Thursday 24 April 2014

ANOTHER MOMENT OF HAPPINESS, AND A STORY

A4 Watercolour Sketch - Jez
Drawn in the Clinic Waiting Room and coloured at home
In 1939 my mother, sister and I had been sent back to England, while my father stayed on duty at his naval base.  For me it was, in fact the first time in England and I found it so cold and wet, and the house seemed dark and had very little furniture.  In addition we had a new baby brother shortly after our arrival, and we would look after him while my mother tried to sort out our new lives.

My sister and I played in the almost empty front room with little brother.  I'm the little curly-headed horror in the pink dress.

We were rather mischievous children, and one day we had the idea of giving the baby roundabout rides on the wind-up gramophone that was one of the few things in the room.  My sister would wind the handle to start the turntable going (without a record on it, of course), and my job was to help him sit up as he slowly went round.  I don't know how he grew up to be so normal.

I drew this from my memory and imagination while waiting in yet another hospital clinic.  I didn't feel like sketching the people around me, and suddenly this memory jumped into my mind.  Strange how memories like this just come unbidden into the mind.

I shall send a copy to my sister, a fun memory to share and talk about on the phone - but I won't send one to 'little' brother, he probably doesn't remember it and is better off not knowing!

The finished sketch gave me a smile and made me happy to think of those times 75 years ago, so I am offering it as another entry for the Art Journal Journey challenge of Moments of Happiness this month.

Linking to Art Journal Journey, Paint Party Friday, Manon's Paper Saturdays

35 comments:

  1. What a story, Jez, and I adore your illustration. You do look sweet in your pink dress and your little brother looks slightly apprehensive, you've captured his expression very well.
    Isn't it amazing that now we can listen to huge amounts of music on our tiny Ipods - but we can't give our little brother rides on them.

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  2. wonderful story and love the essence of your great illustration. I hope everything went well at the clinic Jez. Annette x

    http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/

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  3. Jez, what a wonderful memory! You and I are just about the same age with me a little older. My sisters and I did something similar to our baby brother but it is too involved to explain. Luckily, he also turned out to be a fine man so I guess having 3 older sisters didn't harm him too much.

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  4. How wonderful! This story made me laugh with the twirling of your little brother round and round. So typical of kids. Super cute art to match a lovely story :)

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  5. What a wonderful memory-how funny the things children think are a good idea! I love the image of your baby brother on the gramophone turntable!

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  6. What a great drawing of a fun memory!
    Happy PPF :)
    (no. 20 on list - I'm new!)

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  7. Love the story don't children do the darnest things! Lovely sketch.

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  8. Love your memory sketch Jez, what a fun action at a sad time in history - great! Valerie

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  9. oh my goodness. Did the record-player survive!? The things children can come up with, love it! And love your illustration ofit! I think your brother wouldn't mind having a picture of this :-)

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  10. Oh how fun...this reminds me of playing with an upright singer sewing machine pumping the bottom of it with our feet in different homes we went to...We just invented fun back then....I'm sure little brother is very normal because of his doting sisters! Excellent illustration...love this story so much...made my week!

    Hugs Giggles

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  11. Really a wonderful memory sketch! The children were playing carefree ... a lovely memories in sad time in history!
    Wonderful done!

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  12. Oh this is wonderful Jez, makes me think of the story my dad told me about how he and his brother put their younger brother in a cement mixer. And turned it on! They'd told him it was like a fairground ride. One trip to the hospital later. One brother with a broken leg and my Dad and Uncle with tanned backsides :D

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  13. what a great memory Jez along with a wonderful illustration! It is funny how a memory will just randomly come into your thoughts-and when it's something as fond to recall like this one it's so nice to be able to capture it as art. Have a great weekend!

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  14. Oh my gosh Jez! This is such a lovely and funny story- I sit here with tears in my eyes... so sweet..
    and the painting out of memory is fabulous to look at while reading this story!
    Thank you so much for joining this with us over at Art Journal Journey!
    Memories come to our minds ... it's the same to me too.. gifts from the past I would call them...
    if somebody is able to transfer those in such stunning art as you did here - it is a more greater gift!

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  15. What a cute story Jez! I guess you and your sister just thought of your brother as an adorable doll to have fun with. Makes me long for the days of record players. Your picture is so lively and really captures that mischievous moment. Happy PPF!!

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  16. I don't know -- your brother might like to know what fun he had as a babe. It's a lovely sketch and narrative. I hope such memories keep popping up in your sketches -- they make great stories and art.

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  17. That is such a sweet sketch - your brother might want to share in the "memories" even if he doesn't remember.

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  18. This is truly a wonderful sketch with such memories behind it. I know your sis will love it.
    Nicole/Beadwright

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  19. Your brother's face is my favorite part of this. You captured a look of wariness so perfectly! This is wonderful, and I loved your story!

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  20. Giggle, giggle, you were very creative as a child too! When you say you were sent back to England, where were you before that? Your family will love this memory reminder! How precious, Jez!

    Renee

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  21. Wonderful memories and a great sketch. It all made me smile and think about all we did as children. Thanks for sharing.

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  22. Such special memories Jez, wonderful whimsical drawing.

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  23. Awe, what a sweet memory. I wonder how my brother turned out ok too. I tortured him all the time. Now he's my business partner! Ha! LOVE your art and story, thanks for sharing.

    Happy Paper Saturdays!
    Tam

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  24. This post makes me happy and brings up fun memories of me & my brothers :)

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  25. Such sweet memories Jez and a great sketch to bring them back to life. Love the expression on your little brothers face :) x

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  26. What sweet story! Really I like your lovely drawing. I'm sure your sister loves it.

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  27. What a sweet memory to come to you after 75 years. It's a wonder younger siblings survive the best intended (most of the time) albeit a little rough play time with big sisters or brothers. It was a delight to see your drawing and to hear your story. Best, irene

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  28. I want to see more of those Jez you made me smile and remember what I used to get up to. I love it, please, please can we have more?. Happy Paper Saturdays! Sorry to hear that you were waiting in the hospital again. ManonXx

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  29. Love reading your memory and the drawing looks wonderful!

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  30. Jez, what life would be without our memories?In the end, they are everything we have. Love what I read and saw here.Gorgeous piece of art.

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  31. I love your story, & that glimpse into your childhood! watch my Toddler Twosome grandkids several mornings each week ('what's YOUR number? My two!... almost three' - struggling to get the next finger to stand up) & I can just imagine you & your sister 'entertaining' your baby brother!
    Blessings, & hope you're feeling better soon!

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  32. Great illustration and story.

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  33. A great memory made even more memorable by your sketch and the fact that you shared it with us! Congrats on being featured on PPF!

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  34. How fun to illustrate your memory! I think that is so fun that you put your baby brother on the gramophone. I'm sure your sister will love a copy of it.

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