Day 4 of January

First I want to show an amazing picture. Here is the story behind this picture. Mom is still in the hospital and each time I go to visit her, I try and take something to talk about. I have in my possession Mom's autograph book. This book is from when mom was a young teenager to even after she was a young mother of two. In addition to the many autographs she has in this book, there are these wonderful pictures that friends drew in the book. This is just one of the picutres. I look at this picture and think, wow, what a wonderful artist, and how proud this person must have felt to have these beautiful, colorful pens. I can't make out the signature, but when I showed mom the picture, she automatically knew who have signed her book. I wanted to share these pictures and one idea I have is to scan the pictures and make them into cards for Mom. When she sends a note to someone, she can share these beautiful pictures. Here is another one. Apparently this one is from Dad's old girlfriend Ethel Nugent. (not sure if it is a self portrait or not)

There are a couple of poems in the book from my Dad to my Mom.

The first one is dated December 30 (no year) in Midnapore, Alberta. it reads:

Dear Pee Wee

When you are looking through this book

And see this little note

remember that I am the one

that almost got your goat.

Squirt & one half.

Now mom just giggled when I read this one, and maybe it's an inside joke. But what I found very "hummmmm" is that we sometimes call Patrick, P Wee. Talk about "a moment"

Here is the second poem, it is dated Dec 30, 1946; Midnapore,

Dear Hon

Your troubles won't be many

Your kids, well you've got two

You said at first, (not any)

Make sure its not a few.

Do your duty to your kid's

Never get a stick to blister

Cause I am sure they said to me.

Send for a baby sister.

Ted.

Wow, I now know where I get my silly poetry gene from! To think I've had this book in my possession for a very long time and I'm just appreciating it now. I can remember looking at it many times before, but my true appreciation has just tuned in.

I am inspired to go and find my old autograph book from elementary school. I know there are no artistic pictures, but it will be filled with memories abound.

Stacey