I haven't been blogging because in all my spare time I have been stitching and stitching. Handmade House keeps contacting me that they need more art. I vow to keep this show stocked. It's only been up for twelve days so far. I have until the end of July. THANK YOU to everyone who's been giving my prairie stitches new homes. : )
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| mini prairie threadpainting ready to frame |
And this bigger one is in there too now...
Also this week:
There was the the Farley Mowat statue unveiling. Maybe you hear on the news? The children involved were my daughter's class!
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| a great spot at the University of SK Campus, under three tall evergreens. |
It's a great story. I don't believe the book is in the grade 2 curriculum, but Ms. Foley read the entire "Owls in the Family" to her room full of 7 and 8 year olds because she felt it was important. (She rocks by the way.) Each child then wrote and sent a personal letter to Mr. Mowat, asking him to please come visit. HE WROTE BACK. Actually - he typed back and ink-edited his little manuscript letter. We all have a copy. It's adorable. In it he thanked the children but said he was too old to travel all the way back to Saskatoon. He mentioned that a statue of him and his dog were en route to be unveiled, and he asked the children of Ms. Foley's class to please represent him in his absence. Three weeks ago, he passed away. So, the grade two class were in attendance on behalf of the late author. The even was Wednesday June 11th if you want to google news sites. We all got to meet the sculptor and Mrs. Claire Mowat. We hugged Farley and pet his dog Chester. The media were all over it. And I got to be 'classroom photographer' which was terribly fun to be in there with all the reporters. : )
Yes - she's holding his hand. It's beautiful! I heard her turn around and say, "well Chester. I never thought I'd ever see you again." He passed on 2 years ago. As for the children, this was their first time seeing Farley. The statue is him in their eyes. So I don't think he feels gone at all. He just lives here now under these trees. It's really wonderful.
Isn't that a great story!?
: )
Have a beautiful day everyone. It's happy hour at Bill's House of Flowers on Broadway from 2-5:30. I can't miss out on that! If you are around Handmade House, maybe I'll see you this Friday afternoon.
8 comments:
Your story brought tears to my eyes. A very precious story. The wonderful author will be fondly remembered by all. Thanks for sharing.
I like the fact that the statue actually looks like him. Sometimes, statues are similar but not the same. This one looks real. Thanks for the story. Our book club will be reading Never Cry Wold over the summer.
The man who made the sculpture spent a lot of time with Farley. Farley himself even said, "that's my hand!" : ) The sculptor's name is George Boileau. He was there and spoke so highly of his friend. : )
Sniff! I liked the People of the Deer. Canadian, eh!
What a special opportunity for the class. I'm sure they will always remember this!
It is beautiful! The statue is so lifelike and would seem to invoke a strong response in people. I loved all his stories. I think I've read everything he wrote.
You've done lovely pieces too by the way. Isn't it nice to steal a little quality time with hubby?
What a fitting tribute! And how wonderful that he sent that letter to the children before he passed away. I was always a fan of Farley Mowat and his books,and after reading Claire Mowat's very interesting account of their time spent living in Newfoundland (The Outport People), I felt as if I knew them.
Thanks for sharing this story. It brought tears to my eyes.
I have been following your blog for a long time and love your work as well as your photography and stories. Farley Mowat is a favourite author. What a wonderful story, thanks for sharing.
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