Posted by blamethebanjo on Monday, May 18, 2009
I recieved some mail today and it made me think about how little pieces of each of us is scattered all over the place. A lot of the things we have written and the photos we have been in through the years serve as reminders of our life. Largely forgotten some of these things surprise us when they turn up many years later.
The mail I speak of was a book written by an aunt of my wife's in which she asked me to illustrate some of the stories . It was never published as her health became bad and sadly she passed away. That was several years ago and I had often spoken of this little set of stories and expressed my desire to see them again.
She tells in rhyme a story of a crooked little house in the woods and a crooked little mouse who sneaks in and has his fill of cheese and bread. Getting sleepy after his meal he curls up and falls into slumber. He was still there on the cupboard in the morning asleep while the lady of the house, an elderly widow, finds him.
Instead of being upset she builds the mouse his own little house. It is much more entertaining in her words by far. I was happy to have this little slice of my life, and hers, come home to me. Her stories are the kind you would find in children's books. The better ones. I want to look in to getting them published to honor her memory.
Her name was Lucile Gander and she was full of life and fun. To our family she was a legend for the recipes she was kind enough to share with us. Gander Spahgetti being the biggest hit. Even letters she wrote to me were like little short stories embellished with her quick wit and charm. I have missed her and not spending more time around her is my great loss. She will live on in my memory and everyone else who loved her.
Thanks for letting me introduce you to a little piece of my life that was touched by a much larger one in Aunt Lucille. We do indeed touch others lives in ways we don't realize as we leave behind tiny breadcrumbs of clues that lead to the person we are.
rinemb Says:
Monday, May 18, 2009 @6:41:30 PM
My dad, who did not have an artistic bone in his body, in the last year of his life completed several incredible sculptures, including a self-portrait of a marine on a sinking ship. My mother, at age 80 published a book of poetry that remained on the local bookstore best sellers list for a couple of months. My brother just completed a collection of existing and written poetry on the history of wine, and continues to write poetry on Civil war and the old Scotish battles with England, and other stuff. Me, I play banjo. lol. It would be great to at least raise money to do a vanity press of your aunts poetry with your illustrations
Brad
blamethebanjo Says:
Monday, May 18, 2009 @8:17:53 PM
That is amazing! What a story. Brad that would make a great movie.
Voyageur Says:
Monday, May 18, 2009 @8:33:15 PM
Very nice story, Darrell. I hope someday [in the distant future!] my niece and nephew will remember me in such a loving way. I myself am so very, very fortunate in the memories I have of my parents, grandparents, and others who made my life a richer, deeper, happier place to be.
bsa Says:
Monday, May 18, 2009 @11:09:52 PM
Nice story Darrell. Reminds me of my Dad, who with his family emigrated to Australia in 1957. Before he died he bought himself an old computer and typed away for a couple of years writing the story of his life growing up meeting my Mum, his exploits during the war and our life in Australia. A copy of his book is now in the South Australian Museum of Immigration. I never did give him enough praise for his efforts. I guess that is how us Blokes are.
Dave
blamethebanjo Says:
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 @5:23:18 AM
Thanks Voyager, I'm sure you will be fondly remembered. And bsa I'll bet your Dad knew you were proud of him. Thanks to you both for the comments.
Banjoist Says:
Thursday, May 21, 2009 @6:29:40 AM
Darrell,
You always get the juices flowing with your recollections - reminding each of us of our own people or pasts...great stuff! It is obvious to me that you are more like your aunt than you know. Whether it is your genes, or you have been influenced, you too, have a gift in the form of writing/story telling....thanks for sharing with all of us!
blamethebanjo Says:
Thursday, May 21, 2009 @8:33:14 AM
Thanks Banjoist, I hope you are right! That made my day anyway.
banjo_on_the_lump Says:
Thursday, May 21, 2009 @1:23:45 PM
Darrell,
Thanks for sharing a part of your life with us. I for one would have loved to sit and talk with your aunt Lucile Gander. Sounded like a beautiful and creative person. On Memorial Day I tend to sit and remember the people who have been dear in my life. Suspect you're glad you have those parts of Aunt Lucile, her stories and recipes, that can live on and on in your heart and on your waistline.
Banjo
blamethebanjo Says:
Thursday, May 21, 2009 @1:39:19 PM
Ha ha, waistline is correct!! Those recipes are a double edged sword!! I have been lucky to have had a large number of creative people around me as I grew up. All of my Mother's sisters were very talented in art and music. The people on my mother's side are Irish and maybe that has something to do with it, I don't know. I am blessed to have known them all. Thanks, BOTL for your comments.
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