today as i attempt to share a bit of my brain's recollections and feelings, i find myself going back in time, to a day, i must admit, i barely remember---but for some reason, my heart and thoughts go back there more than i can say----
it's funny on a cold gray february day such as today or maybe not---that my daydreams and glimpses of history, go back to a day when i must have been no older than eight---
my maternal grandmother and my mom and siblings, went peach picking----i could not tell you, where it was, although i know it was not far out---it seems like it was maybe only miles from my grandmother's house, which was in the northside of my city-----
it must have been august---i recall it was very hot--but i don't see it as the hottest of that summer's days----
and i don't think i was having a particularly happy day, as it unfolded---but something in that day----calls me back, over and over and tells me that it was something, beautiful about that day, maybe even magical---how i wish, i knew what it was--
the day evidently made such an impact on me, that through the years i had inquired more than once, if my mother remembered anything much from that day--she hadn't--
as a child, i wasn't even fond of peaches--and today, it is not one of my favorite fruits, not even liking fruit all that much anyway----but when my mind thinks of something refreshing, i think of those peaches--
the thought of them---brings a peace and a connection with summer, like only a few memories do----
i see my grandmother, reaching and talking----she was all about nature and fishing and flowers----
to be honest--as a writer should try to be, though in kindness, when it is on reality------going to that grandmother's was not always as exciting--and sometimes evoked a little dread-----it may have had something to do with the way my grandmother dealt with me----she would scold me and tell me how bad i was being and believe me, i was----but with my other grandmother, it was different-----i don't think, she ever corrected me or thought she could maybe---but i loved them both, almost the same---any difference, i cannot measure--
oh to go back to that day for real--and though it's true, how some times are better left in the recesses of our subconscious---i think this day would more than hold up--
When we keep getting called back, perhaps our brain is trying to remind us of a lesson learned. Perhaps you saw then that love may be shown in different ways from different people. I had two very different grandmothers too - one was the sweetest woman alive, but the other was a matriarch. I felt much as you did.
ReplyDeleteA friend once told me that if you learn one thing from every person you meet, you will end up a wise person.
Have you written about that day at all?
i think you are absolutely correct d.g.---no i don't think i have written until today about it :)
ReplyDeleteI love writing memories. They should be preserved in my opinion. You did a great job writing this.
ReplyDeleteI had one stern grandma and one that thought the world began the day I was born.
My measure of love differed for these two. ;)
thanks teresa---this memory, is so much a part of me--i felt it was time, to put it down on paper, so to speak, in some small way :)
ReplyDeleteKeep writing those memories down. We all should. Good or bad, they're a part of us.
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday, friend. :)
thanks dana, and a very happy start of the week to you too my friend!:)
DeleteIt's funny what small things can trigger us to attach those things to a person or event. I had a grandma (a step grandma actually) that used to run a farm. Ever time I make home made green beans I think back to that grandma with fond memories. She used to pay us $5 to sit on her porch swing with her and snap those beans.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the others. Keep writing those memories down. Who knows what else may jog your memory while recording them.
oh yes, i too have the green bean memory----i did that with my paternal grandmother----and i loved to shell butter-beans---such a disappointment when i go somewhere with fresh vegetables and they only have the already shelled beans!! thanks theresa :)
DeleteOh Lynn! We had the same grandmothers! I always had dread going to my paternal grandmother, but loved going to my other one (too bad she lived far away!) Great memories, though!! And I love love peaches!!
ReplyDeletefunny---i am wondering if more people experienced that--maybe an interesting book idea---i got dibs haha--thanks judy :)
DeleteWas it about rhythm--reaching and picking. Other pickers coming and going. The heat and insects sounding. Birds calling.
ReplyDeletewow--you are so insightful---very interesting take on it!! you could be on to something--i do get into rhythms and sounds, connecting---thanks joanne :)
DeleteDid you read, "The Time Traveler's Wife"? Somehow this story reminds me of it.
ReplyDeleteno i didn't joy, but i saw the movie---but to be honest, i didn't care too much for it, so i probably didn't pay close attention to it---i would love to know more about why my post reminded you of the movie---thanks joy!
DeleteIt was this dreamy, not quite real, kind of magical feeling that I got when reading parts of the book (when they met in the meadow behind her house - or whatever it was) that felt the same as the memory you described. Maybe you had a visitor from another time that day : ) Maybe you want to read the beginning of the book to see if it has the same feeling for you as it did for me.
Deletehow cool---maybe i will have to read it---thanks joy :)
DeleteOr maybe the scent of peaches? Keep seeking for those memories and writing about them.
ReplyDeleteit could be that scent---i have been meaning to get the glade plug-in of that scent--maybe it will bring something back to mind--thanks susan :)
Deletepretty post, I love your writing style!
ReplyDeletenew follower! :)
hope you have a great day!
Juliet
www.apurplesky.blogspot.com
yay!!! how did you hear about me!----thanks so much juliet :)
DeleteLovely memories. Funny how as children we didn't like some food, but now as we're older, we like them.
ReplyDeletei know---although i have always liked almost everything, unfortunately!! thanks christine :)
DeleteMemory is a funny thing...this was a lovely post and made me pine for summer.
ReplyDeletememory is a curious thing----thank you joyce---i can't wait for summer too!!
DeleteMy grandmothers were both very strict women but I have precious memories of one wonderful day with each of them. I wish I had known them better.
ReplyDeleteit is so good to have any memories mostly---i did get the time with both of my grandmothers, but wish too that i had known them as women better--thanks susan :)
Deletefunny how the tiniest of days can become the best of memories. :)
ReplyDeleteit amazes me too juli!!
Deleteyesterday I was grocery shopping and a song blared over the loud speaker...wow! memories of hearing that song with the windows down on a hot summer day..just flooded my mind...
ReplyDeleteoh yeah---don't you love that feeling---but sometimes---it is a memory i can't put my finger on---thanks annmarie :)
DeleteIt would be neat if you could find out why that day was magical, but perhaps if you did, it would take the magic out of it? Does seem like something very pleasant hough!
ReplyDeletebetty
it certainly hold out that it was a glorious day of some sort--but you could be right--maybe something i shouldn't take the magic from--thanks betty!
DeleteMaybe you remembered that day, because your grandma appeared strong and healthy. It could also be that she was too busy picking peaches to pick on you. I often wish that I could spend one more day with my grandparents.
ReplyDeleteJulie
haha you could be right--she was probably having a pretty happy day--thanks julie--great insights!
DeleteI love this. It reminds me of my grandmothers who have both passed away... and how a particular thing can make the memories come flooding back. Thank you for sharing this, Lynn.
ReplyDeletewe miss our grandmothers much don't we-----thank you jackie <3
DeleteIsn't it funny how certain days of our lives stick out in our minds? This was a lovely post!
ReplyDeleteit really is! thank you sherry :)
DeleteWow, what a great memory :) Thanks for sharing as always :)
ReplyDeletei am glad you liked it--thanks so much!
DeleteThere are always so many phrases that seem so poignant in your posts, Lynn, but I especially love "how some times are better left in the recesses of our subconscious". Beautiful, as always...
ReplyDeleteawww thanks meredith---i have to tell you, it's nice folks like you, that make me want to keep writing :)
Deletegreat post, really love your writing style <3
ReplyDeleteJuliet
www.apurplesky.blogspot.com
thanks so much juliet!:)
ReplyDelete