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~ Sweet Memories ~
Little things please little minds that must surely be, as a
child little things certainly pleased me. I recall a green
painted door blistered by the sun and my delight in popping them
one by one. I remember the kitchen clock with it's loud
persistent tick and a bowl of fruit on the dresser where I could
take my pick. I loved the milk jug covers with coloured bead
edging to add weight, and the pile of home-made scones on a
Dresden china plate. The most exciting thing of all was a copper
bed warmer on the wall which was put into action by Mary the
maid, such sweet memories will never fade.
~ The Old Enamel Plate ~
I have a pleasant kitchen with utensils bright and new all in
the modern design colours of every hue. One important factor I
really must state, nothing can compare with my old enamel plate.
There is no gloss on the surface the once blue rim is bare, the
centre has worn so thin with holes here and there. Purchased
when I was a baby starting on solid food, turned upside down,
kissed and smacked according to my mood. It served me well until
I was five a big girl going to school, even then it did not
become a completely useless tool. During dinner preparations it
was there to receive the greens, to welcome the roast potatoes
or the peas and beans. It made a good cover for keeping meals
hot, as a temporary chopping board it was worth a lot. When the
time came to cater for myself I retrieved the old plate from the
back of the shelf. It now marks circles on my short-crust dough
reviving happy memories of days long ago. No matter how much
friends may laugh and scoff my old enamel plate will never be
pensioned off.
~ Mummy's Little Nuisance ~
A lady patted me on the head and asked "Whose little girl
are you" I said Daddy's little pigeon and mummy's little
nuisance that was perfectly true. I enjoyed playing with water
tipping from one cup to another most of it spilled over the
floor making extra work for my mother. I squeezed my finger in
the mangle and puffed pepper in my eye yet my parents still
loved me so, I wonder why.
~ To Uncle Lewis ~
I think of you often and the wonderful days of yore those magic
moments I capture no more. You reside in Australia thousands of
miles away I am in England where I must stay. The pleasure of
your letters tell me all I wish to know, when thoughts come
winging it sets my heart aglow, especially at Christmas time the
season of goodwill then I feel strongly we are together
still.
~ The Tin Coin ~
I asked mummy for money to buy some sweets her answer was
"No you have too many treats". When I found a tin
bottle top all shiny and new I promptly decided what I would do.
I skipped off to Mrs. Langworthy's sweet shop and stood gazing
at the fixtures then boldly entered and requested two ounces of
dolly mixtures. They were duly weighed I paid with my find Mrs.
Langworthy gave me a piece of her mind. "You wicked little
girl" she said, I dropped the sweets and quickly fled. The
next day I told mummy what I had done she considered it was only
meant in fun. I was a model child seldom naughty at all,
temptation stifles our conscience when we are small.
~ Peggy The Giggler ~
I once had a friend named Peggy Lock who gave her teacher quite
a shock. She saw the funny side of everything and giggled all
day long, no way could she concentrate her sums were always
wrong. Long suffering Miss Williams aimed a sweet repose while
battling with a dewdrop on the tip of her nose. Not a winter
hazard a plague the whole year round, it wobbled quite
precariously then splashed without a sound. Proving too much for
Peggy she giggled loud and clear, "What are you laughing at
come out here my dear." "Please Miss a cotton reel
fell off your desk," teacher was not amused, "How dare
you mock me madam, I will not be abused." After a
stinging slap Peggy crept back to her place even then the
laughter lines never left her face. Her giggles were infectious
I was smitten as well and frequently punished while under her
spell. All this happened seventy years ago, does Peggy still
remember I would love to know.
~ The Dunce ~
When I espied an announcement in mummy's magazine I could hardly
believe my eyes it invited children to draw a character with the
chance of winning a prize. Out came the parchment paper I
started to think and decided to draw a schoolboy in pen and ink.
I added large horn rimmed spectacles and a dunce's cap he was
rather a stupid looking chap. Two weeks later I received first
prize I was so excited who could be otherwise. At six years old
I felt ten feet tall my dunce was not so stupid after all.
~ It Pays To Be Honest ~
As I entered the Post Office I found a bundle at my feet, two
fifty pound notes folded so neat. I handed them to an assistant
he could hardly believe his eyes he said I was very honest, how
could I be otherwise. It was not claimed after three months the
full amount was sent to me, my heart goes out to the loser how
sad he or she must be.
~ The White Rose ~
I am the queen of the garden said the pure white rose, beautiful
and dignified as every petal shows. Should greenfly invade me
bluetits are quick to attack, keeping my leaves green and glossy
no sign of black spot on the back. I often appear in bridal
bouquets I also honour the dead accompanied by my sisters clad
in pink and red. People stop to admire me my perfume to inhale,
may the magic of the moment throughout their life prevail. My
exalted position companions do not resent, they too are the
Lord's creations we are all heaven sent.
~ Leslie James ~
I sensed a great excitement next door to me, each member of the
family were as busy as could be. Father cut the hedge in a style
so trim and neat and Grandma swept the path and declared it
looked a treat. Five year old Alison was polishing her bike such
a hurry and a scurry I had never known the like. Now she has
informed me in a manner o' so coy, "Mummy's coming home
quite soon with a brand new baby boy."
~ The Butterfly Net ~
I was forever chasing butterflies with my little net but I am
pleased to admit I have not caught one yet. To harm such fragile
beauty I would not dare I much prefer to see them bobbing in the
air.
~ The Robin's Treat ~
The birds invade my garden all day long my favourite is the
robin with a plaintive song. Oh so trusting hopping around my
feet I offer bacon fat and breadcrumbs as a little treat.
~ Why ~
Why is a word simple and plain it is used in our language again
and again. Why will the day change into night, Why are the stars
shining so bright. Why does the moon with it's silvery glow hold
many secrets, I'll never know. Along comes the wind with a
whistle and roar tossing the waves on the sea shore. Why do I
feel a surge of delight watching the foam frothy and white.
Sweet is the springtime when birds sing on high, a splendid dawn
chorus, I wonder Why. Summer perfection the sun kissed my brow,
to the glory of nature I take a bow. Tranquil the autumn leaves
start to fall, peace and contentment reign over all. Why was I
born to live on this earth, to cherish and love the land of my
birth. Why must I die when life ebbs away, the last words I
whisper - "Why can't I stay."
~ The Joy Of My Life ~
My little red tea-set was the joy of my life, I pretended to be
a busy housewife. I made thimble biscuits and a jelly or two and
bought some currant buns all plum and new. I added a plate of
marshmallows in pink and white with fizzy lemonade it was just
right. I sat on the lawn beneath the the apple tree, the birds
serenaded my friends and me.
~ Auntie ~
Auntie wore a wig of rich chestnut hair 'to keep me looking
young' she would firmly declare. Although slight in stature with
a back extremely bent her compassionate nature was truly heaven
sent. Conversation was enchanting the words would swiftly flow
with a strong emphasis to set her cheeks aglow. A little old
lady I loved with all my heart the essence of stability a
character set apart. Each year she invited me to her birthday
tea her joy at my acceptance was wonderful to see. There are no
more celebrations those happy times have gone leaving precious
memories to dwell upon.
~ My Word ~
For years I was longing to meet her then a miracle occurred in
the spring she arrived at Tilbury dock her reaction was "Oh
My Word" A typical Australian with a charm all her
own the most fascinating person I have ever known. To travel the
world and make friends was her one aim in life she did not
believe in being a slave to the duties of a wife. Her husband
adored her she brought him a wealth of content he declared his
marriage license was certainly money well spent. Sad news I
received this morning caused a measure of great pain, my happy
go lucky Aunt Elsie will never be seen again.
~ Remembrance ~
I remember Vera as she used to be a kind devoted person with a
deep sincerity. Caring for her mother supplying all her needs
helping aging neighbours performing useful deeds. Attending to
the garden enjoying pleasant hours, planting hoeing weeding
watering the flowers. Wishing days were longer forever on the go
always bright and cheerful very nice to know. The Lord gave her
so long then her work was done, at sixty two she passed away
missed by everyone. I cherish her memory I often speak her name
a corner of my little world will never be the same.
~ A Boy Named Dean ~
Dean was a tiny baby when his mother ran away after a difference
with his father she had no desire to stay. A compassionate Aunt
sensed their despair and arranged for the child to be placed in
her care. Brought up and cherished as her own son, Dean was
quick to appreciate all she had done. Kind and considerate in
every way he could not go to sleep without a good deed for the
day. Picking blackberries, running errands and chopping
firewood, helping the community as much as he could.
Showing affection for the young and the old a little boy with a
heart of pure gold. Dean is the pride of the neighbourhood
courteous honest and true his presence gave the atmosphere a
decidedly rosy hue.
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