Hi Heather - I really do agree with you completely. My childhood was late 40's/50's a time you'd expect to be awful but it wasn't. A very ordinary working family but we as children has freedom. I went to a girls secondary modern with big classes, scattered around the town in different buildings but we had a Head who taught us occasionally and she knew us by name. I owe so much to her and her staff. I have never forgotten our English teacher telling us each year she chose something new to her, to study, learn about. The same lady who overheard my friend and me talking about opera and soon after took us to Manchester to a performance of Aida. I have always taken up new hobbies, years ago at evening classes that were plentiful and didn't cost a fortune. The demise of these is a great loss, you met people, tackled something different and had fun. The last few years I've got to grips with Photoshop and the opportunities found on-line for research not just Family Tree but anything that puzzles you, catches your attention, when you think what's that? where is that? Why?
Carol thank you so much for your story..and thoughts! it's so important to reflect and also to be aware of the so many learning and growth opportunities still afforded us
Hi, Heather. Sister Ontarian here and writer of Amazement Seeker. I found you in Debbie Weil’s thread and zipped over here to take a look. Your work intrigues me and I’d like to explore further. From time to time I pair a poem with a visual art work and write about the what they say to each other. For example, Mary Pratt meets Anne Sexton. If I find a piece of yours that cries out for a poem, perhaps we could collaborate on something. Interested?
Hi Heather, so interesting that you mentioned this song. It was one of my mother's favorite songs as well. I remember once I asked her why she liked it so much as I thought it sounded sad. I wish I could remember her answer, I suspect it is what you suggested with your mother. Peggy Lee was ahead of her time with that one!
Everyday I'm reminded what a gift it is to want to make art. On days there is no time for art I'm thinking I can't wait to get back to it, always looking forward to it. There is so much to make and explore and that keeps me going everyday.
That's funny Cindy ! i think the song could be interpreted in different ways..but definitely the spoken words and scenarios in the song were downers ! You must have been a delightful kid to find the humour in the song!
What a beautiful and personal piece of writing Heather. I remember that song well. The lyrics echoed in my mind. I, too, knew there was more to life than what I was living - and sadly, what I saw my mother living. I think the words of this song resonated with her too as she always pushed against the limitations of her heartless disease - MS. Since retiring from work I loved, I see that I was also consumed by it. I am now able to continue exploring life - and see what more there is.
yes we follow our own paths with tons of insight from our past ! Your mom truly lived large for the life she was offered. So much more to come... for you
Hi Heather - I really do agree with you completely. My childhood was late 40's/50's a time you'd expect to be awful but it wasn't. A very ordinary working family but we as children has freedom. I went to a girls secondary modern with big classes, scattered around the town in different buildings but we had a Head who taught us occasionally and she knew us by name. I owe so much to her and her staff. I have never forgotten our English teacher telling us each year she chose something new to her, to study, learn about. The same lady who overheard my friend and me talking about opera and soon after took us to Manchester to a performance of Aida. I have always taken up new hobbies, years ago at evening classes that were plentiful and didn't cost a fortune. The demise of these is a great loss, you met people, tackled something different and had fun. The last few years I've got to grips with Photoshop and the opportunities found on-line for research not just Family Tree but anything that puzzles you, catches your attention, when you think what's that? where is that? Why?
Keep writing Heather
Best wishes
Carol
Carol thank you so much for your story..and thoughts! it's so important to reflect and also to be aware of the so many learning and growth opportunities still afforded us
Hi, Heather. Sister Ontarian here and writer of Amazement Seeker. I found you in Debbie Weil’s thread and zipped over here to take a look. Your work intrigues me and I’d like to explore further. From time to time I pair a poem with a visual art work and write about the what they say to each other. For example, Mary Pratt meets Anne Sexton. If I find a piece of yours that cries out for a poem, perhaps we could collaborate on something. Interested?
Yes absolutely ! I would be honoured Rona !
Hi Heather, so interesting that you mentioned this song. It was one of my mother's favorite songs as well. I remember once I asked her why she liked it so much as I thought it sounded sad. I wish I could remember her answer, I suspect it is what you suggested with your mother. Peggy Lee was ahead of her time with that one!
Everyday I'm reminded what a gift it is to want to make art. On days there is no time for art I'm thinking I can't wait to get back to it, always looking forward to it. There is so much to make and explore and that keeps me going everyday.
it was an interesting song for the times! I agree with you about the gift of exploration that art offers us!
My mom hated that song or maybe she just hated it when I would mockingly imitate it, “Is that all there is to ice cream?”
That's funny Cindy ! i think the song could be interpreted in different ways..but definitely the spoken words and scenarios in the song were downers ! You must have been a delightful kid to find the humour in the song!
What a beautiful and personal piece of writing Heather. I remember that song well. The lyrics echoed in my mind. I, too, knew there was more to life than what I was living - and sadly, what I saw my mother living. I think the words of this song resonated with her too as she always pushed against the limitations of her heartless disease - MS. Since retiring from work I loved, I see that I was also consumed by it. I am now able to continue exploring life - and see what more there is.
yes we follow our own paths with tons of insight from our past ! Your mom truly lived large for the life she was offered. So much more to come... for you