Yesterday I grabbed my New Yorker from the mailbox, stepped into my kitchen and unpacked my groceries, including a bottle of Ginger Ale; all of a sudden, childhood memories and emotions came back to me.
When my family was living in Iraq, we all adored Deborah. To my parents she was a dear friend, while to my sister and me she was the best aunt ever, always around for our birthday parties and willing to watch video tapes with us - oh how many times did she sit through The Sound of Music, or my then favorite, Flashdance? The picture with my sister and me (wearing a Bar Harbor, Maine sweatshirt!) was taken during our trip to Jordan with my mum. Just the girls. To me, she was also a role model. She was an independent working woman, a young American diplomat who was also very beautiful and fun. Oddly, three things came to embody what I aspired to through her: that she had a place of her own, the Ginger Ale in her fridge and her subscription to The New Yorker. That's what I must go for when I grow up, I'd muse.
And yesterday, with my Ginger Ale and my New Yorker, in my little West Coast studio, I thought of her. She is now an American ambassador in a key Gulf state and has two daughters I am enamored with; she's my role model always.
Calling all bloggers! I want to buy a large poster to decorate my new place. Art, photography, I'm open to everything. I'm considering this one. Any suggestions?
Emily Dickinson
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28 comments:
ok..so at least we are now on the same continent...;)
well your aunt sounds amazing! ( my aunt whom i like to model myself after was in loveeeeee with paris, books and films...i think it is safe to say i followed in her footsteps!)....
love the poster...why not?....(but i am sure if you go to any of the art schools in your area when there is a vernissage...you could probably find some great etchings or paintings etc....and it could be cheap (???)....and the have an original work plus satisfy an artist knowing their work was sold!
happy halloween!
xxnancy
I suggest a giant, blown-up picture of me... Kawaiiii neh!
There was Jordan, and the trip steam train, and pic nics in fresh palm groves, and so many more. Our friendship enleightened our life in Bahgdad.
beautiful post mary-laure. I wish you all the best in your new home, and I can't wait to see photos of your surroundings and life there. I think this poster would be perfect! I love the neutral colours, and it is so calming and fitting for your new location - go for it! px
je me doute maintenant de celle qui se cache derriere le nom de Blondie..ISN'IT! surtout pour ta remarque sur l'animal qui mord quand il fait noir ...et pour le poster, c'est une excellente idee qui vient naturellement de toi.
I really love this post. I am touched by this sweet tribute. It is so wonderful that we can watch people that we admire, and then grow to carry their traditions.
This post is so warm. I love my auntie too. They are just the coolest girls on earth, aren't they? : )
Que linda historia, todos necesitamos un modelo que nos ayude a crecer.
Well, it's not a large poster but you could download my monthly calendar (PDF). I just added it to my blog. It's of a farm here in Maine that I painted. But, I do have some large paintings for sale too. :) Sorry, I couldn't resist.
Nice post about your aunt. Memories are our most cherished possessions of all, I think. Warm and glowing,they accompany us wherever we go. Can't beat that!
Your memories always seem so vivid! it is a pleasure to read you and still it feel funny to think of you in California! Take care.
Love the surfing poster and think that surfer chic is a propos for your new home . . .
NANCY - I'd love to hear more about your aunt some time...
Thanks for the idea, I hadn't thought of going to an art school vernissage. I'll keep you posted!
JL - Blondie n'est sans doute pas celle que tu crois...
CHRISTINA - yes, aunts rule!
BRIAN - I love Maine, where I spent a couple of summers as a child. I'll check out your work, thanks!
ARTYCHO - of course, I brought your wonderful hats to California with me!
que lindo post, es tan bueno tener una persona asi cerca y aprender de ella.
Me encanta el poster!
its a tender post; love the way you are imitating each other in posture back in the photo too! The photo is almost telling us the future.
Hope the Oracle is adjusting.
Lovely post, and I like your poster selection.
I have several wonderful vintage posters that I ordered through http://www.allposters.com/ - they are printed on high-quality paper, and are always delivered promptly and in good condition. AllPosters frequently has sales, so watch out for the times when the prices are reduced!
MANSUETUDE - as always, your remarks are so perceptive and smart...
And worry not about the Oracle, he has taken to California! And California to him.
JUDDIE - thanks for the tip, I'll look it up!
what about an artwork instead of a poster?
Hi again, glad you arrived safely at your new home :-)
what a nice post, on your aunt. I hope you will find you way in your new neighbourhood, and am curious to see some pictures !
Solange
Nice Post. So happy to have found your site.We like so many of the same things such as plants, flowers, tea and Paris. I too have one of those favorite aunts. Aren't they the best? I look forward to following your blog.
Too much to write but my fingers just can type, I am happy fpor you and I like the poster.
love
I love your post. I wish I'd had a role model growing up, but thinking back, there is no one that I really looked up to. :(
Anyway, it hasn't really harmed me in any way :) Love the poster too.
I LOVE that poster. I also love this one:
http://www.allposters.com/gallery.asp?startat=/getposter.asp&APNum=2570004&CID=753B948303B748CFB1A6B2A3C2D55CF1&PPID=1&search=breathless&f=t&FindID=0&P=1&PP=1&sortby=PD&cname=&SearchID=
(I hope the link works). It's a bit expensive, but I think it'll look nice on your wall :)
Your aunt sounds amazing.
that is a great poster!! yo lo compraría sin ninguna duda...
espero impaciente tus posts sobre tu nueva vida americana ;)
BOTANY'S DESIRE - welcome! Isn't it great about blogs that you get to connect with people who are passionate about the same things as you?
HILA - gorgeous poster, thanks for the tip. A Bout De Souffle is one of my favorite movies, so fresh and moving. After I saw it for the first time, I cut my hair like the divine Jean Seberg.
ESTI - para decirte la verdad, ya lo compre!
Lovely memories and tribute. Why not honor that with a work of art, something by me, a portrait of her.
I could also do one of your petit chien and you.
Love to~
PVE - a drawing by you of Benjy would be SO precious! I'll select a picture to send to you...
Lovely pics!
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