Hi, I'm Julie ... artist, photographer, potter, etc. I am so happy you are here! I consider this blog my creative journal where I can share my recent work, ideas and dreams, and lots of little details about my life. Please make yourself at home. Whether you are a bride-to-be, a photographer, or just a visitor, I hope you will find inspiration here and even become a friend. |
The 4th of July isn't just America's birthday … it's also my Papaw's birthday. And for as long as I can remember this day has been centered around celebrating him. I have so many memories of hot dogs, strawberry cakes decorated like a flag, fireworks, swimming in the mountains, and family. Always family.
(July 4, 2011)
But this year today is a sad day for me because my Papaw is no longer with us. He passed away a month ago and it just doesn't seem like this holiday is worth celebrating without him.
I apologize for writing such a sad blog but this one is for me and for the memory of a man who I loved so much. He was a a simple and proud man … a moon-shiner in his early days, a WWII army veteran, a coal miner for almost forty years, and when he retired he worked a small cattle farm in southern Virginia until he and my grandmother sold their farm and moved to Tennessee to be closer to family.
(Thanksgiving 2009)
(the farm in Duffield, VA - Mamaw and Papaw would always stand and wave until we drove out of sight)
Papaw was the most stubborn and cranky old feller I ever knew. He was mean as a snake sometimes but in a funny way ... always giving people silly nick names and mispronouncing things. He loved to make us laugh and he loved to tell stories even if you'd heard the same one a hundred times before. He was so funny … always quick with a dry humor that I will miss for as long as I live.
(Christmas 2011)
It's so hard to believe that he is gone. I wanted so badly for him to get to meet our little Eleanor who could come anytime now. Despite all the sadness I feel to have lost him … planning and expecting her arrival has been a welcome distraction. A lady at Papaw's funeral said she would be the best medicine to our family and I believe that is true. There is something so sad and beautiful about the circle of life. No one is exempt from grief or death, but the sun is always set to rise again.