Thursday, August 28, 2008

A birthday tribute of simple truths


A birthday is a special day to remember someone and this birthday seems more poignant than most. It is Tasha Tudor's birthday and the first since she passed away in June of this year. What a remarkable life she led! We should declare this day Tasha Tudor day and spend time reflecting on her inspirational lifestyle.


Take a little time today to pour yourself a cup of tea and perhaps enjoy a delicious homemade cookie. Think about slowing down and reflect on the life Tasha led. It was a life that was a mirror of the days of yesteryear. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life in full. To me, I picture sitting by a fireside with my own quilting or stitching when I think of her. Not only her beautiful illustrations but also homespun crafts were a big part of her life.


There are a number of books written about this remarkable woman's life. Perhaps you could stop in at the library or bookshop to pick one up. I find reading about her very calming. You may find she has the same effect on you if you have not already read about her life.


Take time today to stop and relax. Reject the hustle and bustle of this modern world even just for an hour to enjoy moments of peace in your garden or home. Perhaps pick up your quilting, stitching, knitting, etc. and think about Tasha. Think about how she changed the thoughts and hearts of those who knew her work. I am sure it will effect your world at this moment.


If you have some of Tasha's children's books, perhaps sit today and read one of two of them. This will bring Tasha's spirit back to life today, her birthday. Just considering all the people who bind together thinking of her keeps her alive to us all.


This is my Tasha shawl that my mother knitted for me from Dutch sheep's wool. She created this with no pattern by simply looking in one of my books at the photo of Tasha wearing one similar. I just love it!

In an interview with Wm. John Hare she quotes Thoreau: "If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours." My dream is to find the peace and simple pleasures in life that her own life and work exuded.

Please be sure to leave a comment today so we can celebrate together...


Happy birthday Tasha Tudor!

32 comments:

Annemarie said...

Hear hear! I've never heard of the good woman, but it sounds and looks to me as if I need to go in search of some of her work myself. I do hope you enjoy Tasha Tudor's birthday, and that you find some peace and some quiet time to sit,think and stitch today.

{{{Hugs}}}
Annemarie

Lawsy Mercy said...

Heidi - a beautiful tribute! I have an upcoming blog post planned regarding Tasha Tudor as well. I have most of the books you pictured but lack a few. What an exceptional woman she was and she lived life on her terms which I find so refreshing. Do you have her cookbook? It is one of my favorite comfort food recipe books . I adore her childrens' books and keep them handy and display them at holidays. Tasha's writings have a way of making me feel like a hopeful child again amazed with the beauty around me. Thank you for your post today.

Hugs,

Vanessa

smilnsigh said...

Dear Heidi,
Thank you for your lovely tribute entry to Dear Tasha.

And thanks to Clarice for suggesting this Day of Remembrance, because I thus found your lovely blog.

Miss Mari-Nanci
Smilnsigh blog

smilnsigh said...

Having looked back a bit at your blog, I had to comment again... To tell you what a lovely and peaceful spot you have here.

I too love to notice the changing of the Seasons and I'm so happy to have found you and your on-line-journaling place.

Gentle hugs,
Miss Mari-Nanci
Smilnsigh blog

Shari said...

wow, what a wonderful blog entry... and to think...I was going to take it easy today & sit & stitch & enjoy the simple pleasures of life! I have read Tasha's childrens books, but have not seen these others you show. I guess I need to do some looking around for them!!!

Mary said...

Heidi, the new issue of Victoria magazine arrived this week and there is a lovely tribute article, with photos, on Tasha Tudor.
What an amazing woman she was, living a life many of us wish we could have because we feel we were born in the wrong century! Oh to return to the gentleness of that time she chose to surround herself and her family with.

Lovely shawl mom made for you - she's so talented - and you certainly have a great collection of Tasha's books.

I'll be thinking of you and that special country life we missed out on when I have my afternoon tea today.
Hope you are well dear.

LW said...

What a wonderful tribute …
She will be missed…

I like the music, perfect song for this day….
your blog is so lovely...

Louise

LBP said...

Hello from one Tasha Tudor fan to another. Just looking at her books brings a bit of calm into my hectic life.

She was a lovely woman, who truly lived her dreams.

Blessings

Linda

MarmeeCraft said...

What a beautiful tribute to such an inspiring artist! I'm ever so glad I dropped in (from Storybook Woods).

Unknown said...

Such a lovely post, and your book collection is wonderful. Before I started blogging I didn't find too many people who loved her as much as I did. It is so lovely that so many kindred spirits who blog are celebrating her today. Stop by for a visit today, I have posted a tribute tool. Karen

Suzann said...

I have not heard of this lovely lady (or I do not recall having heard tell of her) but she seems like just the medicine the doctor ordered for me! She sounds like a remarkable woman and I am definitely going to put her books on my wish-list. Thank you for such a lovely post.

Nancy said...

You might like that shawl, but Dagi hates it. Dagi hates me when I knit with this right off the sheep wool.
Happy Birthday Tasha. She sure gave you so many happy hours with her books.
Your table looks beautiful and the no bake cookies look and are great.
It looks so soft and inviting.
Love you, Mom

Jamie {See Jamie blog} said...

I'm sipping a cup of tea at the moment, and wishing for more Tasha Tudor books.

Beautiful post; thanks for sharing. Please stop by mine as well.

Homekeeping Heart said...

I've enjoyed reading your tribute to Tasha Tudor, very lovely!

Betty said...

Beautiful post Heidi! She was such an inspiring woman!

Linda said...

This is a beautiful tribute to Tasha Tudor. Through her wonderful writings her spirit will live on. Hugs, Linda

Carolien said...

I must read about this lady one day. I simply like her 'look', but I don't know her ... Next time in the library?! Good tip, Heidi!

Hugs and enjoy your evening, Carolien

Judy said...

What a wonderful post. I'm sure Tasha is very happy. Enjoy your quiet time, we don't do enough of that in our busy lives.

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

She was such a treasure. Your tribute is lovely, and the music you chose for her is just perfect.

Deb said...

Beautiful post!
Your shawl is gorgeous ~ I always loved the shawls Tasha was so famous for wearing!

Anonymous said...

Dear Heidie,
Tasha Tudor must have been a special lady....and it's also special that you made such a beautiful tribute for her. I also have to read about her one day.
But guess what !? First i will read the beautiful Beatrix Potter journal !!!!!! I received it already today. I had a quick look at it immediately and i saw the letter in the envelope and i really got moved, it was so special.... Thank you so much for the tip !
Hugs, Janneke.

Tone said...

Hi!
I really needed to read this.
Take time, think, relax...calm down...
I hope I can buy one of these books here in Norway - I`ll try to find it on Saturday.
Wishing you a pleasant evening.
Tone

Terri said...

I love that quote, Heidi. I have several of those books too. I just admired her way of life...no, her way of living life so much!

Islandsparrow said...

What a lovely tribute! You have a great collection of her books - I am going to add her books to my birthday gift list :)

Thank you for dropping by my blog!

Crazee4books said...

Hi Heidi,

After a hectic, and emotional
day I visited your blog and
discovered that it's Tasha
Tudor's birthday. I read
through your post, gazed at
the wonderful photos of Tasha,
her home and her books, and
began to relax.

What was it about Tasha that touched us?? Her sweet, gentle face? Her talent for not only writing and drawing, but also
for living a life that the vast
majority of the North American
population would find too hard,
too much work and too rustic.

I'm so glad to share my love
and admiration for Tasha with
you and the other visitors to
your blog as we remember her
and send her our warmest best
wishes.

Cheers!!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful, beautiful post, Heidi. Thank you for joining us and sharing your day.

BittersweetPunkin said...

I love Tasha too...I am currently enjoying a few of her books...

She truly was an inspiration to live more simply and enjoy life.
Have a great weekend!

Reginas Cottage said...

Hi Heidi
Beautiful post. I have never heard from Tasha Tudor , but I think I look after this wonderful book.And
the shawl is so charming,I love it.
Your mother is very talented. I hope
you get well.
I wish you a wonderful weekend!!!
Hugs Regina

Anonymous said...

Hello Heidi, Tasha Tudor sounds like a very interesting person with some relevant philosophies for life nowadays. I must find out more about her.
Margaret and Noreen

Melissa said...

Heidi,

Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to write me.

Your kind words are always so nice to read.

My medical test is on Wednesday. I will let you know how it goes.

Happy Weekend!

Melissa

Dena said...

What a lovely tribute to a lovely lady :)

Hugs,
Dena

Mia said...

I only have one of her wonderful books (the garden one), but it is one of my favourites. I too am quite taken by her simple, peaceful life and the beautiful drawings and her craft. And I am so sorry she is no longer with us, but what a wonderful legacy she left to all of us.

I am also so sorry for not visiting you lately, but now that summer is so to speak over, all my overseas visitors have gone, and most of the harvesting done, I look forward to spending more time blogging, not to mention taking up my quilting and crochet. I have thoroughly enjoyed your latest entries and look forward to more.