A Haven for Vee

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Kathy's Gift

What a nice surprise! Noooo, it really was more than that when I received an unexpected package earlier this week. It was more like a reminder...just a little something to say I'm thinking of you and wanting to encourage you. In fact, those were the kinds of words that Kathy used in her email later. It worked.







It's a vintage book of essays by Helen V. Taylor about growing up in Maine. Kathy suggests that my family may want to read the book aloud...true, but I've been doing some advance snooping and I've found a paragraph that could be written about my life here at Haven.

As an old lady she was like a little sparrow. She chattered and chattered and much of what she said was about herself. She was curious about everything and when a team went by the house she quickly went to the window and stood to one side and told us details about the passerby...her gentle voice flowed on and on, around us and beside us, and she didn't often expect a response.


Yes, this could have been written about my grandmother, perhaps about many grandmothers. Nan has, given her front room location, the job of town crier. She is quick to let us know when the mailman has delivered the mail or the plow is making another sweep. She doesn't think that I can hear these things without her announcement. Too cute! Her favorite announcement is that John is home. Mine, too.

Mostly, it reminds me of a Laura Ingalls Wilder book being from the same genre. And the illustrations are so sweet. The chapter called "Maine Winter" describes nearly every winter I've ever known...

Winters in Maine were long and severe. Snow usually fell in early November and the ground was not bare until late March.

But my favorite is a little recipe from the same chapter. Next time it snows I'll try this and report back...

When soft clean snow had just fallen on the kitchen windowsill, Mother would let me open the window quickly and fill a bowl with snow. Then I sprinkled it with sugar and the juice of an orange. It made snow ice cream which had to be eaten fast before it melted.






You will find Kathy at Shocking Pink Thread and you'll be glad that you did!

24 comments:

  1. Now that is special....

    I love the parallels you have already drawn to life as you enjoy it today.

    Have a great day.

    Becky K.

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  2. What a thoughtful gift! I love books like that and in fact have all of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books. Don't you just love it when you can see/feel similarities to your own life in something you've read! Thank you for sharing this!

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  3. Oh Vee

    The book sounds wonderful. What a sweet thing for Kathy to do! I may have to search for a copy myself. I just finished my latest - An Echo in the Bone.

    Have a wonderful day!
    Leann

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  4. Now that is a really kind and thoughtful thing for Kathy to do. It looks like a wonderful book and perfect for you and your Nan.

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  5. What a wonderful gift...something you will enjoy and treasure! How special! Kathy is a treasure! ♥

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  6. WARNING

    Please go check out Sweet Nothings. She has a Warning about Snow Widget, at top of her blog!!!!!!! That it's been hacked and having it on, can hurt your computer.

    Please I don't know anything, other than I just read this.

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  7. You are right! My cupcake fits right in with your blog. Thanks for the link!

    You are in for a treat. This is one of my favorite books. Once you read one of hers, you'll definitely want to read more.
    Hugs,
    Cathie

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  8. What fun...to read what could be your own story...written by someone else a very long time ago. May you ALL enjoy it!

    I'm thinking we need a little Maine winter over here about now...but instead we are having spring.

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  9. Charming! I'd love to read that book. Have fun with your new treasure.

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  10. The book sounds a little like Anne Morrow Lindberg's A Gift From The Sea. I enjoyed that book very much.....enjoy your reading.....

    Jerri

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  11. What a lovely gift! I am sure it will go well with a cup of tea and a nice warm fire!

    Enjoy!

    Blessings!
    ~Nadine

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  12. Such a lovely gift and one to treasure.
    MORE snow on the way here tomorrow. 1 -2 feet predicted!!!

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  13. What a sweet book - now I will have to find it to read..you 'enabler' you!

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  14. how fun is that! aren't good friends just the best. they can make our lives wonderful. lucky you!

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  15. What a delightful book! It's something I would love to read. How special your friend is to think of you and send you that. I love the thank you you made. I have to learn to that. I hope your nana is improving daily and your mother too.

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  16. This is wonderful. So sweet! And as I read, I just knew you were going to say that paragraph reminded you of your Nan. I had a good chuckle when you described her as the town crier! One of the very few times we ever even had snow growing up, I remember my mother making snow ice cream with a little cream and vanilla added very quickly to the fresh snow. I am sure it didn't meet sanitary regulations, but I am still here anyway. At the time I thought it was the most wonderful thing. Love that you have redecorated your blog!

    Love,
    Christi

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  17. Love the blog design!

    I am so impressed with that gift. and the giver!

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  18. hello Vee,

    Thank you for all the lovely comments on my blog. I enjoy reading yours, too.
    This book reminds me of the Stillmeadow books by Gladys Taber. Have you read those? They are full of everyday beauty and commonplace events that are elevated to art because someone took the time to write them down and to realize the beauty in ordinary life.

    Lorrie

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  19. What a wonderful gift for you. That was very thoughtful of Kathy

    Vee! That passage also describes my Mom to a "T" :-)

    Snow ice cream sounds good ..it will snow here this weekend..maybe I'll also try making some snow ice cream :-)

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  20. What a beautiful gift! I know you will enjoy it so much and treasure the reminders of your own life.

    Have a beautiful weekend dear Vee,
    Jennifer

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  21. Thank you for the thank you, Vee! I hope you enjoy the weekend. ~Kathy

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  22. Hi Vee...tried to leave a comment on the current post, but was unable...I missed your background that was causing problems...

    Anyway, I am watching the superbowl, just to see the commercials :-)
    Hugs,
    PP

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  23. How sweet - what a gift! xo Terri

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