Studio Friday.

This week's Studio Friday topic is family as suggested by Ellen.

"Family history, things that have been passed down from one family member to the next, family values, all influence me as an artist, whether I'm consciously aware of it or not.

I wonder how others are influenced or inspired by their families---either past or present. What family treasures might be found in others' studios?"

I keep a picture of my daddy close by. He is always a source of inspiration for me. He loved me and my sisters so truly and deeply. Unconditional. I like to have him watching over me.

Daddy was a truck driver and he could turn the air blue with his crude off-color jokes. But say a heartfelt "I love you, Daddy" and he would come to tears just like that! Give him a mushy card and his beautiful blue eyes would instantly tear up. I swear that's where I get my hypersensitivity from! The glasses and hankerchief here were his and oh how I honor these items! He touched these! My sister, Renee, recently sent these to me when she sent me some of his "paper work" in preparation of trying to have his ashes inurned at Willamette National Cemetary. I still need to do that.

And even though this isn't officially IN my studio, this was something I found at a garage sale today. This SO SO SO SO SO my daddy. He...I mean...we....listened to this album all the time. "A Taste of Honey" was one of his favs. And I forgot that "Whipped Cream" was the theme music to The Dating Game!

Also in my studio is the fabulous sewing box that was Claire's, Glen's mom. It's not old. Glen's brother Gary gave it to Claire something like 10 years ago. But it was Claire's and so I cherish it because she actually gave it to me. It wasn't something acquired after her death. Yet another reason I loved Claire. If you admired something she possessed, without hesitation, she would give it to you. She was SO full of love.

Enjoy your Friday...hope it's filled with family and love! :-)

Comments

[susan]

OMG - My dad had that album and loved it too. He was a bit deaf and would play it really loud on Sunday mornings when we did chores - and we rolled our eyes of course! Thanks for the memory!

[Ellen]

I LOVE this photo of your dad! He looks like he was a happy, laidback guy you could always count on. Great post!

[Gabi]

What a great day of memories! I'm having sooo much fun reading the blogs and seeing what pieces each artist has in her studio. I love seeing photographs of loved ones, personal items and music! It's a reminder of 'the good old days' and brings a sense of peace and satisfaction which leads us to be relaxed and able to create unbelievable ART!!! Thanks for sharing!!! Your dad looks so happy in that picture, like he had just been a little bit naughty and got caught! Totally adorable!!
XO!
Gabi

[Nancy]

We had that album, too! My dad and mom used to play that one and dance together! Good times! Thanks for sharing you memories and triggering mine!

[Malou]

Your dad does look like a very wonderful man w/c his smile. Don't you just love how an ordinary and everyday item can invoke a memory about that person who used that before. Thanks!

[renee]

That's our Daddy! Wow, in seeing him on your blog with his glasses and hanky in the foreground, it's almost as though he's not really gone from us at all. Memories can be magic that way. Especially with the knack you have for presenting them. As for the album, I remember it well and how his eyes would mist at the sound of a song called The Lonely Bull in particular. Is that song on this album? Thank you so much for this wonderful posting!!

[jen paddack-hyde]

LOL I remember that album from my parent's house :)

[simone]

Oh, MY Daddy!! I love that picture. When I logged on his sweet face just popped up and without hesitation I instantly said out loud "Hi Daddy". Renee is right, is it like he isn't even gone because with me, and I'm sure with you two, he is just a heartbeat away.

And I remember that album, boy do I remember it. I also can never hear Classical Gas without thinking of Daddy instantly.