Sunday, March 24, 2013

White Carnations

I've been accused of having a sense of humor from time to time, and if that is indeed the case then my bloodlines do run true to this broad, my grandmother, Josie.
She was the crazy lady who once drove up to my Mom's cousin Billy and Barbara's house in Cumberland in a car, got out, knocked on the front door with her hat and stogie and asked, "Hey, is there any place around here where I might rent a horse?"
I'm still smiling thinking of that scene. This photograph and the memories came rushing back yesterday.

The times we spent at Billy and Barbara's place on Blanchard Road with the kids were fun times, whether it was during the Christmas season or like summers pictured here. They had greenhouses and raised carnations that traveled the world. We attended a lovely service for Barbara yesterday that was filled with much reminiscing, and when we returned I spent an hour or so going through family albums remembering the woman with those sparkling eyes, and as her daughter Susan mentioned, had that amazing knack of making you the only one in a crowded room when she was in conversation with you.
Barbara, your white carnations are in a vase on our kitchen table this morning, reminding us of you.

23 comments:

  1. we are lucky to have such memories of dear ones. i like the way you've celebrated her life. i imagine she would be pleased, too.

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  2. Wonderful memories, what a very special grandmother!

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  3. Photos are such an important part of our history and I wonder what the future will be like without albums and snapshots that we can bring out and share?! Not the same as electronic albums. Memories are indeed a way to celebrate someone's life with photos.

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  4. In my life, I've only spent small snippets of time with this wonderful woman, but she is surely one to remember.
    I just wish I knew her better.
    Rest in peace, Barbara.

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  5. And, oh yeah, Birdman's grandmother.....
    Well, as they say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
    This I know first hand.
    For that, dear Josie, I thank you.
    Rest in peace as well....

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  6. Oh I think Barbara will be well pleased with this tribute Birdman, tres joli.

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  7. Wonderful story, this lady seems to be a very special one...

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  8. awww. i am sorry for your loss. she sounded like a wonderful woman.

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  9. Sorry. She sounds like the kind of woman I like to hear about -- sense of humor and comfortable with themselves. -- barbara

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  10. Very sweet...sounds like Barbara was a lovely person. Thank you for sharing this story. And may I just say, Grandma Josie is my hero. I wanna be like her when I grow up.

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  11. what a horse and what a woman - thanks for sharing your tribute

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  12. This is a fitting memorial post for your grandmother. Love the photo, too!

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  13. I have a strong feeling that she was my kind of woman!

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  14. It is starting to become clear, Birdman. You didn't have a chance.

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  15. What a lovely tribute to Barbara. Your sense of humor and your way with words are most definitely inherited.

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  16. Wonderful memories. Josie sounds like quite the character.

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  17. I love the odd ball cropping, the old, washed-out color, the cigar, the shades and the attitude. This is a little gem of a memoir.

    And you are not accused of having a sense of humor. It's been proven and you've been convicted.

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  18. My Aunt Josie showed up at our house with cigar in mouth, hat on head, knocked at the door, and said" I want to rent a hoss". She did get on him, too! My mom, Barbara always got a kick out of remembering that story. Thanks for the picture!! barkerpondfarm

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