Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Having a Cup of Coffee with My Dad

The last few days I have slowed down...way down. My sinuses have been acting up and I am not 100%. So I guess I will kick back and stop unpacking...for a few hours.

Yesterday, I unpacked a book that my mom gave me when I was home visiting. I guess my dad loved to pour over its pages and I thought I'd share it with you.






It kind of made me feel close to him as I was looking at the famous pictures. I tried to think what he was thinking as I poured over the same pages. I know my parents bought Norman Rockwell plates and they are hanging in their kitchen! He probably loved the plates and saw the book and decided to buy it. The book is second hand.

Rockwell's first cover was for the Saturday Evening Post



I do have a favorite....its not in the book. It's a little boy and girl dressed up as angels with crowns. I can't remember where it is, stored somewhere. I had it in a frame hanging on a wall. A friend sent me a Christmas card with the picture on it and I have saved it all these years.


Crackers in Bed. Oil Painting for advertisement for the Edison Mazda Lamp Works, 1921.


So what does Norman Rockwell have to do with my tablescape????INSPIRATION! I was just sitting here and decided to veg awhile with a cup of coffee, my dad and my thoughts.......


My dad was a Policeman/Detective...





Triple Self Portrait. Oil Painting for Post cover, February 13, 1960.


Did you know that Norman Rockwell executed his first commission before he was sixteen, illustrated his first book when he was seventeen (Tell Me Why Stories), became director of Boys' Life at nineteen, and reached the pinnacle of his profession by doing the cover of the Saturday Evening Post! It appeared on May 20th 1916.

I wonder how many times my dad looked at the pictures in this book. I wonder if they were special to him because it brought back childhood memories. I wonder if he saw himself in the paintings. I just wonder.......


In one of the pages, he had stuck his business card. The picture was titled "Girl looking in the Mirror". I thought of my aunt right away, his only sister......Elaine. The young girl in the picture sort of made me think of her. I wonder if that's why he like that picture. Did he remember her sitting in front of a mirror.... Memories......


                   Post cover; March 6, 1954.




It doesn't matter why he liked the coffee table book...I keep it close to my heart to remember what he did in his moments alone. As I sip my coffee I wonder if I am thinking and doing the same thing he did. Reminiscing.......






Somehow it comforts me to think of  my dad looking through a book on a cold winters afternoon........drinking coffee or relaxing in his room.






I guess this is in remembrance of Norman Rockwell whose paintings show life as it really was and my dad who lived life to the fullest. I miss sitting down and having coffee and cake with my dad.......so today I did....even if its only in spirit!


Paying Bills, Literary Digest cover, February 26, 1921.



Norman Rockwell in his studio, 1970.

Silver Tea pot - Rogers.....Goodwill.
Cup & saucer - Queen's China; English Charm.....collected years ago.
Blue dessert plate - Hand Painted made in Japan.....Goodwill.
Roses - my backyard.
Silver basket - Goodwill.



Thank you for visiting Sweetladyelaine...... Have a beautiful day! Thank you to our host Susan.....Please visit Susan at BNOTP for inspiration.

Blessings My Friends,







14 comments:

  1. What a sweet tribute to your dad~ Hope you're feeling better soon!

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  2. You are undoubtedly the sweetest, kindest, most thoughtful woman on this planet. Sending love, precious.

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  3. This was a wonderful tribute to your dad. My mother loves Rockwell. His town was a stone's throw from where she grew up. I love to look at the pages of that very book because she has it on her coffee table too.

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  4. What a wonderful post! I can not tell you how much I enjoyed it! Thank you so much for sharing!

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  5. What a nice post! Glad you have the book-enjoy:@)

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  6. What a lovely post and so, so sweet. Almost made me cry remembering my mom. Have a blessed day.

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  7. What a loving tribute to your father, and I think that was a wonderful way to visit with him, through a book he loved and tea.

    I have a book of Norman Rockwelll's work that I ought to go take out and read. See? You've inspired me to sit down and do something wonderful. Thanks.

    Happy Tablescape Thursday and all the Lord's blessings...

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  8. I keep a large volume filled with Norman Rockwell's work. I pour over it often. I'm glad that you have your daddy's book...I think that it would make him happy, too. Thanks for stopping by my post. Cherry Kay

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  9. I remember my dad got the Sat Eve Post, and he enjoyed Rockwell. I do too! Love the expressions on the faces.
    You missed a big storm...we lost power! :(

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  10. I lovely lady.I also love the
    Rockwell Crtstal I have his books for a long time !!Thanks so much for your lovely comments about my Tablescapes~~~Im your newest follower on your blog !!! I hope you have a nice evening with your family sweet lady.
    Diane

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  11. Hi there!! I got so immersed in the writing that I completely forgot to look at the pictures and had to go back!!! That is so sweet!!! What a wonderfully touching tribute to your Dad. Oh, my goodness...I think I might cry! Glad to see the unpacking is coming along. I know it's a pain. Just think...this time next year, it will be nothing but a distant memory! Have a great weekend, and thanks for stopping by my place earlier. Glad you liked the peacock feathers! :-)

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  12. I love Norman Rockwell's paintings. A few years ago they were on display in Atlanta and we drove their to see the exhibit.
    I bought a large coffee table book while there.
    It was interesting to read that many times he has a head shot of himself in his portraits.
    Nice to meet you!
    Good luck getting settled in your new home.

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  13. What a sweet post! I love your tea cup. It is wonderful and making me want to take out my grandmother's collection of tea cups that I inherited. Thanks for the inspiration!

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