This is a painting I just completed of my Grandpa Poppy John. He couldn't read or write and it shamed him. His family was a dirt poor Irish immigrant clan. Instead of school, he had to go to work in the coal mines of Kentucky as soon as he was old enough to hold a pail and a pick axe. His own children went to various levels of school. My mother quit school in the 8th grade to marry and raise children. His grandchildren all finished high school and many of us earned college degrees. I think of him a lot and I wonder what he would think about just how far his descendants have traveled from that one room shack in the hills of Kentucky.
I have been reflecting on my own life lately too. How far I have come and how many obstacles I have triumphed over. I think everyone should do this periodically. When you focus on the positive things you have accomplished it gives you a little boost!
The other day I found a black notebook in the top of my husband's closet while I was looking for something else. It looked familiar but I couldn't figure out why. My first instinct was to put it back and not bother with it. But then I caught a glimpse of a brown folder peeking out at me over the edge of the notebook. So I opened it and my heart swelled with pride! It was a notebook filled with art awards and newspaper articles about my art.
When I started nursing school I packed it away and hadn't thought about it for the last decade or so. I so enjoyed going down memory lane running my fingers across the faded yellow newspaper clippings and the crisp white laminated certificates I earned so long ago. Drinking in all of the wonderful words and remembering the happiness....
I even found my very first art award from the 5th grade. Wow 37 years ago!!! Back in 1977!
When I say I have been painting and drawing since I could hold a pencil and a brush I am not exaggerating. My sister taught me to draw before I could even write my name as a way to keep me occupied. My mom was a single mom at the time and worked long hours. My sister was given the responsibility of taking care of me for long stretches of time even though she was only 7 years my senior. My sister had art classes in school and she would come home and show me what she had learned. She was very pleased that I could draw exactly like she showed me and I eagerly absorbed everything....so it began.
More recently I was honored by a fellow animal lover and artist. She featured me as the "artist of the month" on her website. Check out the interview and sign up for email updates on her website. She has lots of interesting stories and information about pets and pet products. She is also an artist and has a children's book in the works. Check out her website Tails Are Wagging. In the mean time I am going to be creating more memories on my lane of the world.
Love this! It could have been written about my Granddaddy Barrett, the story is so similar to his life.(Except the part about knowing his roots.) When he was only 4 yrs old his father was decapitated in a sawmilling accident, then his mother died a few years later. Granddaddy was shuffled from relative to relative, never getting to go to school. He never knew anything about his daddy's relatives.
Granddaddy died in 1989 at 94 years old. I miss him so much. We recently had our Barrett Family reunion. He and Grandmother had 11 children, 31 grandchildren, and I have lost count of the great and great-great grandchildren.
Thanks for sharing your story and bringing back wonderful memories.
Posted by: Darlene Perkins | 06/20/2014 at 11:43 AM
Hi Darlene!
I hope Eli is doing well. My great grandfather (my grandma's dad not my grandpa's dad) died clearing trees for the saw mill. A tree fell on him. He was only 33. But all the men on my grandpa's side worked the coal mines. I am happy I could bring back some good memories. I am at the age that I think about my ancestors often. We don't have many written records so our history is just piecemeal. I hope the grand babies are doing well and y'all are having a great summer!
Posted by: Vivian Cooper | 06/20/2014 at 12:07 PM
I just wrote a long reply, but hit something and it disappeared! So you may get two similar replies.
Eli is sleeping most of the time now, just getting up to eat and poop. Sometimes he gives me the deepest look, and I just whisper to him, "please, don't leave me yet, not yet." As long as he isn't in pain and can still wag his nubby tail when I speak to him I will keep holding him close.
The girls just celebrated their 5th birthday and are loving every moment of summer. My daughter has noticed all of your human artwork, she wants to know when I am having one of the girls done!!!!
But, first I have one with Eli that was taken on my phone (not good qualtiy) that I want you to tell me if you think you can do anything with it. If not, we can start on one of his 'baby pictures' next. I will email it to you.
Posted by: Darlene Perkins | 06/20/2014 at 01:08 PM