Take It Further Challenge #2 : I Remember The Love of My Grandmother,Thea

The theme for this month's Take It Further Challenge is what are we old enough to remember". I thought about that for some time. There are so many things I remember - so many good memories - along with the bad memories that we all have a supply of ! I thought about the many concerts I saw at the Fillmore East, about Woodstock, and about the lazy days spent at the lake or the old quarry. I remembered the coal furnace we used at my Grandmother's house in upstate New York , the hand pump for water in the kitchen, and the outhouse. I considered the pleasures of roller skating and hopscotch on New York City sidewalks, and exploring China Town, Little Italy & the garment district with my father; the vacations on Lake George when I could actually drank the water from the lake! So many things to remember!

I realized however, that what I remember most and what I am now old enoug to treasure the most is the love of my grandmother. Thea Elizabeth Kavanaugh Ellery. Born December 1898. Died September 1976. She was a red head and had four red-headed children;Ellen (my mother),James (my beloved uncle),John & William. My grandmother once applied for a job in the office at an amusement park & took great affront when she was offered the position of Mother Goose instead ! She had an indomitable spirit and lived through a lot of hard times with much grace and dignity. She helped make my childhood a much better time. I still love her with all of my heart and it is her love that I will always remember the most.

I painted on muslin using using Stewart Gill paints and ink. The photograph that I painted from was taken in 1918 - it is my favorite picture of my grandmother.