My grandmother used to have a plant stand full of beautiful, thriving African violets so I was happy when my mother brought me this plant a few months ago after she had transplanted it. Every time I look at it I remember bits about my grandmother. She raised me for a few months after I was born and that gave us a lasting bond that lasted...I actually feel it even now that she's gone.
The funniest time with my grandmother was when I was in high school and she said I could have a touring college choir member spend the night at her house. I slept in her big bed with her that night and as soon as we were settled the male student came loping down the steps from the second floor and entered the bathroom. He filled up the claw foot tub very full and serenaded us with song for a good twenty minutes. The door to my grandmother's bedroom led right to the bathroom so the sound acoustics were good. How we laughed and giggled in that bed, shaking the mattress. Just like kids. :D We were tickled pink he was comfortable enough to serenade us as he bathed.
Special memories like that will live in my heart forever. The African Violet is thriving and it makes me smile every day. Grandma, I miss you and am glad my mother still cans those delicious sweet cherries and pickles the way you used to. :D And I'm especially glad my mother raises African violets because I believe I can see this plant smile. :D
Hugs, JJ
20 comments:
Lovely violets,beautiful memories.Such memories are greater than the grandest heirloom :)
*HUGS*
You are soooo right, Sameera. :D
Hugs, JJ
What sweet memories! A relationship w/ a grandparent is so special!
What beautiful writing. I know what you mean about a relationship with a grandmother. I miss my mother's mother in particular and she died 28 years ago. It feels like yesterday. She certainly lives on in my heart.
Shellmo, family means EVERYTHING!!! I have been very blessed.
Suzanne, how beautiful that you miss your mother's mother like I do. :D That's another connection we share. It's interesting to see how people find each other on the Internet.
Suzanne is my fiction critique partner and she has brought me a long way when it comes to learning the craft. You have to know the craft of writing...how a novel should read...before you are taken seriously.
Good morning, dear friends. Have a fun-filled weekend. :D
Hugs, JJ
JJ:
What a heart warming article. It reminded my of my grandmother and her beautiful garden. Of course, I really didn't appreciate all the work that goes into a garden way back then, but I still remember all of the beautiful flowers, and all of the bright colors. And her backyard always smelled so good. It was a peaceful place. Grandma and grandpa would sit in their yard chairs after supper and talk. He would smoke and she would water the plants. It would have made a great picture.
Thanks for the memory..
happy trails.
Swubird, oooh, I hope you do a grandparent post. No one tells a story like you do!!!
Thank you. :D
Hugs, JJ
Lol, always nice to be sung to, great shot JJ.
Kia ora JJ,
Beautifully written. I have been without my grandmothers for a long time now, but even here in New Zealand I have their photos where I can see them every day. I still miss them both. Kia ora JJ, and have a lovely day.
Rangimarie,
Robb
Sooo graceful and beautiful in deed!
I'm baaaack!!! Oh, my goodness, I absolutely adore the new look. It's gorgeous. Just like the changing seasons you've picked a perfect time to try something different.
Beautiful!!! I love violets though to be honest until now I didn't know there were different kinds. My name, biological name, means violet. Hmm. :)
African Violets are so beautiful and you sharing your memories is very nice and brings back my own memories of me with my grandmother.
Thank You!
Nature Nut, you made me smile in memory of times with my own grandmother. How like children we were and she encouraged my outrageousness.
This time of the year I especailly remember taking a walk around her block with her and the two of us jumping into someone's leaf pile and scattering the leaves before running away giggling.
thanks for sparking that memory.
hugs
kathi h
What a beautiful memory and a sweet tribute. Your grandmother must have been as amazing as the African Violet.
They're lovely, although the only ones I ever had died fairly promptly. Never knew my grandparents, so I can't really relate, but I'm sure she was an incredible woman.
u have nice memories associated with it.. i too have a few...not so special as urs but then... memories are memories after all.... however small.
thanx for sharing those pics...
Bob, it was lovely music but some obscure songs I don't remember. :D Thank you!
Robb, how beautiful you keep your grandparents close to your heart. I know they are proud of you. :D
Roentarre, thank you. :D I looove African violets!
Spirit, how fantastic your name means violet. How beautiful!!! I'm thrilled you like the new look. I was hesitant to try it but am glad I did. WOOT that you're back!!! Thanks. :D
Wblmom, where would we be without the loving guidance of grandmothers! Thank you. :D
Kathi H, yet another bond we share. I bet the four of us would have had a great time together. WOOT that you remember your grandmother so well.
Hugs, JJ
letspaintnature, my grandmother was loving, understanding, playful and down to earth. I loved every second I ever spent with her. I also have fond memories of her baking apple pies. I used to sit on a stool while she rolled out the dough and then she would make me what I called hutchie putchie pie, which was a cinnamon and sugar sprinkled pie crust treat. :D
Thank you!
Lana, I have heard African violets are touchy to raise. it's a delicate plant that doesn't want too much water. This violet loves it in my kitchen. You grew up into a lovely woman and I know your grandparents would be proud of you!!!
thearmyguyspeaks, thank you for posting. :D Our beautiful memories are all cherished. I bet you have some great ones too. :D It's funny how a memory will pop to the surface after not thinking of it for years.
Hugs, JJ
JJ these are such a nice memories you have. And it is really nice to have such a bond with your grandmother. Thanks for sharing the photo of the flower too, as I never knew the name. BTW this post brings lot of nice memories with my grandmother too....thanks, Anna :) PS as always excellent capture.
Thank you, Anna. I enjoyed writing that post knowing my grandmother had once again touched my heart.
Hugs, JJ
Post a Comment