Sunday, January 30, 2011

Babies Make Ya Think

Oh, yeah, it's true.  Everyday brings a new awareness to just how thoughtful I've become.  Not in any of the ways that are obvious, oh, no.  I still get up, go to work, take care of my mom, cook, clean, make a bit of art.  It's in the quiet moments, when I find myself pondering the big picture.  It's no longer a world made up of me.  I have a legacy.  Not something you hear women talk much about.  It's usually the men of the species who go for all that kind of stuff.  But, I have created one of my own.  Now, that "stuff" is important.  I have been reflecting about myself, as seen through the eyes of my grandson, in future years.  How will he perceive me?  What am I leaving behind that he will think of with pride and gratitude?  Am I leaving something behind?  Is there anything about ME that will matter to him, especially, after I am gone from this plane of existence?  Will he pick up one of my favorite books, read it, possibly, and find the same wonder in it that I did?  Will those handmade cards I've created for him still mean something?  Will his first baby book, made by moi, make him smile.  Thinking:  "My grandmother loved me enough to create this just for me".   Or, hopefully, he will reminence about the hard-working, persistant, creative, loving person I think I am.  Ok, so he'll also have to deal with the stubborn, procrastinating, sometimes mopey person I am too.  Poor boy.  He comes from stock that values all the traits that go into an individual.  Good, bad, ugly & indifferent.  Because, I am all of that, with pride.  So, I am happy to have this little boy be my prompt.  He gives me something to do in those aforementioned quiet moments.  Think.

Stay safe & Keep thinking,
redopal

27 comments:

Jeanie Callaghan said...

What a wonderful post! I must confess, I have felt all of these things as well with my grandchildren. But I have never expressed them in quite the way you did. I think my grandchildren will remember me as their crazy grandma. At least I hope they do!

I miss talking to you!

Jeanie

Jen xo said...

yes you certainly have way with words Tina :)

its a beautiful post and i often wonder what legacy i will leave behind for my kids....

Lisa said...

I loved this post, even if it's one word or smile to a stranger, it's important. You will leave much, but it's the ride there that leaves a memory.

Just want to thank you for your kind comment on my owoh giveaway, You are added, thanks again.

Lisa

Abi said...

Nice to meet you Tina! And thank you so much for stopping by my blog. Your post did make me sit back and ponder... I don't have kids (yet?), so I'm not sure how I feel about not having secured a part of me and my husband in the world, once we are gone...perhaps it will still happen, then I'll be thinking exactly what you are some day down the road. Not sure if I explained that at all eloquently, but I know what I mean!!

Talking of husbands, he isn't really born or bred Texan... more a Colorado boy :O)
His parents settled in Texas, and since he wanted to return to Texas, having been in England for four years, it was easier to call him a Texan! tut tut. The cowboys will be after me!
I love the 1st page of your journal. It's fascinating seeing the process, and I love what you have done thus far. I'm keen to watch your progress, so I hope you keep posting about it. I really would love to take an art course of somesort, just making time would be a start! My shop is empty because I am slow, and very lucky that there is always someone who wants to buy an art doll! I am in the process of listing some journals and a custom doll option, so hopefully it won't look quite so sad!

Ok, enough rambling. It's cold so must refill the wood fire.

Catch you again
Abi

Sunshineshelle said...

HI THERE TINA!!! (WHOOPS CAPITALS)... sorry for shouting ;) You just popped by my OWOH post and you intrigued me, you sound honest and thoughtful, I hope you don't mind me tramping on over here to rummage through your posts because I've had a great visit... and you're a LIbra, & I confess I to am a fellow procrastinator :) sometimes I feel it's like a handicap! I'm really worried because you asked some big questions here, what do you leave behind... I really hope it's not just a mess!! I'm hoping bucketloads of good memories & love, I don't really own anything material-wise of value, actually my most treasured piece of jewellery is a 'pasta' necklace on a string I was given by my youngest daughter when she was 3 years old! Truthfully... so pleased to meet you :) I have to go now... and please... sssshhhh... I need a quiet moment to think...

Terri Steffes said...

Good morning. After your post on my blog, I decided I had to come over and meet you and have become one of your newest followers! I enjoyed reading your comment this morning. LOL, yep, in 1977 it was all about pastels and floppy hats. And you know what, I'd do it all over again!

I hope you come back to visit. I think you might be my favorite OWOH visitor!

Jane Davies said...

Hi Tina,
Thanks for your comment on my blog. I sometimes DO think about legacy, the fact that I will not leave one because I do not have children. Your grandson is ADORABLE!! I'd have grandchildren in a heartbeat if you could skip that little prerequisite. Do you ever attend classes at Art Unraveled? I'm teaching there for the first time this year.

Papillon Bleu said...

Psssst!!! Tina! I would love to know more about this tatoo!!!
;-)

Leslie said...

Being a grandmother is the best role ever, I think. And I wonder about those things too.

Great post.

suziqu's thread works said...

Tina I am so glad you found my blog and was able to give you so much upliftment with my work and garden.Have to admit it will be so hard to leave here one day - we have made it such a sanctuary from the outside world. Thank you for following and I shall follow you. I will return to read more of your blog.
Stay cool, stay steady and full of love for yourself.
Suzy

alveen said...

Hi Tina... Thank you for visiting my OWOH blog and giving so much encouragement.
Like yourself when you first started your blog I am on dial-up, as you know everything takes forever to load and then the gremlins arrive and it all disappears again. My camera skills are virtually non existent, so I hesitate to post pictures. What's left to post? WORDS and they elude me. So I take the selfish path of enjoying everything others contribute and give nothing in return.
I have really enjoyed going back through your older posts, as Jenxo commented, you certainly do have a way with words. Loved your Chinese Madam! And please tell me where I can find those 'mop fairies'.
Congratulations on your gorgeous new grandson. If for no other reason he will remember you for your story telling and great sense of humour.

Sharon's Cottage Quilts said...

Good Morning Tina! Thank you for stopping by my blog for OWOH! I am so happy to have found you. Thank you for your kind words about my mom, she's really some kind of Lady! I always tell her she's a tough ol' bird! She likes that..makes her laugh. I am intrigued by your journal pages, and cant' wait to find out more about it. I will be following your progress as I am a new friend.
I think you are a doll, and I LOVE your humor and insightfulness. Blessings~Sharon

Anonymous said...

Hi Tina
Thank you so much for stopping by my OWOH give-away. Your warm and thoughtful encouragements really touched my heart. I've sent you a personal message but wanted to stop by here too, to have a wander and to get to know you better. SO glad I did.... its wonderful here. :0)
Yes, I can so relate to your words. Although I am not yet contemplating grandchildren, I have become exceedingly aware of the 'legacy' I'm leaving my kids. While teaching I know that I regretably gave much more time/energy to the pupils in my care rather than to my own precious children. Becoming seriously ill and then having to leave the profession as a result, forced me to wake up and realise what had been happening. The words of my youngest during that time still resonate painfully in my mind: "Its good to have you back, Mum!"
Its wonderful that you are so acutely aware of needing to build a deep, meaningful relationship with this new family member and how precious this time with him now is. I wish you much joy, inspiration and courage as you begin this adventure with him.
Hugs Jo xxxx

yoborobo said...

Hi Tina! Thank you for visiting me at my OWOH post. I think it is safe to say, from reading this post, that your grandkids are going to remember a fun, interesting, loving grandma who was an artist and left them many tokens of her creative mind. :) I don't have grandkids (all of my kids are swearing off of having kids - hahahaha!), but I tell my kids that I want them to remember I was a crazy mom who loved them all to pieces. And I give them little works of 'art' every now and then just so they'll have proof once I'm gone. I am cleaning my mom's apartment (long story) and I am finding all the cards and letters that my kids have sent to her for years. What a lovely thing that she has kept them all, tucked in little nooks and crannies. Come visit me again, I'd love to get to know you! xox Pam

soraya nulliah said...

Dear Tina-thnaks so much for visiting my blog and for the kind and thoughtful comment you left. Yes...I have so many different cultures in me...it all kind of flows together.
These feelings and thoughts you have about your grandson...I have the exact same ones re my darling Tara. Yes, children just make you think in a whole different way. It really brings into focus the important things.
I love you artwork by the way...so rich and layered. Am going to go looking for your OWOH post now:)

Lynn Stevens said...

What a beautiful and heartfelt post.
I'm not a Grandmother yet but I have very fond memories of my Grandma and all the Love she showed me growing up, She played a very important role in my life and taught me so much, I have no doubt you will pass on many wonderful traits to your grandchildren as well.
hugs Lynn

Lori Bergmann said...

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog on your OWOH tour. I totally don't mind your "snooping" at all—in fact, I love it! ;-D I really appreciate the compliments you left and think your work and blog are wonderful too. Take pride in the legacy you're leaving for your family and I can tell that you're an awesome grandma too! *Ü*

Ashlyn Design (OWOH #347)

Laurie said...

Thanks for coming by my blog and entering my OWOH giveaway! I hope you enjoy the rest of the event!

Lins Artyblobs said...

Greetings from the UK. Thanks for stopping by my blog & leaving lovely comments. I have enjoyed reading yours and looking at your layers. I sometimes think you learn more when you don't follow directions to the letter - honest, well that's what I tell myself when I don't..

Unknown said...

Wow! you have a great blog! Thanks for responding to mine at watercoloryourworld.com

Nancy said...

Thank you for stopping by my blog, via OWOH - your comment brought me here & I have to comment on this post: it's wonderful! very well said! I've had similar thoughts over the past year (or more). And now I'm seeing them in my mom - she's been focusing lately on crafting for her grandchildren (adults) & her only great-grandchild, stitching pillowcases, paperweights, etc. - wanting to be sure she leaves each of them something of herself.

I'll be back to read more of your blog - have become a follower. And, since you reminded me you're in AZ, don't be surprised if I show up to visit, to escape OH's winter doldrums! (lol)

Mekkan said...

Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving kind words. I've been busy surfing around the bloggers who visited me but will come back when the things will be settled. Nice meeting you.

michelle said...

So nice of you to stop by my blog and show some kindness ! you have a wonderful blog and it's nice to read such heartfelt posts !

take care
michelle

http://socr8v.blogspot.com/

Jen xo said...

hey Missy, i'm back....thanks for your lovely words and yes it would be great to do swap with you some time...looks like youve been doing the rounds of owoh and made some lovely new friends...take care..jenxo

E Makes Art said...

Yes, they do make you think. I'm a mommy for the first time (he just turned two!) and wow, it certainly changes how I think! Thank you so much for your fantastic comments on my blog, I'm so glad you like my art!! And I love your humor! Thanks for becoming a follower...even if it's only because of the Audrey Lorde quote ; ) ha ha!

xoEsther

oh, and I really like your journal page on the side! Fantastic!

Cheryl said...

Hey girlie,
I received the tag you made and sent to me... It is beautiful, thank you so much! I'll post it to my blog when I receive the other 14 that I'm waiting for :-P
I just checked the list of people who signed up... and I got to thinking, did you get mine? I don't have your address written down! Did you get one from me? Let me know,I had another Tina who opted out-- makes me think I didn't send you one?? thinking it was the "other Tina?" *yikes* Anywho, let me know :-)
Thanks again for the lovely tag,
~Cheryl

Sunshineshelle said...

Hello my wonderful fellow blogger...
I've got some exciting news, come on over & see who won 3rd Prize on my OWOH door prize giveaway... it's not a holiday in Tuscany I'm sorry but I hope it'll bring you a smile ;) Oh yep send me details too!!
Shelle
http://sunshineshelles.blogspot.com/