Today is my mom's birthday. I always miss her, but even more this time of year.
She was creative and funny. Silly and loving. Goofy and full of laughs.
(to use these two postcards yourself, click on the images to open in a larger window and save them to your computer to print)
When I visited my sisters, we looked at some of Bobbie's old family pictures. One was this of my grandma.
You are welcome to save this picture to use in your artwork if you'd like. Grandma was crafty too, as well as most of our family.
She liked to make things, so while she might think it was odd that people would want to use vintage photos of strangers in their artwork, she would probably understand the love of creating.
Mom died a few years back, and Bobbie had some photos from the funeral. I'd painted the casket for Mom, and I know she'd have been so tickled.
When I was a single mother, struggling to get by, mom took me and the boys in to live with her. We both loved seeing the first irises of spring, and bringing them in to put in vases all around her house. Painting the blooms became one of my obsessions. That made the flower become her favorite and she'd pre-ordered a big bouquet of them to be at her funeral.
She was quite the planner, the whole memorial service was lined out, payed for and planned to the tee years before she passed away. Complete with photos of her next to the casket she picked out and next to her grave plot.
The casket wasn't decorated in irises though. I sure wish she could have seen that. She'd have loved it.
There is a factory in our home town that makes caskets and hers had been ordered there. Luckily, they let me come in with my brushes for a couple of hours and embellish the top. They didn't even bat an eye at my request, either.
Bobbie also had this picture at her house, not a photo, but my original drawing of our other grandma, this one on Dad's side.
It was from a high school art class, and had been hanging at my Daddy's house since then. When he died, it stayed there with his wife. She passed away awhile back and recently, Bobbie went to get it for me. I have no way to get it in a suitcase (it's huge) so I asked her if she wanted to keep it.
She also gathered up this watercolor of a barn my dad had helped build. I think it is his brother's barn, not the family homestead. This is hanging in my sister's guest room too. Or "my room" as I call it.
I enjoyed seeing paintings hang in there, and looking through photos too. And the best part was that I was with people who share the same memories that I do.
It's great to reminisce with family.
I think that today, in honor of her birthday, I'll see if I can find some iris at the florist for my dining room. Mom would like that.
Beautiful tribute to your Mother and family. The iris story is very dear. You are truly inspiring Karla. My Dad’s birthday would be Wednesday. I’ll have to post his picture. I love seeing vintage family photos.
You look like your pretty Mommy!
What a nice way to honor your mom, she is smiling at you from heaven!
I love that you painted her casket, it was beautiful.
hugs, karen….
Please consider yourself very hugged!
Hope you were able to find some Irises. Sweet memories and dedication. My mom’s favorite flower was an Iris too. Heartfelt Hugs, Tami
What a sweet remembrance of your mother. She would love it that you and your sissies get together as often as you do, and continue her creative legacy.
Awe sweet post. I lost my mom a year ago. I miss her so so much. They say the pain gets better with time. Still waiting for that. You do amazing work with your paint..
A sweet reminder to show love everyday if we are lucky enough to have our mom or dad with us.
I love that you added a loving touch to the casket! I’m lucky to have my Mum and Dad living right up the street and my MIL 2 doors down the street. It was perfect when the boys were young – no one ever became a bother – they were always there to lend a hand.
Enjoy your memories.
Leann
Hi Karla, What a beautiful tribute to your Mom, I lost my Mom last March and I am not looking forward to her one year anniversary, it has been such a rough year. Your Iris painting on her casket is so special, I am sure she was thrilled from above. Have a wonderful week. Hugs, Terri
Karla…my mom’s favorite flower was the iris also. She has been gone for 17 years now. This was a lovely remembrance of your mom.
Gloria in Virginia
What a sweet last thing to do for your mother! I dread the day that I lose mine. She will be 90 this May and I’m planning a big ole party for her. Mothers are irreplaceable!
Sending you a hug…..what a beautiful post. How lovely you were able to do something so precious to be able to paint her favorite flowers for her. I see your face in that last dreamy photo of her. How old is she in that photo? Were you able to find some iris at the florist?
Hi Karla….I miss my mom a big bunch too…I still have some of the yellow iris plants that I dug up from her garden. I treasure seeing them bloom each year. I also have part of her pink peony bush…also a treasure to me.
I see so much of your mom in Sugar Wings… in the last pretty photo of your mom.
Hugs,
Nancy Thompson
I know what you mean about missing your mom — mine died when I was 25 and there isn’t a day I don’t think about her and know how excited she’d be that I’m carrying on her creative tradition. I love how you painted the casket. Lovely!
So sweet to have those lovely memories Karla. Blessings to you!!
Oh my what a beautiful thing….to paint your mom’s casket.
I can see how much you loved her in that final gift to her.
BTW you look so much like your mom..how wonderful.
My dad died 9 years ago and I still miss him every day. Big Hugs!