Tasha Tudor Day

Today Clarice at Storybook Woods and some of her friends have implemented Tasha Tudor Day in commemoration of Miss Tudor's birthday. Each year for the past four, Clarice has shared memories of how this special woman touched her life and those of her friends.

Be sure to stop by Clarice's blog so you can participate in this special event! Here she shares pictures of garments that remind her of Tasha. And here is her post today which celebrates Tasha's legacy.

Happy Birthday to the memory of Tasha Tudor!

Tea & Tasha

Beloved Tasha Tudor, author and illustrator of many books and gardener extraordinaire, passed away at her home in Marlboro, Vermont on July 18, 2008. She was born in Boston, Massachusetts on August 28, 1915 and was named after her father, Starling Burgess. But her father, who enjoyed Tolstoy's War and Peacepreferred to call her Natasha after a character in the book. Her mother's friends would sometimes refer to her as Rosamund Tudor's daughter. Tasha liked the sound of the name Tasha Tudor, and eventually had her name legally changed to reflect this preference. 

Ms. Tudor received many awards and honors for her exceptional contribution to literature. A Caldecott Honor was given for her work for Mother Goose in 1945 and again in 1957 for the book 1 is One. She also received the Regina Medal in 1971 for her contributions to children's literature. Her prose was always simple and captivating, frequently including rhyming text. Enchanting illustrations were detailed and realistic in soft colors that seemed to fade away onto the page. She was known for her love of nature and flowers, birds, and other charming animals were frequently featured in her art. 

Some of the books she wrote and illustrated are:

Pumpkin Moonshine
A Tale for Easter
Snow before Christmas
Thistly B
The Dolls' Christmas
Edgar Allan Crow
Amanda and the Bear

A is for Annebelle
1 is One
A Time to Keep
Corgiville Fair
Tasha Tudor's Seasons of Delight
The Great Corgiville Kidnapping

Tasha Tudor was one of the great artists of the 20th century. Her love for illustrating New England nostalgia and sentimental illustrations that made one think of a bygone era. She lived her life as she dreamed, simply and sustainably, preferring the old-fashioned in both lifestyle and dress. For 92 years the world has been blessed by her presence and contribution to American culture, literature, and art. Although she is gone from us now, her legacy and spirit will live on through the work she so fluently contributed to all. 

The photographs today are taken from one of my favorite books: Tasha Tudor's Garden by Tovah Martin and Richard W. Brown.

Old Time Cooking

 

There are some pictures that simply need to be taken, even if they are shielded by a layer of dirty glass and bright reflections.  The "Woman's Favorite Cookbook" in this photo is tattered and well-used.  Steaming hot and fragrant foods are illustrated by covered serving bowls with steam wafting as drawn some an artist who was generous with his ink and pen.  I think this artist must have been a man who hadn't been served very many tasty dishes in his life, as the woman on the cover is shown with a piqued and weary look on her face.  I suppose there is a reason why this cookbook wasn't titled "The Joy of Cooking".  Unable to reach through the glass to peruse this worn-out cookbook, I can only imagine the recipes and notes enclosed.  

Photo:  Pearce General Store, Pearce, Arizona

Linens and Lace

The days of yesteryear. A wardrobe was a valuable commodity for any woman. Each piece was held in high regard and was carefully stitched by hand or treadle machine. Quality workmanship was essential, as there were not discount stores to buy a quick replacement if stitching wore out. Each outfit was carefully planned and accessorized. And extras were the exception, not the rule. The result, some very well dressed women! The stories of Laura Ingalls Wilder and the emphasis given to sewing her wedding trousseau has always held much fascination for me!

D * I * A * N * A

Each May, the Diana, Princess of Wales roses bloom in my yard, reminding me of the people's princess. My contemporary, an example for compassion and devotion to her family, Princess Diana will always have a special place in my heart. I know she does for many of you as well. Memories of waking up at the wee hours of the morning to watch her wedding on television, of the births of her children, and of her solid fashion sense endear her to our hearts. Her selfless example in serving those less fortunate remains to this day and is now the responsibility of each of us as we remember her and follow her example in sharing with those in need. When the Diana, Princess of Wales roses bloom, I am keenly reminded of her and the joy she brought to many. Some emotions cannot be put into words, so instead I post pictures of tokens that I remember her by.

Do you have special memories of Princess Diana and her influence upon your life? Would you share them with us?

*Click to enlarge photo for detail.

Uniquely Made

"There you are. . .how wonderful! How unique you are, not "Made in Japan" but made in your mother's womb. A factory needs plenty of light; God was so smart he could make you perfectly in the dark.

That cowlick of yours, the length of your toes, your upper lip --- he made all of you, and you are therefore very special and precious.

The timing of your life is also unique. This is what Psalm 139 says: not only are you one-of-a-kind, but so is your life. Your particular birth-to-death span was planned by God 'way beforehand.

Have you become aware of a developing pattern in your personal life? Is there something inside of you like a time-release capsule; every so often does something softly explode within you; are new gifts released, or new interests, or new opportunities?"

Anne Ortlund*
Disciplines of the Beautiful Woman
[Word Books 1984]

May your life be triggered with a new gentle explosion --- or even a total revolution! How exciting to find the new adventures, avenues, and passages that God has planned for us as we look forward to new stages in our lives. Is your life evolving and changing in the passage of time? Each of us passed through life passages. Sometimes it seems easier to cling to the past, as it seems safe and comfortable. Giving up a life-period that was meaningful can be difficult. But life changes, and each stage can be just as exciting and adventuresome as the ones left behind. New goals, a renewed focus on what is important, and great adventures await!

In the next few weeks I will be reading one of my all-time favorite books and will share tidbits and pieces of it that especially speak to me. I hope you are blessed by them as well. Check out the book if you'd like to read along.

*Prolific writer and speaker; composer of songs and hymns; organist for the radio program "Old-Fashioned Revival Hour" for many years; and help-meet to Ray Ortlund, former speaker of "Haven of Rest" and founder of "Renewal Ministries".