Thursday, December 22, 2011

"The Wise Men" Old Post worth repeating




This is a painting my mother painted when we were kids. We always knew when the holidays began when this painting was placed over the mantel.

The year my mother died I painted four of these paintings. For my sisters Heidi and Jamie and my daughter Nelly and my niece Keely. My mother died in October so I started painting them soon after and by Christmas they were done. It was very cathartic almost necessary for me to do. I cried alot during the process. And I managed to keep it a secret. It was wonderful to see their faces when they opened them up. They sooo appreciated the gesture. There was not a dry eye in the house. It is a beautiful memory. I miss my Mommy...

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!


22 comments :

Becca said...

That is so beautiful! Hugs to you and a very merry Christmas Heather.

Heidimc said...

I'm listening to K. D. Lang sing Hallelujah while reading your post and the tears are flowing. My Wise Men picture was one of the first things that went on my wall this holiday season. I love it and you, my dear sister. Merry Christmas!

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

Indeed it is a beautiful memory...I did something similar the year my Dad passed, created small photo ornaments of my Dad for each of the family, they continue to hang on our trees each year. We are blessed, Merry Christmas!

Unknown said...

What a great thought. Love your wisw men.
Happy holidays!

Valerie-Jael said...

Happy Christmas, your Mom is surely very proud of you! Valerie

Å olanje na domu-Waldorf said...

What an amazing thing to do. :) Happy Holidays! :)

Marie Rayner said...

Beautiful post Heather. I think that the art that touches our hearts the most is the most beautiful art of all. Merry Christmas.

Elisa Choi said...

A very touching post, Heather. What a wonderful painting. A great way to remember her. Merry Christmas!

Diane said...

Wishing you a special Christmas Heather--this is such a wonderful way to celebrate your Mom.

Fallingladies said...

Wonderful way to celebrate.....sweet and sad story! Thanks for sharing!

WrightStuff said...

What a lovely thing to have done and something to treasure along with your memories. Beautiful.

Melisa said...

What a wonderful way to carry on the tradition and to have a part of your mom with all of you during Christmas.

Carolyn Dube said...

Amazing way to honor and remember your mom. I have been doing the same with old photos - I found a stash of slides with my mother (who detested being photographed) and have cried and laughed all through the process but I have a huge stack of enlargements to give at Christmas - none of them know about the photos. Can't wait for them to open them. Have a wonderful Christmas!

GlorV1 said...

Beautiful memories Heather and what a wonderful tribute to your mom. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas to you and yours. Take care and enjoy.

Tracey FK said...

That is just a most perfectly fitting way to celebrate your mother... hope the season is filled with many many happy memories, both old and new ones... thanks for your support and lovely comments over at my blog, they have been appreciated...xx

EVA said...

How wonderful that now everyone has one. It is beautiful.

Merry Christmas Heather! I hope you and your family have a great holiday season!

Pam Tucker said...

Painting everyone their own painting was a wonderful way to honor your Mom. I miss my Mom, too. Merry Christmas to you and your family, Heather.

Geckostone said...

Ah, Heather this is so beautiful and what a sweet gesture. Your post puts a lump of joy and sadness in my throat, missing my dad but sooooo grateful Mom is still here. Merry Christmas and thanks for sharing your heart! Deb

SHERI COOK said...

What a wonderful gesture and memory for you to create and share like that.
Wishing you a Happy PPF and wonderful 2012.
Sheri Cook/Happy Horse Studio

Jaime Haney said...

What a wonderful memory to have of life growing up as a child :) and what a sweet thing for you to do for your sisters. It is a beautiful painting.

I miss my mommy, too. Isn't it wonderful though how they left such love in our hearts and imprints on our souls forever.

I recieved my Hootie Clause and am so happy with him Heather! He is just gorgeous and will serve kinda as my "now it's Christmas" when I display him on my buffet. But he may just stay up all year round too! ;)

Happy New Year (almost)!
xx Jaime

Katie Jeanne Wood said...

What a sweet memory, Heather. You made me tear up, too. Hope you had a Merry Christmas. <3

stavroula m said...

Wonderful way to remember your Mom!!!
Thanks for sharing! I love your work!!!
Happy New Year Heather!!!!!!!