I love this photo that Michael took in 2005. We were visiting my Grandmother Reese in Seattle, the winter before Sam was born. She was and is an inspiration to me - an incredibly creative person, in everything that she did. She raised five children, managed a busy household, and still found time to create gorgeous clothing, quilts, needlework, and stained glass. Not to mention the gardening, the canning, the cooking, the baking... I'm probably missing something else creative that she did, that I didn't even know about! She taught sewing classes for years at their church parochial school, and when I was old enough she taught me some sewing basics.
To top it all off, she spent many years volunteering her time translating children's textbooks into braille versions. This made a huge difference in the lives of many students, in the Seattle area and beyond. I remember her carefully thought out braille projects sitting on the side counter of her dining room. She specialized in translating social studies and science textbooks, because she would use her creative skills and knowledge of textural materials to create perfect diagrams, maps, and illustrations - all to make the information accessible to students.
Sometimes when I feel overwhelmed by the layers of life that I've taken on, I'm reminded of her, and what she was able to do with her life, despite many challenges.
It's time to choose some of her Christmas cookie recipes to try this year, so she's on my mind this week...
A wonderful tribute and reminder to stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before. My Mom is someone I will never live up to creatively. The breadth of her work/play was huge. It's OK that I don't produce as much. I just don't have her drive. She was a very enegetic person!
ReplyDeleteI often think of MY grandmother-Antonia-who taught Mom some of her moves. She was a seamstress who sewed dresses, etc. for ladies in her community. She also did all the farm tasks that I hope were also her her creative outlet-cooking, baking, canning, gardening, handiwork and I can't remember what else. Good memories.
I think I'll get out Mom's cookie book too. Thanks Elise!
That tribute brought tears to my eyes. And the picture is wonderful. Thanks, Elise. A.D. aka Aunt Dorothy.
ReplyDeleteElise, Beautiful entry about your Grandma Reese. She sounds like an amazing woman--You and your mom continue the legacy.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't mind, perhaps you could share one of her recipes here, when you make one? I love to bake, and my daughter is showing more interest in baking, creating her own recipes. And I always like trying new recipes--Of course it's more special when there's a connection to the recipe, like the ones you have from your Grandma. Even if you don't share a recipe here, consider a picture of the making-process or the finished product!
Happy Baking to all of you!