Written by When I was a kid, I would spend many days in the summer on my grandparent’s farm. The days would often be so hot and bright that everything was almost burnished to a pure white in the glaring sun. The only thing you could sometimes spot were the various wild flowers growing alongside the gravel road. It was all very different from the manicured lawns and carefully placed flowers of the suburbs that I lived in. These flowers were dotted along the landscape at irregular intervals, and yet, seemed perfectly in place. Nature’s landscaping. I would pick a few and take them back to the farm house with me. A souvenir of found treasures plunked into a glass jar for safe keeping. My grandmother had names for all of them. Names that didn’t come out of books, but were passed down through the generations, including some that couldn’t even be repeated in polite company today. She’s no longer with us, but each time I see a collection of wild flowers I still think of her to this day.
It’s funny that sometimes the memories we attach to people are not always the obvious ones. My grandmother was far more known for her quilting and I still have cherished blankets that she spent days carefully crafting. This would be a more expected thing to associate, but many of those little squares of recycled fabric also contained flowers. From her perfume to the soaps she kept in the house, the soft, sweet and earthy smell of flowers were a constant. Beyond that, I remember the intangibles most. Her incredible sense of humor that seemed almost too modern in its uncanny wit and observational insight. She was my mentor growing up, teaching me things that I mostly took for granted at the time. In fact, I think it wasn’t until after she was gone that I realized the void. The missing bits of wisdom that I’d come to love so much. Though I was there, holding her hand and singing to her while she was in hospital on a few occasions, I was out of the state when she died and unable to return in time to attend her funeral.
There are times in life when we have regrets, those tedious moments that we can’t go back and change. I wish I’d spent more time with her in those final days. I was so busy and traveling too much that I could barely spend time with myself. Though I never missed being there for her birthday each year, I often missed many of the times in between. Life would intercede and demand so much of me, making each moment an unbearable choice. These days, I’ve learned to take life in a bit more moderation and focus on things that truly matter most. While it’s entirely too late to apply this knowledge to my past, it’s certainly comforting to know I’m heading into a wonderful future. Perhaps that’s why I tend to focus on bits of life that are often taken for granted. Ridiculously simple memories that might be lost if not captured and shared. Moments that often aren’t thrilling enough to demand a memory, but always demand a place in our hearts. I’ve not been to that old farm in years, but I’ll always have the fondest of memories, and continually long for those magical days spent where the wild flowers grow.
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You’re the master of class, and even though you don’t care for painting flowers you do a fantastic job. Your ramble was very close to me today, as I’ve been going through all of my father’s WWII papers this last week. It’s been over 36 years since he passed away, but I found myself close to tears a time or two. A lot more smiles though, remembering the wonderful days with him.
That should have been ‘master of glass’ not class, but actually you’re a pretty classy guy too, so I guess it’s applicable, lol.
hehe!! I’ll take master of class… that sounds wonderful! 😉
Thanks so much, Sandra! 😃💕Smiles through tears are the best ones of all. So many great memories to relive and remember!
Oh Charlie…. Your Grandma would be so proud of you…. and I’m guessing she totally understood. I’m glad you have such beautiful, fun memories. Grandmas are the best. I had the greatest – sorry! 🙂 I’m hoping to be one of the best too!
Thanks so much, Jodi! 😃💕 I can confirm that you are indeed the best Grandma ever! hehe… I’ve watched each loving post of your becoming. It’s already happened. ❤️
Aww. I wish I could share more but my family doesn’t like me to post personal things so I have to respect that. But. Btw. My second granddaughter is on the way come July! 👍💕
Awww that’s awesome!! hehe Congratulations!! Another lucky grandchild on the way! 😃💕
What a wonderful story Charlie. Sweet and sad at the same time. Yes, those memories are precious and the time spent with our loved ones are never regretted. Thank you for the lovely reflections of your grandmother. Love the painting!
Thanks so much, Linda! 😃💕 These are the memories that make us realize what life is all about. So happy you enjoyed it!
Wild flowers and grandmas. They just kind of go together. Lovely colors and depth.
Thanks so much, Alice! 😃💕 Yes… they are indeed a wonderful combination!
Love this Charlie!
Thanks so much!! 😃💕
Thanks for sharing the story of your grandmother. I think you have honored her with this beautiful painting.
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕 I hope so… she was an amazing woman!
I love the sight and the sound of those beautiful flowers!
Thanks so much! So happy you enjoyed this one! 😃💕
I have fond memories of my grandma too. One of the things I miss the most since she passed was the way she said my name when I called her on the phone. Always with such enthusiasm. And she was always interested in me. Thank you Charlie for helping me remember. And your flowers are lovely in your painting! 🌸🌼🌷
That’s such a wonderful memory. 😃💕 I think I share that with your grandmother. You’ve always been interesting to me as well my friend!! 😉
Oh, thank you, Charlie!! ❤️❤️❤️
Regrets and loss, I recognise those. I still miss my grandfather after 50 years, but also time with my kids for whom I have been too busy too often.
Live is so full of regrets, but that’s the best reason to pause and cherish each moment. A gentle reminder of focusing on what’s important. 😃💕
This is a loving, poignant memory your grandmother, and the flowers a perfect way of remembering her. We all have regrets about the things we didn’t do, but you must remember all the things you did that made your grandmother so happy to share her life with you.
Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 It’s true, for each regret, we’ve always done something to balance it a bit. Some little, less than extraordinary thing that made all the difference in a moment in time.
My favorite painting you have done! And your memory of your grandmother is so sweet. I by a particular kind of hand salve because my grandma always kept a tin of it on her dresser and it reminds me of her.
Aww thanks so much, Lisa! 😃💕 I rarely paint flowers, so I really appreciate that! And memories of grandmothers are perhaps the best ones of all!
There is a reason for the saying ” Bitter Sweet Memories “, as you so eloquently wrote here.
Beautifully captured in your flowers.
Thanks so much, Bella! 😃💕 Yes, some memories are bittersweet, but there is always enough sweet to more than make up for it!
Beautiful painting and memories.
Thanks so much, Mary!! 😃💕
What a lovely tribute to your grandmother. It’s the connections that matter in life. (K)
Thanks so much, Kerfe! 😃💕 Yes, those connections are life itself!
Lovely, Charlie, the painting and your story, just lovely.
aww thanks so much, Mickey! 😃💕
One of my favorite bouquet of flowers is a bunch in an old canning jar,,,nice job Charlie….
Thanks so much, Pamela! 😃💕 So happy you enjoyed this one!
Lovely memory, Charlie. Thank you for sharing it (and your painting!)
Thanks so much, Susan!! 😃💕 Glad you enjoyed this one!
Beautiful flowers and great memories, Charlie.
Thanks so much, Violeta! 😃💕