May 20, 2009

A Very Special Influence

Hi everyone,

I hope you'll forgive a different kind of blog post from me, I promise to keep it short!

On Friday evening, my Grandma passed away surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with cancer. Of course I've spent the last few days in a bit of a daze, but I've also spent a lot of happy time thinking about her and everything she meant to me. I thought I'd share a little of that with you.

I really think a lot of my creativity can be traced back to my Grandma. I distinctly remember her sitting me down and teaching me lots of different embroidery stitches on a piece of linen. Grandma showed me how to combine satin stitch, and chain stitches, and a multitude of others to create flowers and other decorations. She also showed me how to sew a button, and even how to darn! I've long loved Cross Stitch (it was my biggest crafty obsession before stamping!) and I think this has a lot to do with Grandma, as well as things my Nana and Mum showed me.

I also love jewellery making. I love beads, and anything shiny and pretty really! When I was younger, I could spend hours going through Grandma's stash of buttons, sorting by colour, or type - only to put them all back in a jumble. When I discovered beading, Grandma would often give me an old necklace of hers, or something she'd picked up in a second hand store for me to take apart and use.

Of course, I love paper craft - and Grandma always appreciated the time and effort put into a card or other project. It wasn't unusual to see a card I'd made her on the sideboard months after the fact - and I loved seeing the amazing creations her friends would make her too.

Of course, my Grandma taught me a lot of other things. How to bake - especially how to make piklets on her iron griddle, and although I have her recipe (she'd make them from heart) mine will never be the puffy delights hers were! I remember her showing me how to draw - or at least, trying. I still can't draw a straight line, but I can remember every detail of the wee sketch she showed me explaining perspective and depth. I used to draw that same scene over and over!

Grandma never raised her voice, loved to give little presents, always had lollies in her jar for going home with, gave the best hugs, and somehow made butter and vegemite on toast the most delicious thing you'd ever tasted! She will be missed greatly, but I know that as I have over the last few days, I will always think of her as I use my hands to create something beautiful - and will smile and thank her for her very special influence.

20 comments:

  1. So sorry to hear about the loss of your grandmother, but so thankful to read about all the wonderful memories you have of her. May those memories fill your heart over the years.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sarah - My thoughts and prayers are with you at your time of loss. It seems that she as passed on some wonderful traits in you that you will pass on to younger generations. That is a great way to honor your Grandma and one way that her legacy will live forever. You are blessed to have her in your life.
    May God hold you in His palm as you continue on your journey - til you meet her again in His Kingdom.
    Hugs,
    Annette
    Ink-paper-scissors-rock.typepad.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh, Sarah! I'm so sorry for your loss. You have such warm and happy memories of her and she'll live on through your creativity. Big hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sarah, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Grandma. Thank you for sharing your memories with us - they are so special.
    It has been many years since I lost my Nana, and like yours, she was my creative influence, introducing me to crafting at a very early age. Your memories have made me reminisce about my Nana - Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a beautiful woman, and so are you! My Gran is living with me, she's 87, and she has cancers, and it's funny the things you remember, my gran had (has? she might still...)2 tins full of buttons, those simple pleasurable things are really what you remember!
    Keep strong, happy and well. God Bless you and your family.
    Love and well wishes, Lisa Green

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm so sorry to hear about your Grandma, Sarah. She sounds like a really special and wonderful person. It's great that you have those fabulous memories to help you through the grief. Thinking of you lots xx

    ReplyDelete
  7. Aloha Sarah,
    So sorry to hear of your loss. Enjoyed "hearing" of your memories and the influences she had on your creativity. May those memories continue to bring you smiles during the difficult days ahead. Take care and aloha from Hawaii!
    Goodly Creations

    ReplyDelete
  8. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your grandmother. I havent lost mine yet and she is the most amazing lady. I would be so devestated about the loss.Memories are always something we will have with us and thinking about all the wonderful things about your grandmother will help you each day.hugs to you at this time

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sarah,

    I just want to say I am so sorry for the loss of your grandmother. She sounds a lovely woman who has taught you a lot of creative things.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Grandmothers are the most special people in the world they are gifts we keep forever and yours sounds like a precious gem

    ReplyDelete
  11. Such a beautiful tribute and how sweet that you'll remember your grandmother while you do things you love. I'm so sorry for your los, {{{hugs}}} Sheri

    ReplyDelete
  12. Dear Sarah

    I'm sorry for your lose, but I'm so happy to read all the inspiration she has given you and will continue to give you in life.

    Love Alisa

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi Sarah -

    I am sorry to hear of the loss of your Grandma. It was great to read of all your happy memories!! Keep these close to your heart.

    Debi
    www.Stampyourjourney.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi Sarah
    From someone who knew your grandma, it was lovely to hear your memories of the times you shared with her. I will always remember her as a special lady, always gentle and smiley who loved her family very much, especially her treasured grandchildren - she was very good at spreading the love around! You take care, and just know that Paul and I are thinking of you all.
    Love Paula

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Sarah
    My heart is aching for you in your sadness ... but I am so glad you are able to cherish all those wonderful memories. I am sure every time you sit down to stamp you will think of your dear Grandma! Thinking of you!
    Stampin' Hugs, Andrea L

    ReplyDelete
  16. A beautiful tribute to your Grandma.

    Memories are for ever Sarah and for ever you will cherish them.

    Big hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Sarah, I'm very sorry for your loss; your Grandma sounds just like a Grandma should be. I'm glad you have so many happy memories to sustain you through this sad time.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Nice post Sarah. Great memories of your grandma as well.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Sarah, I have just read your post about your beautiful Grandmother...my thoughts and prayers are with you. I lost my beautiful Nana 2 years ago and as I made the 'mercy dash' across from Australia to Wellington to try and be with her for one last moment...I had time to reflect on all that she was to me - grandmothers add so much to our lives, they are the matriach and role models, they can be our soft place to fall as we learn all about life and they are our heritage! I can see from what you share that your Grandmother has left a legacy in you....this Sarah, is the most precious thing you can have - along with those priceless memories!! I am happy to say I did make it in time and had precious hours with her and as she went 'home' she was surrounded by loving family...I was holding her hand!! I am sorry for your loss....but know that you have something time cannot take away - the memory and the legacy of your grandmother - this is your heritage!! God bless you Sarah!!

    All the best for your move too...it makes me miss Wellington!!

    ReplyDelete

Your comments mean the world to me - thank you!

I reply to comments via email, so if you would like a reply, please leave your address in the comment!