Hi Everyone,
Here is a favorite photo of mine! This was taken two years prior to when I moved to Oceanport Gardens. Sometime later, a few weeks before I sold our house, a winter storm brought an even greater amount of snow! … Made me accept for sure that it was time to move on. Some things about my family’s home I really miss - yet some of the responsibilities not so much! If you click on the thumbnail above you will see a bigger pic.
I hope we find winter this year still a snowy but safe wonderland, and that we each have a prosperous, healthy and happy 2023. ♥
BASS RIVER 1960S
(THX BLH!)
A BIT OF BACKGROUND IN HURLEY HISTORY
The impetus for this piece was provided by my college art instructor who suggested students work with a B&W photo. I prioritized being inspired if I expected to spend my time stippling (for hours!); thus I searched everywhere for a photo I could appreciate. Found an Essence magazine cover on a 7-11 magazine rack that appealed. Not B&W, but the tones were rich and the textures intriguing. However, my selection was sealed by a memory that had made a permanent impression:
Our family dentist (who in hindsight I suspect was somewhat sadistic), often would ask for my response to remarks he made while he had instruments in my mouth. These included such things as “How’s John (my dad) doing?”, but I never felt he was truly a fan.
One day he said he was going to tell me the following riddle/joke: “Why does no one celebrate Father’s Day in Harlem?” He gave the answer: “Because no one knows who their father is - ha ha!” When I could speak, I disgustedly looked him in the eye and stated, “That’s not funny.” Surprised him that this shy, “good” child was so feisty.
Never discussed this (or the dentist) with mom or dad...
These three dolls were created when as a young adult I designed the first one (middle) especially for my mom. I recollected that when I was a girl she had described to me (when asked) her preferred color for bedroom decor, stating this would be lavender. (It seems clear that she liked this color since her first baby’s bassinet skirt and my sister’s and my Halloween fairy costumes [light up wands and all!] she had sewn in lavender fabric.)
In any case, though the doll’s lavender dress by no means matched my mom’s bedroom decor at the time, I wanted her to have a sample of that prettiness she desired. I presented her the doll with a beaded purse she had given me in the past.
Years later, my sister and I found a room for my mom in an assisted living home which my sister and I felt would work out well. Mom required professional supervision (we had hoped temporarily) until she became comfortable with adjusting to some necessary lifestyle changes. The room opened up to an outside deck, which was hers alone to access. I was pleased too to notice how this intended room was so beautifully furnished with floral-patterned lavender bedlinens and drapes!
Unfortunately, though, a phone call from the facility director the following day informed me that mom and this home were not a match!