Journal
Plein Air
Italy has been my dream place for a very long time, and visiting a country I love, a dream come true. But it is equally wonderful to come HOME to a place I also deeply love.
As I sat beside these newly planted geraniums painting, I thought about how similiar Italy and North Carolina are - friendly people, simliar temperatures and climates, bodies of water, a love of the land, food, family. And I know truly that loves of these aren't unique to either place. Still, when I drive the rural landscapes that bring me such joy, I truly could be either place -- and equally grateful.
Today we celebrate our fathers, and though mine has been with HIS Father for over 16 years, there are moments when I miss him even more acutely, or feel as though he is still watching over me and my children, guiding us, laughing with us, sharing his unique gifts.
Last week, my sister called laughing and laughing .... she had come across the last interview I did with my father before he died -- a special Christmas where the family was all together, and I told Dad that I had to have 'his' stories for a school project. He hated talking about himself ... but for school, he'd cooperate. So 16 years ago, I recorded the hilarious storytelling event - typed it, copied the recording, and gave it to my family members. Time has made it less difficult to read ... and so when she came across it again and finally read it -- she recognized Dad's uniqueness in a new way -- and got to know him a bit better. We were all grateful for that glimpse of him we wouldn't have otherwise.
And so I think about the stories we all have to tell and how quickly they fade from our minds. Our paintings, blogs, flickr and myspace, facebook accounts are often a glimpse into the hearts of our friends and family members who care to take the time to share those stories. And I'd encourage all of us to keep some of those stories for those who are not so computer savvy...our parents, perhaps even, our young children. Time truly does fly.
So today, I'd like to tell my dear husband's story a bit ...thru one of the 'jam' sessions he truly enjoys. It's a only a piece of his story ....but a start. I can't upload the video here (and my apologies -- it's my first attempt at videography and I haven't a clue how to edit! LOL) ... but it'll be on my blog if you're interested: viewfromtheoak.blogspot.com.
Happiest of Fathers' Day - Charles - and thank you for the gifts you so unselfishly bestowe on our family and others.
And HAPPY FATHERS' DAY to those who assume the role of Dad - be it the single mom, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend.
Lin Frye
North Carolina
Miss Lin, what lovely geraniums AND a lovely post. Thank you! (I miss my dad, too...)
ReplyDeleteI love Geraniums and was delighted to see your painting of them. I think you've captured them very well. I also enjoyed reading about your thoughts on Father's Day. I did a page of reflections on Father's Day on Sunday as well. It seemed like an appropriate thing to do on the special day.
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