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Thursday, March 14

Memories of green

"Let us make, instead of war, an everlasting peace...."
~ Virgil, The Aeneid 
Book 4, lines 130-136

For years I wondered why my father liked green.

I didn't mind that he bought Mama a pair of high-heeled glass slippers with a light green tint until he bought me a dress that was military green. Of all colors!

He was a typical man of few words and when he passed away, I realized I would never be able to ask him why he favored green so much. I resorted to guessing.

There are instances when I ask myself why I do certain things.
It was most probably Father why I colored this girl's dress green. She's around books and I relate to that.

Father gave me The Aeneid when I was in 6th grade.

I didn't understand the gift and wished he gave me the normal Nancy Drew instead. Why The Aeneid? Of all books!

Could it have been his Jesuit upbringing? (which reminds me of the new pope right now) I vaguely remember him mention they were grilled in classical poetry during his Notre Dame days.

Father was born in May. There sparkles the emerald.

Ex-MIL wears an emerald-studded ring. Rock in the center is almost as huge as this one illustrated by Mary Cicely Barker, which precedes her description of the May Fairy:

"The tiny May fairy always wears her lucky birthstone colour, a clear bright green"

In honor of loved ones who like green, I deliberately choose my tiny cup with green leaves today for tea, and of course picked a green book of quotations to read while sipping green tea.


Would you believe I got this tea cup for just 34 cents? That was thirteen years ago which makes the purchase 'vintage' in my books. One more green: when I ordered this green tea ice cream I had no idea it would be served in a bowl that's exactly what we used to have at home in the 70s!

Charles Baxter says in The Feast of Love, "put your trust in ice cream." Like joy I will!


10 comments:

  1. Hello Hazel, I so enjoyed your post. My grandmother was 2nd generation Irish and I loved her stories. I love St. Pat's day just because of her. Thanks for sharing
    QMM

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  2. Yes, perfect timing for all those who become Irish this time of year. Which reminds me to check my soda bread recipe and make sure I have enough ingredients on hand to make loaves for a wedding on St. Patrick's Day with a guest list of 40 people

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  3. Such sweet writing. I enjoyed reading this.

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  4. Nice reflections...Happy Greenings!

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  5. here in your reflections of green and joy i find a daughter's deep love for her father, priceless!

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  6. My husband is Irish!Thank you for sharing your lovely blog at the Thursday Favorite Things hop xo

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  7. oh, i know we have those bowls over at my parent's house, too! such a lovely teacup! hubby likes green...don't know why. got to ask him :P

    appreciate much your taking the time to share and link over at Food Friday, Hazel
    enjoy you weekend!

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  8. What a pretty teacup set! And what an amazing price! Thank you for sharing at TTF and Happy St. Patrick's Day to you and your fsmily!

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  9. A beautiful teacup. Perfect for St. Paddy celebration!

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  10. Oh I forgot to say, linky is up for Color Connection this week.

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