born to the amazing parents I was fortunate enough to call "Mom" and "Dad".
If any of my children or friends or anyone I've ever encountered feels even a bizillionth the affection for me that I feel towards my parents, I will have lived a life worth living, after all...
so sweet. I love that shaker. I can't stand using a spoon and tupperware. I love the sentiments, and all your personal thoughts. I wasn't raised by your Mom, but am so blessed to have known her...and especially for raising the most sweet man I've ever met, my honey, Ry, and her baby. thanks for all your thoughts, works of heart, and more...love you, sue.
Posted by: Cari Shumway | December 28, 2008 at 04:43 PM
What a Lovely Tribute to your Mom Sue.. I never had the pleasure of meeting your Mom but I have been lucky enough to have known you now for what's it been 9 yrs? ... and you have shared so many stories with me... some heartwarming, some sad, some down right silly (love those campfire songs too!) and I have gotten a sense of what it must have been like for you growing up...a kind of through the looking glass feel if you know what I mean.
I know the stories about the shaker and wish that I had something from my past that had that much meaning .. how looking at it makes you feel warm and safe.. and even though it makes you feel sad it evokes that warmth that your Mom wrapped around you every day.. How LUCKY you are to have that!
ps.. my affection for you is on a grand scale, you are like a sister to me... but it is me who considers herself lucky because of what you have brought to our friendship.. your warmth and honesty is touching in this hardened world and lets me know that I am loved and respected for who I am.. Thank You for that!
... and now, back to your regularly scheduled program ...
Posted by: Sherry Ü | December 28, 2008 at 08:23 PM
Love the card and the story behind the cinnamon jar. You should scrapbook your memories about the jar.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Posted by: Debra Pate | December 28, 2008 at 08:51 PM
What a beautiful post! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Mona P | December 30, 2008 at 10:52 AM
It's taken me a little bit to respond...not because I wasn't touched, though. More because I can't add much. This was a beautiful tribute to Mom, Sue. We were/are a blessed family because of her and Dad; their patience with our imperfections, kindness in our sorrows, and laughter in our joys...Thanks for reminding me. Love you! AL
Posted by: Alice | January 03, 2009 at 08:04 AM