Thursday 16 May 2013

Our Turf

Sometimes I scrapbook because I want to record; often it's simply because I want to cut up paper; but very occasionally it's because I wanted to be soothed. I went to a funeral on Saturday. For the Dad of one of my oldest friends. I travelled back home and we clung to each other outside the church we've known since we were little girls. He was a much loved father: one of those men who do big things, but also have a hand in the little things which often go unnoticed.

Recently, since I pulled my Guide shirt out of the wardrobe for Storytelling Sunday, I've been thinking Guiding thoughts. Take the time our Captain carefully explained that we would be taking part in a Campfire Competition..


...which would have been exciting if any of us had actually known how to get a fire going. (Or maybe that was a good thing? Who knows?). We had to learn. We had to teach ourselves how to select exactly the right patch of fresh green turf, how to carve out a square with a knife, light, cook, eat, and then put the square of grass back without leaving a mark.

And it's funny: as I sat in that church at the weekend, listening to stories about a man who loved his garden, I remembered a man who loved his daughter more, so much more that he let her cut up his lawn. He stood there and watched us keep going until we could cut the perfect sod. A Girl Guide doesn't forget a thing like that in a hurry. So this one's for you, Mr. H. With thanks.

Girl Guide clippings from a Plundered Pages pack by Julie Kirk on Etsy




32 comments:

Ladkyis said...

Sending you hugs as we have had three deaths of family and close friends in the last three weeks.
For you to have such memories of a wonderful man must be a comfort to his daughter too.
Thinking of you

Amy said...

Today I want to laugh out loud at the thought of pieces of turf being cut up all over the place and then sigh with compassion for your memories. Telling the stories after someone we love dies is such a wonderful way to respect their time with us and our lives together.

scrappyjacky said...

This page is such a lovely tribute to himn....and such glorious colours.
Sending you hugs.

Cheri said...

Beautiful tribute to an obviously special man.

Estelle Grace Tudor said...

Sending you hugs Sian, lovely layout to preserve such special memories.

Estelle xx

Sue Althouse said...

What a wonderful tribute to your friend's father. A touching post, very precious.

Susanne said...

What a lovely way to remember a good guy. I am sure scrapping the layout did sooth you and hopefully lift a little of the sadness too.

Barbara Eads said...

What a wonderful memory and tribute page. Your friend's dad definitely touched your life. It's fitting that you honor him in this way. Plus, I love the color scheme---my favorite.

Melissa said...

What a beautiful story! I agree, sometimes scrapping can be soothing - I hope sharing this story has brought comfort to you as you remember this remarkable man & his love.

Alana said...

Lovely memories Sian. X

Julie Kirk said...

Everyone's already said what I was going to say - a really beautiful way to remember a life. So positive and life-affirming.

My thoughts are with your friend, her family and you. xxx

ComfyMom~Stacey said...

Wonderful story & a lovely page to tell it on.

Linda said...

Great post Sian! ((HUGS)) to you and your friend.

Deb @ PaperTurtle said...

A lovely post and a heartfelt tribute. So sorry for your loss, Sian, but glad to see that your way of dealing with it was to resort to your art. Your layout is awesome! xo

Jennifer Shaw said...

A beautiful LO! Loving the colour choice and design. A wonderful story. What a good father he was. I remember my Guide days and starting the fire. So much fun! I loved searching for the small branches and the birch bark to start the fire. Glad that scrapping has made you feel better. It really can help.

JulieJ said...

What's that old song? I can only remember the first line - Oh the Old Turf Fire.
Lovely post.

Miriam said...

Just beautiful Sian x

Elizabeth said...

The world could use a lot more Mr. H's. So many fathers are absent because they work long hours. Children need more time with their fathers. Love your layout.

Unknown said...

He was obviously a very loving dad.

Irene said...

I think Mr Hunter would be thrilled with your layout, Sian. What a wonderful way to remember him.
Just love the colour choices; they pop off the page.
Sincere condolences to you and your friend. x

Sandra said...

Thinking of your friend at this sad time, but I know she'll take great comfort in knowing that her father has left such a lovely memories and such loving thoughts of him with her friend. Sian, such a beautiful and touching post x

Becky said...

Lovely memories and a very touching post.

alexa said...

I cannot help but think this wonderful Dad would be chuffed to bits to know that you remembered this, and that you could put it into words and colour so beautifully and share it with us. Thinking of you ...

Lisa-Jane said...

What a lovely thing to be remembered for! I'd like to think that when my time comes, someone somewhere will be making a page about something I did. I think he'd be really chuffed.

Jimjams said...

What a dad indeed! Lovely page

Maria Ontiveros said...

This feels like a really healing post. Ill keep you and your friend's family in my thoughts.
i love the colors and embellie gatherings on this layout.
Rinda

Lou said...

a wonderful tribute Sian x

Unknown said...

I'm sorry to hear of your bereavement, it brings on a very reflective time and scrapbooking is actually a perfect thing to do, even if it is not exactly to do with the person.

Lovely page, love the diagonal and the butterfly with the campfire die-cuts look great.

Take good care.

Carmen said...

Really beautiful Sian. Beautifully told and beautiful way to remember him. he sounds an amazing man x

Mitralee said...

glue and paper and pretty bits does seem to take the ache out of your brain a bit sometimes when it can...what a cool way to remember Mr. H. I love the way you have your journaling on your page...

Missus Wookie said...

Such a wonderful story and tribute to him. I hope you were both able to comfort each other as you shared those memories and they brought you laughter amidst the tears.

Nathalie said...

What a touching memory... you did the right thing making a page about it!

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