Going through my mother's things after she died was so difficult ... maybe that's why the photos in this photostrip are extra special to me. I had never seen them before, and she looked so cute, so young and vulnerable – and had no idea at the time what direction her life would take her. These must be from around 1938 ... did they really have photo booths then? I just love her hat, and am jealous because I've never been able to pull off wearing hats.
Looking so stylish, here with her mother. She always had a big, beautiful smile and infectious laugh. And those great clothes in the 40s.
She left Columbus, Georgia, right after high school, for NYC. She looks so glamorous in her model agency shot from that time. Multi-talented, she could sing, play piano by ear, draw, paint, and design and sew clothes.
Oh, and she baked a mean southern Lane Cake – no small feat!
Every Mothers Day, I think about our yearly champagne brunches. The two of us would go through a bottle of champagne, and spend hours eating and laughing.
After many years, the memories are fading just like the photos, but can still be too painful for words.
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Looking so stylish, here with her mother. She always had a big, beautiful smile and infectious laugh. And those great clothes in the 40s.
She left Columbus, Georgia, right after high school, for NYC. She looks so glamorous in her model agency shot from that time. Multi-talented, she could sing, play piano by ear, draw, paint, and design and sew clothes.Oh, and she baked a mean southern Lane Cake – no small feat!
Every Mothers Day, I think about our yearly champagne brunches. The two of us would go through a bottle of champagne, and spend hours eating and laughing.After many years, the memories are fading just like the photos, but can still be too painful for words.
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13 comments:
Sweetie... i am so sorry for your loss. Your mother sounds like a wonderful woman.
Your mother lives on in you. I am sure she is very proud of you. Pass the champagne and perhaps just another small slice of that Lane cake, please.
i cried a bit too, today lana. it's been close to twenty years for me, but sometimes you are right, it's still to painful for words.
but as another commenter said, our moms still live on in our happy memories of them. toast to your mom today- she sounds like an incredible woman!
Meg - thanks for your kind words!
Home Before Dark - That's so nice. I think I will have a toast, but you know, I've never had the nerve to try that Lane Cake! It has 7 layers and soaks in rum for a couple of days, and then it also requires grating fresh coconut ... arg!
Christian - it's been about 17 years for me. I'll toast my mom, if you toast yours! I'm sure your mom was just as great!
–Lana
What incredible mementos of your mother you have! I have a feeling you hold so many of the same qualities she possessed and are making her so very proud!
I hope you had a mimosa or a glass of champagne today, full of cheer! :)
Courtney - Thank you ... I can only hope.
Patricia - I plan to have a toast tonight. A Mimosa is a great idea!
–Lana
* LANA, I think you SHOULD have a VERY NICE glass of champagne tonight too, but WITHOUT the OJ!~~~ You just CAN'T toast to such a beautiful, talented, gutsy, forward-thinking & obviously loving woman, who it seems indeed to have led & enjoyed a very interesting & exciting life, & who brought one, just like her, into this world, with it NOT being the "real thing" either"... must be 100% "pure"!!!
I know how you feel today, believe me... Me too.
Warmly,
Linda in AZ *
well.....those of us lucky enough to have fab mothers......and to have loved them.......we are the luckiest people around!
They live on within......and , I believe, around us.
My Mommy told me....before she was ever sick...."When I am gone; if you really need something.....you ask me...and I will run from one end of heaven to the other.....to give it to you!"
I save those requests......every now and then.......I ask!
Thursday night there was the biggest windstorm I have ever seen.....and the biggest fire I have ever seen where I live in Montecito California. I really have never been so scared.
There are 5,000 firefighters........(total heroes) here from all over the state.
so.....Friday morning......these same winds were forecasted for Friday afternoon...it could have destroyed the entire city......no kidding......
I walked out to our pond......and looked up....and said...."Mommy.....please no more wind!"
No wind....did not happen....and the fog came in (she must have thought of that!)
Still no wind yet......so she helped me... and she helped the firefighters...and there were a much smaller loss of houses.....than anyone thought. There were probably other mothers she joined with.......!
Happy Mother's day! And keep your Mother's with you.....they never die.
It has been almost 30 years......and I talk to mine every day.
Penelope
ps I say start wearing hats! also.......that little thing your Mom had on with her Mother......that isn't a hat!
You will be pleased to know.......that is known as a "fascinator"!!
How cool is that? look it up! I want a few!
Penelope
This was incredibly poignant and I absolutely *loved* your mother's hat! I wish I had noticed how beautiful my mama was when I was young. She died long ago but gets younger in my memory.
this is stunningly beautiful. like your mom. you've written something so loving; it will linger for a long, long time...she would be so happy about that, don't you think? simply gorgeous.
Rose & Victoria - thanks! Sometimes I look at these photos and wonder what she was like then - when she was young and carefree. And I do wish she had kept that hat!
–Lana
What wonderful photos. I know you treasure them. Your mother was beautiful and from what you right, she must have been a wonderful person
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