Oh wow, I loved this so much. I had an "fabu" aunt like yours, who died of lung cancer (even though she never smoked). This piece is so special and beautiful. Thank you.
I'm so sorry about what happened to your aunt. Thank you so much for the kind words about my essay. I'm glad your aunt was so wonderful, too. There's nothing like a "fabu" aunt!
Beth I can't tell you how deeply moved I am by this homage to your dear Aunt Helene. The text and photographs really capture something magical and everlasting between the two of you. I had the privilege and honor of meeting her while she was taking care of you during those harrowing cancer treatments you were going through here in Illinois--she was truly a godsend for you---and I have to agree, she was perhaps the kindest, most loving individual I ever met--and it was only briefly that we shared time together--but she was so supportive and loving and giving. This is a gorgeous tribute to her and to the love that carried you through the most difficult time of you life. So glad you shared this here--this epitomizes truly the art of care and self-care.
Oh Gerry, thank you so much! Even though you had a brief time together, she adored you. She had a knack of sensing who the good people are, and you certainly made the list! Aunt Helene was a one-of-a-kind person. Anyone who met her never forgot her.
Oh Beth, what a lovely story with such great memories you have of your aunt. Your photos are just terrific. I also love the painting. Thank you so much for sharing.
I love this piece and I love, LOVE the photos. Priceless. I'm so glad you had your wonderful Aunt Helene in your life and that she had such a loving, positive influence on you for so many years. And, her influence continues. That's the power of love and in our shared stories. Both live on. Thank you for sharing about your Aunt Helene.
Thank you for the mention, too. I appreciate that. I appreciate you!
Thank you so much for your comment. And, yes, she is continuing to influence me each day. She taught me how to treat others -- with kindness and respect, and she taught me what true unconditional love is.
I'm also glad you enjoyed the pictures. I treasure them.
You and Stephanie really inspired me to write this piece, so I'm glad I mentioned you both!
We often talk about the big, monumental figures in history or our lives, but it's the Aunt Helenes, the ones quietly shaping our world with small acts of kindness and unwavering support, who truly make a difference.
It's easy to overlook these steady presences, but as you so eloquently put it, they are the "salvation" who bless our world with goodness. I think we need to make a conscious effort to recognize and celebrate these unsung heroes in our lives. It's a reminder that impact isn't always about grand gestures, but about the consistent, loving presence that guides us through the highs and lows.
Your tribute to Aunt Helene is a beautiful testament to that. Thank you for sharing it with all of us. 🩵
Your insights are wonderful. It's the quiet figure who often shapes our lives the most. She was so incredibly kind, and several of my friends met her and loved her, too.
You put it so well: "It's a reminder that impact isn't always about grand gestures, but about the consistent, loving presence that guides us through the highs and lows." So true. She got me through some wonderful and traumatic times, and she was an extremely tolerant, respectful person filled with love.
Thank you so much for your comment, Alex. I appreciate you!
Beth, I'm so glad that we are in each other's inspirational orbit! Thank you. The stories of the women who shaped and informed us are my favorite kind of stories. Your Aunt Helene sounds like she was a consistent touchstone of love, support and encouragement, through the good times and the not so good times. What a gift you were to each other, and what a gift she continues to be. Her calling you Picasso just made me grin. And I love that she addressed the people she cared about as "hon," and "doll." Those names speak to another time and endearing echos of the past.
When another woman shows me the kind of goodwill that Aunt Helene showed you, it makes me want to be better human and pay it forward.
The painting of Japan (a place I've never been) reminded me of Hawaii. There's a whimsical kind of exotic in the landscape, the promise of blue skies, warm water and an ocean breeze... a good place to remember the Aunt Helenes of the world.
Sending you biggest of hugs and sign me always, Your forever friend and fan,
I'm glad we share the same inspirational orbit, too! Helene did look at me as a great gift, and I felt the same. We were two peas in a pod, to use the cliche!
Yes, whenever she called me Picasso, I smiled or laughed. I actually did paint her a couple of paintings, which she treasured as if someone famous painted them!
She was sharp-witted, and all of my dreams were her dreams too.
I've never been to Hawaii; it sounds heavenly. The Japanese gardens I painted were actually in Florida! When I visited my mom who lived there then, we visited, and the painting is actually a combination of three different landscape scenes that I combined.
In Aunt Helene's world, you were every bit as famous as Picasso. And I will forever hold that sweet grin of a story in my heart.
I think that Japan, Florida and Hawaii must be quite similar in their tropical landscape. The idea of combining landscapes to paint the one you want is a little bit like combining people to get the character you're trying to write. A good method for sure.
What a great tribute to your Aunt Helene. You are so fortunate to have had someone in your life you could rely on to support you in your best and worst moments. I have to be honest that Nancy’s post, Stephanie’s post, and your post have been very powerful for me- and triggering- I read all of them- and it’s forced me to think very hard about who was there for me. I would like to write about someone like that, but so far I’ve been unable to pinpoint anyone, and I’m still looking for the memory in the haze that was my childhood and early life. Thank you for sharing the stories about Helene. I’m so glad you had her in your life, and I’m sorry she is no longer here, though she lives on in you.
I'm so sorry that our posts were triggering for you. It is so difficult when one has had an abusive childhood/teenage years/adulthood, and I'm sorry for all you've endured. Perhaps you've had an instructor, colleague, friend, etc. who was there for you? Hopefully, someone made a good impact on your life.
Like me, you are a survivor. There's much to attest to your grit and never giving up.
When you have a beautiful friendship like that of Helene, no distance or live with drama can keep you apart. And actually really how you built you article around Julie understanding oneself and connecting with what matters...
Oh wow, I loved this so much. I had an "fabu" aunt like yours, who died of lung cancer (even though she never smoked). This piece is so special and beautiful. Thank you.
Hi Patty,
I'm so sorry about what happened to your aunt. Thank you so much for the kind words about my essay. I'm glad your aunt was so wonderful, too. There's nothing like a "fabu" aunt!
I aspire to be a fabu aunt myself one day! This is a beautiful piece.
Beth I can't tell you how deeply moved I am by this homage to your dear Aunt Helene. The text and photographs really capture something magical and everlasting between the two of you. I had the privilege and honor of meeting her while she was taking care of you during those harrowing cancer treatments you were going through here in Illinois--she was truly a godsend for you---and I have to agree, she was perhaps the kindest, most loving individual I ever met--and it was only briefly that we shared time together--but she was so supportive and loving and giving. This is a gorgeous tribute to her and to the love that carried you through the most difficult time of you life. So glad you shared this here--this epitomizes truly the art of care and self-care.
Oh Gerry, thank you so much! Even though you had a brief time together, she adored you. She had a knack of sensing who the good people are, and you certainly made the list! Aunt Helene was a one-of-a-kind person. Anyone who met her never forgot her.
She will be in my heart forever.
Your Aunt Helene sounds like she was wonderful. What a treasure that you had her in your life. Reading this made me smile.
I'm so glad it made you smile, Eileen! Thank you for your comment. She was a pure treasure, and I'll always be grateful for her.
Oh Beth, what a lovely story with such great memories you have of your aunt. Your photos are just terrific. I also love the painting. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you for your kind words, Nancy, and I'm so glad you enjoyed the photos and painting, too. :) Helene was a powerful force in my life.
Hi Beth,
I love this piece and I love, LOVE the photos. Priceless. I'm so glad you had your wonderful Aunt Helene in your life and that she had such a loving, positive influence on you for so many years. And, her influence continues. That's the power of love and in our shared stories. Both live on. Thank you for sharing about your Aunt Helene.
Thank you for the mention, too. I appreciate that. I appreciate you!
Hi Nancy,
Thank you so much for your comment. And, yes, she is continuing to influence me each day. She taught me how to treat others -- with kindness and respect, and she taught me what true unconditional love is.
I'm also glad you enjoyed the pictures. I treasure them.
You and Stephanie really inspired me to write this piece, so I'm glad I mentioned you both!
We often talk about the big, monumental figures in history or our lives, but it's the Aunt Helenes, the ones quietly shaping our world with small acts of kindness and unwavering support, who truly make a difference.
It's easy to overlook these steady presences, but as you so eloquently put it, they are the "salvation" who bless our world with goodness. I think we need to make a conscious effort to recognize and celebrate these unsung heroes in our lives. It's a reminder that impact isn't always about grand gestures, but about the consistent, loving presence that guides us through the highs and lows.
Your tribute to Aunt Helene is a beautiful testament to that. Thank you for sharing it with all of us. 🩵
Hi Alex,
Your insights are wonderful. It's the quiet figure who often shapes our lives the most. She was so incredibly kind, and several of my friends met her and loved her, too.
You put it so well: "It's a reminder that impact isn't always about grand gestures, but about the consistent, loving presence that guides us through the highs and lows." So true. She got me through some wonderful and traumatic times, and she was an extremely tolerant, respectful person filled with love.
Thank you so much for your comment, Alex. I appreciate you!
Beth, I'm so glad that we are in each other's inspirational orbit! Thank you. The stories of the women who shaped and informed us are my favorite kind of stories. Your Aunt Helene sounds like she was a consistent touchstone of love, support and encouragement, through the good times and the not so good times. What a gift you were to each other, and what a gift she continues to be. Her calling you Picasso just made me grin. And I love that she addressed the people she cared about as "hon," and "doll." Those names speak to another time and endearing echos of the past.
When another woman shows me the kind of goodwill that Aunt Helene showed you, it makes me want to be better human and pay it forward.
The painting of Japan (a place I've never been) reminded me of Hawaii. There's a whimsical kind of exotic in the landscape, the promise of blue skies, warm water and an ocean breeze... a good place to remember the Aunt Helenes of the world.
Sending you biggest of hugs and sign me always, Your forever friend and fan,
stephanie
Stephanie,
I'm glad we share the same inspirational orbit, too! Helene did look at me as a great gift, and I felt the same. We were two peas in a pod, to use the cliche!
Yes, whenever she called me Picasso, I smiled or laughed. I actually did paint her a couple of paintings, which she treasured as if someone famous painted them!
She was sharp-witted, and all of my dreams were her dreams too.
I've never been to Hawaii; it sounds heavenly. The Japanese gardens I painted were actually in Florida! When I visited my mom who lived there then, we visited, and the painting is actually a combination of three different landscape scenes that I combined.
Sending you hugs back. :)
In Aunt Helene's world, you were every bit as famous as Picasso. And I will forever hold that sweet grin of a story in my heart.
I think that Japan, Florida and Hawaii must be quite similar in their tropical landscape. The idea of combining landscapes to paint the one you want is a little bit like combining people to get the character you're trying to write. A good method for sure.
You make a great point there about her perception of me as famous as Picasso. I'm so glad my essay made you feel good!
I love the way you explain how writing a character by combining people is similar to combining landscapes to get the scene I want. I totally get it!
Artistic minds think alike!
What a great tribute to your Aunt Helene. You are so fortunate to have had someone in your life you could rely on to support you in your best and worst moments. I have to be honest that Nancy’s post, Stephanie’s post, and your post have been very powerful for me- and triggering- I read all of them- and it’s forced me to think very hard about who was there for me. I would like to write about someone like that, but so far I’ve been unable to pinpoint anyone, and I’m still looking for the memory in the haze that was my childhood and early life. Thank you for sharing the stories about Helene. I’m so glad you had her in your life, and I’m sorry she is no longer here, though she lives on in you.
Hi Alene,
I'm so sorry that our posts were triggering for you. It is so difficult when one has had an abusive childhood/teenage years/adulthood, and I'm sorry for all you've endured. Perhaps you've had an instructor, colleague, friend, etc. who was there for you? Hopefully, someone made a good impact on your life.
Like me, you are a survivor. There's much to attest to your grit and never giving up.
When you have a beautiful friendship like that of Helene, no distance or live with drama can keep you apart. And actually really how you built you article around Julie understanding oneself and connecting with what matters...
An amazing beautiful and work you've done here ❤️
Thanks much, Ral. Thank you for your thoughtful comment!
Thank you so much Milena! I appreciate your kind words.