Date: Tue, 2 May 2000 23:00:27 EDT
Subject: Mindwalker - Bride Wall
It was always a special treat to go up to Gay and Willard's bedroom and pass the bride wall that Gay had outside their master suite. All the Pendleton brides proudly displayed on the walls, looking so beautiful. It always created for me an especially lovely sphere.
Our own first Lockhart bride wall was at Cherry Lane, with Pam and then Kerry's portraits. They set up residence at 2501 Woodland Road outside our own master suite. Pam and Kerry were joined by a beloved wedding portrait of Elsa Asplundh Acton and then by Brenda. Here at Squirrel Haven, those four were joined by wedding portraits of Sarah Acton Shere, Elsa, Shannon Stevens King and Erin Stevens Connors.
One day, I came down to find that Elsa added two of my own wedding photos and two of Betty's, including one of Betty and Paul that I consider the best picture ever taken of both of them. And - wonder of wonders - I took it!!
Of course, recently we've had two additions. Whitney & Chad gave me a wonderful black & white photo of the two of them taken by at the time of their engagement by a good friend (and good photographer) with Whitney leaning against a tree and Chad right next to her. They both look so very, very happy. Until we get a wedding photo, that beautiful picture is just right.
I love the photo of Scott & Kimberly taken at their reception by one of the Heldons. It is the same photo that was in the Hurstville Society online newsletter, so some of you might have seen it. They look relaxed and happy. I know that I will love whatever photo Kimberly chooses for us to include on "the wall" but until then I just smile and smile and smile whenever I look at the two of them smiling at me.
The pictures on the bride wall/china cabinet cannot be changed, but Elsa has changed almost all of the other photos in the living room over the past few days, as we gear up for my 90th birthday bash.
As you walk in and see the book case, she has spotlighted grandchildren - by blood and through heart strings - including a beautiful picture of Mike & Kerry and Karen taken at the Scott & Kimberly's wedding, along with my favorite from the wedding, a group shot of the wedding party with the Australian flag unfurled behind them. It has a lot of happy energy, which I especially like. There is the official studio portrait of Whitney that she used for her engagement announcements, a picture of Reynolds and his Gocky (me), and "snaps" of various Zeiglers and Lindrooths.
I am a little sheepish when it comes to telling you what that daughter of mine did with the rest of the framed photos in the living room (and anyone who has been to Squirrel Haven can tell you the living room is awash with photos of family and friends)~ she replaced them all with pictures of me. Most of them were taken over the past 15 years, with the overwhelming majority taken over the past 10 years.
At first it felt disconcerting to face all the pictures be of me, but I am now actually enjoying it, since each one brings back such happy memories.
But my eyes always linger the longest at the bride wall. We await Whitney's and Kimberly's "official" portraits, and I know that both Elsa & I wonder - who will be next?
Must get my face scrubbed, teeth washed and so to bed.
Love - Grammie K.
reposted in sweet memory of its author, KATHARINE REYNOLDS LOCKHART, by her scribe/daughter, Elsa Lockhart Murphy aka Deev, in celebration of the 05/14 centenary of Grammie Kay's centenary
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
SEVENTEEN 05/11/00
Date: Thu, 11 May 2000 07:27:49 EDT
Subject: Mindwalkers - Seventeen
I keep looking at a photo that Elsa copied and framed and put on the hutch cabinet next to where I sit for most of the day. It is a formal yearbook photo of Pete taken when he was around 17 in his last year at Harrisburg Academy.
When I look at it, my maternal feelings make me want to put my arms around him and tell him everything will be all right. He just looks so vulnerable.
Pete's adored mother, Lillian, died when he was 12 after a lingering illness, following a stillborn birth.
Imagine how close a mother and only child would be.
Then, heaping unimaginable heartbreak on top of the tragedy of losing his mother, his father remarried in just over a year; Pete's step-mother was the woman with whom his father carried on a long-term relationship ~ including while his mother was alive. (Pete always believed that the cause of his beloved mother's death was due to a broken heart ~ she just gave up.)
When Pete was given his choice of prep schools, including Haverford, he chose Harrisburg Academy. It was far enough away that no one would expect him to come home over weekends.
It is not surprising, given his background, that his view of an effective family was based on stability and caring support rather than big salaries and fancy fittings.
When he fell in love with me, his step-mother told me she was so glad that I was going to marry Pete because he was starving for love.
Well, he got it, alright! It war a pleasure.
Give a loved one an extra hug for me tonight - Pete's Own True Love
reposted in sweet memory of its author, KATHARINE REYNOLDS LOCKHART, by her scribe/daughter, Elsa Lockhart Murphy aka Deev, in celebration of the 05/14 centenary of Pete's Own True Love's centenary
Subject: Mindwalkers - Seventeen
I keep looking at a photo that Elsa copied and framed and put on the hutch cabinet next to where I sit for most of the day. It is a formal yearbook photo of Pete taken when he was around 17 in his last year at Harrisburg Academy.
When I look at it, my maternal feelings make me want to put my arms around him and tell him everything will be all right. He just looks so vulnerable.
Pete's adored mother, Lillian, died when he was 12 after a lingering illness, following a stillborn birth.
Imagine how close a mother and only child would be.
Then, heaping unimaginable heartbreak on top of the tragedy of losing his mother, his father remarried in just over a year; Pete's step-mother was the woman with whom his father carried on a long-term relationship ~ including while his mother was alive. (Pete always believed that the cause of his beloved mother's death was due to a broken heart ~ she just gave up.)
When Pete was given his choice of prep schools, including Haverford, he chose Harrisburg Academy. It was far enough away that no one would expect him to come home over weekends.
It is not surprising, given his background, that his view of an effective family was based on stability and caring support rather than big salaries and fancy fittings.
When he fell in love with me, his step-mother told me she was so glad that I was going to marry Pete because he was starving for love.
Well, he got it, alright! It war a pleasure.
Give a loved one an extra hug for me tonight - Pete's Own True Love
reposted in sweet memory of its author, KATHARINE REYNOLDS LOCKHART, by her scribe/daughter, Elsa Lockhart Murphy aka Deev, in celebration of the 05/14 centenary of Pete's Own True Love's centenary
Thursday, August 12, 2010
TERWOOD ROAD/MEMORY LANE 05/08/00
Date: Mon, 8 May 2000 22:04:32 EDT
Subject: Terwood Road/Memory Lane
It has been a lot of fun as Elsa takes envelopes of photos to photocopy for my birthday party. We have a wonderful time when she brings home the goodies and starts cutting them out for framing.
A frame that usually holds three pictures from our 1997 trip to DisneyWorld now holds some treasured black & white snapshots - a wedding picture of Pete and myself in the center spot and two photos of the family on a walk.
The pictures of the walk brought back ancient memories. Mim looks like she was around two, which would have made Mike four and Peter around eight. The four of us are pretty bundled up, so it was probably in the fall. The five of us - including Pete - had walked up Fettersmill and down Terwood Road. As we walked toward Welsh Road, we met Randolf Childs coming in the other direction.
"It's so good to see people walking outside of Bryn Athyn!" he greeted us. "Lots of folk just never leave our little boro. Seems to me they don't know much about the larger world and want to know even less. They don't know what they are missing!"
This from one of the staunchiest pillars of the church - I was dumbstruck!
I always liked Randolf Childs, even though I was very much in awe of him.
He did not suffer fools gladly. I recall the story of a couple who made an
appointment with him. They laid out their problem and he neatly summed up the situation and gave them his advice, all within a few minutes.
The husband and wife looked at each other and quietly conferred - they valued
the advice, but had expected him to take longer to get to his conclusion. The
husband fished out two dollars and, explaining that since it didn't take Mr. Childs very long to figure out the solution, it must have been a pretty easy problem, so two dollars was about what he and his wife thought it was worth.
Mr. Childs, from what I was told, drew himself up and said, "All I have to sell is my mind. What I know is worth a great deal more than $2.00." And handed back the money.
Mim was so taken with Randolf Childs as a little girl - he was tall and distinquished looking and a kind man - that she named one of her dolls "Randolf" in his honor.
To return to my opening - every day, I enjoy getting ready for this party more & more. If the event is half as much fun as the preparations, it is going to be beyond words.
Love to all - the soon-to-be Birthday Girl
reposted in sweet memory of its author, KATHARINE REYNOLDS LOCKHART, by her scribe/daughter, Elsa Lockhart Murphy aka Deev, in celebration of the 05/14 centenary of the soon-to-be Birthday Girl's centenary
Subject: Terwood Road/Memory Lane
It has been a lot of fun as Elsa takes envelopes of photos to photocopy for my birthday party. We have a wonderful time when she brings home the goodies and starts cutting them out for framing.
A frame that usually holds three pictures from our 1997 trip to DisneyWorld now holds some treasured black & white snapshots - a wedding picture of Pete and myself in the center spot and two photos of the family on a walk.
The pictures of the walk brought back ancient memories. Mim looks like she was around two, which would have made Mike four and Peter around eight. The four of us are pretty bundled up, so it was probably in the fall. The five of us - including Pete - had walked up Fettersmill and down Terwood Road. As we walked toward Welsh Road, we met Randolf Childs coming in the other direction.
"It's so good to see people walking outside of Bryn Athyn!" he greeted us. "Lots of folk just never leave our little boro. Seems to me they don't know much about the larger world and want to know even less. They don't know what they are missing!"
This from one of the staunchiest pillars of the church - I was dumbstruck!
I always liked Randolf Childs, even though I was very much in awe of him.
He did not suffer fools gladly. I recall the story of a couple who made an
appointment with him. They laid out their problem and he neatly summed up the situation and gave them his advice, all within a few minutes.
The husband and wife looked at each other and quietly conferred - they valued
the advice, but had expected him to take longer to get to his conclusion. The
husband fished out two dollars and, explaining that since it didn't take Mr. Childs very long to figure out the solution, it must have been a pretty easy problem, so two dollars was about what he and his wife thought it was worth.
Mr. Childs, from what I was told, drew himself up and said, "All I have to sell is my mind. What I know is worth a great deal more than $2.00." And handed back the money.
Mim was so taken with Randolf Childs as a little girl - he was tall and distinquished looking and a kind man - that she named one of her dolls "Randolf" in his honor.
To return to my opening - every day, I enjoy getting ready for this party more & more. If the event is half as much fun as the preparations, it is going to be beyond words.
Love to all - the soon-to-be Birthday Girl
reposted in sweet memory of its author, KATHARINE REYNOLDS LOCKHART, by her scribe/daughter, Elsa Lockhart Murphy aka Deev, in celebration of the 05/14 centenary of the soon-to-be Birthday Girl's centenary
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
IN PRAISE OF PADDINGTON 05/07/00
Date: Sun, 7 May 2000 19:51:28 EDT
Subject: In Praise of Paddington
Many, many years ago, Margaret York (now Gladish) - knowing my special fondness for Paddington Bear, gave me a Paddington bank to save money toward a trip to London with Elsa.
We never got to the UK, but we have used Paddington ever since for spare silver, toting it up for use on special occasions.
Within the past year, Paddington proved to be a real life saver.
When I took my tumble in late September, it had been many moons since we had last taken the loot from Paddington (collected in Gevalia coffee cannisters). That extra money saw us through some lean weeks, when Elsa delayed starting her new job and John had just started work on an assignment that would not pay out until completed in early December. Our household finances would have run dry were it not for that generous bear.
Paddington came through again this weekend. Elsa gathered up what silver there was and went to one of those automatic coin sorters and walked away with $86.46 for plants to landscape our front lawn.
She had hoped that Peter - a gardener supreme - would be able to take an interest and lend a hand, but he is unavailable. As it turns out, she was grateful for the opportunity, even if it was a hot & sticky one (the temps being in the low 90s today).
The front of the house looks better than it has in over 20 or more years. In the top wall planter, Elsa transplanted the potted pink geraniums from Whitney's wedding reception (many thanks to Pam for thinking of me) and mixed in coral impatients. I was impressed and surprised - she mixed in soil supplement (I did not even know she knew what soil supplement was), used potting soil and Miracle-Gro with each transplant, made sure they were well watered.
On the lower level, she has beautiful deep blue-purple salvia, a favorite of hers.
Next to the steps leading up to the door, she has a double-hooked shepard's hook with a basket of pink and one of reddish impatients. A hummingbird (well, a hummingbird banner) seems to be inspecting the salvia.
I found myself thinking how different things would have been if Peter HAD been available. Elsa would not have the deep sense of satisfaction found in a job well done. I think he would be proud of the beauty of it all and that we worked in the flowers from Whitney & Chad's wedding.
If I look to the left, I can see the flowers Elsa planted and if I look to the right I am almost on top of the rhodedendron which is just coming into bloom.
I am one happy lady.
Love to you all - Auntie Kay
reposted in sweet memory of its author, KATHARINE REYNOLDS LOCKHART, by her scribe/daughter, Elsa Lockhart Murphy aka Deev, in celebration of the 05/14 centenary of Auntie Kay's centenary
Subject: In Praise of Paddington
Many, many years ago, Margaret York (now Gladish) - knowing my special fondness for Paddington Bear, gave me a Paddington bank to save money toward a trip to London with Elsa.
We never got to the UK, but we have used Paddington ever since for spare silver, toting it up for use on special occasions.
Within the past year, Paddington proved to be a real life saver.
When I took my tumble in late September, it had been many moons since we had last taken the loot from Paddington (collected in Gevalia coffee cannisters). That extra money saw us through some lean weeks, when Elsa delayed starting her new job and John had just started work on an assignment that would not pay out until completed in early December. Our household finances would have run dry were it not for that generous bear.
Paddington came through again this weekend. Elsa gathered up what silver there was and went to one of those automatic coin sorters and walked away with $86.46 for plants to landscape our front lawn.
She had hoped that Peter - a gardener supreme - would be able to take an interest and lend a hand, but he is unavailable. As it turns out, she was grateful for the opportunity, even if it was a hot & sticky one (the temps being in the low 90s today).
The front of the house looks better than it has in over 20 or more years. In the top wall planter, Elsa transplanted the potted pink geraniums from Whitney's wedding reception (many thanks to Pam for thinking of me) and mixed in coral impatients. I was impressed and surprised - she mixed in soil supplement (I did not even know she knew what soil supplement was), used potting soil and Miracle-Gro with each transplant, made sure they were well watered.
On the lower level, she has beautiful deep blue-purple salvia, a favorite of hers.
Next to the steps leading up to the door, she has a double-hooked shepard's hook with a basket of pink and one of reddish impatients. A hummingbird (well, a hummingbird banner) seems to be inspecting the salvia.
I found myself thinking how different things would have been if Peter HAD been available. Elsa would not have the deep sense of satisfaction found in a job well done. I think he would be proud of the beauty of it all and that we worked in the flowers from Whitney & Chad's wedding.
If I look to the left, I can see the flowers Elsa planted and if I look to the right I am almost on top of the rhodedendron which is just coming into bloom.
I am one happy lady.
Love to you all - Auntie Kay
reposted in sweet memory of its author, KATHARINE REYNOLDS LOCKHART, by her scribe/daughter, Elsa Lockhart Murphy aka Deev, in celebration of the 05/14 centenary of Auntie Kay's centenary
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
BLESSING FROM STAR 05/03/00
Date: Wed, 3 May 2000 23:32:58 EDT
Subject: Blessings from Star
It is late. In fact, it is - for me - very late. I feel reluctant to let the day, which has been so blessed, end.
Today was filled with so many different blessings.
I went to a cathedral service for the first time in over two years. I would have to have been unconscious to miss Star's memorial service, or celebration, as I like to think of it.
It was interesting to sit in the cathedral and experience the general sphere, without being able to hear the specifics of what Robin Childs was saying. The aura, which was all I could connect with, was intense and strangely happy.
I felt Star's blessings all around. Just being there, in my beloved cathedral, was my first, followed by so many more.
Fate guided the two of us to where we sat, as it turned out I was in direct line of sight of Mim, sitting at the end of a pew several rows up on the other side.
As you can imagine, my motherly instinct was to reach out to her, but we were separated by people and other things. As she wiped away tears, I was grieved that I could not be there to comfort her. Then a long arm came around her shoulder - Peter was sitting next to her, offering comfort and caring support. I felt so blessed at that moment. For the two of them to have gotten as close as they clearly have is truly miraculous.
A favorite saying of mine is "When God closes a door, He opens a window." I was happy to experience how happy my spirit was realizing they can turn to each other, if not to me, for emotional support. Another blessing from Star.
Watching her husband, Bob, release the single balloon after the service, with a calypso-beat version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World It Could Be" in the background, was cathartic. It felt like watching Star's indomitable spirit soaring.* There was so much love gathered in the sunshine outside the cathedral. Still another blessing from Star.
It had not dawned on me that there would be so many people who are especially dear to my heart. Person after person who has touched my life for decades and decades and decades came up for a hug. So many blessings!
If it startled Elsa when I asked her to drop by the house to pick me up for the service, she got an even bigger surprise when I told her after the service that I wanted to go to the reception. My energy levels have to so low, I haven't been able to handle sitting in a regular Sunday service, yet this afternoon, I seemed filled with energy. Would you believe that I ended up being among the last to leave! Another blessing from Star. With each person who came up to give a hug or to chat, it felt as if I got stronger. Instead of feeling worn out, I felt revved up. That went beyond blessings to downright miraculous!
I am a thoroughly happy woman.
I watched two of my children giving and accepting loving support. That is a big thing.
I was washed over with love from so many wonderful people.
I even managed to hear at least one fully heavenly moment - when Margie Cranch Echols and her family sang a beautiful song, a cappella. I felt so uplifted, I expected to see my feet had come off the floor.
Tonight, I feel light as air. So many feelings, they are impossible to even attempt describing them. Words make them seem so much smaller than the way they feel in my heart.
Good night, Star. May you bless our lives forever.
Much love - Mrs. Lockhart
*I'd like a balloon released at my own memorial celebration, with "When You Wish Upon a Star" followed by Willie Nelson singing, "On the Road Again"
reposted in sweet memory of its author, KATHARINE REYNOLDS LOCKHART, by her scribe/daughter, Elsa Lockhart Murphy aka Deev, in celebration of the 05/14 centenary of Mrs. Lockhart's centenary>
Subject: Blessings from Star
It is late. In fact, it is - for me - very late. I feel reluctant to let the day, which has been so blessed, end.
Today was filled with so many different blessings.
I went to a cathedral service for the first time in over two years. I would have to have been unconscious to miss Star's memorial service, or celebration, as I like to think of it.
It was interesting to sit in the cathedral and experience the general sphere, without being able to hear the specifics of what Robin Childs was saying. The aura, which was all I could connect with, was intense and strangely happy.
I felt Star's blessings all around. Just being there, in my beloved cathedral, was my first, followed by so many more.
Fate guided the two of us to where we sat, as it turned out I was in direct line of sight of Mim, sitting at the end of a pew several rows up on the other side.
As you can imagine, my motherly instinct was to reach out to her, but we were separated by people and other things. As she wiped away tears, I was grieved that I could not be there to comfort her. Then a long arm came around her shoulder - Peter was sitting next to her, offering comfort and caring support. I felt so blessed at that moment. For the two of them to have gotten as close as they clearly have is truly miraculous.
A favorite saying of mine is "When God closes a door, He opens a window." I was happy to experience how happy my spirit was realizing they can turn to each other, if not to me, for emotional support. Another blessing from Star.
Watching her husband, Bob, release the single balloon after the service, with a calypso-beat version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World It Could Be" in the background, was cathartic. It felt like watching Star's indomitable spirit soaring.* There was so much love gathered in the sunshine outside the cathedral. Still another blessing from Star.
It had not dawned on me that there would be so many people who are especially dear to my heart. Person after person who has touched my life for decades and decades and decades came up for a hug. So many blessings!
If it startled Elsa when I asked her to drop by the house to pick me up for the service, she got an even bigger surprise when I told her after the service that I wanted to go to the reception. My energy levels have to so low, I haven't been able to handle sitting in a regular Sunday service, yet this afternoon, I seemed filled with energy. Would you believe that I ended up being among the last to leave! Another blessing from Star. With each person who came up to give a hug or to chat, it felt as if I got stronger. Instead of feeling worn out, I felt revved up. That went beyond blessings to downright miraculous!
I am a thoroughly happy woman.
I watched two of my children giving and accepting loving support. That is a big thing.
I was washed over with love from so many wonderful people.
I even managed to hear at least one fully heavenly moment - when Margie Cranch Echols and her family sang a beautiful song, a cappella. I felt so uplifted, I expected to see my feet had come off the floor.
Tonight, I feel light as air. So many feelings, they are impossible to even attempt describing them. Words make them seem so much smaller than the way they feel in my heart.
Good night, Star. May you bless our lives forever.
Much love - Mrs. Lockhart
*I'd like a balloon released at my own memorial celebration, with "When You Wish Upon a Star" followed by Willie Nelson singing, "On the Road Again"
reposted in sweet memory of its author, KATHARINE REYNOLDS LOCKHART, by her scribe/daughter, Elsa Lockhart Murphy aka Deev, in celebration of the 05/14 centenary of Mrs. Lockhart's centenary>
Monday, August 9, 2010
SLEEPY HEAD 07/20/00
Date: Thu, 20 Jul 2000 21:28:32 EDT
Subject: sleepy head
Babies and old people - we both need an incredible amount of sleep.
The weather continues to be nice, knock wood. Last summer was nasty,there is no other word for it. This summer has been cooler and we are not dry as a bone, as we were in 1999. I think we have had the air conditioner on about four times so far, and we are over half way through July.
I do wish I had more vim and pep and vigor. It is dispiriting to want to go to bed right after supper, as I am tonight.
I ordered a darling stuffed lamb from Avon, which arrived today. We were kidding that since I call my commode "Lamb" we should call the lamb "Commode." I must confess to christening her Loo-Loo. I think I will set her aside to give to my first great grandchild.
That is a lovely thought to go off to bed on.
Nite nite and God bless - Ma Lockhart
Subject: sleepy head
Babies and old people - we both need an incredible amount of sleep.
The weather continues to be nice, knock wood. Last summer was nasty,there is no other word for it. This summer has been cooler and we are not dry as a bone, as we were in 1999. I think we have had the air conditioner on about four times so far, and we are over half way through July.
I do wish I had more vim and pep and vigor. It is dispiriting to want to go to bed right after supper, as I am tonight.
I ordered a darling stuffed lamb from Avon, which arrived today. We were kidding that since I call my commode "Lamb" we should call the lamb "Commode." I must confess to christening her Loo-Loo. I think I will set her aside to give to my first great grandchild.
That is a lovely thought to go off to bed on.
Nite nite and God bless - Ma Lockhart
Sunday, August 8, 2010
WHEN GOOD VEGETABLES GO BAD 08/02/00
Date: Wed, 2 Aug 2000 22:27:07 EDT
Subject: When good vegetables go bad
We are lucky that there is a fresh produce stand ten minutes from Elsa's work. We have enjoyed the most succulent peaches. She brought home yellow squash, peppers, zucchini and cucumbers, as well as lovely home grown tomatoes.
We were surprised when one of the peppers went bad and two of the squash. It took awhile to hit home that we have become accustomed to supermarket vegetables, with their extended "shelf life" and questionable
nutritional value.
These vegetables are as Mother Nature meant them to be. God bless them!
Good night, one and all, on this hot & humid evening - Grammie Kay
reposted in sweet memory of its author, KATHARINE REYNOLDS LOCKHART, by her scribe/daughter, Elsa Lockhart Murphy aka Deev, in celebration of the 05/14 centenary of Grammie Kay's birth
Subject: When good vegetables go bad
We are lucky that there is a fresh produce stand ten minutes from Elsa's work. We have enjoyed the most succulent peaches. She brought home yellow squash, peppers, zucchini and cucumbers, as well as lovely home grown tomatoes.
We were surprised when one of the peppers went bad and two of the squash. It took awhile to hit home that we have become accustomed to supermarket vegetables, with their extended "shelf life" and questionable
nutritional value.
These vegetables are as Mother Nature meant them to be. God bless them!
Good night, one and all, on this hot & humid evening - Grammie Kay
reposted in sweet memory of its author, KATHARINE REYNOLDS LOCKHART, by her scribe/daughter, Elsa Lockhart Murphy aka Deev, in celebration of the 05/14 centenary of Grammie Kay's birth
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