My Grandmother's Jewels
Photograph by: Karen Holmes
"It was good, and nothing good is truly lost.
It stays a part of a person, becomes part of their character.
So part of you goes everywhere with me. And part of me is yours, forever."
- Rosamunde Pilcher (The Shell Seekers)
When I was little I loved to lift the lid of an antique jewel box that rested on the top of my grandmother's dresser. I needed to stand on tip-toes to reach the elegantly carved wooden box and then I could carefully raise the lid of handpainted flowers preserved under glass. When I opened the box there was a mirror which served to reflect the "jewels" my grandmother kept there (one of which is shown in the photo and was given to me by my grandmother). Although I never thought to ask her, I think my grandmother preferred her Wellington's and working in the garden or painting to wearing her jewels... but I do not know for sure. I remember - since she was most prone to wearing comfortable and haphazard attire to do her work - that when she did dress up and put on her "jewels" a transformation occurred... in my eyes, she was most certainly a Queen.
I have been fortunate enough to take a tour of London's crown jewels, and, recently, I felt inspired by the tiara given to Catherine by Queen Elizabeth for her wedding day (the tiara had been an 18th birthday gift to the Queen). Within that gift was a connection to goodness of character that was being passed on.
The adult in me is aware of the world-view value of my grandmother's jewels... but the child in me believes I have been given the jewels of a Queen... and they are my treasure... and so is she...
Happy Mother's Day to all the nurturing souls who care for us so lovingly... past, present and future...
8 comments:
What lovely sentiments, Karen Thank you :-)
I remember that special box, and the "English Lady" Jewels it kept. Like you I would sneek a peek on tippy toes to ensure that I had planted each piece carefully in my mind, like a garden. Often I have taken out my special "Queen" pieces and I carefully feel the jewels and then I bow to see if I can smell her perfume there still, sadly it is only a sweet memory now. If I am feeling really cheeky I put on the mink hat, drape my neck with her pearls (restored by you for me), her brooch and step into my "wellies" and slowly twirl in front of the mirror. I know she is smiling, for she so loved the dance of a child, especially if it was a granddaughter! Thank you for the escape into the love I have for a special "GRAND-mother" who honestly loved us both dearly. Hopefully we all will dare to wear tiaras, in celebration of our greatness, on our special day this Sunday! Love to you.
What a beautiful post. I believe every little girl has peeked into a a special box on a grandmother's bureau.
when i was a little girl i remember thinking everything my grandma wore and did was amazing.....oh those memories !!!
Thank you Karen, your grace fills my heart
Very beautifully expressed, Karen. I've been thinking about my grandmother too.
Karen, what a beautifully written post! I felt my grandmother too was a Queen and I loved her dearly! Thank you for your visit and a Happy Mother's Day weekend to you.
Blessings,
Sandi
Karen, this comes a bit late but a very happy Mother day to you. And I know that you are an example mom!! What a lovely way to remember your grandmother and yes, the the jewel is one of a queen! sending love your way!!
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