Wednesday, January 6, 2010

DAYS GONE BY



I made something new. It reminds me of my gram. I only really knew one of my grandparents. My Dad's mother passed away when he was 14. He worked from that day on to help support his 5 other brothers and 3 sisters. His dad passed away when I was very young, too young to remember, he was an alcoholic. My mom's dad is the one I grew up with, a nasty miserable man, also an alcoholic. I live in an old coal mining region, where the only work there was at that time was a the terrible life of the mines, and after a day in the minds, drinking was the popular form of stress relief. He was just plain miserable, and my parents took care of him and his 9 lives until he passed. But the one that I hold close to my heart is my mom's mom. She didn't look like this, but she FEELS like this in my memory. Again, she passed when I was 8, but I have a few pictures. The only memory I have of her is seeing her in the hospital before she died. But the photos I have tell me the real story of her warmth, her kindness, her being. I'm going to keep it for a while.
I have worked at the same place for 23 years. I work in the ceramic and porcelain tile industry, and I have come to know very well some teriffic old timers, that still come in, either to pick up goods for the workers, or some still actually work a bit., or some come by just to talk. I know them like a grandparent. I have heard their stories, sometimes many times over. I cherish these people, and their stories, and it makes them feel wonderful. I love to hear of the old days, and how they did things. There was great respect, workmanship, and brotherhood. There is not much of that left in that industry. Some of my co-workers get annoyed when the older guys take too long, talk too much, or are repetitive. I always tell them..... someday they will not be here. So Wednesday's word is ...appreciate.

YOU STILL HAVE LOTS OF TIME TO ENTER MY WISH GIVEAWAY, JUST CLICK HERE

26 comments:

stregata said...

A beautiful necklace and love the story behind it! Hugs!! xo

Unknown said...

Hi Sharon. What a gorgeous necklace. I just love the image, well the whole thing!

I also loved your story. Thanks for sharing it. My 89 MIL with dementia lives with us and sometimes we too get impatient hearing the same stories over and over. I needed to be reminded of the message.

I hope you have a wonderful year and I hope we get to know each other.

Best wishes & hugs...Tracy :)

Sofilor said...

wonderful necklace and also touching story: I can feel your sweetness and concern. Have a nice day!
Sofia

Mari said...

This necklace is beautiful!!! Love the color, the combination and the story!!

Cindy Gimbrone said...

What a special necklace - I could see it before I even read your story. Clearly, you've imbued her spirit into this piece and one doesn't have to know the story because the necklace says it all. It's just lovely!

Thanks for sharing and creating such a beautiful tribute to your grandmother.

Cindy

Kirsti said...

Such a beautiful piece of jewellery and a really lovely stoey behind it... thank you for sharing your most private thoughts with us as I have also been there with the alcoholic parent... thank you....x

Auntie Cake said...

Hi~
Don't know where to begin, but thanks for your sweet comments, it was joyous, sad, shocking and sweet all rolled into three hours. People did love the details of it though, and I do wish I was a party planner, it would be fun to challenge myself that way. Maybe some day, and I know I have faced the worst possible situation of all times at a party, and made it through...

I am excited to be making the blog rounds again. I have missed them, my husband's grandma is still with us at 94, and I just cherish her. She still is as sharp as a tack, so it is wonderful to have her stories to share with my kids. She was wonderful at documenting everything also. We are lucky. Love your necklace, so sweet that it reminds you of your grandma. Beautiful, really.

Kate

Barbara Lewis said...

Sharon, Absolutely love the necklace and am touched by the story. Once those old-timers aren't around any more the stories will be gone. Now's the time to listen to every word. My husband is preparing his mother's eulogy for the funeral and it's wonderful to hear him reflect on the old times ... some of which I was a part of.

Nothing can replace the unconditional love of a special grandparent. I had one ... I know. How she raised a dysfunctional alcoholic, I'll never know. But she was around for me. You've experienced a lot of loss in your lifetime ... I'm glad that you have found something that brings you joy ... the jewelry ... which, btw, is spectacular!

Judy said...

A beautiful piece full of warm sentiment. There are so many stories to be told and how wonderful you can share that in your creativity.

Terri Kahrs said...

Sharon, your work is always filled with creativity and charm, but this piece is exquisite and rich with sentimentality and meaning. Stunning!

I, too, can relate to a lot of your story about the miners. Since I was born int he Wilkes-Barre area, most of my male ancestors worked in the mines. I can still 'see' the miners walking home in the early morning hours, faces colored black with soot from their day's labor. Hugs, Terri xoxo

sharon said...

I am touched that all of you have shared a bit of your soul with me here....and I am grateful and appreciative everyday. Thank you so much!

Narrative jewelry said...

Superbe Sharon, this necklace is just wonderful and full of emotion.

SummersStudio said...

Sharon, what a beautiful tribute to your grandmother. This is a very special piece that is so full of love. And I do think that all of those old stories are worth hearing time and again. They are part of the fabric of life and place. They are valuable. So good that you listen, because indeed one day they will be gone and an era will truly be finished. But the memory will live in people like you. Just like the memory of your grandmother lives in this special necklace and in you.

Unknown said...

What a wonderful necklace, Sharon,I love the colors and the image is beautiful! Loved reading your post, such a touching story!
Didn't start yet any project( I'm learning a lot though! Again!LOL) this year. I'm just waiting for a lemon pudding to bake in the oven and I'm visiting blog friends.
May I put on my blog a link to your giveaway? That bracelet is just gorgeous!!!:)
Lots of love, Sanda xx

Susan Marling said...

What a beautiful post. I am so glad you take the time to treasure these older people-that is really a gift. I had a grandmother that first taught me to make jewelry and sew - I have wonderful memories. The necklace you made to honor your grandmother is wonderful.

Tina said...

Hi Sharon
Thank you so much for visiting over at my place and for entering my giveaway.
happy New Year
~ Tina

sandi m said...

Lovely necklace and story.
Yes, those 'were the days'.
sandi

Esther said...

thank you Sharon for sharing a bit of your history with us.. i'm very touched.. because now i know were your big heart come from... THis necklace is one of my favorites! very mixed media.. you are right about those who one day will be gone.. they are the key (as on your work) of the past.. one day .. no more keys.. beautiful tribute my Sharito

Tammy and Rob said...

Gorgeous necklace Sharon! Thanks for sharing with us, it touched my heart. My great grandfather was also a miner, here in Colorado, and my alcoholic great grandmother left him with 7 children to take of. My gram remembers and speaks of her Daddy with twinkles in her eyes! I'm glad she like you has fond memories of the past.

Pilar said...

Beautiful work...In our crazy day and age, I think many forget that our human experience is shared with one another. Thank you for remembering our histories are connected and will pass to future generations if we honor each other's lives by simply listening. xoxoxoxox

Cindy said...

Sharon, you have referenced your Grandmother several times - I can see what an impact she had on your life, even though you were only 8...she seems like she was a special lady and so loved. I was fortunate to have a special Grandmother like that too...and sure do miss her. Thank you for sharing more about your family and who you are. I imagine your coworkers truly appreciate you and that you take the time to hear their stories. You are such a good friend to so many people - coworkers and bloggers alike!

The Rustic Victorian said...

What a beautiful piece of creativity. Wisdom of the ages,,there is nothing like it...you are lucky to understand and appreciate them.
Lovely day!
Marcie

creativelenna said...

This is a beautiful piece, full of feeling. I love how you combine the hard (metal) with the soft (beads & pendant). It is exquisite! xo lenna

Sharon said...

So touched by your story and that you celebrate your Grandmother's life through your beautiful necklace. It's true, the old timers know so much more and we can benefit from their wisdom and experience if we just listen.

Winchester Manor said...

Hi Sharon,

Thank you for sharing and what a beautiful necklace you created, made even more special because it reminds you of your grandma!

I love the colors and elements and it is constructed with perfection! Well done sweet friend!

Love and hugs,
Karyn

Maria said...

Stunning necklace!!

LinkWithin

Blog Widget by LinkWithin

My Lucky Charms