This Layout is very special to me, the chicks were drawn by my beautiful Nana, Isla Annie Labone, this was given to me after she had 'gone home'. Nana's drawing skills were well loved by ALL of the family, and we are many, we are blessed that she has written a song for each of her 'grandchildren' and had written out the words in beautiful calligraphy and finished it with a pencil sketch of us - possibly NOT the photo we would have chosen to be sketched, but a treasure all the same! I will tell you a little story - that will both horrify you and make you smile.....
There is a story about chickens that has followed me all of my life....when I was about 3 years old I was staying with Nana, who had been a hard working farm girl...she had chickens and as children we loved them and just adored the chicks as they hatched and wandered. one day I was heard to come to Nana and had one of the chicks in my hands, with a big smile on my face and said 'look Nana, chickie sleeping!' you can imagine my Nana's look of horror as she realised it was not sleeping at all, but was infact dead - I had actually 'loved it to death' by patting it too enthusiastically.......as if that wasn't enough my older brother happened to hold some chicks by the neck and told them to 'eat' and their poor little necks were not up to the task - Nana's little helpers were given time off that day! LOL! As you can imagine this tale has been brought up at many a family function....and probably will be again....so you can see why this sketch is special to me....as I was putting this layout together and saw Nana's writing, I remembered the many letters I have from her, handwritten and often with the words 'good girl Pet!' What beautiful memories...but I am sure I was anything but 'Pet' that day, although Nana never showed it! God bless her!
Registered: March 24, 2006 Location: Deep in the Heart of TEXAS Posts: 15980
Mon, Feb 08, 2010 @ 1:25 PM
Lovely, lovely card, Linda and such a sweet, sad story!! Your Nana was very talented!! Those chicks are precious!!
------------------------------ Phyllis Young at heart, slightly older in other parts. We really never grow up, we just learn how to act in public!! What if you woke up today with only what you had thanked God for yesterday??
Registered: August 20, 2007 Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada Posts: 11545
Mon, Feb 08, 2010 @ 1:54 PM
Aww, Linda thanks for sharing this story with us. Your Nanna's wonderful artwork is made even more beautiful by your own artful touch! This is such a gorgeous layout!! hugs!
Registered: March 5, 2007 Location: Coatesville, Pennsylvania Posts: 44920
Mon, Feb 08, 2010 @ 2:50 PM
Linda, this page and your story are just awesome! Thank you so much for sharing them! I love this picture of these little schickens playing tug of war with the worm! Lovely layout, GF!
------------------------------ Lesley Proud Fan Club and RAK Member He is the GOD of the Impossible!!!! Kookzi the Rookzie Punchkateer It is by the grace of God that we take our next breath.
Registered: July 1, 2007 Location: small town near montreal, quebec Posts: 26677
Tue, Feb 09, 2010 @ 3:38 AM
Linda, this is quite early to have me crying all over my keyboard. That drawing is so pretty and your story. Well, I have no recollection at all of any of my nana's, as one had died before I was born and the other one was quite sick, so your story touches me profoundly. I love how you can tell a story and touch people the way you do. Beautiful card too of course, but this time, the words just hit home real bad. Love ya, thanks for sharing, I know your nana still loves you. I do, hugsxo
Registered: May 18, 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 24623
Tue, Feb 09, 2010 @ 5:10 PM
Gosh Linda, this is so beautifully done as always. And, your story is one that I positively know does come up at family functions. Your story was fabulous and your creation just as much so. LOVE your lace corner, images, coloring, papers. It's just spectacular to say the least!! TFS!
------------------------------ Pam Co-Founder of The Punchkateerz! Fan Club Member FS149, QFTD44
Registered: April 15, 2008 Location: Seattle Area Posts: 25018
Wed, Feb 10, 2010 @ 11:24 PM
Your nana could have been a pro illustrator! The art apple did not fall far from the tree Linda. You have showcase this in beauty and love. A real family heirloom!
------------------------------ Twisted SistahCoping without Copics and Blogless in Seattle
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni Stamp Like You Mean It
Registered: March 24, 2006 Location: Posts: 38589
Sat, Feb 13, 2010 @ 10:56 AM
Schicken killer! Lol. Oh Linda, we had chickens too, and my lil nephew Andrew did the same thing. That's some hard lovin's, ain't it? I can see where you got all that amazing artistic talent too. I love how you are preserving memories for your children, and so beautifully. The little fence looks great with your schickens, and Nanas chickens are the best! Love you, and your heart!
------------------------------ Pat Smethers "The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun scorched land and strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden." Isaiah 58:11
Registered: January 29, 2009 Location: British Columbia Posts: 6675
Sat, Feb 13, 2010 @ 12:13 PM
Lovely card. Beautiful drawing, and how wonderful for you to have it from your Nana! Little chicks are so cute, but sadly, not up to a lot of 'love', as your story tells. Love that rich dp. TFS. : )