Thursday, June 10, 2010

Photo of the Week - "Heirloom"

There are very few people in this world whom I love as much as I loved my Grandma Ruby. She lived in a wonderful little house under a huge maple tree, with a very explorable creek nearby.  No corner of Grandma's house was off limits to us kids. She was a pack rat of the first order and I absolutely loved digging through her piles of boxes. And boy, could she ever play! As far as her grandchildren were concerned, she was a one-woman personal entertainment system, and we couldn't get enough of her company.


She had absolutely no patience whatsoever with the domestic arts. I can only imagine that she picked up a needle at all as an attempt to fit in with other ladies in their social gatherings, which is why I think I treasure this little square of muslin so much. If the date is accurate, she was 20 when she made it.


Um... I did better embroidery when I first learned how when I was 9.  (But then, I like stitching. Motivation is everything sometimes!)



It isn't even hemmed, just basted.



Everything about this little hanky reminds me so much of her though, that it makes me feel that she is still with me. Grandma Ruby died while I was pregnant with my oldest daughter who is named after her. I am only sorry that she never knew her namesake, who is so much like her in personality that I wonder sometimes... Do names have more influence than we give them credit for?

8 comments:

Serena Lewis said...

What a treasure and such beautiful sentiments for your dear Grandmother Ruby also.

I remember the days of Homecraft in high-school. We would do embroidery, dressmaking and cooking. I loved Homecraft although the cooking part, not so much. :)

Healing Woman said...

I've wondered about namesakes as well. Also, have you noticed that certain names usually produce a certain kind of person..like "Charlie" or "Bubba"

That sample that Ruby made is a real heirloom. Very nice family story.

Jan Morrison said...

What wonderful memories! Hope my grandkids think of me that way...
my mother-in-law is a Ruby and I named one of my RIR's after her. the other is named after my mom who is gone. Her name was Beatrice Beulah!! How's that for a handle?

Jennifer Rose said...

is it the name itself or how we think people with a certain name should act? a name is pretty much who we are, so i do think they have a big influence on people.

that is a great heirloom to have :D something to cherish and its great there is a date on it, makes it seem like a part of history more for some reason :)

Jennifer A. said...

I've often thought that about names. Several of my close friends have personalities that correspond to their names, sometimes in unlikely ways.

BumbleVee said...

Your treasure is as much the memories as the actual little stitched piece..... I love the story of your Auntie Ruby.

Absolutely, names make a difference.... well, the Kabalarians believe so anyway.... and..... I have a little bit of experience with changing my name according to their methods. It all has to do with numbers and cycles and how we actually vibrate to all of it... their beliefs actually encompass a whole lifestyle...but, the names were of interest to a buddy and me in my early 20's. I used to go by my middle name of Sue...but, then when we got interested and sent away for our "best" names to help us become the most we could be.... they suggested Veronica which was my own first name..but, which I had never used... another story... and...so...I began using it. It was a thing my brother and Dad never could get used to and my bro still calls me Sue... my Mom and sisters got on it right away.... and....I have to say... my life changed the day I made the decision. I never looked back. I seem to have become a different ...and may I just say, "better" person for whatever reason. I was headed down a pretty scary road just prior to re-inventing me....... now...I love the me I am..... of course, meeting Greg has probably been the second other big factor that contributed. But, I wonder...would I have ever met him if I had not changed my name? ...... hmmmmm..... .....

ooohh... blabby me....hahahha....this is a long one..... !!

Norma Soulet (AZArtist) said...

All I can say Grandmother's are so special in our hearts! Love your Grandmother Ruby!
Hugs

Anonymous said...

Love the photo of your grandma Ruby and what a nice treasure you have for a keepsake.